Having an offensive line that allows your quarterback to operate from a clean pocket and can create rushing lanes for the running back to sift through is invaluable in the NFL. The good news for teams looking to strengthen their offensive line -- particularly the offensive tackle position -- is that this year's class of linemen is expected to be a deep group.

The 2024 NFL Draft is slated to start on April 25. One of the markets available -- in some states -- via FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Draft odds is who will be the first offensive linemen drafted.

While quarterbacks and receivers could dominate the early portion of the first round, there are a handful of squads who would benefit from bolstering their trench unit in the first round.

Let's take a look at the impending rookie linemen and break down the top contenders to be the first offensive lineman taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Odds

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame (-195)

The consensus No. 1 offensive lineman on many people's big board is Joe Alt from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Alt is a massive offensive tackle, measuring in at 6-foot-9 and 321 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this month.

Despite his size, Alt still managed to run the 16th-fastest 40-yard dash (5.05 seconds) and the ninth-fastest 10-yard split (1.73 seconds) among offensive lineman who participated in the event. The well-rounded tackle also showed off his agility by posting the third-fastest three-cone drill (7.31 seconds).

As a junior in 2023, Alt surrendered just one sack and was tied for the 13th-fewest pressures allowed (5) for offensive lineman with 300-plus pass-blocking snaps.

Alt is projected to be a longtime starter in the NFL at left tackle, hence why he has the shortest odds to be the first offensive lineman drafted (-195).

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State (+340)

While Taliese Fuaga from the Oregon State Beavers produced just the 22nd-fastest 40-yard dash (5.13 seconds) and the 25th-fastest 10-yard split (1.77 seconds), he is still an exciting tackle prospect. Fuaga spent most of his time in college playing right tackle, but some teams could give him a chance to move to the left side at the next level.

Following the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah had Fuaga ranked as his top offensive lineman and the ninth overall player in this year's draft class.

Last year, Fuaga allowed zero sacks and 12 total pressures on 351 pass-blocking snaps for the Beavers in 2023, so it's tough to argue with Jeremiah's ranking.

Many teams value versatility along the offensive line, and Fuaga has the strength to play guard in the NFL if a team is set at the tackle spots. Even though Alt is the favorite to be the first offensive lineman off of the board, there's certainly a chance a team views Fuaga as the preferred prospect.

J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama (+750)

Another incoming rookie who spent most of his time at right tackle is J.C. Latham from the Alabama Crimson Tide. We've seen plenty of Alabama offensive linemen have success in the NFL, and Latham has a chance to be the next in line as an expected first-round selection.

While Latham didn't run the 40-yard dash or take part in any agility drills, he did participate in the on-field workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. There's a chance we get agility numbers from Latham when Alabama holds their Pro Day on March 20.

With long arms at slightly over 35 inches, Latham surrendered only two sacks and 14 total pressures throughout his final season for the Crimson Tide. Given his quick feet and size at tackle, Latham figures to be one of the first offensive lineman to walk the stage at the 2024 NFL Draft.

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State (+850)

The fourth-shortest odds to be the first offensive lineman drafted (+850) belong to Olumuiywa Fashanu of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Fashanu was another member of the elite group of offensive lineman with 300-plus pass-blocking snaps last season who didn't give up a sack in pass protection.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, the athletic 6-foot-6 offensive tackle clocked in the 21st-fastest 40-yard dash (5.11 seconds) and tied Fuaga for the 25th-fastest 10-yard split at 1.77 seconds. There is plenty of room for upside with Fashanu as he was just a two-year starter for the Nittany Lions.

Of the offensive lineman in this article, Fashanu had the second-best pass-blocking grade (88.4) on PFF, putting him behind only Alt (91.2). Despite it being unlikely that Fashanu is the first offensive lineman to have his name announced in this year's draft, he'll likely be the first Penn State tackle taken in the first round since Levi Brown in 2007.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.