Offensive Tackles

1. Eugene Monroe Virginia 6-5 315 5.23
Another great Cavilers lineman who will be a welcome addition for any NFL quarterback next fall. During the 2007 season, Monroe teamed with last year’s #1 pick of the Kansas City, Branden Albert, to form one of the most dominating left sides of any line in college football. Once Albert left for the NFL, Monroe maintained a high level of play which can be attributed to his desire and practice habits. Should have a similar rookie season to his former teammate Albert as someone who contends early for a starting spot and gets better as the year progresses. Another player who got a great start to his career by receiving top coaching at the University of Virginia. (Update 2/22: With Andre Smith poor performance at the combine Monroe has now moved clearly to the top tackle spot)

2. Jason Smith Baylor 6-5 300 5.14
A natural leader, with nice size, very athletic (played a little tight end in high school and college) and mature (being a 5th year senior). He will have to continue to focus on his strength which should not be a major issue for a guy of Jason’s character. Playing at Baylor it is obvious that his run blocking at this point is superior to his pass blocking but again it should not be difficult for Jason to improve rather quickly once he reaches his NFL destination. Jason should hear his name called somewhere between picks 12 to 18 in round one and should have a stellar career providing leadership and integrity to any franchise fortunate enough to select him.

3. Andre Smith Alabama 6-4 340 5.28
A mountain of a man, who will need to keep his weight in check to maximize his skills however when motivated Andre is as dominating as any linemen in recent memory. Only game ever missed was recent Sugar Bowl when he was suspended for dealing with an agent. Most of his shortcoming seem to show up when he lazy and not fully focused on the task at hand. It will be vital that he gets to a team with an offensive line coach that will push him to become the dominating force he has the ability to be in the league. (Update 2/22: Poor combine now endanger of sliding further if anything else goes wrong)

4. Michael Oher Mississippi 6-5 309 5.22
Certainly one of the most overly securitized players available is this year’s draft as he was a borderline 1st round pick last year and on every team’s radar this season and pretty much since he entered college. Oher is a textbook left tackle who is not easily fooled or confused by a defender. He prefers to lead by example instead of being the vocal leader of the team. Michael should be a day one starter and perennial Pro Bowler by no later than his third season as he will continue to improve all aspects of his play as he adapts to the pro game. Very safe pick.

5. Eben Britton Arizona 6-6 310 5.09
Intelligent player that is rarely caught out of position but will have an learning curve to the NFL game after playing in the spread offense during his time at Arizona. Starting 37 consecutive games in college, Eben has the making of a cornerstone lineman for a team and should be able to help inside at the guard position when a team requires assistance. Eben should be a starter by mid way through his rookie season. As the first round progresses Britton will be the type of player that a team will look to trade into the end of the round to select as happens every draft.

6. William Beatty Connecticut 6-6 291 5.16
Seems to have emerged almost out of nowhere this season and dominated as well as any other linemen in the country. Beatty was able to show this year that he has fully recovered from the mental part of the broken leg he suffered in the middle of the 2006 season. In 2007 he showed limited promise but the switch really seemed to flip this season, as he was able to focus his entire attention to improving his game on all facets. Teams concerns regarding his intensity for the game should be reduced when dealing with this former Honor Roll student as Beatty appears to have the genetic make up to give whatever he does 100% of his effort. Great selection for a team in the early to mid part of round two.

7. Troy Kropog Tulane 6-6 316 4.90
8. Jamon Meredith South Carolina 6-5 289 5.09
9. Phil Loadholt Oklahoma 6-8 343 5.38
10. Fenuki Tupou Oregon 6-6 328 5.26
11. Cornelius Lewis Tennessee State 6-5 314 5.23
12. Augustus Parrish Kent State 6-4 297 5.17
13. Jason Watkins Florida 6-6 317 5.22
14. Andrew Gardner Georgia Tech 6-6 302 5.22
15. Xavier Fulton Illinois 6-5 301 4.98
16. Joel Bell Furman 6-7 312 5.24
17. Garrett Reynolds North Carolina 6-7 310 5.28
18. Ramon Foster Tennessee 6-5 338 5.29
19. Alex Boone Ohio State 6-8 330 5.27
20. Sebastian Vollmer Houston 6-7 314 5.27
21. Robert Brewster Ball State 6-4 312 5.10
22. Andrew Hartline Central Michigan 6-5 294 5.14
23. Gerald Cadogan Penn State 6-4 315 5.24
24. Kyle Link McNeese State 6-5 300 5.24
25. Jose Valdez Arkansas 6-5 312 4.98
26. Ryan McKee Southern Miss 6-6 290 4.92
27. Ryan Stanchek West Virginia 6-3 305 5.26
28. Eric Vanden Heuvel Wisconsin 6-8 324 5.30
29. Dan Gay Baylor 6-4 314 5.22
30. Sam Allen Grand Valley State 6-5 300 5.00
31. Ben Muth Stanford 6-6 298 5.36
32. Phil Trautwein Florida 6-6 310 5.32