2016 NFL Draft: Tackle

This is a solid class of tackles with two top notch prospects and some depth behind them.

Laremy Tunsil-T-Ole Miss-6’5”-310-Top 5-99

Absolute stud prospect. He’s about as good on the field as you’ll ever see from a college football left tackle. Excellent feet, sticky hands, and solid strength. As a football player he’s can’t miss with D’Brickashaw Ferguson as a close comparison. The only concern is the fact he’s never played a full season in his 3 years at Ole Miss. Nine starts as a freshman, 2 games missed with a torn biceps as a sophomore, and a 7 game suspension in 2015 for accepting some dolla dolla bills yo. He was also charged domestic assault against his stepfather for protecting his mother, though charges were dropped. You can make an argument that that shows good character, but all of it together makes you wonder if this guy will be able to stay on the field. In the end, he’s an excellent football player and he’s 21. As long as he winds up in the right place (not the Browns) he’ll be a pro bowler, zero doubt sir.

Ronnie Staley-T-Notre Dame-6’6”-312-Top 20-96

Perfect size for a left tackle prospect, 35.5” arms are real nice. When he’s on he looks like an All Pro, no doubt about it. At times he doesn’t finish plays and he can get sloppy with his footwork and get out over his toes in pass protection. That being said he has all tools you want to see, like Tyron Smith level tools. If this kid gets a good coach and knows his role inside and out he’s a top 5 left tackle. Unfortunately for him he makes too many mistakes, small ones but it’s the type of inconsistency that costs you on draft day.

Jack Conklin-T-Michigan State-6’6”-308-1st Round-92

This kid is a fun prospect, former walk-on turned All Big 10 left tackle and future first round pick. He looks technically sound on the field with good balance, movement ability, and toughness. For a minute I thought he wasn’t able to play left tackle, probably his duck feet, but the more I watched his athleticism and anticipation showed through. I’m surprised to be writing this but he looks like a Matt Light clone.

Taylor Decker-T-Ohio State-6’7”-310-1st/2nd Round-88

Big tough dude. He’s one of those tackles that puts his hands on you and it’s over (33.75” arms are short). Unfortunately he does not have great feet. His kick step is gross, he doesn’t get to the second level and struggles laterally. I think he’s a right tackle for sure, and a somewhat limited one at that. I bet he’ll be a leader and the tough guy on whatever team he winds up with, but he’ll always be susceptible to a speed rush, that puts him in the second round for me.