Preview Offensive Tackles

Duane
Brown
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2008 review of offensive lineman is in a class by themselves. The tackles are being rated as an A+ group followed close by the offensive guards.

As Frank Coyle said in a recent article, "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."

So after those prospects are taken what will be left for the Packers to chose from and possibly what round. Well the first prospect could be Mike McGlynn from Mike McCarthy's home area Pittsburgh. In addition the Packer scouts were at the Pittsburgh's Pro Day and the only one that could not perform was Jeff Otah. As a side bar it is possible that Green Bay could have been looking at TE Darrell Strong, where the Packers have a need as well.

Both of those prospects performance left a good impression with everyone there based on Gil Brandt's NFL.com's coverage. With Mike McGlynn's draft status, most mock drafts are basing his talent in the 3rd round. Reason for Mike McGlynn being picked over everyone else is based on his durability while at Pittsburgh and the toughness that Mike McCarthy is looking for in his offensive lineman.

Sam Baker is the next prospect that might be available to the Packers but it might take the first round to get his services. I do not know if Ted Thompson would go after a lineman with health issues with Green Bay's 1st round pick. Sam went through an injury filled senior season. Two questions now need to be answered. One, were the injuries incurred in his senior season a fluke or will the injury bug continue to stay around. Two, he proved that even though he had the injuries, he performed at a high consistent level.

The next prospect after Sam Baker might be Gosder Cherilus from Boston College and again the Packer scouts were on hand to take in the Boston College Pro Day. As a side bar the head coach of Boston College was the offensive coordinator two years ago and was the same person that implemented the zone blocking scheme to the Packers. Same philosophy instilled at Boston College is the zone blocking scheme. So there is a chance Gosder might be taken, possibly either 1st or 2nd round. Only knock on Gosder is that he does not play with a chip on his shoulder all the time.

Next prospect is John Greco from Toledo, he is being described as a left tackle that has a fine combination of power, and quickness. Both are needed in the zone blocking system that Green Bay uses. John is being viewed as third round prospect much like Mike McGlynn from Pittsburgh. Reason for John Greco's lower status than the rest is just based on pure talent, except for Mike McGlynn.

Now for my sleepers in this years deep pool of offensive lineman. The past couple of drafts by the Packers have given some sort of qualifications as to what the organization looks for in their offensive lineman. Allen Barbre is a prime example, Allen was drafted out of a division II college so Green Bay is not afraid to pull the trigger if they find a diamond in the rough. Allen ran a 4.9 in the 40 yard dash, played with a chip on shoulder until the play was over. Allen was also very powerful in dominating his opposing defensive lineman.

John Greco fits those characteristics but he is already a highly ranked lineman. So it would be tough to sneak him under the radar. One lineman that does fit is Tony Hills from Texas. Tony would be ranked higher but a season ending injury last November caused him to lose some ground. Another lineman that fits is Duane Brown from Virginia Tech. While Kirk Barton from Ohio State could fit the Packers system. The final sleeper is Barry Richardson from Clemson. Though Richardson does not have the speed that Packers prefer he was a legit top ten selection after his junior season for the NFL 2008 draft.

In summary most of the lineman mentioned could be selected in either the 3rd or 4th round. Since Green Bay has a pick in the 3rd and two in the 4th some drafting might be made along the offensive line. That would allow the Packers to choose the best player available in the top two rounds.