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The NFL Draft is coming up this Thursday! Here is the list of my top 5 rated Tackle prospects and a additional 5 that I like as well. Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive
1. Matt Kalil 6-7 306lbs USC
Strengths: Prototypical size for a NFL Left Tackle. In my opinion Kalil is the best player in this draft. Excellent footwork and hands in pass protection, has the ability to get to the next level in the run game. Great at getting downfield in the screen game and making blocks.
Weaknesses: Needs to get a bit stronger to deal with NFL lineman in the run game.
Grade: Top 5 pick
2. Riley Reiff 6-6 313lbs Iowa
Strengths: Is a good all-around Tackle prospect, who can play both right and the left side. Very Nasty side to go along with good technique. Is very athletic, Iowa play a zone blocking scheme and he displayed the ability to get next level in the run game. He is also the best guard prospect in the draft in my opinion.
Weaknesses: His technique during pass protection sometimes gets sloppy and he can be knocked off balance. Could use a bit more work in the weight room as well. He benched 225lbs 23 times at the combine.
Grade: Top 10 to 15 pick
3. Cordy Glenn 6-5 345lbs Georgia (also #1 Guard Prospect as well)
Strengths: Can play guard as well. He is the best run blocking lineman in this 2012 draft. Has the ability and versatility to play guard and left tackle in the NFL, similar to Leonard Davis and Larry Allen did in the past. He played left tackle for 18 games and 20 at either right or left guard. For a man his size, he has exceptional feet, held his own in the SEC at tackle going up against some of the best pass rushers in the country.
Weaknesses: Weight issues are there, and that is always a worry with NFL teams who are thinkg of using a first round pick on Glenn. I see him as more of a right tackle or guard…his footwork is good for his size, but I don’t know if its great enough to play left tackle in the NFL.
Grade: First Round (based on ability to play guard and tackle)
4. Jonathan Martin 6-6 312lbs Stanford
Strengths: Probably the best athlete at tackle in the draft. Can match up with smaller guys in pass protection because of great footwork and punch. Does a good job using angles and body position in the run game, more then brute strength.
Weaknesses: Really needs to work on his overall strength. Defenders have had success against him using the bull-rush and pushing him straight back.
Grade: Mid to late first round pick
5. Bobbie Massie 6-6 316lbs
Strengths: Is a mean, nasty son of a bitch, a mauler in the run game. Has above average athleticism and delivers a good punch in pass protection. Could possibly start his career at guard and then slide over to right tackle. Once he gets his hands on a defender, its lights out.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve his technique in pass protection. Footwork can be sloppy at times and he can be caught off balance at times.
Grade: Early 2nd round grade
Next 5: Mike Adams 6-7 323lbs, Zebrie Sanders 6-6 320lbs, Donald Stevenson 6-5 1/2 312lbs, Mitchell Schwartz 6-5 5/8 318lbs, Andrew Datko 6-6 315lbs
Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports
Tags: All's Fair in Sports and War, Bobbie Massie, Brandon On Sports, Brandon Pemberton, Cordy Glenn, Jonathan Martin, Matt Kalil, NFL Draft, Offensive Tackles, Riley Reiff, Sports Talk Radio, Sports Trap Radio, The War Room, War Room Sports