The reason that teams are concerned or excited about a prospect is because there has usually been some ground work and evidence to suggest one of those outcomes. That evidence is looking at former and current players’ successes and failures and comparing them to this year’s crop of franchise changers or busts.
So, by taking a look at which of this year’s top offensive linemen remind of current NFL players, we can possibly get a good indication and projection of their potential of NFL success.
Russell Okung, Oklahoma State – Ryan Clady
Playing left tackle in the NFL is so hard because it takes the strength to match-up with power rushers, the quickness to stick with speed and 3-4 OLB rushers, and the technique to remain consistent.
Finding a great athlete that happens to play left tackle is a great find for any team, and Okung is that type of player. He has done an outstanding job against all types of rushers, and has the foot speed and strength to improve in the NFL.
Clady and Okung both have the ability to be outstanding stationary and movement left tackles and their ceilings are both very high.
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa – D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Bulaga worries me a little bit because of his injuries and sometimes inconsistent play at left tackle in college.
The same was the case for Ferguson where scouts such as myself weren’t sure if he could handle the continued play at left tackle because of a lack of outstanding athleticism or foot speed.
Ferguson took a few years to develop into a capable left tackle, and Bulaga may have the same growing pains as D’Brickashaw early in his career.
Charles Brown, USC – Joe Staley
A big question mark in this offensive tackle class, Brown can either be a resounding success or a constant “developmental” type player.
Joe Staley of the 49ers was the same way coming out of college because he played very well and has the athletic ability to block all sorts of rushers. But, both players were viewed as undersized coming out and while Staley has since emerged as the left tackle of the future, Brown will need to find the right mix of adding strength and maintain foot speed.
Bruce Campbell, Maryland – Jason Peters
An athletic freak and the prototypical sized NFL left tackle, Campbell will need lots of coaching and patience before he can become a franchise left tackle.
While Peters needed time to develop because he was making the switch from tight end to left tackle, Campbell shouldn’t have an excuse to need to work on technique or consistency.
Still, both players were/are the risk in my opinion because once they finally “get it” and utilize their size and ability to their full potential, they can be All-Pro caliber players.
Trent Williams, Oklahoma – Sam Baker
One of the best comparisons I’ve found in this draft class, Williams in my opinion is a player who played left tackle in college, but is set to be a great right tackle or a fringe left tackle in the pros.
Both he and Baker have the size and strength to play in the NFL no question, and at times show the movement and sliding ability to hang with the bombardment of rushers. However, I’m not sure how that transition to the pro game will work, and he may peak as a left tackle who needs a tight end or a Pro Bowl right tackle.
Anthony Davis, Rutgers – Phil Loadholt
I have never felt Davis is a left tackle caliber prospect, and I think at the absolute best case scenario, he’s Flozell Adams.
However, just because a guy can’t play left tackle doesn’t mean he can’t be a great value and a difference maker in the offense.
Bryant McKinnie has been the staple at left tackle for the Vikings for years, but the addition of Phil Loadholt and his outstanding run blocking capabilities dramatically aided in the run game for the Vikings, and that’s the impact Davis can make for an NFL team.
Mike Iupati, Idaho – Travelle Wharton
One of the most intriguing prospects in some time, I can’t see Iupati moving from guard in college to left or even right tackle in the pros.
His best fit would be to play in a scheme like Wharton of the Panthers does. Iupati can move in his blocks very well and is an outstanding pulling guard that can offer a lot of versatility in the run and pass game.
Like Wharton, he can play right tackle if need be and be successful, but his best role would be as a Pro Bowl caliber guard.
Vladimir Duccasse, Massachusetts– Brandon Albert
A lot of hype surrounded him throughout the year, Duccasse is a versatile prospect who can provide depth at tackle and guard in multiple schemes and could develop into a very solid starter.
Albert tried to make the Iupati move when he came out for the Cheifs and tried to move from guard to left tackle. He was unsuccessful and now is likely to move to right tackle or back to guard.
Both guys can play right tackle if need be, but neither can handle the left side and would be ideal guards in most systems.
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