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NFL Draft 2009: Dan Pompei's top offensive tackles
By Dan Pompei | Tribune staff reporter
5:00 PM CDT, April 12, 2009
1 2 3 next 1. Jason Smith, Baylor
This left tackle prospect is considered the safest pick in the draft. A converted tight end, he is a very good athlete but does not have the elite skills some left tackle prospects have had. At 6 feet 5 inches and 309 pounds, he is very physical and powerful, and he plays with a nasty streak. He has a good demeanor for the game and he works hard.
2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia
He has the size and top-end athleticism. Monroe excels in pass protection with quick feet and long arms. Though fundamentally sound, he doesn't play as intensely as some. He has had some knee issues.
Related links
Who is the best offensive tackle?
From Dan Pompei's Top 10 offensive tackles, who would you most want on your team?
3. Andre Smith, Alabama
In terms of pure left tackle skill, this junior is the best in the draft. Smith is very light on his feet and he plays with explosive strength. He was suspended for the Sugar Bowl because he had contact with an agent, then he left the combine early without telling anyone. He has interviewed poorly and has not worked out impressively.
4. Michael Oher, Mississippi
Has tremendous upside. A left tackle prospect, he is quick and explosive. He has a powerful punch. He gets to the second level quickly and moves well laterally. Oher has not always shown focus and work ethic. Consistency may be an issue.
5. Eben Britton, Arizona
He has played both right and left tackle, but might be best on the right side. He is tough, aggressive and smart. He has pretty quick feet to match up with speed rushers. Britton is more solid than spectacular.
6. William Beatty, Connecticut
His ability level as a left tackle is close to Jason Smith's. Beatty shows good footwork and hand usage. He is athletic enough to get to the second level and cut off the backside pursuit. He lacks ideal strength and gets pushed around at times.
7. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma
At nearly 6-8 and 332 pounds, this is a mountain of a man. His arms are 36 inch long. Loadholt is very powerful, and when he locks on a defender, it's over. He is not real quick-footed or flexible, and will be used best on the right side. He works hard and plays with passion, but has been a little inconsistent.
8. Xavier Fulton, Illinois
Converted defensive lineman has a lot of upside and is a better prospect than he was a college player. He could take some time to develop, but Fulton has top athleticism and quick feet. He needs to add strength, but he plays hard and finishes blocks. He did well at the combine.
9. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina
Good athlete with the versatility to play several positions. For his size, he is very lean and well built. Meredith is more of a finesse blocker. He didn't always play up to his abilities. Scouts question how hard he works and how hard-nosed he is.
10. Gerald Cadogan, Penn State
A smart, instinctive player who could develop over time. Cadogan is quick off the snap and knows how to use his long arms. He has the body and athleticism to play left tackle, but probably is best on the right side. He is not the most physical blocker.
11. Troy Kropog, Tulane
He could be athletic enough to play the left side. Kropog moves well, but his strength is an issue. He plays with balance and intelligence.
12. Maurice Miller, Mississippi
He has played tackle and guard and is being considered at both. Miller has good size, excellent athleticism and some power. He was a little inconsistent and needs to keep his weight under control.
13. Lydon Murtha, Nebraska
He was a combine star, leading offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash, the three-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle. But he doesn't play as well as he tested. He pass protects pretty efficiently at right tackle, but he doesn't bend very well and lacks functional strength.
14. Garrett Reynolds, North Carolina
This is a tall, tough guy who can run. Reynolds lacks strength and explosiveness. He also isn't the most athletic prospect, but he gets by with intelligence, technique and effort.
15. Ramon Foster, Tennessee
He has good size and a huge upper body. Can be considered as a right tackle or guard. Foster does everything pretty well but stands out at nothing. He is not very quick-footed and has had knee issues.
16. Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee State
He has talent and athleticism. He is tough and he finishes blocks. Lewis is raw and needs technique work. Scouts question work ethic.
17. Dan Gay, Baylor
A right tackle prospect who also can play guard, Gay plays with effort, intensity and intelligence. He has good size, but isn't very quick.
18. Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech
His athleticism and power are limited, but he plays hard and smart. A right tackle prospect, Gardner is consistent. He knows how to use his size to his advantage.
19. Andrew Hartline, Central Michigan
He is very athletic and competes hard, but he didn't play up to expectations. He stays on his feet and moves well, but lacks strength.
20. Robert Brewster, Ball State
This four year starter has some athleticism and the ability to move his feet. He competes hard, but needs to get stronger. Brewster also can be considered at guard.
21. Fenuki Tupou, Oregon
This is a big, powerful blocker who can move the line of scrimmage. Tupou plays hard, but isn't very athletic or consistent.
22. T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan
He's tough and scrappy, but average athletically and a bit on the raw side. A converted defensive lineman, he has the versatility to play tackle or guard.
23. Joel Bell, Furman
Size is his best attribute. Played well against a lower level of competition, and also did well in the Texas-Nation all-star game. He is an inconsistent pass protector because he lacks ideal athleticism.
24. Jason Watkins, Florida
He has a big body but is not a great athlete. Watkins is slow-footed and could struggle against speed rushers. He gets by with effort and good hand use.
25. Eric Vanden Heuvel, Wisconsin
A tall, narrow right tackle prospect, Vanden Heuvel plays hard and anticipates well. He isn't very explosive or powerful, and he lacks quickness.
26. Sebastian Vollmer, Houston
He has a big frame and good arm length. He needs to develop more strength and learn to use leverage better. Vollmer does not bend real well. Is suited best for the right side.
27. Sean Sester, Purdue
A tall blocker with heavy feet, Sester is not a top pass protector and he doesn't bring much power in the run game. His size alone will get him a chance.
28. Augustus Parrish, Kent State
He has some athleticism to go along with long arms and huge hands. He didn't have a very good combine. Could be seen as a developmental prospect.
29. Alex Boone, Ohio State
Boone once was considered a top tackle prospect because of his athleticism and ability to play the left side. But he has performed poorly. His technique is inconsistent.
By Dan Pompei | Tribune staff reporter
5:00 PM CDT, April 12, 2009
1 2 3 next 1. Jason Smith, Baylor
This left tackle prospect is considered the safest pick in the draft. A converted tight end, he is a very good athlete but does not have the elite skills some left tackle prospects have had. At 6 feet 5 inches and 309 pounds, he is very physical and powerful, and he plays with a nasty streak. He has a good demeanor for the game and he works hard.
2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia
He has the size and top-end athleticism. Monroe excels in pass protection with quick feet and long arms. Though fundamentally sound, he doesn't play as intensely as some. He has had some knee issues.
Related links
Who is the best offensive tackle?
From Dan Pompei's Top 10 offensive tackles, who would you most want on your team?
3. Andre Smith, Alabama
In terms of pure left tackle skill, this junior is the best in the draft. Smith is very light on his feet and he plays with explosive strength. He was suspended for the Sugar Bowl because he had contact with an agent, then he left the combine early without telling anyone. He has interviewed poorly and has not worked out impressively.
4. Michael Oher, Mississippi
Has tremendous upside. A left tackle prospect, he is quick and explosive. He has a powerful punch. He gets to the second level quickly and moves well laterally. Oher has not always shown focus and work ethic. Consistency may be an issue.
5. Eben Britton, Arizona
He has played both right and left tackle, but might be best on the right side. He is tough, aggressive and smart. He has pretty quick feet to match up with speed rushers. Britton is more solid than spectacular.
6. William Beatty, Connecticut
His ability level as a left tackle is close to Jason Smith's. Beatty shows good footwork and hand usage. He is athletic enough to get to the second level and cut off the backside pursuit. He lacks ideal strength and gets pushed around at times.
7. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma
At nearly 6-8 and 332 pounds, this is a mountain of a man. His arms are 36 inch long. Loadholt is very powerful, and when he locks on a defender, it's over. He is not real quick-footed or flexible, and will be used best on the right side. He works hard and plays with passion, but has been a little inconsistent.
8. Xavier Fulton, Illinois
Converted defensive lineman has a lot of upside and is a better prospect than he was a college player. He could take some time to develop, but Fulton has top athleticism and quick feet. He needs to add strength, but he plays hard and finishes blocks. He did well at the combine.
9. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina
Good athlete with the versatility to play several positions. For his size, he is very lean and well built. Meredith is more of a finesse blocker. He didn't always play up to his abilities. Scouts question how hard he works and how hard-nosed he is.
10. Gerald Cadogan, Penn State
A smart, instinctive player who could develop over time. Cadogan is quick off the snap and knows how to use his long arms. He has the body and athleticism to play left tackle, but probably is best on the right side. He is not the most physical blocker.
11. Troy Kropog, Tulane
He could be athletic enough to play the left side. Kropog moves well, but his strength is an issue. He plays with balance and intelligence.
12. Maurice Miller, Mississippi
He has played tackle and guard and is being considered at both. Miller has good size, excellent athleticism and some power. He was a little inconsistent and needs to keep his weight under control.
13. Lydon Murtha, Nebraska
He was a combine star, leading offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash, the three-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle. But he doesn't play as well as he tested. He pass protects pretty efficiently at right tackle, but he doesn't bend very well and lacks functional strength.
14. Garrett Reynolds, North Carolina
This is a tall, tough guy who can run. Reynolds lacks strength and explosiveness. He also isn't the most athletic prospect, but he gets by with intelligence, technique and effort.
15. Ramon Foster, Tennessee
He has good size and a huge upper body. Can be considered as a right tackle or guard. Foster does everything pretty well but stands out at nothing. He is not very quick-footed and has had knee issues.
16. Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee State
He has talent and athleticism. He is tough and he finishes blocks. Lewis is raw and needs technique work. Scouts question work ethic.
17. Dan Gay, Baylor
A right tackle prospect who also can play guard, Gay plays with effort, intensity and intelligence. He has good size, but isn't very quick.
18. Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech
His athleticism and power are limited, but he plays hard and smart. A right tackle prospect, Gardner is consistent. He knows how to use his size to his advantage.
19. Andrew Hartline, Central Michigan
He is very athletic and competes hard, but he didn't play up to expectations. He stays on his feet and moves well, but lacks strength.
20. Robert Brewster, Ball State
This four year starter has some athleticism and the ability to move his feet. He competes hard, but needs to get stronger. Brewster also can be considered at guard.
21. Fenuki Tupou, Oregon
This is a big, powerful blocker who can move the line of scrimmage. Tupou plays hard, but isn't very athletic or consistent.
22. T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan
He's tough and scrappy, but average athletically and a bit on the raw side. A converted defensive lineman, he has the versatility to play tackle or guard.
23. Joel Bell, Furman
Size is his best attribute. Played well against a lower level of competition, and also did well in the Texas-Nation all-star game. He is an inconsistent pass protector because he lacks ideal athleticism.
24. Jason Watkins, Florida
He has a big body but is not a great athlete. Watkins is slow-footed and could struggle against speed rushers. He gets by with effort and good hand use.
25. Eric Vanden Heuvel, Wisconsin
A tall, narrow right tackle prospect, Vanden Heuvel plays hard and anticipates well. He isn't very explosive or powerful, and he lacks quickness.
26. Sebastian Vollmer, Houston
He has a big frame and good arm length. He needs to develop more strength and learn to use leverage better. Vollmer does not bend real well. Is suited best for the right side.
27. Sean Sester, Purdue
A tall blocker with heavy feet, Sester is not a top pass protector and he doesn't bring much power in the run game. His size alone will get him a chance.
28. Augustus Parrish, Kent State
He has some athleticism to go along with long arms and huge hands. He didn't have a very good combine. Could be seen as a developmental prospect.
29. Alex Boone, Ohio State
Boone once was considered a top tackle prospect because of his athleticism and ability to play the left side. But he has performed poorly. His technique is inconsistent.