Every year one of the top sought after positions in the NFL Draft is the offensive tackle. Specifically one that can line up on the left and protect the ‘blind side’ (the side most quarterbacks can’t see because they are right handed). The ideal left tackle has the strength and power to create room for the running game. He also has quick feet and a long frame to keep pass rushers at bay. Many teams are looking for someone to man that spot in the upcoming NFL Draft. Here is a look at the top offensive tackle prospects available this year.
Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
Jake Matthews is one of the most interesting prospects for several reasons. For one he comes from the famed Matthews football family that includes his father, Hall of Fame guard Bruce, uncle Clay who played linebacker in the NFL for 19 years, and cousins Clay and Casey who currently play linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles respectively. Along with his famous bloodlines, he is known for spending the last two years protecting the most high profile quarterback in the NCAA, Johnny Manziel.
Watching him play, it’s clear that he is well coached and has great technique. He does a decent job of bending his knees to stay low and moves very easily in pass protection. He is the ideal blindside pass protector. The only knock on him is his strength. He does not display the strength to overpower defensive linemen one-on-one in the running game. He is also a bit vulnerable to a strong bull rush at times. A lack of strength is one of the easier things to overcome in the NFL and it should not hurt his stock. Look for him to come off the board in the first 10 picks.
Greg Robinson, Auburn
One word to describe Greg Robinson is POWER. At 6’5″ and 332 pounds, he engulfs almost any opponent in the running game. Auburn’s high powered rushing attack can thank him in large part for what they were able to accomplish last season. Watching him blast holes in a defense is truly a sight to see, especially when he is able to down block and collapse the line from an angle (which they had him do a lot). Unfortunately he raises more questions than answers when it comes to pass protection. For one thing Auburn did not ask him to pass protect a lot since they ran the ball so much. When they did pass he did not impress with his feet. He was able to use his strength and size to his advantage but he struggled to shuffle and set up against speedy edge rushers. The question is whether or not he can be coached up to fix these problems. Working on his pad level and footwork can go a long way toward making him a more complete player but its possible he may always struggle with NFL speed. Overall his size and explosive power will take him far and he should be a top 10 pick.
Taylor Lewan, Michagan
When watching Taylor Lewan play, it’s hard to find anything not to like. He has quick, controlled feel and sets up naturally in pass protection. In the run game he gets off the ball quickly, drives opponents off the line, and always finishes his blocks. The only thing he might be a victim of on draft day is the fact that he is not at the top of the draft in either facet of the game. Jake Matthews is a bit more polished and agile in pass protection and Greg Robinson brings more sheer power and impact to the run game. As a result, scouts and coaches may fall in love with Matthews or Robinson depending on what they covet and see Lewan as a second option. Overall, Lewan is a more complete player and could go anywhere in the top 20, maybe even in the top 10 ahead of the others.
Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama
Cyrus Kouandjio is possibly the most gifted offensive line prospect when it comes to raw potential in this years class. At 6’7″ and 322 pounds, he dwarfs almost anyone on almost any field he steps on. However, as one of my fellow coaches always says, “Potential just means you haven’t done it yet.” For Kouandjio this statement is mostly true with the exception of certain flashes of brilliance. His problem seems to be his blessing; he might be too big. He moves very sluggishly at times, struggling to carry his massive frame. Other times he sets up in pass protection just fine and uses his length to make life hard for opposing pass rushers. His raw power is often on display in the run game but he also seems to lack the kill instinct to use it as often as he should. The bottom line with him is that size is size and you can’t teach it. With a good coach and some time to develop, he just might be a very good left tackle some day. For now his best fit is on the right side. His raw potential is easy to fall in love with but “raw” is the key word there. He could go as high as the mid-first round but should not fall past the mid-second round.
Zach Martin, Notre Dame
“Solid” is the best word to describe Zach Martin. He is a true jack of all trades. He can hold his own in the run game, walling off defenders and staying on his blocks. In pass protection he sets up with nice technique and moves in a way that makes his coaches proud. Martin also shows a high football IQ and reacts quickly to blitzes and stunts. The knock on him is that he does not exceed at anything physically. He does not have strength to over power his opponent and he may not have the agility to handle elite speed at the next level. He is a poor man’s Taylor Lewan. He will probably play in the NFL for a long time but don’t count on him to be the next Joe Thomas. His best position is probably at right tackle, where he can anchor the spot well for many years to come. He could be a late-first rounder or early-second rounder.
Antonio Richardson, Tennessee
Many analysts are saying Antonio Richardson’s stock is falling after a disappointing combine but in reality he should have never been considered a first-rounder to begin with. He displays solid overall skills as a run blocker, using his size and power to move defenders and commendable effort to finish his block throughout the play. In pass protection he is a little out of his league in space. He sets up too high and has sluggish footwork. Once he engages his opponent he wins but getting his hands on them in the first place will be the key. Against speed he will struggle in the NFL so his best position is probably on the right side or maybe even at guard. Look for him to come off the board somewhere in the second round.
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