Trench Warfare

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comThe Athletic’s Dane Brugler joined me to break down the 2026 OL class — from top-ranked prospects to mid-tier value and late-round sleepers — with specific player-by-player takes throughout.Key TakeawaysWhy this class creates wide variance team-to-team (position drop-offs + similar grades).The top OT/OG group: who has the safest floor vs the biggest ceiling bets.Day 3/late-round OL profiles worth gambling on (traits, development arcs, role fits).Timestamps0:00 Intro + why now (Combine list week)0:46 Big-picture class feel: your OL grades vs Dane’s board (top 50/top 100)2:09 Why this draft is tough to rank (drop-offs, tight clusters, team need variance)4:46 “True 1st-round” OL: your 3 vs Dane’s 14 total 1st-round grades6:10 How the top OL order could vary (scheme/value context)Top OL: early-round targets7:13 Spencer Fano: movement, balance through contact, run game weaponization10:31 Utah context: heavy run scheme + projection/scheme fit questions11:43 Francis Mauigoa: clean tape early, exposed late; tackle vs guard projection14:31 “Maximized at guard” vs “survive at tackle” (Zack Martin-type framework)16:37 High-variance tackles with upside: Proctor / Lomu / Freeling18:57 Proctor: elite traits vs technique/discipline; positional leverage theme21:06 Why his current pass-pro style may not translate at 350+ (must dictate reps)22:39 Lomu + Freeling: youth, development runway, projection outcomesNext tier + developmental tackle bets23:12 Markel Bell (Miami): size/length profile + path to starting25:39 Dane’s view on Bell: just outside top 100 + Senior Bowl context29:25 Arm-length discussion + historical comps (Dawand/long-arm database)31:33 Late bloomer theme (Aamil Wagner example)32:02 Max Iheanachor (Arizona State): late-to-football profile, upside vs readiness33:12 How high is too high to draft a developmental tackle?36:45 Day 3 darts: Isaiah World / Diego Pounds / Crownover38:34 Crownover: Senior Bowl helped; why he rose for you39:10 Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame): swing tackle path; traits/length/“lose slowly” profile41:48 Penn State OL disappointment; Drew Shelton note; Bowery’s Senior Bowl strugglesInterior OL: guards/centers with payoff42:41 Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M): strength profile + movement/processing upside43:12 “Strongest player he’s ever coached” quote + what shows/doesn’t on film46:13 Bisontis: leverage/technique vs recovery skills; why his ceiling is intriguing48:24 Two upside guards: Keylan Rutledge (GT) + Billy Schrauth (ND)49:06 Schrauth: leverage/power/athletic traits; health is the swing factor50:47 Rutledge: brawler temperament; Senior Bowl versatility reps (incl. center)52:16 Rutledge medical backstory + why Combine checks matterPopular name vs film reality54:01 Gennings Dunker: personality buzz vs stiffness/limitations; likely guard projection56:21 Why NFL teams will still like him (mentality, hands, communication)Late-round interior favorite + Combine list reactions57:47 Oklahoma IOL (Febechi Nwaiwu): walk-on story, processing, center projection59:45 Combine invite list: surprises + notable omissions (Rucci, others)1:02:05 Wrap + value of the Combine for finishing evals1:03:06 End + tease upcoming draft player interview

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comEach year, Duke Manyweather and I put together our NFL Offensive Line All-Pro teams — 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Team — and for the first time in 2025, our Protector of the Year Award selections.This show represents the culmination of another season spent studying the position full-time: grinding film, trading daily notes, and working to quantify what actually shows up on Sundays.Our goal is simple — do right by the offensive line. Put in the work, shine a light on the position, and elevate the players who truly define it.We take the process seriously. And we still have a lot of fun doing it.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + framing the annual OL All-Pro show01:00 – All-Pro criteria: snaps, starts, and why thresholds matter03:40 – Why this year’s OL evaluations were tighter than usual05:20 – 1st Team All-Pro: Left Tackle08:35 – 2nd & 3rd Team: Left Tackle14:50 – Left Guard All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team)25:35 – Center All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team)36:20 – Right Guard All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team)44:50 – Right Tackle All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team)~58:00 – Protector of the Year Award (Top 3)~64:30 – Final thoughts + season wrap-up

Former Saints and Dolphins LT Terron Armstead has a new YouTube channel and show titled ‘The Set’ airing every Monday and Thursday this season. Terron asked me to join him for a segment every Monday to recap key trench matchups of the week which I am very excited for. You can find this segment in video form airing every Monday on Terron’s channel beginning in Week 2.Here’s the backstory on why the Week 1 edition is airing here: After Week 1 we hit a snag in scheduling so I wound up recording the video for Terron to give his producer to edit and get up on his channel. Unfortunately, the audio did not match up with the video and since Terron only does video (for now) the file became unusable, until now. After realizing that the audio itself was uncorrupted and full of valuable insight and analysis, I asked Terron if I could post it on my channels which he graciously agreed to.That brings me to this episode. Terron is the host speaking as if this will be airing on his channel before we get into the good stuff:The three Tyler’s in Dallas (Guyton, Smith and Booker) against the Eagles frontCommanders LT Laremy Tunsil vs. Giants edge-rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul CarterLions RT Penei Sewell vs. Packers edge-rusher Micah ParsonsTitans LT Dan Moore vs. Broncos edge-rusher Nik BonittoIf you want to hear Terron and I break down key trench matchups all season make sure to go check out his channel here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comCommanders OL coach Bobby Johnson has spent the last 15 years coaching the tight end and offensive line positions in the NFL. He is coming off of a stellar season in Washington where he, along with head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, joined forces as recently fired coaches who had never worked together to assemble a stunningly impressive 2024 campaign. The Commanders posted a 12-5 record and appeared in the NFC Championship against the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles.Overview - Topics coveredThe legacy of NFL coaches from OhioThe value of being able to coach the defensive line early in his coaching career at AkronUnderstanding fronts, coverages, rotations and how to think like a defensive linemanHow coaching tight ends at the collegiate and pro level furthered an understanding of coverages as it relates to blocking schemesUnpacking the unique skill-sets of Marcedes Lewis and Lee SmithWhat “tough and smart” means in a practical sense and why it is vital for the offensive lineSome epic examples of these traits from Lee Smith, Dominic Raiola, Jon Feliciana and Matt SlausonUnpacking “Making it easy for us and difficult for them” as a coaching philosophyEvolving as a coach and the constant pursuit of improvementLeadership 101: Accentuating the strengths of your players and minimizing the weaknessesSpecific examples of how coach Johnson has done that during his careerDiving into coach Johnson’s affinity and proximity to players with legendary toughness and their value to the roomCoach Johnson’s strategy for communication to the players in Washington that helped lead to them developing cohesion and chemistry throughout the seasonDrawing on prior experiences and relationships to coach each playe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comOffensive line play has gotten more attention and credit over the last few seasons than anytime I can remember over the last decade of studying the position due to the unit’s repeated and undeniable impact on team success in the NFL. Naturally, getting to sit down and learn from Aaron Kromer, who has been one of the architects of great line play for ove…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comDuke and I selecting our first, second and third-team All-Pro teams with detailed discussions on each player and landscape of the position

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comVideo version:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comTopics covered this weekEagles OL with multiple backups dominating (a bad Giants run defense) in the run gameFrank Ragnow dominating Harrison PhillipsTerron Armstead & Aaron Brewer as run blockersThe Chiefs elite, tier one interior trioArizona’s dynamic run gameAmarius Mims Tristan Wirfs brillianceGraham Barton putting on a show against very good competitionSpencer Brown’s developmental journeyJared Verse is a menaceThe Titans problematic right tackle position49ers concerns on the interior defensive lineTyron Smith’s over reliance on his outside hand getting him into trouble againTexans continued issues at center/left guard and potential fixesThe Giants dramatic drop-off at left tackle without Andrew Thomas + a possible answerPanthers’ bottom-feeder defensive lineVideo version:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comTopics covered this weekTrent Williams unmatched physical prowessRashawn Slater’s dominant return to the lineupTristan Wirfs’ dominant performance against the SaintsPatrick Mekari/Daniel FaaleleJackson Powers-Johnson’s aggressive demeanor and flashes of power continue to be notableSam Cosmi’s ascension and standout game against Nnamdi MadubuikeAndrew Thomas vs. Trey HendricksonDion Dawkins vs. Michael ClemonsSeattle’s disastrous right sideNick AllegrettiRoger RosengartenBlake Fisher, Juice Scruggs & Kenyon Green strugglesTaliese Fuaga’s repeated struggles in pass protectionAdding context to Joel Bitonio and Zack Martin’s struggles in Week 6Adding context to the Cowboys struggles on the OLAmarius Mims’ underwhelming startTyron Smith’s struggles

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comPlayers discussed:LSU OTs Will Campbell & Emery Jones Jr.Texas OTs Kelvin Banks Jr. & Cameron WilliamsOhio State LT Josh SimmonsOhio State LG Donovan JacksonMinnesota LT Aireontae ErseryArizona RT Jonah SavaiinaeaAlabama LG Tyler BookerGeorgia RG Tate RatledgeOregon OTs Josh Conerly Jr. & Ajani Cornelius

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comA rundown of my weekly film study with a focus on the best/worst performances and adding context to each selection, including level of competition, outside factors & moreTopics covered this weekCam HeywardZach Frazier vs Grover StewartQuinn Meinerz on double-teamsVikings pass protection planCody Mauch vs Jalen CarterJackson Powers-Johnson first startRonnie StanleyJC LathamBears pass protection plan vs RamsAdding much-needed context to the performance of the Commanders O-lineJared VerseWanya MorrisAmarius MimsKenyon GreenEagles O-line without Lane JohnsonSaints interior OL

Topics covered this weekChris Lindstrom vs. Chris JonesQuenton NelsonWill FriesZach FrazierZion JohnsonBroncos DLJC LathamDion DawkinsSpencer BrownRams rookie DL Verse/FiskeBrandon ColemanSaints OL moving forwardBrowns OLChargers OL/Slater (pec) & Alt (MCL) getting hurtBucs OGsTitans right side of OLCody WhitehairBengals IDLAndrew ThomasTrue Pressure Rate introduction/methodology/overview This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com/subscribe

A rundown of my weekly film study with a focus on the best/worst performances and adding context to each selection, including level of competition, outside factors & more This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comA rundown of my weekly film study with a focus on the best/worst performances and adding context to each selection, including level of competition, outside factors & more

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comAndrew and I sit down to discuss his journey from a former top five pick to experiencing rookie struggles to becoming an All-Pro. We go into how he overcame a lack of confidence in a chaotic environment, having five line coaches in his first five seasons as a pro, how he watches film, which tackles he studies, pass-rushers and more.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comHjalte & I discuss his unique journey, breakout season in 2023, facing Dexter Lawrence, DJ Reader, the Cardinals scheme, expectations moving forward and more

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comOregon O-Line coach A'lique Terry joins Brandon to have a wide-ranging discussion on his football journey from playing center at Wake Forest before focusing on his path into coaching as a graduate assistant at Oregon in 2019-2020 when Penei Sewell and other future NFL draft picks were there. We then get into his one year of coaching D-Line with the Minnesota Vikings before circling back to being hired as the head OL coach at Oregon prior to last season.A'lique shares details and insight into his rapid rise and success as a coach, what he looks for in O-Line recruits and how he identifies, moving into the Big Ten this season and much more.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comWelcome everyone to the second annual offensive line fantasy draft with myself, Andrew Whitworth and Geoff Schwartz sitting down to each select our starting five units with one special ‘25 & under’ addition as our top backup. These units were picked for the next three seasons and with salaries as a consideration.As we begin to approach training camp for the 2024 NFL season each off-season I have found value in taking a big picture look at the offensive line position from a few different vantage points. From my annual top 75 overall O-linemen, OL Almanac (both coming over the next few weeks) to a fantasy draft, these exercises offer fun, insightful and unique ways of gauging the position group as a whole entering the season while also allowing room for deep dives into the nuances of players and units.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comIn the first ever Trench Warfare D-Line fantasy draft, myself, Nate Tice from Yahoo! Sports and NFL defensive end Carl Lawson selected our front four unit with two additional ‘rotational’ players to build out our ideal D-Line room. The goal was to draft a unit for the next three seasons while taking contracts into consideration. We dove into the best defensive linemen in the NFL and some up-and-coming guys that provide surplus value due to their age and/or contracts.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.comBrandon Thorn and Duke Manyweather discuss OL current events before selecting the top 5 OL at each position for 2024. Larry Allen's death Corey Linsley's retirement Eagles RG competition + expectations for Cam Jurgens first year at center Addressing a recent PFF top 10 OG list before selecting each of our Top 5 LTs, LGs, Cs, RGs, & RTs for the 2024 season, including our top 10 overall OGs For more Trench Warfare and OL/DL analysis: Instagram: / brandonthornnfl / thebigduke50 X: / brandonthornnfl / bigduke50 Facebook: / brandon thorn football scouting and evaluation YouTube: / brandonthornnfl