NFL Draft Info - NFL Mock Draft

It’s difficult to imagine offensive tackle as a sexy NFL position, but that’s just what it has become during the last few years—a position of glamour. Offensive tackles are essentially just enablers on the football field, but any team with a franchise quarterback will tell you it’s hard to win when you can’t keep the passer upright.

Interestingly, this year’s offensive tackle class just isn’t as ballyhooed as the last few draft groups, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t primo OT talent to be this April. It’s just unlikely any of these guys will be drafted in the top 10 (and possibly even the top 15). And to think, people were complaining about the lack of OT star power last season!

Nevertheless, let’s take a look at these 10 tackle prospects that have the ability to (safely) deliver your team to the promised land.

1) Tyron Smith, USC (6’5”, 307 lbs)

Tyron Smith is one of the few tackle prospects in this class who is not a senior. In fact, he only played the right tackle position at Southern Cal. So why is he ranked No.1 on this list? Because he is an unholy man-beast who hasn’t even come close to tapping his full potential, and did all of his work at USC while weighing only 285 lbs (that’s insanely light for a tackle prospect). Smith’s weight won’t be an issue, however, as he showed up to the NFL Combine this week weighing a robust 307 lbs, which will earn him plenty of attention from teams in search of a left tackle prospect with serious upside. Smith in many weighs resembles D’Brickashaw Ferguson, possessing an impressive build and very long arms, and while he could do a better job of staying off the ground, Smith pretty much took it to defensive-end standout Cameron Jordan during the Cal/USC game this season … and Jordan is likely to go within the first 15 picks. That’s the kind of performance that’ll get people talking.

2) Nate Solder, Colorado (6’8, 315 lbs)

Here’s the thing with Nate Solder: he’s a giant man with quick feet, good strength and excellent intelligence for the left tackle position. Of course, there’s typically a catch with this type of dream prospect scenario, and here’s Solder’s: he lacks polish, and for a guy with such quickness, he seems to be strangely susceptible to the outside pass rush. “Upside” is the key word with Solder; his talent level is off the charts, but he’s yet to really put it together and resemble the total package. If he does finally figure it out, then you’re looking at an absolutely devastating left-tackle prospect. If not, then he’s a faster (and less grimey-looking) Robert Gallery. Quite the conundrum.

3) Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (6’7”, 330 lbs)

It’s quite likely that Gabe Carimi will end up being the most productive tackle in this class, but it really comes down to one simple question: is he a left tackle? Most signs point to “probably,” but the fact Carimi is essentially a plug-and-go right tackle prospect at the next level makes him a near-irresistible offensive tackle for any team looking to bigger and meaner on the offensive line. The big knock against Carimi is his average footwork, which has caused him to struggle with more than a few speedy pass rushers in the past. However, Carimi really made an effort to shore up his feet last season and actually looked good handling defenders that were trying to beat him around the edge. If his footwork continues to improve, then he’ll be an excellent lineman on the left side. Otherwise he’s an NFL-ready right tackle guaranteed to bring a “maul now, ask questions later” approach to the table.

4) Anthony Castonzo, Boston College (6’7”, 295 lbs)

Even a quick peek at Anthony Castonzo’s game footage will reveal a very, very noticeable detail: he’s incredibly good in pass protection … so good, in fact, that he may be the best pass pro-inclined offensive tackle prospect since Ryan Clady! So why is the heir to Ryan Clady’s pass-pro throne ranked only fourth on this list? Because Castonzo needs to take a cue from Tyron Smith and put some serious weight on his sub-300-pound frame if he wants to be a starter in the NFL. Castonzo handles speedy edge rushers very well, but is vulnerable to the bull rush and sometimes struggles when defenders take an inside path against him. A little time in the weight room should help round off most of his current shortcomings.

Other than that, Castonzo looks to be a solid starter at the next level, bird legs and all.

5) Derek Sherrod, Miss. St. (6’6”, 312 lbs)

SEC linemen have definitely been getting some love from NFL scouts over the last few years, and Derek Sherrod will probably follow suit. He’s big, exceptionally strong, and consistently demonstrates the footwork necessary to line up at left tackle. Sherrod’s much better in pass protection than run blocking, but he’s an intriguing prospect for any team looking for a franchise-caliber tackle late in the first round.

6) Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova (6’3”, 315 lbs)

Yes, an offensive tackle from Villanova is on this list … and with good reason: Ijalana is the kind of long-armed mauler who will punish defensive linemen in the NFL. And judging from Ijalana’s tape, he’ll really enjoy physically dominating at the next level. The main hang-up with Ijalana is his height; frankly, it’s rare to see any team rely on a sub-six-foot-four tackle on the left side. But his smarts, quick feet and violent hands should be enough to convince some team to nab him before the end of the second round. And as mentioned, he has freakishly long arms (36 inches to be exact) for someone his size.

7) Demarcus Love (6’4”, 318 lbs)

Yet another small prospect for a tackle, and yet another prospect who isn’t much to write home about in regards to run blocking. Demarcus Love is a good, not great, tackle prospect, but he could make some noise for a team who drafts him as a right tackle. And if he doesn’t work out there, then it might be time to kick him inside to the guard spot.

8) Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh (6’4”, 315 lbs)

No one is going to confuse Jason Pinkston with an Adonis anytime soon, but the former Pitt tackle has some startling athleticism for a guy who looks so … well, sloppy. Again, he has below-average height for an offensive tackle, but his biggest problem is work ethic, not size. Too bad, because his instincts and feet are both very excellent for the position.

9) Lee Ziemba, Auburn (6’6”, 317 lbs)

Ziemba is absolutely a mauling right tackle at the next level, and he brings the kind of run-blocking tenacity you’d expect from a player of his size. Interestingly, Ziemba’s very sound in pass protection as well, which will likely entice NFL teams interested in a mid-round offensive tackle prospect. Not the best athlete on the planet, but his drive and work ethic should make up a little ground for him with scouts.

10) William Rackley, Lehigh (6’3”, 307 lbs)

Yet another small-school prospect on this list? Sure, why not? Rackley has excellent strength at the point of the attack and the kind of violent hands necessary to fight off NFL defenders. His size is a little bit underwhelming, but Rackley makes up for this with good instincts, quick feet and adequate athleticism for the position. Probably more of a right tackle at this point, but that’s always subject to change …