I like this group of OTs prospects, especially if the top juniors declare. There is a good mixture of LT blindside protectors, as well as solid RT prospects.
Wisconsin’s Ricky Wagner is a first round prospect, and of the better seniors in this draft class. He comes from a long line of OT prospects at the University of Wisconsin.
Another name to be aware of is, Mark Jackson from Glenville Sate. You won’t see his games on national T.V., but keep his name in mind when the draft process begins to gain some steam.
These rankings are extremely fluid, especially this early in the season and will change constantly throughout the process. Juniors will be added as they begin to declare for the draft.
Rankings: Big Board ¦ QB ¦ RB ¦ WR ¦ TE ¦ OT ¦ OG ¦ C ¦ DE ¦ DT ¦ OLB ¦ ILB ¦ CB ¦ S
1. Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin, 6’6 320: 1st Round (Scouting Report)
-Wagner is solid OT but not sure he can be the franchise LT that some envision. I have him ranked slightly lower than former Badger Gabe Carimi. Wagner has active and strong hands but unlike other OTs from Wisconsin, his strenght is in pass protection, not in the run game. His long arms don’t allow defender to get in on him and push him back off the L.O.S. I worry about his agility and his tendency to get too high at times.
2. Dallas Thomas, Tennessee, 6’5 305: 2nd Round
-Thomas shows good technique and footwork, with above-average agility. He’s moving to LG for the 2012 season, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This gives him a chance to show his versatility. Make no mistake, he has franchise LT potential. With some added strength and healthy and productive 2012, Thomas could be a 1st round selection.
3. Brennan Williams, North Carolina, 6’7 315: 2nd Round
-Can play either OT spot, but will most likely find his niche at RT. Had a big junior season, after starting his career off slowly. Had 30 knockdowns last season for the Tar Heels as their RT. Is very athletic and does an equally good job in pass protection and run blocking. His initial step his slow and can get beat in side at times. Williams will need a strong season to shows scouts that last year wasn’t a fluke. With refined technique, and an increase of foot speed, Williams is certainly a candidate to rise up the draft boards this season.
4. Oday Aboushi, Virginia, 6’6 310: 2nd – 3rd Round
-Aboushi shows good athleticism in pass protection, but can have trouble with quicker and agile DE’s. Tends to get to high in his stance and will get knocked off balance. Love him the run game. Really moves people and shows heavy hands and will outmuscle weaker defenders.
5. Alex Hurst, LSU, 6’6 340: 2nd- 3rd Round
-Hurst is a massive OT who projects more on the right side. Once he’s engaged with defenders the matchup is over. He has the strength to latch on and win his individual battle. He’s a much better pass protector than a run blocker. He lacks the explosiveness to push a pile.
6. Xavier Nixon, Florida, 6’4 292: 3rd Round
-Nixon started at LT for the Gators as a true freshman and has that ability to start there as a rookie in the NFL. He’s a little lighter than you want, so he has to show that he can some bulk and maintain it. Shows potential put has yet to put it all together. 2012 is a big year for Nixon in terms of his draft stock.
7. Mark Jackson, Glenville State, 6’5 332: 4th Round
-Originally signed with the University of Illinois, Jackson plays with a mean streak and a beast in the run game. Very strong but also shows quick feet off the snap. Mirrors defenders well, and doesn’t get caught out of position. Technique isn’t great, but that can be corrected. Currently carries a 4th round grade, but expect to see a rise on the draft boards as the season continues.
8. Matt Summers-Gavin, Cal, 6’4 300: 4th Round
-Versatile OL who looks like a RT but may have to eventually slide inside. Not the most athletic Ot and has trouble with speed rusher, Summer-Gavin makes his presence felt in the run game. He’s strong at the point of attack and does a good pushing the defender once engaged.
9. Tanner Hawkinson, Kansas, 6’5 295: 4th – 5th Round
-The former highly recruited TE turned OT prospects is still a work in process. He’s lighter than and not as strong as other OTs in his range. Shows good athleticism in the open space, and has proper technique, but has trouble with premiere Des. Needs a solid season to hold this ranking but has some upside due to his quick feet and mental aspect of the game.
10. Elvis Fisher, Missouri, 6’5 295: 4th – 5th Round
-Fisher was selected as an All-SEC third team choice by the coaches. He’s a natural LT whicih increases his value for the next level. Shows average athleticism, but plays fundamentally sound football which warrants a mid-round grade at the worst.
11. David Quessenberry, San Jose St, 6’5 292: 5th Round
12. RJ Mattes, NC State, 6’6 305: 5th Round
13. Jeff Nady, Nevada, 6’7 290: 5th Round
14. LaAdrian Waddle, Texas Tech, 6’6 232: 6th Round
15. Ryan Schrader, Valdosta State, 6’6 320: 6th Round
16. Fou Fontoi, Michigan State, 6’4 300: 7th Round
17. Dann O’Neill, Western Michigan, 6’7 308: 7th Round
18. RJ Dill, Rutgers, 6’7 300: 7th Round
19. Jason Weaver, Southern Miss, 6’4 302: PFA
20. Reid Fragel, Ohio State, 6’6 288: PFA
21. Nick Cody, Oregon, 6’5 302: PFA
22. Patrick Ward, Northwestern, 6’6 310: PFA
23. Sean Hooey, Cincinnati, 6’8 298: PFA
24. Mark Popek, USF, 6’7 290: PFA
25. Patrick Ford, Eastern Kentucky, 6’5 305: PFA
26. Emmett Cleary, Boston College, 6’6 312: PFA
27. Nick Becton, Virginia Tech, 6’6 326: PFA
28. Terron Armstead, Arkansas Pine-Bluff, 6’5 308: PFA
29. Roger Gaines, Tennessee State, 6’6 320: PFA
30. Nick Speller, UMass, 6’5 334: PFA
Top Underclassmen
Taylor Lewan, Michigan, 6’7 302
Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M, 6’6 310
DJ Fluker, Alabama, 6’6 335
Chris Faulk, LSU, 6’5 325
Justin Pugh, Syracuse, 6’5 292
Cyril Richardson, Baylor, 6’5 335
Jake Matthews, Texas A&M, 6’5 305
Seantrel Henderson, Miami (FL), 6’8 345
Rankings: QB ¦ RB ¦ WR ¦ TE ¦ OT ¦ OG ¦ C ¦ DE ¦ OLB ¦ ILB ¦ CB ¦ S
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Jeremy Cabler covers the NFL Draft and College Football for Rant Sports. Check out his Scouting Reports
Follow him on Twitter @JeremyCabler and @RantSports.
