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Trench Warfare

Brandon Thorn

In-depth discussion and insight into the world of OL/DL play with Brandon Thorn and guests from around the football world.

trenchwarfare.substack.com
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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 32 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • August 17 · 11 min

    Pass Pro Lab: Greg Van Roten

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Pass Pro Lab: Greg Van Roten Greg Van Roten joins me for the latest Pass Pro Lab to break down his approach to pass protection and some of the techniques that have helped him make 105 career starts after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Penn. We get into dictating the start of the rush, his up-kick and outside-hand usage, changing up sets, playing with help, handling games and why pass protection should not be passive. Van Roten also breaks down reps against Fletcher Cox, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter, Chris Jones, Dexter Lawrence and others. We also discuss what he learned from players like Josh Sitton, Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner, his path from Green Bay to the CFL and back to the NFL, learning from Jeff Saturday and Ryan Kalil, and how working under different offensive line coaches helped him build a much deeper technical tool bag over the course of his career. The conversation closes with Van Roten turning the questions back on me as we talk about offensive line evaluation, why assignment grading is so difficult from outside the building and why moving from tackle to guard is not automatically easier.

  • July 21 · 12 min

    Pass Pro Lab: Ted Karras

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Ted Karras joined me for the fourth episode of Pass Pro Lab to break down his 2025 pass-protection tape and discuss the details behind an 11-year NFL career. Karras talks about entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick, learning under Dante Scarnecchia in New England, playing both guard and center, and how his approach to pass protection has evolved over the course of his career. Using game film from the 2025 season, we discuss: Pass protection philosophy Staying square in protection Handling twists and games Helping guards from the center position Strike timing and hand placement Adjusting to different pass rushers Scott Peters' influence Weekly film study and preparation Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:12 – Entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick 05:40 – Learning under Dante Scarnecchia 11:05 – "Know what you are" 18:10 – Bengals pass protection philosophy 20:35 – Cowboys film: staying square & handling twists 26:30 – Hand usage and strike timing 34:05 – Has NFL pass protection changed? 39:45 – Steelers film 49:15 – Scott Peters' influence 58:10 – Varying your approach by opponent 1:08:20 – Helping guards from center 1:17:30 – Weekly film study 1:25:45 – Preparing for Year 11 1:30:10 – Closing thoughts

  • July 1 · 12 min

    How Offensive Structure Shapes OL Play with Greg Cosell

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Longtime NFL analyst Greg Cosell joins Brandon Thorn for a discussion on how offensive structure shapes offensive line play. The conversation centers on the environment around offensive linemen: scheme, quarterback play, pass-game design, protection structure, play action, quick game, movement, simulated pressures and the importance of third down. Greg and Brandon discuss how quickly narratives around offensive linemen can change depending on system fit, using examples like Mike McGlinchey in Denver, Aaron Brewer in Miami, Coleman Shelton with the Rams, Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom in Atlanta, and others. They also get into the quarterback’s role in offensive line evaluation, including timing, pocket depth, drifting, premature pocket exits, protection understanding and why not every pressure is truly an offensive line problem. Other topics include: • Greg’s 47 seasons at NFL Films• Learning quarterback play from Bill Walsh• How pass-game design can help or expose offensive linemen• Why third down remains the ultimate test for pass protection• The rise of five-man fronts and simulated pressures• How offensive systems can raise the floor for OL play• Evaluating raw traits versus polish in OL prospects• Monroe Freeling, Blake Miller and system-specific projection• Joe Thomas, Lane Johnson and elite tackle play• Why offensive line evaluation requires offensive context The full video version, timestamps and additional content are available on Trench Warfare. Host: Brandon ThornGuest: Greg CosellSeries: Trench Warfare

  • June 12 · 56 min

    Live with Ben Standig and Brandon Thorn

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com/subscribe

  • May 28 · 19 min

    Pass Pro Lab: Lane Johnson + The Choreography of Elite Pass Protection

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Eagles RT Lane Johnson joins me for a 50+ minute Pass Pro Lab film room studying tape against Khalil Mack, Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, Nick Bosa, Danielle Hunter and others while discussing how elite tackles solve problems. This conversation goes beyond individual matchups. Johnson explains how quarterback landmarks, route concepts, alignment, cadence and pass-set choreography all influence protection and why many younger offensive linemen make the game harder than it needs to be. Topics include: • Lane's evolution as a pass protector from 2017 to today• Jeff Stoutland's influence and entering Year 13 with a new OL coach• Khalil Mack, Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, Nick Bosa and Danielle Hunter• Why Lane studied Laremy Tunsil's approach vs Micah Parsons• Change-ups, jump sets and manipulating rushers• Route concepts + QB landmarks shaping pass protection• Pre-snap tells, stance discipline and the "game within the game"• Why elite pass protection is often choreographed before contact ever occurs• And Lane's advice for younger tackles entering the league Originally recorded as a film-room conversation, portions reference specific tape and visuals, though the discussion stands on its own as a detailed look into how one of the NFL's premier tackles studies and plays the position. Full video + timestamps available on Substack.

  • May 22 · 20 min

    Inside the Colts OL Room with Tony Sparano Jr.

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Colts OL coach Tony Sparano Jr. joins me for a deep discussion on offensive line development, pass protection philosophy, scheme design and what truly separates elite offensive line play. We discuss: • Building the Colts OL room for 2026• Quenton Nelson's leadership and competitiveness• Bernhard Raimann, Tanner Bordelini, Matt Goncalves and Jalen Travis• How Indianapolis tailors scheme to player strengths• Shane Steichen, play action and protection design• Whether modern offenses have made life easier on OL• Developing offensive linemen with fewer padded practices• Simplifying teaching and building confidence• Two-hand vs independent hand usage in pass protection• Brayden Smith's hand technique and proactive striking• Why pass protection remains football's most difficult skill challenge• And why Sparano calls offensive line "the most collaborative position in sports." Timestamps available on Substack. Subscribe for full video access and future OL conversations, film rooms and trench-focused analysis.

  • February 12 · 11 min

    2026 Pre-Combine OL Overview: Top Prospects, Mid-Tier Value, Late Sleepers (with Dane Brugler)

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com The Athletic’s Dane Brugler joined me to break down the 2026 OL class — from top-ranked prospects to mid-tier value and late-round sleepers — with specific player-by-player takes throughout. Key Takeaways Why this class creates wide variance team-to-team (position drop-offs + similar grades). The top OT/OG group: who has the safest floor vs the biggest ceiling bets. Day 3/late-round OL profiles worth gambling on (traits, development arcs, role fits). Timestamps 0:00 Intro + why now (Combine list week)0:46 Big-picture class feel: your OL grades vs Dane’s board (top 50/top 100)2:09 Why this draft is tough to rank (drop-offs, tight clusters, team need variance)4:46 “True 1st-round” OL: your 3 vs Dane’s 14 total 1st-round grades6:10 How the top OL order could vary (scheme/value context) Top OL: early-round targets 7:13 Spencer Fano: movement, balance through contact, run game weaponization10:31 Utah context: heavy run scheme + projection/scheme fit questions11:43 Francis Mauigoa: clean tape early, exposed late; tackle vs guard projection14:31 “Maximized at guard” vs “survive at tackle” (Zack Martin-type framework)16:37 High-variance tackles with upside: Proctor / Lomu / Freeling18:57 Proctor: elite traits vs technique/discipline; positional leverage theme21:06 Why his current pass-pro style may not translate at 350+ (must dictate reps)22:39 Lomu + Freeling: youth, development runway, projection outcomes Next tier + developmental tackle bets 23:12 Markel Bell (Miami): size/length profile + path to starting25:39 Dane’s view on Bell: just outside top 100 + Senior Bowl context29:25 Arm-length discussion + historical comps (Dawand/long-arm database)31:33 Late bloomer theme (Aamil Wagner example)32:02 Max Iheanachor (Arizona State): late-to-football profile, upside vs readiness33:12 How high is too high to draft a developmental tackle?36:45 Day 3 darts: Isaiah World / Diego Pounds / Crownover38:34 Crownover: Senior Bowl helped; why he rose for you39:10 Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame): swing tackle path; traits/length/“lose slowly” profile41:48 Penn State OL disappointment; Drew Shelton note; Bowery’s Senior Bowl struggles Interior OL: guards/centers with payoff 42:41 Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M): strength profile + movement/processing upside43:12 “Strongest player he’s ever coached” quote + what shows/doesn’t on film46:13 Bisontis: leverage/technique vs recovery skills; why his ceiling is intriguing48:24 Two upside guards: Keylan Rutledge (GT) + Billy Schrauth (ND)49:06 Schrauth: leverage/power/athletic traits; health is the swing factor50:47 Rutledge: brawler temperament; Senior Bowl versatility reps (incl. center)52:16 Rutledge medical backstory + why Combine checks matter Popular name vs film reality 54:01 Gennings Dunker: personality buzz vs stiffness/limitations; likely guard projection56:21 Why NFL teams will still like him (mentality, hands, communication) Late-round interior favorite + Combine list reactions 57:47 Oklahoma IOL (Febechi Nwaiwu): walk-on story, processing, center projection59:45 Combine invite list: surprises + notable omissions (Rucci, others)1:02:05 Wrap + value of the Combine for finishing evals1:03:06 End + tease upcoming draft player interview

  • January 2 · 29 min

    The 2025 NFL Offensive Line All-Pro Teams — and our Top 3 Protector of the Year Selections

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Each year, Duke Manyweather and I put together our NFL Offensive Line All-Pro teams — 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Team — and for the first time in 2025, our Protector of the Year Award selections. This show represents the culmination of another season spent studying the position full-time: grinding film, trading daily notes, and working to quantify what actually shows up on Sundays. Our goal is simple — do right by the offensive line. Put in the work, shine a light on the position, and elevate the players who truly define it. We take the process seriously. And we still have a lot of fun doing it.Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome + framing the annual OL All-Pro show01:00 – All-Pro criteria: snaps, starts, and why thresholds matter03:40 – Why this year’s OL evaluations were tighter than usual 05:20 – 1st Team All-Pro: Left Tackle08:35 – 2nd & 3rd Team: Left Tackle 14:50 – Left Guard All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team) 25:35 – Center All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team) 36:20 – Right Guard All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team) 44:50 – Right Tackle All-Pro Teams (1st–3rd Team) ~58:00 – Protector of the Year Award (Top 3)~64:30 – Final thoughts + season wrap-up

  • Sep 11, 2025 · 25 min

    Special episode recapping key trench matchups from Week 1 with Terron Armstead

    Former Saints and Dolphins LT Terron Armstead has a new YouTube channel and show titled ‘The Set’ airing every Monday and Thursday this season. Terron asked me to join him for a segment every Monday to recap key trench matchups of the week which I am very excited for. You can find this segment in video form airing every Monday on Terron’s channel beginning in Week 2. Here’s the backstory on why the Week 1 edition is airing here: After Week 1 we hit a snag in scheduling so I wound up recording the video for Terron to give his producer to edit and get up on his channel. Unfortunately, the audio did not match up with the video and since Terron only does video (for now) the file became unusable, until now. After realizing that the audio itself was uncorrupted and full of valuable insight and analysis, I asked Terron if I could post it on my channels which he graciously agreed to. That brings me to this episode. Terron is the host speaking as if this will be airing on his channel before we get into the good stuff:The three Tyler’s in Dallas (Guyton, Smith and Booker) against the Eagles front Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil vs. Giants edge-rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter Lions RT Penei Sewell vs. Packers edge-rusher Micah Parsons Titans LT Dan Moore vs. Broncos edge-rusher Nik Bonitto If you want to hear Terron and I break down key trench matchups all season make sure to go check out his channel here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com/subscribe

  • Jun 17, 2025 · 38 min

    Trench Warfare Podcast with special guest Commanders O-Line coach Bobby Johnson

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Commanders OL coach Bobby Johnson has spent the last 15 years coaching the tight end and offensive line positions in the NFL. He is coming off of a stellar season in Washington where he, along with head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, joined forces as recently fired coaches who had never worked together to assemble a stunningly impressive 2024 campaign. The Commanders posted a 12-5 record and appeared in the NFC Championship against the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles. Overview - Topics covered The legacy of NFL coaches from Ohio The value of being able to coach the defensive line early in his coaching career at Akron Understanding fronts, coverages, rotations and how to think like a defensive lineman How coaching tight ends at the collegiate and pro level furthered an understanding of coverages as it relates to blocking schemes Unpacking the unique skill-sets of Marcedes Lewis and Lee Smith What “tough and smart” means in a practical sense and why it is vital for the offensive line Some epic examples of these traits from Lee Smith, Dominic Raiola, Jon Feliciana and Matt Slauson Unpacking “Making it easy for us and difficult for them” as a coaching philosophy Evolving as a coach and the constant pursuit of improvement Leadership 101: Accentuating the strengths of your players and minimizing the weaknesses Specific examples of how coach Johnson has done that during his career Diving into coach Johnson’s affinity and proximity to players with legendary toughness and their value to the room Coach Johnson’s strategy for communication to the players in Washington that helped lead to them developing cohesion and chemistry throughout the season Drawing on prior experiences and relationships to coach each playe

  • May 30, 2025 · 20 min

    Trench Warfare Podcast with special guest Bills O-Line coach Aaron Kromer

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Offensive line play has gotten more attention and credit over the last few seasons than anytime I can remember over the last decade of studying the position due to the unit’s repeated and undeniable impact on team success in the NFL. Naturally, getting to sit down and learn from Aaron Kromer, who has been one of the architects of great line play for ove…

  • Jan 1, 2025 · 15 min

    2024 OL All-Pro Teams with Duke Manyweather

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Duke and I selecting our first, second and third-team All-Pro teams with detailed discussions on each player and landscape of the position

  • Oct 23, 2024 · 44 min

    Trench Report - Week 7

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Topics covered this week Eagles OL with multiple backups dominating (a bad Giants run defense) in the run game Frank Ragnow dominating Harrison Phillips Terron Armstead & Aaron Brewer as run blockers The Chiefs elite, tier one interior trio Arizona’s dynamic run game Amarius Mims Tristan Wirfs brilliance Graham Barton putting on a show against very good competition Spencer Brown’s developmental journey Jared Verse is a menace The Titans problematic right tackle position 49ers concerns on the interior defensive line Tyron Smith’s over reliance on his outside hand getting him into trouble again Texans continued issues at center/left guard and potential fixes The Giants dramatic drop-off at left tackle without Andrew Thomas + a possible answer Panthers’ bottom-feeder defensive line Video version:

  • Oct 16, 2024 · 46 min

    Trench Report - Week 6

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Topics covered this week Trent Williams unmatched physical prowess Rashawn Slater’s dominant return to the lineup Tristan Wirfs’ dominant performance against the Saints Patrick Mekari/Daniel Faalele Jackson Powers-Johnson’s aggressive demeanor and flashes of power continue to be notable Sam Cosmi’s ascension and standout game against Nnamdi Madubuike Andrew Thomas vs. Trey Hendrickson Dion Dawkins vs. Michael Clemons Seattle’s disastrous right side Nick Allegretti Roger Rosengarten Blake Fisher, Juice Scruggs & Kenyon Green struggles Taliese Fuaga’s repeated struggles in pass protection Adding context to Joel Bitonio and Zack Martin’s struggles in Week 6 Adding context to the Cowboys struggles on the OL Amarius Mims’ underwhelming start Tyron Smith’s struggles

  • Oct 9, 2024 · 1 hr 6 min

    First Look at the 2025 O-Line Class with Dane Brugler

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com Players discussed:LSU OTs Will Campbell & Emery Jones Jr. Texas OTs Kelvin Banks Jr. & Cameron Williams Ohio State LT Josh Simmons Ohio State LG Donovan Jackson Minnesota LT Aireontae Ersery Arizona RT Jonah Savaiinaea Alabama LG Tyler Booker Georgia RG Tate Ratledge Oregon OTs Josh Conerly Jr. & Ajani Cornelius

  • Oct 3, 2024 · 32 min

    Trench Report - Week 4

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com A rundown of my weekly film study with a focus on the best/worst performances and adding context to each selection, including level of competition, outside factors & more Topics covered this week Cam Heyward Zach Frazier vs Grover Stewart Quinn Meinerz on double-teams Vikings pass protection plan Cody Mauch vs Jalen Carter Jackson Powers-Johnson first start Ronnie Stanley JC Latham Bears pass protection plan vs Rams Adding much-needed context to the performance of the Commanders O-line Jared Verse Wanya Morris Amarius Mims Kenyon Green Eagles O-line without Lane Johnson Saints interior OL

  • Sep 26, 2024 · 48 min

    Trench Report - Week 3

    Topics covered this week Chris Lindstrom vs. Chris Jones Quenton Nelson Will Fries Zach Frazier Zion Johnson Broncos DL JC Latham Dion Dawkins Spencer Brown Rams rookie DL Verse/Fiske Brandon Coleman Saints OL moving forward Browns OL Chargers OL/Slater (pec) & Alt (MCL) getting hurt Bucs OGs Titans right side of OL Cody Whitehair Bengals IDL Andrew Thomas True Pressure Rate introduction/methodology/overview This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com/subscribe

  • Sep 19, 2024 · 36 min

    Trench Report - Week 2

    A rundown of my weekly film study with a focus on the best/worst performances and adding context to each selection, including level of competition, outside factors & more This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com/subscribe

  • Sep 11, 2024 · 29 min

    Introducing the Trench Report - Week 1

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit trenchwarfare.substack.com A rundown of my weekly film study with a focus on the best/worst performances and adding context to each selection, including level of competition, outside factors & more

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