Fuel for the fire... Offensive Tackle

[Box_O_Rocks]

I stumbled across this article in a Rams' forum comparing OT arm length...

Interesting take on arm length .. Not much difference between Munroe & Smith .. - The ClanRam Forums

Arm length, hand quickness dictate OLT success

By Nolan Nawrocki
April 14, 2009

Many traits are required for an offensive tackle to successfully be able to handle edge speed — quick hands and feet, balance and natural knee bend. The one physical trait that is most often taken for granted, however, is arm length.

Without good arm length, generally considered at least 33½ inches on the left side and preferably 34 inches, it is difficult for blockers to be able to handle inside counters and recover quickly to keep a pocket clean.

 

[BritPat]

I stumbled across this article in a Rams' forum comparing OT arm length...

Interesting take on arm length .. Not much difference between Munroe & Smith .. - The ClanRam Forums

I've seen a lot of negative comments about Eben Britton due to this, and it was the same for Sam Baker last year when he came out - and he shut a lot of voices up.

 

[mayoclinic]

My boy William Beatty has very long arms (and still put up 30 reps on the bench press at his pro day and 27 at the combine), 2nd only to Andre Smith among the top OL prospects.

 

[Deus Irae]

Hey, don't look at me. I wanted Clady for the Patriots........

 

[VJCPatriot]

I liked Clady a lot as well. I had no idea that his arms were that freakishly long. Imagine how much more Brady would be able to pick apart defenses with the extra time Clady gives him in the pocket. Clady's .5 sacks given up vs Lights 7.5 are a HUGE difference. And that doesn't even count the pressures that didn't result in sacks.

Loadholt with his long 36.5 reach at RT in the late 2nd, or early 3rd could be a nice upgrade for the Pats over Kaczur if the LTs get gobbled up early, and I have a feeling there WILL be a run on OL in the first round.

YouTube - OT Phil Loadholt Highlights Oklahoma 2008

 

[PATSNUTme]

Yes long arms are a must but they have to have the quick feet ,the stong hands, and the awareness to go along with it.

 

[BritPat]

I love Loadholt, but he's not a fit here. He's a Dallas/Philly/Steelers type.

 

[VJCPatriot]

PS if you thought Light has short arms at 33.5 check out Kaczur at 32 7/8-inch arm length. Surprisingly Kaczur gave up only 3.0 sacks in 14 starts in 2009.

Complete list here:
SACKS - given up by position

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I know long arms allow an OT to grasp ands control, but dancing feet are so critical to their success. I would rank the two traits as 1 and 1A.

 

[carolinatony]

"My boy William Beatty has very long arms (and still put up 30 reps on the bench press at his pro day and 27 at the combine), 2nd only to Andre Smith among the top OL prospects."


After LB and a DB I do hope we get a OL and would be happy with Beatty.

from Draftcountdown

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 307 | 40-Time: 5.12
Strengths:
Terrific size with a large frame...Excellent athleticism...Light on his feet...Real quick and agile...Terrific footwork...Mobile enough to pull and get to the second level...Slides well laterally...Outstanding balance...Redirects well...Does a real nice job of sustaining his blocks...Superb pass blocker with the ability to handle speed off the edge...Smart with good awareness...Solid intangibles... Still has upside.

Weaknesses:
Needs to get stronger...Could stand to add some weight...Is not overly powerful...Doesn't get a great push in the run game...Can be bullrushed and does not anchor well...Does not use his hands well and could improve his overall technique ... Has some minor durability concerns.

Notes:
Redshirted in 2004...Went on to become a three-year starter...Helped pave the way for the nation's leading rusher as a senior and was named first-team all-Big East...Missed half of the 2006 season with a broken leg...Parents are both pastors...Shut down one of the country's premier pass rushers in George Selvie two years in a row...Finesse blocker who stands out in pass protection but still has a ways to go in the run department...Best fit might be in a zone blocking scheme...An impressive physical specimen for the position and most of his flaws can be corrected with further development and coaching...Underrated prospect who seemingly has all the tools to play left tackle in the NFL

 

[Revman]

Interesting about OT's reach. Both Patriots starting tackles have short reaches. They have both been intrical parts of Pat's team success over the years.Light was a fromer TE with good feet and balance. Kaczur is the weakest link to our pass protection but his toughness has helped in the system. I would say that arm length is not a must in Pat's o-line philosophy-doesn't mean it doesn't hurt to have long arms -just that when bad weather strikes the pounders usually get it done because they are tough and well coached.

 

[Water Boy]

Kaczur is the weakest link to our pass protection but his toughness has helped in the system.

How did you come to that opinion?

 

[sg14]

What was the name of that OT the Bobby Grier drafted out of Buffalo a while back, he had the longest arms I'd ever seen????

He did not last too long here, I think he was with San Diego for a short time, plus some other teams that were probably enamered with his reach.

 

[captain stone]

That would be Edward Ellis.

1997 NFL Draft - The Football Database

 

[Ochmed Jones]

How did you come to that opinion?

I agree. I thought Yates was the absolute worst last season and the worst I'd seen in the BB era as far as O lineman. That guy could drive block, but he was miserable as a pass protector.

I doubt Yates could have made the Detriot squad, let alone start there last season.

Maybe BB will move O'Calloghan inside to OG if Neal goes down again next season.

 

[unoriginal]

Maybe BB will move O'Calloghan inside to OG if Neal goes down again next season.

Not a chance. And by that I mean, I would be very, very surprised if that occurred.

O'Callaghan is 6'7" and can't pull.

 

[Deus Irae]

Maybe BB will move O'Calloghan inside to OG if Neal goes down again next season.

Not a chance. And by that I mean, I would be very, very surprised if that occurred.

O'Callaghan is 6'7" and can't pull.

I'd expect Kazcur to move to guard before O'Callaghan.