Right Tackle vs Left Tackle

[bornagaincane]

Some right tackles became just as valuable as LTs:

• Lane Johnson
• Tristan Wirfs
• Penei Sewell

In today’s NFL, an elite RT can absolutely:

• Become All-Pro
• Get massive contracts
• Be drafted top 10

RTs were paid less until recent years. NFL teams prioritized “blind-side protector” traits hence the higher value that was placed on LTs. However, RT value has risen recently.

This changed somewhat beginning around 2015–2020 because of:

• Defensive coordinators moving elite pass rushers everywhere
• More shotgun formations
• Faster passing attacks
• More left-handed or mobile QBs
• Elite edge rushers attacking both sides

As a result, elite RTs began getting paid like LTs.

It doesn’t matter, right or left. If you are good, you will be drafted high and paid. The league has shifted toward: Can this player stop elite edge rushers from either side? This is a huge philosophical change

See the 2026 NFL draft. But for last minute injury concerns about Mauigoa, he would have gone top 5 as a RT, yet he went top 10. If Mark Mathews proves an elite RT like Mauigoa, he will go as high as a LT in the draft. Also, Miami cross trains for versatility, and this is football, injuries happen.