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Tackle Profiles
By: John McMullen
It's only an average year for first tier offensive tackles, although as usual a few teams will become smitten with a particular tackle and select him a little higher than forecasted. At present there is a real dearth of top quality tackles in the NFL and there should be at least 4 and up to 6 taken in the first round. Here are the top guys:
- Matt Stinchcomb Georgia 6-6 290
At 290, it's hard to believe but Stinchcomb is a little undersized for the NFL right now but he is still the number 1 tackle coming out. Matt's a cross between two players. On the one hand, he is regarded as a technician who has outstanding intelligence and the instincts to finesse you. On the other hand, Stinchcomb is a tough guy with a lot of power. He has excellent feet & body control which makes him an effective run blocker & pass protector. Matt is a four year starter at the college level and has the versatility to play tackle or guard. To this point, Matt has been able to overcome all his weaknesses and become an impact player. Most agree that he has the feet of a premier left tackle which means a fairly high first round grade.
- Kris Farris UCLA 6-9 310
A massive giant of a man who is a junior eligible with two starting seasons under his belt with a very successful UCLA team. Farris is a startling combination of size and agility with a pro like grasp of pass protection skills thanks to the intricate pass happy Bruins scheme. Kris has a tremendous reach which makes it nearly impossible to get around him on a pass rush. As a run blocker, Farris uses his god given leverage along with a superior knee-bend to get the job done but he needs to add strength and become more of a power player. Overall, Farris has no glaring weaknesses and should become a premier left tackle on the NFL level.
- Aaron Gibson Wisconsin 6-6 375
Gibson is a massive right tackle who's size, strength and mean streak is almost frightening. He is so big that he has to have a custom helmet made just for him. Obviously his size and accompanying wing span make him a very tough guy to get around on a speed rush and he still has adequate to better knee bend making him quite a player. Aaron also has excellent flexibility and good overall movement skills for his for size and is near impossible to move versus the bull rush. As a run blocker he has the size to engulf and bury defenders. Gibson could jump up and be the first lineman selected if he gets himself in better shape after the season as his weight has to be a concern. Will have to play right tackle or move inside to guard in the NFL because he doesn't have the feet to hold up against the elite speed rushers.
- Zach Pillar Florida 6-5 332
Pillar is another fist round talent with size, athletic ability and feet to handle the difficult left tackle position at the next level. At Florida, as is the custom with all Steve Spurrier lineman, Pillar is ahead of the curve as a pass blocker but way behind as a run blocker. On the positive side, Pillar has the size and strength to engulf as a run blocker so the potential is there. With the Gators, Pillar has developed into more of a seal and slide blocker instead of using his strength to move people off the ball. Right now, Zach looks like a first rounder but should fall into the second half of the round. With his pass blocking abilities, a strong postseason could really make a difference.
- Jay Humphrey Texas 6-6 270
Humphrey is an undersized, very smart technician who seals well and has excellent knee bend as a pass protector. Jay's greatest asset is his mind. He preys on the oppositions weaknesses and uses superior body positioning and leverage to get an edge. Obviously at 270 pounds, Humphrey doesn't have the size to dominate as a run blocker but he does have above average strength and has held his own. Just ask Ricky Williams.
- Todd Frohbieter Arkansas State 6-5 325
Frohbieter is an interesting small college prospect with great size with athletic ability. He lacks top notch NFL strength and needs to improve his drive blocking but has good slide and leverage in pass protection and he certainly has the feet & ability to handle any pass rusher. Todd has had a shoulder problem which places a big question mark upon him but if healthy and he hooks up with a solid NFL strength and conditioning coach, Frohbieter
might have the best upside of all the incoming tackles.
- Jon Jansen Michigan 6-6 302
Jansen is a typical Michigan lineman. He's huge but lacks great athletic ability. Jon is a smart player with upper echelon technique and could be a dominator in the run game thanks to his frame. As a pass protector, he is only adequate and needs to improve his functional football strength to handle the premier bull rushers.
- Luke Petitgout Notre Dame 6-5 300
Petitgout is an aggressive overachiever who looks like a pretty solid player and is above average in just about every category. He has good strength and a nice initial pop in the run game and has above average feet & pretty good quickness as a pass protector. Luke has really done a good job against speed rushers and that might get him a second round grade by some NFL teams.
- Jamar Nesbit South Carolina 6-4 329
Nesbit is a tough guy who is a hard worker with a good attitude. He plays to the whistle on every play and finishes every block. Jamar doesn't have the feet or quickness to play left tackle so he will be placed on the right side or moved inside and he should be able to handle it. He's very consistent in both his run blocking and pass protection.
- Lonnie Shelton Eastern Michigan 6-6 324
Small college guy and level of competition is a concern but Shelton dominated his level and has the size and athletic ability to be a difference maker. Lonnie is also regarded as a very smart player that's easily coachable. Keep an eye on him after the postseason because he keeps rising on everyone's list.
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