The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward. Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft. If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see. For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud. We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the grunts on the offensive and defensive line this week. Today we look at an offensive tackle class that will be made or broken on the backs of the underclassmen.
1. Chris Faulk, LSU*
Height: 6-6 Weight: 325
Faulk was impressive in his sophomore season as he consistently graded out as top OL on a talented line. Faulk’s blend of size, strength, and athleticism should push him to the top of draft boards with another solid season in 2012.
2. Taylor Lewan, Michigan*
Height: 6-8 Weight: 302
Lewan is a finesse tackle in the mold of Matt Kalil. He possesses excellent feet and the length to keep quicker defenders off his body. His strength needs some improvement but from a shear talent standpoint there aren’t many better than Lewan. While this rating is based solely on projection, I feel safe in saying that Lewan is a top 10 talent if he declares for the 2013 NFL Draft.
3. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-5 Weight: 305
The bloodlines are intact in the Matthews family and Jake is likely to continue the NFL success in the family tree. He’s the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews which speaks for itself. Jake has the overall skill set to compete for first tackle off the board if he decides to bolt early for the NFL.
4. D.J. Fluker, Alabama*
Height: 6-6 Weight: 335
Fluker has been dominant at RT since stepping foot on the Alabama campus. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism should push him into the top 15 picks of next April’s draft should he decide to declare early.
5. Oday Aboushi, Virginia
Height: 6-6 Weight: 310
Aboushi is an NFL ready pass protector that needs to get stronger in the run game. If he cleans up his technique and adds some strength as a run blocker this season he could move to the top of this draft. He’s as good a pass protector that you will find.
6. Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-6 Weight: 310
Joeckel mans the other tackle spot on a very solid Texas A&M OL. There are some that believe Joeckel is the better pro prospect of the Aggies tackles, including Big XII coaches who voted Joeckel to the 2nd team and Matthews as honorable mention.
7. Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin
Height: 6-6 Weight: 322
Wagner is the next in line of first round Wisky lineman. After earning Honorable Mention honors in the Big 10 many thought Wagner would declare for the 2012 NFL Draft. He opted to stay but was dealt a blow when Wisconsin lost Bob Bostad to Pitt. Bostad is considered one of the best line coaches in the game. The senior has an opportunity to lead an upstart OL after losing three linemates to the NFL.
8. Seantrel Henderson, Miami*
Height: 6-8 Weight: 345
Henderson was the gem of his recruiting class but opted to leave USC amid the NCAA sanctions from the Reggie Bush saga. Henderson is as talented as any OL eligible for the draft but comes with some character concerns. After a very dramatic recruiting process, Henderson was suspended this spring due to a violation of team rules. Henderson started nine games at RT as a true freshman and made two starts in 2011 following offseason back surgery.
9. Alex Hurst, LSU
Height: 6-6 Weight: 340
Hurst was voted to All SEC First team by coaches as a junior. He’s a massive OL that has the skills to be taken in the first round of next April’s draft.
10. Mark Jackson, Glenville St.
Height: 6-5 Weight: 328
The former Illini transfer is an impressive athlete for his size. He could challenge to be the first small school prospect off the board in April’s draft.
