2014 NFL Draft offensive tackle rankings

While the top-tier of offensive tackles in the 2014 NFL Draft may be fairly close in overall rankings, there is a distinctive gap between Jake Matthews of Texas A&M at No. 1 and the rest of the class.

Matthews has flawlessly moved over to left tackle replacing Luke Joeckel this season. He's even filled in on the right side due to injury. While a team picking him in the top 10 won't care as much about the versatility, it's there, as is his willingness to move around. Matthews has all of the good traits you look for in a tackle prospect. He moves his feet smoothly, gets his hands up and extended and has good bend. Don't expect his high ranking to change before the draft in May.

The players directly behind him are good, but each has an area that can be picked apart. Cyrus Kouandjio of Alabama is still somewhat raw. Taylor Lewan of Michigan doesn't always have quick feet. Antonio Richardson of Tennessee may be more of a right tackle in the NFL.

The player with the most potential is Matthews' teammate Cedric Ogbuehi. He's a superb athlete for a tackle, it's just a question of whether or not he'll go pro. Of the top five players, he has the greatest chance of rising.

Keep an eye on Brandon Scherff of Iowa. A Mel Kiper favorite, Scherff is a powerful blocker capable of pushing linemen around in run blocking.