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Tackle Profiles
By: John McMullen
Tackle Update: 2/18/98
The addition of BYU underclassman John Tait made the talent pool at tackle much deeper. Few thought Tait would leave BYU early but he did and immediately jumped to the top of the board. Penn State's Floyd Wedderburn, a former defensive player also makes an appearance high on the list. Tait and Wedderburn clearly make the draft deeper at this position and as many as five may go in the first round. West Virginia underclassman Solomon Page is also racing up the board and may continue to climb. Matt Stinchcomb, Aaron Gibson and Kris Farris continue to grade out highly and their names should all be called before the second round starts. While the top six look like future NFL stars, there is no depth at this position as the bottom half of the list all look like projects so after Page, get out the proverbial dart board and start throwing. Here's a look at the new rankings:
- John Tait Brigham Young. 6-6 318
Tait is a really smart, aggressive and tough player with great upper body strength. He plays until the whistle and won't let up on his blocks. He has the athletic ability and quick feet to play the left side. The only question mark is his run blocking but but with his natural strength, I don't foresee a problem after he gets to an NFL training camp and learns proper technique. Tait could be a top 10 pick.
- Matt Stinchcomb Georgia 6-6 290
- Floyd Wedderburn Penn State 6-5 328
Wedderburn looks like a great right tackle who is a dominating and nasty run blocker. He is a former defensive player and he plays like it. He would rather hit you than wait for contact. Wedderburn probably doesn't have the feet to be a left tackle but draft him, put him on the right side and he may be there for 10 years.
- Aaron Gibson Wisconsin 6-6 375
- Kris Farris UCLA 6-9 310
- Solomon Page West Virginia 6-5 310
Paige is a mammoth junior who is very nimble for his size. He can slide and protect, trap and even pull when needed. With his size, quickness and pass protection skills, Page is a natural for the left side and may continue up the board in the weeks leading up to the draft.
- Lonnie Shelton Eastern Michigan 6-6 324
- Todd Frohbieter Arkansas State 6-5 325
- Jon Jansen Michigan 6-6 302
- Luke Petitgout Notre Dame 6-5 300
For profiles on all these players check out John's last update.
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