Offensive linemen preview
by Luke Paul Chandler
Offensive Tackle
The offensive tackle class of 2008 is one of the best in history. This class features several prospects for each tackle spot that could start as rookies. The entire top of the class could be drafted before the end of Day 1.
With many teams converting to zone blocking schemes, they will be happy to choose from Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Chris Williams, Sam Baker and Anthony Collins. Collins in particular is the biggest boom or bust prospect in this class. His quick feet and athleticism are drawing comparisons to a young Matt Lepsis who, before his retirement earlier this year, was regarded as the best zone-blocking left tackle. Another sleeper to watch for zone-blocking teams is John Greco of Toledo. He may end up moving inside to guard, but he could easily end up a Packer, Bronco or Texan.
For those teams still favoring the maulers, they won’t go home empty handed. Pitt’s massive Jeff Otah is getting a lot of looks as a late first-round pick due to his strength and ability to move the pile on the ground. Clemson’s Barry Richardson, a year ago, looked at as a solid first-round pick, has lost some ground due to questions of his mobility. He may move to the right side in the NFL, but he still projects out as one of the best run blockers in this class. Also, the Fighting Illini’s Akim Millington could be a good developmental right tackle in the NFL.
Top 10
1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan, 6′7, 313
2. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State, 6′6, 319
3. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt, 6′6, 320
4. Sam Baker, OT, Southern California, 6′5, 305
5. Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh, 6′6, 340
6. Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College, 6′7, 318
7. Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas, 6′6, 308
8. Barry Richardson, OT, Clemson, 6′7, 320
9. Tony Hills, OT, Texas, 6′6, 300
10. Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska, 6′5, 343
Best By Trait
Run Blocking - Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh)
Pass Blocking - Jake Long (Michigan)
Quickness - Anthony Collins (Kansas)
Hand Use - Carl Nicks (Nebraska)
Strength - Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh)
Footwork - Chris Williams (Vanderbilt)
Awareness - Jake Long (Michigan)
Stud - Jake Long (Michigan) - Long stands out in this class as an elite prospect, and the top player overall. His athleticism and instincts are solid, and he plays a very steady game. The only sacks he gave up his senior season was against Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston, who’s challenging him for the top spot overall. Long has had few critics say he’s not quick enough to play the blind side, but only after he posted workouts less than what Joe Thomas and D’Brickashaw Ferguson did in previous years.
Sleeper - Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) - With the hype surrounding Long and Boise’s Clady, Williams has flown under the radar. His wingspan and footwork have allowed him to become a great pass-blocking left tackle. He has the frame to add bulk, and carries his weight well. Williams is an unknown because he played for the Commodores, who are not known for a great football program. He will need to be more aggressive at the point of attack, and has issues with his upper body strength, but the upside is huge.
Slipper - Sam Baker (Southern California) - The four-year starter has failed to standout as an elite left tackle prospect. With mixed results, he’s been the weak-side protector of right-handed quarterback John David Booty the past two seasons. Baker looked lost in 2006, but did improve his consistency in 2007. His athleticism and footwork are that of a left tackle, but he’s failed to show any consistency at the position. Look for Baker to be moved to right tackle, or even inside to guard in the pro’s to mask his inability to handle the speed rush.
Grade: A
Offensive Guard
The lack of talent at the guard position is somewhat troubling. Outside of Branden Albert, very few players are NFL ready, or carry a Day 1 grade. Chilo Rachal looked like he made a poor decision in leaving Southern California early, but he’s elevated himself into a late second-round grade because of the inconsistency of the class. Several bigger names such as Shannon Tevaga, Jordan Grimes and Adam Kraus all have lost ground due to poor senior seasons marred by inconsistency.
This class does feature several solid drive blockers who will do well in the ground game. Tevaga and Roy Schuening are both known maulers who handle themselves well at the point of attack. Robert Felton helped pave the way for Arkansas’ star running back duo of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. He’s an aggressive blocker once he gets his hands on a defender. While this year’s guards are all physical and strong, a lack of fundamentals and skills in the passing game is very clear.
Top 10
1. Branden Albert, OG, Virginia, 6′7, 310
2. Chilo Rachal, OG, Southern California, 6′5, 315
3. Shannon Tevaga, OG, UCLA, 6′3, 316
4. Roy Schuening, OG, Oregon State, 6′4, 317
5. Robert Felton, OG, Arkansas, 6′4, 328
6. Jordan Grimes, OG, Purdue, 6′3, 325
7. Andrew Crummey, OG, Maryland, 6′5, 301
8. Adam Kraus, OG, Michigan, 6′6, 297
9. Drew Radovich, OG, USC, 6′5, 305
10. Nate McManus, OG, Georgia Tech, 6′3, 300
Best By Trait
Run Blocking - Robert Felton (Arkansas)
Pass Blocking - Roy Schuening (Oregon State)
Quickness - Branden Albert (Virginia)
Hand Use - Jordan Grimes (Purdue)
Strength - Shannon Tevaga (UCLA)
Footwork - Nate McManus (Georgia Tech)
Awareness - Drew Radovich (Southern California)
Stud - Branden Albert (Virginia) - The athletic Albert is a rare talent for his position. His quickness off the snap, and ability to pull are second to none in this year’s draft. Albert’s not a mauler in the running game, but has a great ability to re-direct his defender, and shield him from the ball carrier. His ability to reach the second level quickly does mask some of the flaws of his game, but he’s NFL ready. He can lunge at times, but overall has the biggest upside for an offensive lineman in this draft.
Sleeper - Robert Felton (Arkansas) - For McFadden and Jones to get those yards, someone had to open up holes. Felton was often leading the rush, and has been Arkansas’ top run blocker the past two years. Felton is a very aggressive run blocker who will wear out his opponent. Felton has a strong hand punch, and can jar his defender off the line. His upper-body strength is very good. Felton will have issues in pass protection and playing in space, but that is more of technique issue.
Slipper - Andrew Crummey (Maryland) - Crummey would have no luck if not for bad luck this season. Crummey came into the season as a top guard prospect, but now will unlikely be drafted. He has twice fractured his left fibula, once in season, and then again during the East-West Shrine Game. Crummey was not very mobile or quick to begin with, but now teams have to be concerned about the long term effect of two broken fibulas. He is an outstanding run blocker with a good deal of experience, but any team drafting or signing him will need to use his rookie year as a way to bring him back to health.
Grade: B-
Center
The 2008 center class is full of experience, which is normally a sign of a position’s strength, but few centers in this class are NFL ready, or material for that matter. For the past three drafts, a three year starting center has gone in the first round, but the trend will be broken this year. With so many college teams running variations of the spread option or the Run-and-Shoot, the new class of centers is not used to an NFL-style offense, and their technique has suffered. None of this year’s class will excel in a traditional drive blocking scheme, or one that focuses on heavy power running between the tackles. They have all come from variations on the zone-blocking scheme, but again few are ready for the NFL. They will need to get by on their technique and leverage to succeed.
Top 10
1. Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State, 6′4, 292
2. Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest, 6′4, 284
3. Adam Spieker, C, Missouri, 6′3, 305
4. Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green, 6′3, 300
5. John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame, 6′4, 290
6. Doug Legursky, C, Marshall, 6′3, 311
7. Tony Brinkhaus, C, Minnesota, 6′3, 295
8. Robbie Krutilla, C, Western Michigan, 6′3, 308
9. Marcus Coleman, C, Wisconsin, 6′6, 302
10. Jeff Cavender, C, Boise State, 6′2, 287
Best By Trait
Run Blocking - Tony Brinkhaus (Minnesota)
Pass Blocking - Mike Pollak (Arizona State)
Quickness - Fernando Velasco (Georgia)
Hand Use - John Sullivan (Notre Dame)
Strength - Fernando Velasco (Georgia)
Footwork - Mike Pollak (Arizona State)
Awareness - Adam Spieker (Missouri)
Stud - Mike Pollak (Arizona State) - In a year filled with lackluster centers, Pollak stands out. He played in a pro-style offense, and has a good ability to make line calls. He’s an excellent pass protector, and has the makings of a good NFL center. He will need work on his upper body strength in the NFL, but his upside is high.
Sleeper - Fernando Velasco (Georgia) - Velasco is the most physical center in this draft. He will likely project out to play guard in the NFL, if placed in a power-run scheme, he could play center. His hand use and drive blocking skills are solid, and he has better footwork than he is given credit for. His technique while working in space needs work, but he’s shown an ability to be a solid pass blocker.
Slipper - Adam Spieker (Missouri) - The veteran Spieker has seen the highs and lows of Missouri football, and anchored bad lines for several seasons. He is a smart player with good play-calling ability, but athletically he’ll be unable to compete at the next level. His technique is solid, but his lack of balance and agility will limit his ability. Spieker has hit his ceiling.
Grade: C-