Next Five: The Top 5 Offensive Tackles After USC's Matt Kalil
Eric Galko, Optimum Scouting
In a modern-day NFL where teams build their offenses from quarterbacks
to left tackles to everything else, getting a "franchise left tackle"
has become both a must do and a tall task for many NFL teams. Left
tackles need to be handle all types of rushers on a consistent basis
and generally with little help.
While this class doesn't feature another "lock" at left tackle after
Matt Kalil, a few could potentially get there with time or at the very
least make capable right tackles in the NFL. Here are the "next five"
tackles after USC's Matt Kalil.
1. Jonathan Martin, Stanford
Subject to heavy criticism since his poor showing at the bench press at
his Pro Day, Jonathan Martin didn't fall much at all on my board. He
has very impressive feet and lateral movement as a tackle, and his
athleticism both left to right as well as down the field gives him the
tools to fit just about every system outside of a power run scheme. He
doesn't use his hands consistently well, needs to position body well on
interior kick slide, and could stay lower and wider on in-line pass
protection, but all of his problems seem coachable to me, and he could
be a swing tackle (right tackle now, left tackle ceiling) worthy of a
Top 15 pick.
2. Cordy Glenn, Georgia
A mammoth tackle prospect at around 6'5, 345, Glenn possess the size,
strength, and balance combination to not only get by at offensive
tackle, but potentially be too overwhelming to get past if he's at left
tackle. Stays surprisingly balanced and with good lateral technique for
his size, Glenn isn't just a run blocking mammoth but one that has
demonstrated the ability to handle all types of rushers using his
power, shear size, and hand placement. He is limited athletically and
likely won't ever be that "elite" left tackle for most schemes, but he
easily could play left or right tackle now for many teams and could
become one of the better right tackles in the league if he can stay
healthy.
3. Riley Reiff, Iowa
While strength is worrisome for all linemen, shorter arms is a definite
concern for a tackle prospect, especially one with aspirations on
playing the left side. Being somewhat limited in arm length like Reiff
is, to play the left side, he'll need to develop elite hand placement
and keep his base wide and sturdy to allow him to hold power rushers
that could potentially get inside pad leverage. However, he does
possess mauling strength, can take rushers out of plays with his
strength and technique now, and could be a great right tackle fit now,
filling a left tackle spot only in need situations down the road.
4. Mike Adams, Ohio State
I am no fan of Mike Adams as a Top 20 pick, but in a weak offensive
tackle class and with the skills he possess to be a possible
developmental left tackle, he's worthy of a first round pick. Different
than Martin who needs more technique work and his concerns are
coachable, Adams seems to play far too finesse and reactionary as a
tackle prospect, not a good mix for a guy who's expected to be left on
islands at left tackle. He plays soft, doesn't drive as well as you'd
like with his hands, and doesn't have the mean streak to dominate
rushers despite his developed hand and footwork technique. He does have
athleticism to develop as a downfield blocker, and though he flashes
left tackle ability, he may be best to try to adjust his game to play a
right tackle in the NFL.
5. Mitchell Schwartz, California
What Mitchell Schwartz lacks in developed use of his athletic ability
and limitations laterally, he makes up for in a consistent
strong, sturdy, and wide base, ideal for an NFL right tackle. He
possess the NFL needed bend, hand placement and power at the point of
attack, but may always struggle with quicker rushers who can go inside
and likely shouldn't be left on an island consistently in the NFL,
especially against 3-4 schemes. He may be best in a tight end-less, in
space blocking scheme at guard (like the Patriots), but could ideally
fit (and has experience) at right tackle and both guard spots.
Others to Watch: Matt McCants (UAB), Kelechi Osemele (Iowa State), Zebrie Sanders (Florida State) , Bobby Massie
(Ole Miss), Andrew Datko (Florida State)
Eric Galko is a contributing NFL scout for Patriots Insider at
Scout.com.
Eric Galko is the Owner, Director
of Scouting of Optimum
Scouting and lead editor for OptimumScouting.com. He
has been scouting college football for eight
years, and for pro teams and other sports professionals for the last
four years. Eric is also a member of the
FWAA.
NFL Combine
Coverage
NFL
Draft News
Scout College
Football News
|