Twitter Film Study Pt. 1: Setting the Tone Up Front

Let's run it back.   Last year, I kicked off something simple called Twitter Film Study — players sent me their film from the past season, and I took the time to break it down and share my honest thoughts. No filters, no fluff — just watching tape and talking ball. It turned into one of my personal favorite series to write; I'm a true film junkie at heart.   Now we're back for Year 2, and we're starting right where the tone is set: in the trenches. This first installment is all about the linemen. The grinders. The enforcers. The ones doing the dirty work every single snap so everyone else can eat.   Got film you want looked at? Just reply to the tweet below with a link to your most recent tape!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/thehonestupdate/status/1927522408128295149 </div></figure>    Bryce is just one of those dudes who plays with control. It's not flashy or loud — he just flat-out handles his assignment. He gets a clean grip on the inside of the defender's pads almost every time, and once he's locked in, it's basically over. The defender has no real shot at dictating the rest of the play because Villeroel is already in the driver's seat. That upper-body strength is no joke, either. He's got a real knack for using it to twist defenders just enough to open up running lanes. What really stood out, though, is how consistent he is with it. This isn't a one-play highlight kind of guy. He's doing the same thing over and over again, and that kind of reliability is a coach's dream. Now, he's not the fastest-footed lineman out there, but he doesn't need to be. He keeps things tight and smart — lets defenders come in thinking they have a shot with a speed move, then just clamps down and shuts it down before it even gets started. It's not about being flashy. It's about being effective, and Bryce is exactly that.       Dontay's got that build you notice right away — tall, long, and strong with the kind of frame that gives tackles headaches. He's not the quickest guy off the line, but what he lacks in foot speed, he makes up for with how well he uses his body. He does a great job of twisting and angling himself to slide through even the smallest gaps, making himself tough to block cleanly. There's a real natural feel to how he moves around the edge — like he's still figuring it all out, but the raw tools are already doing damage. What jumps off the film is his power. If he needs to widen the edge, he's got the strength to do it. If a lineman tries to engage, his long arms and active hands make it almost impossible to lock him up for long. He's slippery in a way that's frustrating for blockers — just when you think you've got a hand on him, he's already bending around or swatting you off. There's definitely some polish still to come, but with his natural strength, frame, and effort, there's a lot to like. If he keeps refining his technique and adds just a bit more explosiveness off the line, he's going to be a serious problem for offenses.       Tytan brings that kind of edge you love to see in an offensive lineman. From the very first snap, you can tell he's trying to finish every rep with someone on the ground. It's not just physical — it's personal. He's got a real defensive mentality in the way he plays offense, like he's out there hunting contact instead of reacting to it. That kind of aggression stands out in the best way, especially when it's paired with effort that doesn't quit. What really makes him stand out is the motor. It's nonstop. Even on plays where the action's drifting away or things get messy, he's still fighting through the whistle, still driving his guy back or finding someone else to hit. He's got a sturdy base that makes him tough to move, but it's not like he's stuck in the ground — he can shift and slide when needed. That balance between strength and movement gives him a really solid foundation to build on. He doesn't just do one thing well — he's a well-rounded player who can hold up in pass pro, move people in the run game, and bring attitude to every snap. Still has room to grow, but he's already got the kind of mindset and tools that linemen at the next level need.       Dylan's the kind of defensive lineman who just never lets up. From the jump, you can feel his presence on the field — he's big, physical, and plays with the kind of non-stop drive that wears offensive lines down. There's no quit in his game. If the first move doesn't get him free, he's immediately working into the next one. You'll see him throw a push-pull, then a quick sidestep, or just flat-out power through with a bull rush. He's always coming. What really makes him tough to deal with is how developed his toolbox already is. For a guy his size, he moves better than you'd expect. That little side step he uses to shake off contact is quick and clean. Then there's his spin move — he sets it up well and throws it with real violence. It's not just flashy, it works. And when none of the finesse stuff is needed, he can rely on raw strength and just bulldoze his way through a block. Malone's got the kind of game that jumps off the film because he combines size, effort, and technique. You can tell he's put real time into developing different ways to win, and he brings the same energy every snap.      Michael was already on my radar going into last season, and after watching the tape, it's clear he's only gotten better. He's got that natural size and strength combo that just wears defenders out over four quarters. If you're a D-lineman lining up across from him, you're in for a long night. He gets his hands on you early, and once he's latched on, it's tough to break free. He doesn't just block — he controls. What stood out most to me was how well he handles himself in pass protection. You don't always see guys his size move well enough to keep up with fast edge rushers, but Michael bucks that trend. He sets up with good depth, uses his long arms to cut off angles, and keeps the pocket clean even when he's matched up with legit speed. He doesn't chase blocks or get overextended — he stays calm, plays with a wide base, and forces guys to go through him, which rarely works. He's already showing a lot of traits you look for in a top-tier tackle, and the best part is he's still got room to grow. The ceiling's high with this one.

Let's run it back.