Just in case NE scores with Cassel: The top four tackles

[Box_O_Rocks]

Nice write-up...

draftguys.com

The Verdict

Note: The combine will likely cause the draft stock of some of this group to gain momentum and some to lose steam, and of course, there’s always more film review to be done, but here’s where they stand right now in my view:

Eugene Monroe has to be the odds on favorite to go first in this group because of his high floor, even though he might have the lowest ceiling, and he’s ready to step in right away in just about any scheme - sounds like Jake Long, doesn’t it? I don’t expect Monroe to fall past Seattle even in the worst case scenario. Jason Smith is almost a sure thing to be off the board by the time the top 10 is chosen because of zone blocking teams like Green Bay and Oakland that could use a long term LT in that 7-10 range. Smith’s upside and rare athleticism could easily convince a top five team like Seattle or St. Louis to take him (assuming Monroe is off the board) if he interviews well and otherwise gains the confidence of NFL organizations during the combine and pre-draft workouts. Andre Smith should be third off the board, and I could see a team convincing themselves to take him second in this group, or maybe even first if he shows up at the combine in good shape and in top form. Any organization that values production over upside could favor the Alabama product, and I could see him going off the board as early as Seattle or Cincinnati, and no later than Jacksonville, unless major character concerns come up over the next few months. Oher could scare off teams in the top 10 if he doesn’t interview well, but players like him should not fall out of the top 20, and I would guess his slide stops around Washington (#13), Houston (#15), or San Diego (#16) in any scenario.

 

[mayoclinic]

Don't forget the 5th "top tackle" - DT BJ Raji. Would be a monster combined with Wilfork on the Pats D.

 

[patchick]

If the Pats somehow woke up and found themselves with a top-5 pick, my money would be on Jason Smith.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Where is Oher projected to go? Is he no longer on the radar as a 1st round LT?

 

[mayoclinic]

If the Pats somehow woke up and found themselves with a top-5 pick, my money would be on Jason Smith.

I think that Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, Aaron Curry, BJ Raji, and possibly even Malcolm Jenkins would all be considerations at 5-10, depending on availability. They're all solid players in the 5-10 range.

I think Smith compares favorably with Chris Williams and Ryan Clady from last year, and would be a great anchor at LT. I just personally prefer to see us use the pick on defense.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I would go with Curry before an OT. But if Curry is gone, which likely he will be gone early, than a stud LT could be a possibility. I just read that article and it projects all the top 4 tackles gone within the first 13 picks. I just can't believe that. One or more of those 4 should last until pick 23. Teams absolutely gorged themselves on 1st round OTs last year. I don't think there will be as huge a need for them this year.

 

[TheKraftyOne]

Monroe would have to agree to be called "Geno".

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

Where is Oher projected to go? Is he no longer on the radar as a 1st round LT?

The last few mocks that I have seen have him down at the 15-20 range which I think is crazy as I thought he was a top 10 lock. If we did pick up one of these top Tackles do you guys think we should plug him in day one at LT and move Light to RT or start the kid on the right side over Kazur until Matt Light moves on???

 

[VJCPatriot]

The last few mocks that I have seen have him down at the 15-20 range which I think is crazy as I thought he was a top 10 lock. If we did pick up one of these top Tackles do you guys think we should plug him in day one at LT and move Light to RT or start the kid on the right side over Kazur until Matt Light moves on???

In that case let em both compete in Training camp for the LT spot and may the best man win. It would be nice to pick up an LT that can handle the speed rushers that Light often has trouble with.

 

[mayoclinic]

Monroe would have to agree to be called "Geno".

Very nice.

 

[Richter]

Jason Smith would be the pick, definitely. He's the best tackle in this class, bar none. Also, Malcolm Jenkins going top 10 would be a huge bust. The guy is not an NFL corner, he's going to have to move to free safety.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Jason Smith would be the pick, definitely. He's the best tackle in this class, bar none. Also, Malcolm Jenkins going top 10 would be a huge bust. The guy is not an NFL corner, he's going to have to move to free safety.

I agree with you on Jenkins, but why are you high on Smith. Playing at Baylor with a running QB, he did not have to hold his blocks very long so it really is hard to project him in the NFL.

 

[LuthierJr]

If the Pats somehow woke up and found themselves with a top-5 pick, my money would be on Jason Smith.

Agreed....

 

[Richter]

I agree with you on Jenkins, but why are you high on Smith. Playing at Baylor with a running QB, he did not have to hold his blocks very long so it really is hard to project him in the NFL.

I watched him a bunch this year since there were quite a few Baylor games on Fox Sports Southwest here, and I think the notion that he didn't have to hold his blocks is overstated. He did his share of pass protecting, and moved extremely well when he did. His feet are just remarkably coordinated for such a big guy. What I liked best about watching him was his run blocking though. His balance is outstanding, he'd engage, put his man on the ground, keep his balance and already be moving into the second level for another block by the time the runner was making his first cut, and was extremely consistent and reliable in this regard. He'll take a little longer to shore up his pass blocking I think, which is a little raw, but all the natural talent and athleticism is there. He could play a year on the right side and move over and be ready to dominate.