Left Tackles

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Taylor Lewan*, OT, Michigan

Height: 6-8. Weight: 302.

Projected 40 Time: 5.10.

Projected Round (2013): 1.

 

Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Height: 6-8. Weight: 305.

Projected 40 Time: 5.25.

Projected Round (2013): 1-2

 

Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin

Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.

Projected 40 Time: 5.20.

Projected Round (2013): 2-3.

 

Chris Faulk*, OT, LSU

Height: 6-6. Weight: 325.

Projected 40 Time: 5.19.

Projected Round (2013): 2-4

 

Kyle Long, OT, Oregon

Height: 6-7. Weight: 311.

Projected 40 Time: 5.20.

Projected Round (2013): 3-5.

 

Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse

Height: 6-6. Weight: 292.

Projected 40 Time: 5.05.

Projected Round (2013): 4-6.

Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame

Height: 6-4. Weight: 304.

Projected 40 Time: 5.10.

Projected Round (2013): 4-6

 

James Hurst*, OT, North Carolina

Height: 6-7. Weight: 310.

Projected 40 Time: 5.25.

Projected Round (2013): 5-6.

LaAdrian Waddle, OT, Texas Tech

Height: 6-6. Weight: 332.

Projected 40 Time: 5.30.

Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.

 

Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri

Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.

Projected 40 Time: 5.25.

Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.

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Chris Faulk*, OT, LSU
Height: 6-6. Weight: 325.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Projected Round (2013): 2-4

Overview

Overshadowed by all of the talent on the defensive line coming out of LSU in recent years was the development of Faulk as one of the best-looking pro prospects on the offensive line in the entire country.

 

The baby-faced Faulk might not look the part of today's NFL left tackle, but he played the part well in 2011 - his first full season as a starter after earning the nod at right tackle in LSU's final two regular-season games as a redshirt freshman.

 

However, Faulk's ascension was curtailed by a season-ending torn ACL suffered in practice following the 2012 season opener. He then surprised many by opting to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

 

Despite his less-than-ideal frame, Faulk has demonstrated surprising agility and the length necessary to perform well in the SEC, earning second-team all-conference honors in his first season at left tackle. His play, in fact, was so impressive that he ranked No. 24 on Rob Rang's Big Board entering the 2012 season.

 

Although Faulk isn't likely to challenge Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel as the top pass blocker in the 2013 draft, his surprising leap to the NFL makes the offensive tackle class one of this year's top position groups.

 

STRENGTHS: Very smooth out of his stance. He eases to his left, latches on with strong hands and has the lateral agility and balance to sustain blocks in pass protection. He possesses long arms and surprising flexibility to reach speed rushers. Shows the ability to handle speed rushers when left one on one, rarely allowing any pressure off the edge.

 

He is physical and determined as a run blocker, coming off the ball with good pad level and consistently driving his opponent off the ball.

 

WEAKNESSES: Besides just his health, however, scouts will also want to make sure Faulk is in shape, as the 6-6, 335-pounder has carried more weight across his middle than most of today's relatively svelte offensive tackles. Worth noting that Faulk was protected often in 2011 with a tight end.

 

COMPARES TO: Andrew Whitworth, LT, Bengals -- Faulk certainly doesn't have the body type normally associated with dominant blind-side pass protectors in today's NFL. That said, neither does Whitworth, a 6-7, 330-pound former LSU standout who developed into one of the league's better left tackles for the Bengals.

 

 

 

 

Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2013): 7-FA

Overview

There is nothing sexy about Fisher's game despite playing the all-important left tackle spot in one of the nation's most prolific offenses. But all he's done for every game Missouri has played the past three years, since winning in pre-season camp as a true freshman, is keep his quarterback's backside clean.

 

He was named the team's freshman of the year and earned Freshman All-American honors by protecting veteran quarterback Chase Daniel all 14 games of the 2008 season. Over the next two seasons, new passer Blaine Gabbert received the benefit of Fisher's solid play in all 26 games the team played. He received honorable-mention All-Big 12 recognition after both his sophomore and junior campaigns.

 

Missouri's quick passing game and wide line splits are very offensive line-friendly, but Fisher's hustle and strength would have allowed him to succeed in any system. Teams looking for a sturdy, underrated pass protector on the blind side in the mold of long-time Green Bay Packer Chad Clifton may value Fisher in the early rounds of the draft; scouts could also see him as a starter on the right side, or possibly guard, at the next level.

 

 

Analysis

Pass blocking: Solid pass protector who plays with a wide base. Lacks a fluid, quick kick-slide but does not get beaten outside. Flashes quickness to down-block and still pushes wide rushers or late blitzers around the pocket. Cuts down ends quickly and thoroughly on quick passes to his side. Gives too much ground against bull rushes, is always moving backwards and must anchor more quickly against NFL ends. Overextends to sustain at times instead of punching and recoiling. Inconsistent recovery speed, may struggle there at the next level. Used as tight end on unbalanced line.

 

Run blocking: Good strength as run-blocker on the edge, displays power and footwork to direct oncoming defenders out of running lanes. Gets after his man and stays on the block through the whistle, resetting his hands and moving his feet. Almost always in two-point stance in Missouri's pass-blocking scheme, looks naturally strong and quick with his hand down.

 

Pulling/trapping: Not asked to trap or pull in Missouri's pass-blocking scheme. Looks to have enough foot speed to trap inside if moved to guard, has aggression and willingness to sustain to knock out linebackers in his path. May have difficulty, however, doing more than get hand on inside targets due to average agility and flexibility.

 

Initial Quickness: Possesses adequate speed getting out of his two-point stance. Does not lose initial contact battle very often, but technique must be perfect to stay with quicker NFL ends. Capable reach-blocker, can direct quick tackles past the ballcarrier.

 

Downfield: Used in front of receiver screens, hits multiple targets and will sustain once latched on. Lacks the quickness to adjust to quicker defenders in space, will lunge and miss.

 

Intangibles: Media-friendly talker. Came to Missouri as a hard worker and has only continued to improve in the weight room and practice field. Gives full effort every play on the field.