Thread on OT prospects

more from gbn

Arguably the positions most in flux these days are offensive tackle and wide receiver. Like Boise State’s Clady, Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams may also be slipping to some degree. Nobody questions Williams athleticism and pass protection skills, but he’s not all that physical drive-blocking. However, with NFL teams putting such a premium on LTs with quick feet, neither Clady nor Williams are expected to fall all that far. Meanwhile, there are two huge - both literally and figuratively - wild cards at OT in Branden Albert of Virginia and Pitt’s Jeff Otah. Albert had been considered a top 25-type prospect as the top OG in the draft class, but has seen his grade rise dramatically as more teams come to see the athletic 6-5, 315-pounder as a potential left tackle. For his part, Otah may be one of the most interesting stories of this year’s draft. A late come to football, Otah rocketed up draft charts this fall as the 322-pounder consistently dominated physically at the point off attack. Otah, though, ran a very slow 5.55 40 at the combine and hasn’t worked out since because of a high ankle sprain. So far, the slow time doesn’t seem to have affected Otah’s overall draft grade in any significant fashion, but where he ultimately gets selected could be determined to a large degree later today when he holds a private workout at Pitt.


I wonder how far Colin Lindsay is talking?

 

If Miami ends up taking Jake Long 1st overall it could mean the others slide up in the draft instead of falling. If Long goes 1st I could see a scenario where at least one of Clady or Williams being available especially with Brandon Albert shooting up the board.

 

Rice was slow and touted. So was Rashaun Woods. Simplification by 40 times is not useful, but neither is any other level of simplification.

 

I know you guys are really into this stuff, but it just bothers me that the Mel Kiper types and the combines seem to really sway opinions even in NFL front offices. Where is that stat for "knows how to play the damn game", and "doesn't ever back down, and just pummels people"? Where's the Steve Smith "runt with the heart/drive of a champion" stat?

There's just plenty of guys in the league that can run and jump and bench press 800 lbs, and arent worth a crap on the field. Yet, if they run a fast 40 or bench enough, they get $paid$. It's so alien to this here casual fan. Makes no sense.