2016 NFL Draft: Doc’s Thoughts on the Offensive Tackles.

NCAA FOOTBALL: OCT 17 USC at Notre Dame

1. Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss, 6-5 310: Tunsil is long and athletic. Gets out on 5 technique defensive ends quickly in the run game and can cover them up and seal them. Tunsil moves well in all four directions. He’s comfortable moving laterally and can work together with a guard or tight end on a scoop block. Moves well vertically as well and has shown the ability to consistently seal a flowing linebacker. Tunsil is a terrific pass blocker who is fluid in his kick slide and has the ability to stop and redirect back inside for a double move. He can get a little lazy but if motivated, he has the makings of a franchise left tackle. A top ten pick for sure.

2. Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame, 6-5 1/2 312: Stanley is a terrific athlete who moves well in space. He can get outside on a reach block and seal a 5 technique defensive end. Works well on scoop blocks and has shown he can consistently get to the second level. I really like Stanley as a pass blocker. He’s a natural bender who has smooth, quiet feet and has shown he has the ability to re-direct and adjust. Moves well laterally along the line of scrimmage. He’s not overly physical but he is technically sound. I think he’s a top ten talent and should be off the board within the first twelve picks.

3. Jack Conklin, Michigan State, 6-5 1/2 308: Conklin is the best run blocker in this group. He is physical at the point of attack and roots out defensive lineman. Conklin is a sound pass blocker who has good feet and bends naturally. He doesn’t get overwhelmed by bull rushers like some of the other tackles in this class do. A bit short armed and might be a better player if he kicks inside to guard down the road. Moving up teams draft boards. He could be a top 15 pick.

4. Jason Spriggs, Indiana, 6-5 1/2 301: A former basketball player and tight end, Spriggs might be the most athletic tackle in this draft. Built very similar to current Patriots left tackle Nate Solder. Spriggs is a terrific pass blocker who has smooth, quiet feet and he uses his long arms to his advantage. While he is a good run blocker, Spriggs struggles to bend in the run game and he plays too upright. he needs some fundamental work but he Spriggs has the potential to be a very good left tackle for a long time.

5. Taylor Decker, Ohio State, 6-7 310: An absolute mauler. I know some teams like him as a left tackle but I don’t see it. I think he’s more of a right tackle. Reminds me of former Buckeye Mike Adams. Decker is a strong run blocker who bends naturally, gets good hand position and drives defensive lineman off the ball. Technically sound as a pass blocker. He is relaxed in his stance and has a good feel on when to kick slide and when to stop and re-direct. Tough as nails. Decker plays with an attitude. Not a great player by any means but Decker has the potential to be a good player. I think he is a second round talent.

6. Germaine Ifedi, Texas A&M, 6-5 1/2 324: Ifedi has immense talent but he can very inconsistent. He is sound in pass pro. Bends naturally and drops with ease. Looks comfortable in his pass set. Ifedi moves well laterally. He can get to the second level and seal without hesitation. He doesn’t always bring it and its evident on film. He is a high level player who doesn’t always play to his ceiling. I think he’s a second round talent but he may go in the bottom of the first.

7. Kyle Murphy, Stanford, 6-6 305: Murphy is a big, slender offensive lineman who moves well both in small quarters and in space. He has long arms and he uses them to his advantage in pass pro. Looks comfortable in his pass set and he’s a natural bender. Moves well laterally and can punch and adjust to a double move. Murphy is a good run blocker but he has a tendency to block tall and he loses defenders on contact some times. I think he is a solid early day three pick.

8. Willie Beavers, Western Michigan, 6-4 1/2 324: Beavers was a good player at Western Michigan. Long term, I think he profiles as a guard. Beavers has good feet and he moves well laterally. He is a technically sound pass blocker who is comfortable in his pass set and he has easy, quiet feet. Beavers moves well in space and he can reach block a wide technique or get to the second level on a scoop block. Plays tough and has quality leadership skills. I think Beavers has the potential to start as a rookie if he ends up on the right team.

9. John Theus, Georgia, 6-6 1/2 313: Theus is a big boy but he is not a natural bender and he tends to play out of control at times. I think he projects as a right tackle at the next level because he can’t bend and he’s heavy footed. There is no doubt the talent is there but it will take an offensive line coach who is no nonsense and a good teacher to get it out of Theus. A day three prospect.

10. Jerald Hawkins, LSU, 6-5 1/2 305: Hawkins looks the part but like Ifedi, he can be very inconsistent. Hawkins is a natural pass blocker. Bends and he has fluid feet. He moves well laterally and can adjust to twists and stunts. Hawkins is a good run blocker but he can’t always sustain and maintain on contact. Loses guys way too easy. Hawkins is a project but with a good line coach, he can develop into a starter.