NFL Draft: Pro comparisons for the top 32 prospects in 2021
By Adam Patrick
NFL Draft 2021 Pro Comparisons: Jalen Mayfield → Brian O’Neill
For the NFL teams that will be looking for offensive linemen in this year’s draft with versatility, Jalen Mayfield could be their guy. Mayfield spent time during his college career at Michigan lining up as both a left tackle and a right tackle, and he did well in both spots.
Judging from his size (6-foot-5, 319 pounds), some might assume he would be at his best in an offense than utilized a power rushing attack. But Mayfield displayed some deceiving athleticism at Michigan that should allow him to excel in an offensive scheme that requires more downfield blocking.
Why he compares to Brian O’Neill:
Before he was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Brian O’Neill spent his college career at the University of Pittsburgh. When he first arrived at Pitt, O’Neill was a tight end. He eventually converted to offensive tackle and it obviously worked out for him since it led to him getting drafted.
Like Mayfield, O’Neill started games at both right and left tackle during his college career. He’s a right tackle for the Vikings now, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they eventually moved him over to the left side of the line.
O’Neill’s ability to get downfield in Minnesota’s zone-blocking rushing attack played a large part in Vikings running back Dalvin Cook having such a great season in 2020. Mayfield is a prospect that would fit in great with Minnesota’s offensive scheme or a team that runs something similar.