cowboyjoe
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http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Behind-the-Measurements-Height-vs-Arm-Length-6572.html
The reach or arm length of an NFL prospect is a key attribute to any position, especially to those playing along the line of scrimmage. However, at no position is a prospects reach more vital then at the offensive tackle spot. To put it into perspective how offensive lineman are benefited and hindered from length, I want to take a look at two former prospects who both had similar height/weight numbers when they came out, but have both taken different paths so far in their NFL careers. OT Adam Terry (Baltimore Ravens) and OT Marcus McNeill (San Diego Chargers) are both former second round picks (Terry in 2005, McNeill in 2006) who both weighed in during their Combine appearances at 6-8 and around 330 pounds. However, the key difference during each player’s weigh-in was the dramatic discrepancy in the length of the two player’s reaches. McNeill measured in at 35½ inches and Terry posted a reach of 32 ¼ inches. Therefore, we have two men who are roughly the exact same size, however, McNeill has the length to match and maximize his 6-8 frame, while Terry’s length forces him to play like a tackle closer to 6-3.
Tyron Smith: Southern Cal (6050, 307) (Arm length 36 3/8)
Despite playing the 2010 season around 285-pounds, anchor strength was never a big question in my mind when breaking down tape of Smith. And the two main reasons why was because he possessed the flexibility to sit into his stance and he also displayed the kind of elite length to consistently gain leverage on contact with his hands. The guy is only going to continue to naturally mature and get stronger, but when you have a lineman with his kind of length and natural athleticism, you can’t help but think he’s going to mature into one of the better left tackles in the league with some time.
Benjamin Ijalana: Villanova (6035, 317) (Arm length 36-inches)
Coming into the year I thought of Ijalana as more of a guard prospect because of his overall height/weight numbers. However, after seeing that the guy possessed some of the longest arms of ANY offensive tackle prospect in the draft, at this stage I think you simply give him every opportunity to play left tackle before moving him to the right side or to guard. He’s a strong kid with good feet, natural bend and despite lacking “ideal” height, when asked to anchor he certainly has the length to consistently gain leverage for himself on contact.
The reach or arm length of an NFL prospect is a key attribute to any position, especially to those playing along the line of scrimmage. However, at no position is a prospects reach more vital then at the offensive tackle spot. To put it into perspective how offensive lineman are benefited and hindered from length, I want to take a look at two former prospects who both had similar height/weight numbers when they came out, but have both taken different paths so far in their NFL careers. OT Adam Terry (Baltimore Ravens) and OT Marcus McNeill (San Diego Chargers) are both former second round picks (Terry in 2005, McNeill in 2006) who both weighed in during their Combine appearances at 6-8 and around 330 pounds. However, the key difference during each player’s weigh-in was the dramatic discrepancy in the length of the two player’s reaches. McNeill measured in at 35½ inches and Terry posted a reach of 32 ¼ inches. Therefore, we have two men who are roughly the exact same size, however, McNeill has the length to match and maximize his 6-8 frame, while Terry’s length forces him to play like a tackle closer to 6-3.
Tyron Smith: Southern Cal (6050, 307) (Arm length 36 3/8)
Despite playing the 2010 season around 285-pounds, anchor strength was never a big question in my mind when breaking down tape of Smith. And the two main reasons why was because he possessed the flexibility to sit into his stance and he also displayed the kind of elite length to consistently gain leverage on contact with his hands. The guy is only going to continue to naturally mature and get stronger, but when you have a lineman with his kind of length and natural athleticism, you can’t help but think he’s going to mature into one of the better left tackles in the league with some time.
Benjamin Ijalana: Villanova (6035, 317) (Arm length 36-inches)
Coming into the year I thought of Ijalana as more of a guard prospect because of his overall height/weight numbers. However, after seeing that the guy possessed some of the longest arms of ANY offensive tackle prospect in the draft, at this stage I think you simply give him every opportunity to play left tackle before moving him to the right side or to guard. He’s a strong kid with good feet, natural bend and despite lacking “ideal” height, when asked to anchor he certainly has the length to consistently gain leverage for himself on contact.
DAL @ GB
LAR 
IND 
CAR 
