2017 NFL Draft: Tackle

2017 NFL Draft Tackles

Cam Robinson-T/G-Alabama-6’6”-322-1st-92

Young prospect entering the draft after only 3 years in Tuscaloosa, though he garnered First Team conference distinction in each season. This kid is a big powerful lineman. I like his footwork at this stage and it affords him decent balance for a man his size. Long ass 35.5” arms and 10.5” hands, this guy was born to move people. Some people say guard, but I think he has enough athleticism to play right tackle and you want to take advantage of his length. The obvious comparison is D.J. Fluker, and it’s a good one, but I think Robinson has an athletic edge on Fluker. Some off-field concerns as he was arrested along with a teammate in a car with pot and a stolen gun. Bottomline, if he wants it he has top level run blocking potential for a right tackle, and enough pass blocking skills to get by. Held Myles Garrett to 1 sack in 3 match-ups.

Ryan Ramczyk-T-Wisconsin-6’6”-310-1st-88

Kind of a slow developing football player. Spent two years playing division 3 college football before transferring to Wisconsin, sacrificing a year of eligibility, then tearing it up in 2016 as the Badgers left tackle. Look, you can’t teach size, and at that height with 34” arms he has NFL tackle size. I really wish he could have tested at the combine because I think he might’ve put on a show. On the field he moves great, solid drop in pass protection and slides his feet with ease. As you would imagine he is far from a finished product. Ramathorn plays over his toes too much, gets beat by spin moves, and sometimes looks hesitant. With good coaching he can clean all that up. He might be the best true left tackle prospect in this draft and that will drive him up into the first round. Slight injury concerns as he had hip surgery following his one season of big time college football. Also, he turned down a scholarship to Pitt in favor of going to a technical school without a football team. How important is the game to him? The natural talent says mid/late first rounder, but the lack of experience, necessary growth, and essentially quitting football push him to the 2nd for me.

Garett Bolles-T-Utah-6’5”-297-2nd Day-87

Absolutely excellent athlete. At his size he ran a 4.95 second 40 yard dash and added a 4.55 second 20 yard shuttle. That may not mean much to you, but those are terrific numbers for an O-lineman. On the field you see that athleticism. Bolles seems twitchy, bursting out of his stance forward, backwards, and laterally. He is another transfer prospect after having spent 2 years in junior college and only 1 year at Utah so lack of experience is a factor. Also he evidently had a rough childhood I didn’t look deeply into, but suffice it to say the concerns stemming from it are mental health history, marijuana use, bad influence from family, and the fact he’ll be a 25 year old rookie. Those are all legitimate issues each team will have to gauge, but he is one of those rare guys with the ability to play left tackle in the NFL. And that’s very valuable potential. His 34” arms are long enough and he has elite athleticism that reminds me of Lane Johnson. From the limited information I have he is worth a high second rounder.

Antonio Garcia-T-Troy-6’6”-302-2nd Day-84

Garcia was a 3.5 year starter at left tackle working his way to first team all conference honors as a senior in 2016. He has good height for tackle but his 33.5” arms are slightly lacking. On the field I love his sticktoitiveness, he finishes every block and every play. He didn’t play the highest quality competition regularly, but held his own against Clemson. Garcia has enough athleticism which shows through on the field and he had a solid 5.15 second 40 yard dash. I don’t think he has the strength to play guard, so if he doesn’t have the length to play tackle he’s SOL. Still, as with the other left tackle prospects, he has traits that can’t be taught, and that usually means at least a 2nd round pick.