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March Positional Rankings: Offensive Tackles

A very talented class of tackles leads what looks to be the most talented offensive line class in about a decade.

1.  Jake Long, Michigan–Big Board rank: 4, Elite Tier, Top 10 grade–If there is a problem with this receiver class, it’s that the marquee prospect, Long, falls short of a sure-fire tag.  There is some thought in scouting circles that much like Robert Gallery did not fit at LT in the NFL, and was a much better Guard, Long may only ever amount to a RT.  That’s a pessimistic projection.  The Dolphins appear primed to make Jake Long the first overall pick in the draft (although a lot can happen between now and then), and he fits the mold that Bill Parcells wants.  Long does project at the most highly sought position on the offensive line, and should be a damn good one, if he’s not quite the next Joe Thomas.

2.  Ryan Clady, Boise State–Big Board rank: 12, second tier, 1st round grade–Anyone want the other seemingly sure-fire LT prospect in this draft?  Clady scored a 13 on his Wonderlic test, which will make some scouts question his ability to adapt to the NFL, but I haven’t heard a lot of criticism’s for him as a prospect.  The Patriots, Ravens, Broncos, Panthers, Bears, and Lions all need a tackle, and Clady is a lock to go somewhere in that range.

3.  Jeff Otah, Pitt–Big Board rank: 22, third tier, 1st round grade–Can I call Otah to the Eagles right here and right now?  I can’t think of a better fit in this draft than Philly taking him at No. 19.  Here’s a prospect, and there are questions about his weight and mobility, but there’s no doubt about his ability to flatten defensive ends in the running game.  The Eagles could make him a right tackle, and play him next to pernnial probowler Shawn Andrews once Jon Runyan moves on.  He’s not the sieve that Winston Justice proved to be last season against the Giants, and he’s a perfect fit there, and stays in-state.  If he doesn’t go to the Eagles, he’s an intriguing prospect who should develop if a team is patient with him.

4.  Chris Williams, Vanderbilt–Big Board rank: 29, third tier, 1st-2nd round grade–Williams could slip due to the amount of tackles ahead of him, but he may also get taken well ahead of slot by one of the teams picking in the middle of the first round.  He definately has developmental potential as a Left Tackle in this leauge, but may start his career at Guard in the NFL as he learns the ropes.  His experience in the SEC is all at tackle, but he’s got the skill set to play either.

5.  Gosder Cherilus, Boston College–Big Board rank: 37, fourth tier, 2nd round grade–Cherilus projects as a right tackle by most scouts, which prevents him from earning a first round grade.  However, if he does end up being the next Jordan Gross, that’s a really good value.  Remember that Gross was the 8th overall pick in 2003, and no one considers him a disappointment.  Perhaps a team with a left handed QB would be best off taking him, as he can protect the blindside without having to face elite pass rushers.

6.  Sam Baker, USC–Big Board rank: 47, fifth tier, 2nd round grade–Baker played LT at USC while Winston Justice was the RT, and scouts seem to think that he was a much better pass protector than people give him credit for being.  He’s not the type of physical talent that would make you think he’s the next Orlando Pace, but as the great tackles of the late 90’s move into retirement one by one, guys like Baker will be the ones filling the void.

7.  Anthony Collins, Kansas–Big Board Rank: 67, fifth tier, 3rd round grade–Collins best projects on the Right side of the line, and is likely a better pass blocker than a run blocker.  He’s well built, and has the experience to develop quickly in the NFL, but was never dominant in college, and so the second day grade represents how a team with a need at tackle could take a run at him early on day 2.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pm and is filed under Sam Baker, Gosder Cherilus, Chris Williams, Jeff Otah, Ryan Clady, 2008 NFL Draft, Anthony Collins, Top Players By Position 2008, Jake Long. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.