2006 Draft OTs Preview

[SoCalBronco]

2006 Draft Preview: Offensive Tackles


D'Brickashaw Ferguson By TFY Draft Preview
Date: May 30, 2005

While the media focuses on glamour positions like quarterback, running back or even the elusive impact defensive player come draft time, offensive tackle ranks just as high on the priority lists of NFL teams every April.

Consider the impact players such as Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Pace have had for their respective teams, just to name a few. Except for a trio of prospects, last April's draft was void of talent at the tackle position, something that won't be a problem in 2006.

The top offensive tackle prospects in the nation bypassed the 2005 draft in favor of one final season on the college field. As a result, the crop of edge protectors and run blockers from this area will be rich and plentiful next April. Five seniors presently hold first-round grades and all could end up being selected during the initial 20 selections next year.

Many prognosticators tabbed Virginia's D'Brickshaw Ferguson as a top-three pick last April had the monster blocker opted for the draft. And while we feel that was a bit overly optimistic, the fact remains Ferguson is a gifted athlete and talented football player. Possessing outstanding size, the quick-footed left tackle has the skills necessary to protect the quarterback at the next level. Standing out in pass protection as well as run blocking, the best part of Ferguson's game could be his incredible upside potential. Expect him to be a top-five choice in '06.

Eric Winston of Miami made overtures towards entering the draft last April and looked like a top-12 selection before a serious knee injury shelved him in early October. Winston is another terrific athlete who stands out in pass protection. Possessing terrific size, the Hurricanes lineman needs to improve his run-blocking skills a smidgen, and if back to health will easily break into the first half of round one next year.

LSU Tiger Andrew Whitworth is not the athlete of Ferguson or Winston, yet still a top tackle prospect. Offering great size and football intelligence, Whitworth is a talented technician who rarely gives up sacks on the college level. Many will debate his ability to man the blind side at the next level, but there is no questioning his skills or the fact that Whitworth is another first-round prospect.

The largest of the elite tackles is Auburn's Marcus McNeill. Standing almost 6-foot-9 and 345 pounds, the massive McNeil is a solid athlete who displays footwork in space as well as skills in motion. A dominant force, McNeill engulfs defenders or easily controls them once engaged in a block. His size could pose a problem for some NFL teams as the large blocker does not present himself as a well-conditioned player who dedicates himself to off-season workouts. McNeill is one of those prospects who could go early in the first round or experience a draft-day slide. The "weighty" decisions will be based on his interviewing process just prior to the draft.

The Texas Longhorns have had a recent tradition of putting talented tackles into the early reaches of the draft and Jon Scott hopes to be the next in line. Standing close to 6-6 and just over 300pounds, the athletic Scott moves more like a tight end than a big, bulky blocker. Owning first-round natural skills, the inconsistent Scott must take his game to the another level and prove to NFL scouts he is willing to pay the price as a senior.

Georgia's Max Jean-Gilles and Jami Hightower of Texas A&M are both a pair of dominant linemen productive on the college level. Each wide-bodied blocker overpowers opponents, opening large holes for running backs as well as keeping pass rushers away from their quarterback. Coming up a bit short on the measuring tape (both are barely 6-4) Jean-Gilles and Hightower will project to guard by some teams yet can be used at tackle in the right system.

Next April will offer a solid group of second-tier offensive tackles from the senior class who will be available in the middle rounds.

Adam Stenavich is like many of his predecessors from the University of Michigan -- big, powerful and best on the right side. Similar in playing style is another Big Ten blocker, Zach Strief of Northwestern. A dominant force opening holes for the running game, Strief is another best in confined quarters.

If there are a pair of tackles who could make a big rise up draft boards, they would be Jabari Levey of South Carolina and Taitusi Lutui of USC.

Levey is a terrific athlete with good size and excellent blocking range. Needing to fine tune his game and dedicate himself to year-round conditioning, Levey has the skills to develop into an early draft selection and starting tackle in the NFL.

Lutui did well in his first year in Troy after transferring from junior college. A steady force all season, he was part-n-parcel to the Trojans' potent offense last season. A top strong-side blocking prospect, Lutui could slide into guard this season as USC awaits the return of Winston Justice (the nation's top underclassmen prospect) to the offensive line.

Two more tackle prospects to mention, and possibly the most underrated pair in the nation are Boise State's Daryn Colledge and Travis Leffew from Louisville.

Top 25 Offensive Tackles
Rank Prospect School
1 D'Brickashaw Ferguson Virginia
2 Eric Winston Miami-Fl
3 Marcus McNeill Auburn
4 Andrew Whitworth LSU
5 Jonathan Scott Texas
6 Winston Justice* USC
7 Daryn Colledge Boise State
8 Joe Thomas* Wisconsin
9 Travis Leffew Louisville
10 Jabari Levey South Carolina
11 Rob Sims Ohio State
12 Taitusi Lutui USC
13 Sam Baker* USC
14 Herbert Taylor* TCU
15 Max Jean-Gilles Georgia
16 Adam Stenavich Michigan
17 Jake Long* Michigan
18 Ed Blanton UCLA
19 Stefon Wheeler Michigan State
20 Brad Butler Virginia
21 Levi Brown* Penn State
22 Jeremy Trueblood Boston College
23 Grant Preston Connecticut
24 Andrew Cameron* California
25 Tre' Stallings Mississippi


* Denotes Underclassmen

[Hercules Rockefeller]

If Shanahan uses the Skins pick on anything other than LT, QB, or DL, he should be taken out back and have the crap kicked out of him.

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

If Shanahan uses the Skins pick on anything other than LT, QB, or DL, he should be taken out back and have the crap kicked out of him.

For the most part i agree, although there is no QB that is coming out next year who is worthy of either of our first round selections. If he makes a nice sized leap in the technical aspects of the game, i would be okay with Vince Young of Texas, but besides that, no QB is worthy of one of our firsts. Ideally we can snag a LT and DT (ideally Rodrique Wright of Texas). This will be a good DT class with Wright, Ngata, Harris, Watson and a few others coming out. Winston Justice of USC is a real sleeper at OT but was out all of last year with off the field issues.

[FADERPROOF]

Marcus McNeil will be the best OT of this draft class.

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

If Shanahan uses the Skins pick on anything other than LT, QB, or DL, he should be taken out back and have the crap kicked out of him.

I'll agree with that, especially seeing as those are looking like the two deepest positions in next years draft.

[DariusGoingDeep]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

Marcus McNeil will be the best OT of this draft class.

no

[Hercules Rockefeller]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

Marcus McNeil will be the best OT of this draft class.

Dude's going to be a RT in the NFL

[DrFate]

Just take Ferguson and have the bookends for the next 10 years. Dominant tackle play would help our QB, whoever he is.

[Ballhawk]

Originally Posted by DrFate

Just take Ferguson and have the bookends for the next 10 years. Dominant tackle play would help our QB, whoever he is.

Agree 100%, Foster and Ferguson would solidify the line for Jakes replacement. As for the 2nd 1st rounder, not sure what we should do with it until I see how guys like Warren, Brown and others do on the Dline. A probowl type S would be an option too and one may be around at pick #32

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Hercules Rockefeller

Dude's going to be a RT in the NFL

So if he's a RT, that eliminates him from being the best OT in the draft class?

[Ballhawk]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

So if he's a RT, that eliminates him from being the best OT in the draft class?

True, I have yet to see the FO say that Foster can not play LT. We know he is athletic enough, but I think he would be a multiple probowler at RT, and only slightly above average at LT.

I think that if Foster breaks out this year paticularly in pass blocking, it may effect our draft strategy tremendously.

[RocBronc]

I think we'll take Scott with our 2nd first round pick... (A QB or a DL with our first pick)

[SpringStein]

My top Ol going into the season:

1 D'Brickashaw Ferguson Sr. Virginia 6-5 295
2 Marcus McNeill Sr. Auburn 6-9 340
3 Derek Morris Jr. NC State 6-6 335
4 Jon Scott Sr. Texas 6-6 310
5 Eric Winston Sr. Miami (Fla.) 6-6 310
6 Andrew Whitworth Sr. LSU 6-7 325

Keep an eye on Trueblood from Boston College. The history of BC OL is rich.

Without knowing our slots it's hard to project this far out, but my initial thought is a DL or QB with first pick and OL with second.

SoCal, you know a lot about college players - I'm curious of your statement that there are no QB's worthy of our first pick. I like both Matt Leinart and Omar Jacobs to be in the top 5-7 picks next year.

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by SpringStein

My top Ol going into the season:

1 D'Brickashaw Ferguson Sr. Virginia 6-5 295
2 Marcus McNeill Sr. Auburn 6-9 340
3 Derek Morris Jr. NC State 6-6 335
4 Jon Scott Sr. Texas 6-6 310
5 Eric Winston Sr. Miami (Fla.) 6-6 310
6 Andrew Whitworth Sr. LSU 6-7 325

Keep an eye on Trueblood from Boston College. The history of BC OL is rich.

Without knowing our slots it's hard to project this far out, but my initial thought is a DL or QB with first pick and OL with second.

SoCal, you know a lot about college players - I'm curious of your statement that there are no QB's worthy of our first pick. I like both Matt Leinart and Omar Jacobs to be in the top 5-7 picks next year.

Oh, no, HERE WE GO...

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by SpringStein

My top Ol going into the season:

1 D'Brickashaw Ferguson Sr. Virginia 6-5 295
2 Marcus McNeill Sr. Auburn 6-9 340
3 Derek Morris Jr. NC State 6-6 335
4 Jon Scott Sr. Texas 6-6 310
5 Eric Winston Sr. Miami (Fla.) 6-6 310
6 Andrew Whitworth Sr. LSU 6-7 325

Keep an eye on Trueblood from Boston College. The history of BC OL is rich.

Without knowing our slots it's hard to project this far out, but my initial thought is a DL or QB with first pick and OL with second.

SoCal, you know a lot about college players - I'm curious of your statement that there are no QB's worthy of our first pick. I like both Matt Leinart and Omar Jacobs to be in the top 5-7 picks next year.

I dont want to offend my buddy Play2Win too much so i will keep it relatively short. Regarding Matt Leinart, i think his game is suspect. I have him rated as a 3rd round pick (although im sure most NFL teams think he is a top 5 pick if not the no. 1 overall player). I dont think his arm is particularly great, he has zero mobility, he is a good decisionmaker and is accurate but he crumbles in the pocket when he doesnt have great protection. I saw at least 4 games this year, where he was average or worse and its not like they were against great defenses either. Im also skeptical because the USC system is very simple scheme wise so i dont know how he will handle a complicated NFL system (although as i said i recognize he is bright) and because Matt, going back to HS, has always been surrounded with great talent.

[DB-Freak]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

I dont want to offend my buddy Play2Win too much so i will keep it relatively short. Regarding Matt Leinart, i think his game is suspect. I have him rated as a 3rd round pick (although im sure most NFL teams think he is a top 5 pick if not the no. 1 overall player). I dont think his arm is particularly great, he has zero mobility, he is a good decisionmaker and is accurate but he crumbles in the pocket when he doesnt have great protection. I saw at least 4 games this year, where he was average or worse and its not like they were against great defenses either. Im also skeptical because the USC system is very simple scheme wise so i dont know how he will handle a complicated NFL system (although as i said i recognize he is bright) and because Matt, going back to HS, has always been surrounded with great talent.

Leinhart is overrated.

I can't believe people call him a franchise caliber QB.

[Mr. Trout]

Originally Posted by DB-Freak

Leinhart is overrated.

I can't believe people call him a franchise caliber QB.

He's the next Ryan Leaf with a better attitude.

[DB-Freak]

Originally Posted by Mr. Trout

He's the next Ryan Leaf with a better attitude.

Ryan Leaf had a much better arm.

Not only that Leaf was actually pretty athletic and mobile.

[NFLBRONCO]

I was hoping for QB of the future like Leinart. Then after thinking about it I'd rather bolster LT and DT or DE with our top picks because we need them so badly in a year that has great talent on the lines.

[NFLBRONCO]

Mathias Kiwanuka, DE 6-6, 255, Boston College
*Mario Williams DE, 6-7, 285, North Carolina State

Rodrique Wright, DT 6-5, 320, Texas
Gabe Watson, DT 6-4, 335, Michigan
Orien Harris, DT 6-4, 300, Miami
*Haloti, Ngata,DT 6-5, 345, Oregon

I'd love any of these guys. I'm not up on LT so left names off

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

I dont want to offend my buddy Play2Win too much so i will keep it relatively short. Regarding Matt Leinart, i think his game is suspect. I have him rated as a 3rd round pick (although im sure most NFL teams think he is a top 5 pick if not the no. 1 overall player). I dont think his arm is particularly great, he has zero mobility, he is a good decisionmaker and is accurate but he crumbles in the pocket when he doesnt have great protection. I saw at least 4 games this year, where he was average or worse and its not like they were against great defenses either. Im also skeptical because the USC system is very simple scheme wise so i dont know how he will handle a complicated NFL system (although as i said i recognize he is bright) and because Matt, going back to HS, has always been surrounded with great talent.

Actually thats exactly why I want to watch him next year, Closely. He did breakdown a couple of times, but if he can learn from that, and respond to that, he does possess good decision making skill, and extremely good accuracy. But that might not matter, or maybe it will.

Bottom line is he's still got to PROVE IT this year.

BTW- SoCal, thanks for watchin' out for me.

[SpringStein]

I think the ant-QB contingent needs to be a bit more realistic. QB's are at a premium, and seldom do you see who will be chosen early a year in advance. Two years ago, you could have projected Eli Manning, but who thought Rivers would go at #3 and Rothlesberger at #11 in '04? A year ago, NO ONE thought Alex Smith would be a first rounder this year - and he went #1. (I was hoping we might get him with a 3rd or 4th!)

So for me to say that I belive Leinart and Omar will go in the top 7 picks or so, is, imo, a very realistic statement. At some point we need to get a franchise QB, and this will be one of the few years we've had a shot at one. The three positions that always have a priority in each draft are DE, LT and QB. I hope we can get 2 out of 3 of those in the '06 draft. Being such a deep draft for OT, I'm hoping we get a DE or QB with our first pick and then an OT with the second one.

But there will be lots of shifting over the next 10 months!

BTW, I'm not a Plummer basher, but by '06 he will be 32, so grooming a successor is not a bad idea.

[Play2win]

Originally Posted by SpringStein

I think the ant-QB contingent needs to be a bit more realistic. QB's are at a premium, and seldom do you see who will be chosen early a year in advance. Two years ago, you could have projected Eli Manning, but who thought Rivers would go at #3 and Rothlesberger at #11 in '04? A year ago, NO ONE thought Alex Smith would be a first rounder this year - and he went #1. (I was hoping we might get him with a 3rd or 4th!)

So for me to say that I belive Leinart and Omar will go in the top 7 picks or so, is, imo, a very realistic statement. At some point we need to get a franchise QB, and this will be one of the few years we've had a shot at one. The three positions that always have a priority in each draft are DE, LT and QB. I hope we can get 2 out of 3 of those in the '06 draft. Being such a deep draft for OT, I'm hoping we get a DE or QB with our first pick and then an OT with the second one.

But there will be lots of shifting over the next 10 months!

BTW, I'm not a Plummer basher, but by '06 he will be 32, so grooming a successor is not a bad idea.

If we could get our hands on Phillip Rivers, That would be, IMHO, without a doubt, the way to go.

Maybe we could use one of our firsts on a trade!!!

Though an inter-divisional trade would be very hard to maneuver. Especially since Marty knows Shanahan too well.

But, I would just love to get Phillip Rivers on our team. He's got it all, Size, enough arm, Smarts and Very good accuracy. Don't worry about the delivery either, he gets the ball where it needs to go and on time.

I know I am just dreaming, but you never do know...

[BlitzingDog]

Leinhart and Jacobs are likely to go top 7... No matter if you like them or not, Id put a lot of money on it.

[DivineLegion]

My dream for next offseason could come true...

Mario Williams with one #1
Trade the other for Phillip Rivers
Derick Morris Jr. With our second....

Muhahahahahaha