2011 draft watch: Arkansas’ Love stands at the head of offensive linemen class
Article By rlande.tsn on 10th August, 2010
Offensive tackles always are a hot commodity on draft day, but the 2011 class features more high-end centers and guards than in the past. As in, there should be as many interior linemen selected in the first two rounds as offensive tackles next April.
College football fans will be surprised by our rankings heading into the 2010 season because they won't see Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi or USC's Kristofer O'Dowd, two guys whose hype is far greater than their performance on film.
DeMarcus Love, if he stays healthy, will most likely be a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft. After breaking down game film all summer, here is our scouts' rankings for the top offensive linemen entering the college season:
1. DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas, 6-5/316
He is big and athletic and just jumps off the game film. He shows the rare athleticism to make NFL line coaches drool, capable of protecting the blind side against even the best speed rushers. He also is strong enough to neutralize bull rushers inside, too. He is not a finished product, but he is so gifted and has improved so much in college that he projects as an elite NFL left tackle. In '09, he performed better than Trent Williams and Russell Okung, the fourth- and sixth-overall picks last April. Projection: First-round pick.
2. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College, 6-7/298
He is tall with a long, lean build and good athleticism. A three-year starter, he has experience at right and left tackle. He shows the quickness and athleticism to protect the corner from speed rushers and continues to work hard to keep his man from disrupting the play. He does need to bulk up to better hold his ground against bull rushers and more consistently block with knees bent to maintain good leverage. Projection: First-round pick.
3. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado, 6-8/303
He is a raw prospect who came to Colorado as a tight end. The transition to tackle has gone well because o...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
College football fans will be surprised by our rankings heading into the 2010 season because they won't see Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi or USC's Kristofer O'Dowd, two guys whose hype is far greater than their performance on film.
DeMarcus Love, if he stays healthy, will most likely be a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft. After breaking down game film all summer, here is our scouts' rankings for the top offensive linemen entering the college season:
1. DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas, 6-5/316
He is big and athletic and just jumps off the game film. He shows the rare athleticism to make NFL line coaches drool, capable of protecting the blind side against even the best speed rushers. He also is strong enough to neutralize bull rushers inside, too. He is not a finished product, but he is so gifted and has improved so much in college that he projects as an elite NFL left tackle. In '09, he performed better than Trent Williams and Russell Okung, the fourth- and sixth-overall picks last April. Projection: First-round pick.
2. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College, 6-7/298
He is tall with a long, lean build and good athleticism. A three-year starter, he has experience at right and left tackle. He shows the quickness and athleticism to protect the corner from speed rushers and continues to work hard to keep his man from disrupting the play. He does need to bulk up to better hold his ground against bull rushers and more consistently block with knees bent to maintain good leverage. Projection: First-round pick.
3. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado, 6-8/303
He is a raw prospect who came to Colorado as a tight end. The transition to tackle has gone well because o...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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