NFL Draft '08 - Top offensive tackles

Courtesy of NFL scout Frank Coyle and his at Draft Insiders.com

Positional Overview: Offensive Tackles - Grade A
This year's offensive tackle group is an outstanding class with the addition of a few juniors Ryan Clady and Anthony Collins. Jake Long will probably be the first player selected at this position in the top ten picks of the first round. There will be at least four #1 picks with prospects like Ryan Clady, Jeff Otah, Gosder Cherilus and Chris Williams all probable first round selections. This class should produce 10 to 12 prospects selected over the first 100 selections with as many as 15-18 potential starters to the NFL in time.

Offensive Tackles

1. Jake Long - 6-7, 305 - 5.05 - Michigan
Physical senior left tackle has well developed skills and the experience to start as an NFL rookie. He solidified the #1 rating here with a strong workout in Indy.

2. * Ryan Clady - 6-6, 310 - 5.25 - Boise St
Nimble junior left tackle is prepping for a strong NFL Combine effort after a dominant WAC career.

3. Chris Williams - 6-6, 315 - 5.20 - Vanderbilt
Big mobile tackle has developed nicely while grading out high vs top SEC talent and finishing his career with a strong Senior Bowl performance. He had a fine workout in Indy.

4. Jeff Otah - 6-6, 340 - 5.40 - Pittsburgh
Huge mobile left tackle combines very good footwork and the triangle numbers to be one of the fastest rising prospects in this class but struggled in workouts at the NFL Combine.

5. Gosder Cherilus - 6-6, 315 - 5.20 - Boston College
Massive athletic left tackle has developed nicely and had a big performance at the Senior Bowl to rank among the elite prospects.

6. Sam Baker - 6-5, 310 - 5.20 - Southern Cal
Mobile senior left tackle faced a key week at the Senior Bowl after an injury marred final season and performed fairly well to rank among the top prospects. .

7. John Greco - 6-5, 310 - 5.30 - Toledo
Tough left tackle is a battle tested prospect with a fine combination of power, technique and quickness.

8. Tony Hills - 6-5, 310 - 5.25 - Texas
Big mobile left tackle has developed nicely but is currently rehabbing a broken leg from early November.

9. Carl Nicks - 6-5, 340 - 5.20 - Nebraska
Massive tackle has prototypical numbers to compete for playing time on the outside as a pro with further development.

10. * Anthony Collins - 6-5, 315 - 5.50 - Kansas
Big nimble junior tackle has developed nicely over the ’07 season and has the tools to be a fine pro.