2022 Official OL Highlights - Part 3

Studying and chronicling the 2022 season for various offensive linemen across the NFL

Photo via Tyler Wise

Over the last couple of weeks I have continued one of my off-season projects over the last several years: creating highlight tapes for various offensive and defensive linemen across the NFL. I first came across this idea from a close friend and have since put together several dozen of them.

The idea and goal behind these are to study every snap of the player from their previous season while recording every positive or ‘standout’ rep in the process. I usually get through one game every 45 minutes or so before moving on to the next. After every four or five games, I stop recording to edit everything I have up until that point until the entire season is complete. My final edit adds a spotlight on the player prior to each rep and adds slow-motion to some of the more nuanced blocks to help the viewer recognize and appreciate the technique or execution on display for a given play.

The end result is a video ranging anywhere from 6-15 minutes long depending on the amount of games played for the individual player. The highlight tape encapsulates everything that the player does at a high level, showing where they win and painting a picture of their overall skill-set.

You can view prior highlight tapes here: 2020, 2021 & 2022

Official 2022 Highlights - Tytus Howard, Damien Lewis & Michael Onwenu

Houston Texans RT Tytus Howard

Howard is entering his fifth season in 2023 and the final year of his rookie contract after starting 17 games in 2022. He had a bounce back year after having to move to left guard for 11 games in 2021 before eventually switching back to right tackle at the end of the year. Howard had to fill in at left guard again in 2022, but it was only for two games (Weeks 15 & 16).

Despite the shuffling in positions the last couple of years, Howard was able to replicate his play at right tackle and improve in some areas. Part of this can be attributed to offensive line coach George Warhop being hired last off-season and equipping Howard with a fresh perspective on playing the position.

One of those areas was getting Howard to incorporate Warhop’s signature ‘three-step short’ technique that he has taught to various tackles during his coaching career, including Cam Robinson, Jawaan Taylor and Jeremy Parnell.

Think of a tackle like a pitcher in baseball. Both need their fastball pitch/pass set with at least a couple of change-ups/off-speed pitches or techniques to disorient their opponent.

This technique serves as a change-up in pass-protection to keep rushers guessing by shaving off or closing space with misdirection, timing and suddenness. This disrupts the rusher’s timing and path.

Howard is still more inconsistent with some aspects of his technique such as strike timing, hand placement and pad level, but it’s important to consider his background. He entered the NFL from an FCS school in Alabama State where he initially committed as a tight end. In addition to being relatively new to playing on the offensive line when he was a rookie, Howard had to move from right tackle to left guard multiple times during his four year career, including for extended periods of time.

This context suggests that another year under Warhop’s tutelage along with a major upgrade at right guard in Shaq Mason could lead to the best season of Howard’s young career.

Tytus Howard’s Official 2022 Highlights:

Seahawks LG Damien Lewis

Lewis is entering his fourth season with just five missed starts over his first three years. As a prospect coming out of LSU, I drew comparisons for Lewis to Gabe Jackson, who eventually became his teammate in Seattle. Like Jackson, Lewis is an ultra-powerful, physical guard with the brute strength to dissipate and deliver force nearly at will.

Lewis is able to impose his will physically at a very high level, but his technique in terms of footwork and use of hands can still get away from him at times, leading to quick losses against shifty defenders. Similarly to Jackson, Lewis has clear strengths that not many other guards can replicate. His skills offer significant value inside a downhill run scheme built around play-action.

Damien Lewis’ Official 2022 Highlights:

Patriots OL Michael Onwenu