2027 Watchlist to Ranked: OL/DL

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">High level talent continues to emerge out of the 2027 class. In an already deep field of line prospects, here's a look at some of the top linemen who moved up from the watchlist and into the updated rankings. </h2>    At 6'2” 220 lbs. Thompson is a technically sound OT who plays with natural strength and advanced understanding of line play for his age. As a sophomore, he earned the starting job on varsity for one of the top programs in the state displaying his physical readiness and consistency. Despite not having prototypical OT size yet, he excels with sharp technique, efficient footwork, and strong hand placement. He plays with excellent pad level, stays square in pass protection, and uses his core strength to anchor against bigger defenders. In the run game, he fires off the ball with good initial quickness, maintains leverage through contact, and finishes his blocks with an edge. His balance, body control, and ability to sustain blocks make him one of the more polished young OL prospects in his class. As he continues to add size, he projects as a high-upside lineman with the versatility to play multiple spots. Ranked inside the top 100 overall at #89 but expect him to climb as he progresses.      Brown checks a lot of boxes as a high caliber DE prospect with a strong blend of size, athleticism, and motor. 6'4” 245 lbs. he's got good length in his frame with the strength and mass to match. Plus initial quickness to explode out of his stance and gain positional leverage that puts immediate pressure on offensive tackles. Flashes the bend and lateral quickness to consistently win working off the edge. Active and violent hands constantly working to disengage, shed, and create separation to not allow blockers to get into his body. Good mix, variety, and timing of both speed and power moves to avoid being blocked. Always attacking and moving with high energy and effort. Has performed extremely well at offseason camps and showcases. Will be a problem for opposing offenses over the next few years and is expected to gain a lot of recruiting attention as he's able to showcase his skillset.     At 6'5” 300 lbs. Brice is a physically imposing OL prospect with a dominant presence at the POA. He plays with heavy hands and a violent initial strike, consistently creating movement off the line and resetting the LOS in the run game. Good weight distribution in his frame with plus athleticism, he shows a good ability to get out in front as a puller and the quickness and body control to locate and initiate contact to defenders in space. He's able to overwhelm opponents with his natural power and finishing ability. Demonstrates the ability to execute a variety of different blocks effectively. With his blend of size, athleticism, and strength he possesses the tools to be a high D1 prospect as he continues to develop. Ranked just outside of the top 100 overall at #104 but another guy who we expect to climb going forward.      Lanier brings a violent and physical edge on every snap. At 6'1” 275 lbs. he strikes with force at the POA and accelerates through contact to finish blocks with heavy intent. Watching his tape, he's consistently finishing his blocks with defenders on the ground. His low pad level, strong hands, and hard forward momentum make him a true gap opener in the run game. Shows good feel and awareness for the position. He has excellent vision to identify fronts, stunts, and movement up front allowing him to react with quickness and control. Plays with clean footwork and active hands throughout the play. Transferred out of Pinnacle and into Liberty to play out his junior year and is one to keep an eye on as he continues to develop. Ranked #108 overall and is #18 in a deep OL group.      Watkins was a key piece to Scottsdale Christians run to the 2A state championship title starting every game at center. Strong, compact frame at 6'1” 270 lbs. built for the interior line. Attacks his blocks with controlled aggression and good contact balance while also flashing excellent athleticism and mobility. Physical at the contact point he plays with great leverage, quick feet, and a strong initial punch. He's able to reach and seal defenders in the run game, climb to the second level, and keep a clean pocket in pass protection. Earned first team all-state honors as a sophomore and has established himself as one of the top young interior linemen in the state.