Summary

Laken Tomlinson was selected in the 1st Round (#28 Overall) in the 2015 Draft out of Duke University and is a one-time Pro Bowler. Tomlinson is a seasoned interior lineman who brings strength, consistency, and a high‑level understanding of the game. His greatest impact comes when he can leverage his physicality at the point of attack and be part of a cohesive front. His limitations revolve around elite athleticism and mobility, particularly when required to cover large spaces or recover vs. agile opponents. In sum: a very dependable starter with perhaps a modest ceiling relative to the top tier—but one who adds significant value to the right team.

Strengths

• Powerful run‑blocking and ground game push: Tomlinson can move people around decisively with his tremendous upper‑body strength and wide base and is praised for his power and push in the run game. He displays good leverage, uses his hips and hands well at the line of scrimmage. Bleacher Report

• Durability, experience, and football IQ: He has been relatively durable, consistent starter across multiple seasons. His intelligence (on and off the field) is noted: able to pick up stunts and twists, good awareness. Vikings

• Leadership and intangibles: He offers leadership value and veteran presence inside a line and is the embodiment of an offensive line being the “backbone” of a team. NFL.com

• Adaptability in interior schemes & solid pass‑pro anchor in many situations: While run blocking is his major strength, he’s shown he can anchor in pass protection, especially when leveraged properly. He’s executed reach blocks, pull/trap type moves when required in certain schemes, showing some versatility for an interior lineman. Gang Green Nation

Weaknesses

• Athleticism, especially in space and against twitchier defenders: While powerful and strong at the point, he’s less effective in space, in second‑level blocks or when asked to cover a lot of ground laterally. Not a top level athlete and that his ability to move and reach defenders in the NFL might be questionable. Bleacher Report

• Footwork / mirror ability / recovering from mistakes: When initial contact or leverage is lost, he can struggle to recover or reset; his mirror skills vs. agile rushers aren’t elite. Gang Green Nation

• Pad Level Issues: He may occasionally climb too high or have pad level issues in space, which gives defenders a chance to gain an advantage. Gang Green Nation

• Best fit may be in certain schemes rather than all systems: His ceiling is tied somewhat to scheme: he may shine more in power‑run schemes rather than highly athletic, space‑oriented blocking systems. While he has improved over his career, there remains a question of whether he’s a dominant elite guard or a very good veteran starter.

Role & Current Outlook

As of his recent signing with the Houston Texans, Tomlinson brings veteran stability and a “grinder” mentality to the offensive line. He is best positioned as a reliable starting guard who excels in power‑run and traditional interior blocking roles. If asked to perform in schemes requiring extreme lateral agility, finesse, or major space blocking, those are what he’ll need to manage carefully For the Texans at this point in his career, his experience and technique make him a strong anchor. For him to stay at/better his peak, maintaining footwork, technique, consistency, and adapting to younger, quicker defenders will be key.