This seems like a common feeling right now so I wanted to respond. I'm not trying to pick on any one person. I really just want to give anyone who didn't spend a lot of time watching college tackles pre-draft some hope.
I'm really surprised people feel like Lomu is a consulation prize rather than the best left tackle in the draft. When I say "best" I don't necessarily mean highest ceiling (I continue to think Kadyn Proctor's physical makeup and athleticism are generationally rare - but tons of guys with those traits have still failed at the NFL level), I mean safest pick - his skills translate... footwork, size, strength, anchor, mobility, hand technique, and awareness are all there. There were never any question marks about work ethic, character, or level of competition in college. The guy IS an NFL left tackle - plain and simple.
Because there were no physical, performance, character, or mental flaw scouts/media could pick apart his one critique (which just cost him 15 draft spots and millions of dollars) somehow became that he's not mean enough? This was the kind of lazy group-think analysis worthy of a JRE guest. I don't really understand how NFL scouts compared the tape of Miller or Iheanachor to Lomu and come away thinking even though they can't compete against NFL skill and athleticism they're somehow better because they pancaked a guy who's going to be selling cars next year, but to each their own I guess.
Basically what I'm saying is some lineman are bulldogs and that's freaking awesome and fun to watch, and some are clinicians and that's awesome too. Lomu is probably more of the latter, but without the foundational attributes and skills he's ALREADY bringing to the table no one really has a chance be a career NFL left tackle.
But don't take my word for it... just watch the kid...
