Scouting the Offensive Tackles of 2008

April 24th, 2008 — NFL, NFL Draft, football

This is probably the most glamorous position on the offensive line, especially when we are talking about the left tackle. Of course Jake Long is at the top of this category and that is why he already has a deal in place with the Miami Dolphins to be the first pick on Saturday and he will be receiving $30 million in guaranteed money!!

Jake Long

Here are the rest of the tackles for this year:

1 77 Long Jake Michigan U OT 6070v 313v 5.25v I
Massive, smart and nasty. Comes off the ball, hit on the rise. took good angles, fit on blocks, sustained well and finished consistently. Doesn’t have LOT feet, but is a force who should play a very long time on the right side. I particularly liked his game in and game out consistency. Once he got his hands on people was very difficult to shed. Plays on his feet and was very aware. How quickly do you draft a right offensive tackle? Draft consideration Round 1
2 74 Williams Chris Vanderbilt U OT 6061v 315v 5.15v I
An athletic big man with quickness, body control, flexibility and balance. Smart player who comes off the ball, hits up and turns defender. Good power and finishing skills. Outstanding playing range and ability to adjust on the move at the second level. Not a great finisher but dominated none the less. Outstanding balance points, knee, and ankle bend.. Can control with punch. Outstanding ability to ride defender past the pocket. Round # 1 sure thing.
3 76 Otah Jeff Pittsburgh U OT 6060v 322v 5.57v I
Not a natural knee bender, but was a massive person, who used his hands well, sustained blocks, played on his feet and finished people inline. I liked the way he rolled into his sets and the way he moved his feet for a big man. On pass pro, I thought his sets were efficient and consistent. Good hand placement. Can come off the ball and maul people inline. Still developing but has real solid playing skills. Top round draft consideration
4 79 Clady Ryan Boise St OT 6061v 309v 5.24v I
Has outstanding feet, balance, and body control. Came off the ball with good pad level, hit on the rise with good hand placement. On pass protection, I felt his sets were efficient. Good depth on his kick step and slide. Did overplay and open outside shoulder some, but I liked his balance points and his ability to replaces hands. Has left tackle playing potential. Top round draft consideration.
5 79 Baker Sam USC OT 6045v 309v 5.52v I
Is smart, experienced and was a steady performer. Was impressed with some of the things he did on pass pro (hand placement). Has good feet, but was more of a finesse guy then a power player. Big man with short arms. Was not totally out of his element on the left side, but he had a tendency to open his outside shoulder up too quickly giving a defender an easy inside counter option. Played much of 07 with a hamstring injury. Round 1 - 2
6 77 Nicks Carl Nebraska U OT 6047v 341v 5.25v E
Big powerful athlete with feet and range (plays angry). Physical player who hits on the rise and finishes inline (best run blocker I’ve seen in 07). Excellent punching power. Showed the skills to work to the 2nd level and reach the playside backer. Said to have questionable work habit, is 25 years of age, and does not process things quickly. Needs more overall consistency, but has all of the tools one looks for at either tackle position. Early 2nd round potential.
7 77 Cherilus Gosder Boston College OT 6063v 314v 5.14v I
Minor off field incident needs to be addressed. Big athletic guy with good feet, balance and body quickness. Worked almost exclusively from a 2 point stance. Will come off the ball and strike, but overall wasn’t a big finisher. Was disappointed in his playing awareness (stunts, blitz pick ups and awareness at the second level). Has some nasty in him and looks like superman, but something (playing awareness) appears to be missing. Round # 2 consideration.
8 78 Collins Anthony Kansas U OT 6050v 317v 5.49v E
Lots of talent (LOT athletic) but is immature and an underachiever. Huge person with a long wing span, yet wasn’t explosive. Can make it look easy (almost appeared disinterested), but also was sloppy with is technique (hand use, crosses his feet). Can dominate at the LOS, has range and sustain blocks. Has a very high ceiling, but well could be a nightmare for the club that selects him. Wouldn’t consider at 1, but at the mid point of 2 might look like a prom queen.
9 54 Keith Brandon Northern Iowa U OT 6052v 345v 5.01v E
Outstanding physical skills and a pro body (long arms and thick all over), but is just not very tough nor was he physical in his play. Very talented athlete with every conceivable physical gift, but should have been far more dominent in his overall play. Loved his feet, can pull, lead, and adjust on the move, but he just wasn’t a consistent finisher. Needs to drop some body weight and improve stamina. Round 4 – 5 consideration
10 79 Hills Tony Texas U OT 6051v 309v 5.20e
Top prep tight end prospects in the country. Has overcome a great deal (physically) over the last 5 years (drop foot) and broke his ankle vs Texas Tech this past season. Has LOT feet, but also showed a tendency to overset and had a difficult time redirecting in space. A team is going to have to be patient with this player, but he has athletic ability long arms and the ability to bend his knees. Could well in time be a high rewards second day surprise. Round 5 – 7
11 78 Giacomini Breno Louisville U OT 6071v 304vv 5.10v J
Great looking physically. Outstanding prep basketball player. First year regular. Former tight end in their jumbo package. Runs extremely well, is very athletic, has good feet, physical and one nasty SOB on the ball field. Does need a lot of work with position technique, hand placement and most importantly his core strength. Didn’t show good bend on his pass sets, thus limiting his anchor. Has a lot of tools. Round 4 to 5 consideration
12 79 Richardson Barry Clemson U OT 6065v 320v 5.49v E
Athletic big man who flashed excellent body control. (nimble) Light on his feet with good blocing range (can get out to the second level. . On pass protection, has the athletic ability to counter and mirror defensive movement. Has been a regular since his freshman season, but I felt his mechanics were not particularly advanced. Just doesn’t play heavy.and to my way of thinking and not a natural knee bender. Round 4 – 5 , based on his natural gifts
13 77 Dunlap King Auburn U OT 6084v 311v 5.27v I
Has been just an verage worker. Huge frame with long limbs, but was underdeveloped. Showed little in the way of tenacity or toughness. Marginal knee bender and power in his hands (might be too tall). I’m bothered by the fact that he still needs to be pushed on and off field. Would also question his willingness to play through things. Wouldn’t trust on the left ot a left tackle. 5th to 6th round consideration based primarily on his rare size.
14 79 Bell Demetrius Northwestern St (LA) OT 6053v 300v 5.21v F
Recruited to play college basketball. Has only played 3 seasons of football. Former DE who was moved to LOT . 2007 Sub – division All American. Very good athlete, but lack both strength and power in his play. I was impressed with his pass sets, feet, body quickness, and overall playing range, but I wonder if he is strong enough to get push at the next level. Good hand placement. At least two year’s away from being contributing to winning
15 54 Clark Corey Texas A&M OT 6053v 315v 5.33v F
Might want to consider projecting this player down inside. Didn’t like his consistently high pad level when engaging defenders inline, but played on his feet and stayed with his blocks for the most part. Limited striking power. This guy wasn’t pretty, but found a way to fet it done in the end. Would give late round draft consideration within the league (6th to 7th).
16 76 Brown Duane Virginia Tech OT 6041v 314v 4.94v I
A former tight end who started two seasons on the right side before moving to the left side as a senior. Never saw him finish inline (didn’t show playing strength or much in the way of toughness). Really struggled with big people. I did like his feet and body balance on pass protection, but was bull rushed and had problems with his anchor. Not as good as he should be, but has too much athleetic potnetial to throw in the scrap heap. Round 6- 7.
17 77 Polumbus Tyler Colorado U OT 6074v 312v 5.23v F
A big man with short arms. Is a try hard guy, but was limited athletically. Has a particularly high center of gravity. Gets shoulders out over his pads consistently when blocking inline (top heavy). Not a big finisher (legs trail). On the ground too frequently. Marginal body quickness. Is going to have problems blocking on the edge or handling the inside counter.
18 54 Dunbar Franklin Middle Tennessee OT 6046v 327v 5.63v F
A massive, very strong (lower half) prospect who has been a starter at the LOT position for 3 seasons. The only true hardship case in this year’s draft. Is not a nifty, quick footed, dancing bear on the outside and doesn’t have any LOT potential at the next level. Lacks agility, body quickness, balance, bend and footwork. At the outset is going to have a very difficult time when the bullet start to fly (game pace). A solid person but strictly a developmental prospect.
19 72 Fladell Mike Rutgers U OT 6061v 328v 5.40e
Big wide body, who was generally non explosive on contact. Lack balance and body control particularly in space. Hits and goes to the ground. Needs to develop a great deal of body strength, particularly in his legs. Might well have been too tall to play inside at guard (LOG) position. Could develop, but the club that invests in him will have to dedicate a great deal of time to this project. Priority free agent.
20 75 Byrne Mike Delaware U OT 6050v 296v 5.45e
An Experienced competitive player. Has a good frame and size and strength potential. Is an agile big man. Agile big man with adequate playing and blocking range. Showed little in the way of power or explosion inline to get movement and sustain blocks. Falls off too many blocks (doesn’t bring feet) nor does he play heavy. Has some upside, but at this stage is at best a priority free agent.
21 75 Garner Nate Arkansas U OT 6040e 325e 5.60e
Is a big (bad body) guy who came on as a senior (late bloomer). Not a fast twitch athlete, but cam eoff the ball, stayed on his feet and sustained his blocks far more effectively then I had expected. On pass protection, short set effectively and although doesn’t have a whole lot of range showed some potential in this area. More of a mass then explosive hit up through guy. Much improved hand use. Priority free agent prospect.

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Scouting the 2008 Defensive Tackle’s

April 15th, 2008 — NFL, NFL Draft, football

This is a draft analysis of the top defensive tackles coming out for 2008. The information and scouting reports are all written by Tom Marino who has been a scout in the NFL for over 35 years. You can see the defensive tackle, their school, height/weight. 40 time and NFL grade. You then have their full scouting report followed by their projected draft status and NFL potential.

72 Dorsey Glen  LSU DT 6014v 297v 5.12v G 1.100
A top prospect who converts quickness to power.  Can split a double team, range to make plays and when he came and countered on his pass rush was virtually impossible to single block.  Loved his intensity level , quickness, strength and know how. Strong at the point and showed good movement down the line. Took good angles away and has the speed and quicks to factor outside the tackle boxInjured for much of 07 season. A difference maker.
49 Ellis Sedrick USC DT 6004v 299v 5.08v G 1.140
Ellis has outstanding quickness, body control, range and balance.  Plays with good leverage, has extremely quick strong hands and overall explosiveness.  Can stack, but was more effective playing in the gap. Far better at nose then at a 3 technique. Has short arms and does not appear to have long speed. Very disruptive player in a limited area but is not second coming of Tommy Harris.  A top 10 selection in this year’s player draft. Solid starter potential.
90 Balmer Kentwan  No Carolina U DT 6044v 308v 5.31v F 1.201
One dimensional player.  Is strong, plays on his feet and showed the ability to neutralize. A force playing the double team. As a pass rusher, did get inside push on his bull rush, but needs to keep pads down and develop better hand use. Played hard in every contest viewed.  Tackle to tackle range only. showed good effort in pursuit. A two down player, but could become an every down player if he develops as a rusher. Late 1st or top of the 2nd selection
55 Harrison Marcus  Arkansas U DT 6026v 317v 5.07v I 1.235
Very talented run stopper.  Loved his pad level when meeting blocks and overall leverage.  Stout at the point (can dominate).  Could play both spots inside.  Played the entire 07 season with a recently repaired ACL.  Not what I would consider a top pass rusher (power moves only) but does get some inside push.  Some off the field concerns will need to be addressed, but this is a very good football player who has not reached his full potential. Draft consideration 2 – 3
92 Moore Dre  Maryland U DT 6040v 305v 4.91v I 1.350
Short area player who was a strong space eater on the inside. Didn’t make a a lot of plays, but restricted the running lanes inside and freed up the backers to make plays. Plays on his feet and did a good job stacking the double team. Has good but not exceptional quickness but was ineffective as a pass rusher (strictly a bull rusher who didn’t counter or colaspe the pocket. Round 3 potential, but could go sooner due to team needs and the lack of quality at the top
92 Pressley DeMario  No Carolina St DT 6031v 301v 5.13v I 1.365
Had a disappointing 07 season and senior bowl effort  Was injured for much of the season and did not play to near his skill level. Is a strong inside player who played with good pad level.  Elbow injury (early) may well have effected his use of hands. Good ability to sort things out and move to the ball. As a pass rusher, came off the ball, but didn’t shed effectively on the move nor did he finish. Don’t think we have seen near his best. Round 3 – 4 consideration.
93 Guion Letroy Florida St DT 6033v 303v 5.37v F 1.385
Injured much of career. Is athletic, has good feet, quickness and adequate range. Felt he hustled & showed the ability to make plays outside the tackle box. Will get tall inline & needs to shed blocks more consistently. Lacks A-1 closing speed. Is not there yet, but you are going to have to take this player far earlier then his skill & production level would indicate.  No sacks as a college player.  Problems locating ball on misdirections (see Wake Forest) Round 3 – 4..
98 Laws Trevor  Notre Dame DT 6006v 304v 5.13v G 1.396
Works his butt off. Has very good quickness, plays with leverage and has good strength in his hands. Very intense and physical. Play effort was second to none.  Might not be quick or stout enough to play a nose   A physical drive through tackler. Will fight you, but diesn’t always play big inside (got covered up some by big people).  Has limitations, but overall was a very solid football player. Has stong early second day draft potential.
96 Fluellen Andre  Florida St DT 6007v 296v 5.06v G 1.436
Not ideal size although flashed outstanding quicks, plays hard and gave backside effort. Combative & disruptive within the running game. Can dominate, but will also disappear. Vs the pass his main attribute was his quickness into the “A” gap & burst to the QB. Played injuried for virtually the entire 07 season. When healthy this guy is far better player then he showed in 07. Senior bowl effort was impressive. Round 4 – 5.
97 Okam Frank Texas U DT 6044v 347v 5.37v E 1.481
A big wide body who showed body control & quicks. Plays high, but teams still had a difficult time moving him on the inside. Is very smart (both on and off the field) and experienced, but has no heart or playing character. A underachiever in my opinion. Just not a nasty rub your face in the dirt type (no edge). Overall, you just don’t know what you are going to get with this player. Wouldn’t consider in day 1, but recognize his talent and physical tools. Rd 4.
95 Sims Patrick Auburn U DT 6021v 310v 5.11v E 1.485
Has stability issues which need to be addressed. Played much of 07 with a cast on his lt .hand (Fx).  Has size, but needs to redefine his body (very soft middle & butt).  Flashed get off quick, but lacks stamina and his overall competitive effort. When he kept his pads down, got some push (So Florida), but when they were up got knocked around pretty good (LSU).  Has talent, but wouldn’t risk a first day selection based on his history. Round # 4 
85 Bryant Joseph  Texas A&M DT 6041v 318v 5.06v F 1.486
A big, tough, strong inside guy who played hard, but consistently got his pads up working inside. Is stout and difficult to move around, but did not protect his legs or get over trash effectively. Got some inside push as a bull rusher, but lacks counter skills and change of direction.  Gave up far too much blocking surface and has had some lower body injuries which need to be considered. Best suited to play tackle in a 3-4 look.  Makes your team, but has limitations.  
71 Rubin Ahtyba  Iowa State U DT 6026v 315v 5.24v F 1.516
Offensive tackle as a Juco player.  Big man who has improved a great deal over the past 2 seasons. Is very strong, but is in every sense of the word a work in progress.Showed quickness and some playing range. Can stack inside particularly when he kept his pads down. Questionable play instincts and was inconsistent to find the ball on the inside.  Felt his playing effort varried  Draft consideration; rounds 5 to 6.
96 Dykes Keilen West Virginia U DT 6033v 294v 5.10e F 1.518
A very tough, strong, nose who was a very effective run stopper. Plays very hard, is unselfish and was a consistent performer. Could also play a three technioue.  Is a run stopper who had a good feel for blocks and restricted the “A” gap. Has adequate range, but needs to protect his lower half more effectively. Marginal pass rusher who showed limited counter skills. Blue collar player who will contribute to winning football games. Round 4 – 5.
94 Dixon Marcus Hampton U DT 6040v 292v 5.27v F 1.550
Good looking athlete with size & power. Can stack inside effectively. Good 1st step quicks, hand use & the ability to find the ball. For the most part a bull rusher, but has some counter ability & close. Has a long way to come in terms of learning how to play..  Plays on his feet and is highly intelligent. Involved in a highly publicized rape incident down in Georgia and served 15 months, but was later cleared of the charges. Great young man 4th to 5th rd potential. 
95 Robinson Nate  Akron U DT 6037v 324v 5.15e E 1.680
Highest rated prep DT in the country. Signed with Miami and briefly attended Rutgers.  Just don’t know who is going to show up from game to game.  Has a great deal of talent and size.  Flashes initial quickness and some explosiveness in his hips and hands. Very limited  rush skills (very moves rush moves and or counters). Showed a tendency to wear down in games (questionable conditioning and stamina).A lot of talent, but something is missing here. 
56 Foster Eric Rutgers U DT 6011v 271v 5.00e G 1.731
Undersized defender who showed good initial quickness, range (runs well), leverage, and use of hands.  Liked his competitive effort (showed consistent energy) and effort. His physical stature (or lack of) limits play to that of a tackle in a 3-4 scheme. Is going to have to get stronger, but this guy reminds me a great deal of Rams tackle La’ Roi Glover at a similar stage.  Late round (6th to 7th ) draft consideration. 
95 Smith Henry Texas A&M DT 6023v 310v 5.19v F 1.795
A JC guy with play strength who played with good pad level  inside.  Has a good body, played with good leverage and got some pretty good inside push. Was inconsistent to find the football inside and his feel for blocks was just adequate. Needs to finish better and I don’t believe he has top playing range. Not there yet, but has has some of the things you look for in an inside player. Has an outside chance of being drafted, but is more likely a priority free agent.
99 Powell Carlton Virginia Tech DT 6022v 292v 5.14v G 1.796
Just not a very physical player (played with far too much finesse) Didn’t play through blocks (Never saw him fight across the face of a blocks to the ball). Wasn’t stout at the point of attack nor was he heavy handed. Good snap reaction and gap penetration.  Worked well on his stunts and hustled in pursuit.  Is not void of skills, but is going to have to improve in a number of area’s if he is to play at the professional level. Has late round (7th) or priority free agent.
96 Johnston Brian  Gardner Webb DT 6050v 278v 4.97v J 1.800
A 4 year regular who certainly was a good player, but is going to have to improve hand use, and ability to shed, to be a difference maker.  A former linebacker. Showed a marginal ability to get over trash and get to the football.  As a pass rusher, played with power, but doesn’t have a real plan after his initial engagement. Is an effort guy, but I just don’t see any special skills.  Possible late round selection, but is more likely a priority free agent prospect.
97 Shirley Jason Fresno St DT 6052v 329v 5.04v E 1.799
Is a great looking individual, but was not a particularly good football player.  Very much an underachiever.  Was dismissed from the squad furing the 2007 season. Inner city LA background.  Some off field concerns.  Might be worth a look on the offensive side of the football if his off the field issues  are found to be satisfactory. 
93 McClinton James  Kansas U DT 6000v 293v 5.54v F 1.800
Active undersized three technique. Has initial quickness but I didn’t see the long speed and or range.  Has been productive, but didn’t get off blocks especially well.  As a pass rusher, comes hard, but if he doesn’t beat you with his initial movement, the game was over.  Lacks closing burst to the football.  Just don’t see how he could play above 285 lbs.  Good college player, but limited chance to factor.  Priority free agent player

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