2012 Offensive Tackle rankings (pre Combine)

I will be doing a top 5 for each position. And these rankings are pre-Combine. I reserve the right to change my mind later this month.

Offensive Tackle

1. Matt Kalil (Southern Cal, 6’6″, 295lbs)
If not for Andrew Luck, Kalil would most likely have been the #1 overall selection. He is a dynamic pass blocker and kept Matt Barkley’s blind side clear all season long. He uses his superior agility to excel in the passing game and is very rarely beat with finesse moves. He has the frame to put on some more weight, which is a good thing because he lacks a little power in the run game. However, he uses his hands well to create leverage and can always get stronger with weight training. He most definitely will be a top 5 pick in the 2012 Draft.

2. Jonathan Martin (Stanford, 6’6″, 305lbs)
Most analysts have Reiff as the second rated tackle, but I think Martin has more upside and is a better fit on the left side. He has superb agility and quick feet that allows him to handle speed rushers and he has more than enough power to withstand the bullrush. Although he could use some polish in the passing game, he is probably the best run blocking tackle in this year’s class. Should be a top 15 selection.

3. Riley Reiff (Iowa, 6’6″, 300lbs)
Strong and agile, Reiff has lots of ability. I have him rated a little lower than some people because I think his best fit is at right tackle. Having said that, he stepped in for former first round pick Bryan Bulaga right away and most people would agree that he performed better in that role. Has above average lateral agility and explosiveness. Uses his long arms well to contain the edge against speed rushers. Could use a little work on his hand placement. Should be a top 15 selection.

4. Mike Adams (Ohio State, 6’7″, 323lbs)
Has the look of a prototypical NFL offensive tackle. And sometimes he plays like one. He missed the first five games of the 2011 season due to some issues related to a tattoo parlor in Columbus. And sadly this wasn’t his first suspension. His season was very much up and down once he returned. He is very powerful in the run game but seems lost when facing a speed rusher. Was moved to right tackle in the Senior Bowl and still had some issues. Could be a late first round pick, but will need to explain his several off the field transgressions.

5. Zebrie Sanders (Florida State, 6’6″, 308lbs)
Sanders is a very athletic and versatile lineman who could play on either side. In fact, he did just that this past season after Andrew Datko suffered a season ending injury. He has long arms and uses superior hand placement. Had a less than memorable Senior Bowl experience, losing many of the one on one practice battles against the elite defensive end prospects on the South team. Had a problem during the season handling the speed rush on the left side. But projects as an excellent right tackle. And his versatility will be a hot commodity for NFL coaches. Solid second round selection that could work his way into the late stages of the first round.

Honorable Mention:
Bobby Massie (Ole Miss, 6’6″, 325lbs)
Mitchell Schwartz (Cal, 6’5″, 317lbs)
Matt McCants (UAB, 6’6″, 309lbs)
Nate Potter (Boise State, 6’6″, 298lbs)

Other positional rankings…

Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Interior Linemen

Defense
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Outside Linebackers
Inside Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties