Throughout the practice week, the small-school offensive linemen received significant praise for how they handled the jump in competition, and deservedly so.

North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel even walked away with the event’s award for overall practice player of the week.

The game proved to be a little different, though.

For starters, Alabama A&M’s Carson Vinson really struggled throughout Saturday’s contest. Yes, he played as many or more snaps than anyone participating while getting left on an island often against talented pass-rusher after talented pass-rusher. The trial by fire scorched the small-school blocker.

Vinson often allowed a soft edge, which gave the athletic edge-rushers significant opportunities. He surrendered the strip-sack created by Landon Jackson. Another one nearly occurred if not for a hands-to-the-face penalty called on the defense.

NFL scouts want to see a lineman from a non-FBS school rise to the occasion. Vinson flashed throughout the week. But his lows were far too concerning when protecting quarterbacks’ blindsides during the game.

Jacksonville’s Clay Webb is another who initially impressed, primarily due to play-strength. He then made multiple mistakes, including a false start and allowing a few pressures. Webb is a former Georgia product, and he’ll benefit from being in a situation where he has time to build a rapport with a regular offensive tackle and center beside him. For one day, he was exposed slightly in this particular setting.

As for Zabel, he looked great throughout the week. He did well enough to earn all of the recognition he received. He had his hands full during the game, particularly against LSU’s Sai’vion Jones. Zabel was beaten to his inside leg on a couple of occasions. After moving to center, he struggled to get his head across when Virginia Tech’s Aeneas Peebles notched a tackle for loss.

Each of those assignments was difficult. After such a great week, hope existed that a potential first-round draft pick would provide a lockdown afternoon. Zabel failed to do so.