2006 NFL Draft Talk (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

2006 NFL Draft Talk

Part V: Offensive Linemen

Interested in starting up some discussion on who some of the top players will be in this year's draft class.

Feel free to share any information, opinions, scouting reports, etc. on players who you think will be available during the NFL draft in April. This would also be a good place to ask questions about players who you might be having trouble finding good information on.

This obviously will help dynasty owners begin to prepare for the offseason and upcoming rookie drafts, but will also help to improve our overall knowledge and awareness of the incoming talent pool.

Links to all draft threads: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, DB

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

I keep hearing a lot of concerns about the Brick. Injury, etc.What do you guys know about McNeill (who looks like a monster, by the way) and Justice?Great OT draft. The Texans should take note.

 

[jurb26]

Great OT draft. The Texans should take note.

As well as the Lions, 49ers, Bills and Cards.

 

[Workhorse]

I really like Max Jean-Gilles from Georgia. Seen him manhandle guys all year on the inside.

 

[Jason Wood]

This year was supposed to be a bumper crop of NFL caliber tackles but it simply didn't materialize the way many [myself included] expected.

Personally, I think four tackles will come off the board in the 1st round...

Brick Ferguson, UVA -- The favorite choice among draftniks to be the top OL drafted. Ferguson had an up and down year [as did most of the UVA players] but remains a top tier prospect. He has questions to answer though and I'm not 100% confident we should all be so quick to lock him into a top 5 overall selection just yet. How is his knee? What will he weigh? There aren't many sub-300 lbs tackles in the NFL and Ferguson has always played light...with his knee being tweaked, will scouts wonder how he can handle extra weight?

Eric Winston, Miami -- Winston blew out his knee last year but battled back and really played at a high level in the 2nd half of 2005 to reassert himself among the top tackle prospects. A former TE, Winston is athletic, but also has good size [6'6", 310 lbs.]. I would be surprised if Winston isn't a top-10 -12 selection regardless of where Brick Ferguson grades out.
Jon Scott, Texas -- A personal favorite, I think Scott could be a great pro for a long time to come. Never seems to garner the national attention of Ferguson and Winston despite UT's considerably strong run these last few seasons. A 4-year starter for a top tier team, plus solid measurables = the lowest risk of the tier 1 tackle prospects.
Marcus McNeil, Auburn -- One of the guys who seems to have lost a bit of luster this season. Entering the year, McNeil was thought to be in the running for top 10 honors alongside Ferguson but a balky knee and inconsistent play early on seemed to have cooled the hype a bit. McNeil is mammother [6'8", 335 lbs.] with decent speed [for an OL] and would have to have a very poor showing at workouts to not be solidly in the first round mix.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

This year was supposed to be a bumper crop of NFL caliber tackles but it simply didn't materialize the way many [myself included] expected.

Personally, I think four tackles will come off the board in the 1st round...

Good info.

Good work. You can now take a 15 minute break. Tell 'em I said so.

 

[Bloom]

This year was supposed to be a bumper crop of NFL caliber tackles but it simply didn't materialize the way many [myself included] expected.

Personally, I think four tackles will come off the board in the 1st round...

Brick Ferguson, UVA -- The favorite choice among draftniks to be the top OL drafted. Ferguson had an up and down year [as did most of the UVA players] but remains a top tier prospect. He has questions to answer though and I'm not 100% confident we should all be so quick to lock him into a top 5 overall selection just yet. How is his knee? What will he weigh? There aren't many sub-300 lbs tackles in the NFL and Ferguson has always played light...with his knee being tweaked, will scouts wonder how he can handle extra weight?

Eric Winston, Miami -- Winston blew out his knee last year but battled back and really played at a high level in the 2nd half of 2005 to reassert himself among the top tackle prospects. A former TE, Winston is athletic, but also has good size [6'6", 310 lbs.]. I would be surprised if Winston isn't a top-10 -12 selection regardless of where Brick Ferguson grades out.
Jon Scott, Texas -- A personal favorite, I think Scott could be a great pro for a long time to come. Never seems to garner the national attention of Ferguson and Winston despite UT's considerably strong run these last few seasons. A 4-year starter for a top tier team, plus solid measurables = the lowest risk of the tier 1 tackle prospects.
Marcus McNeil, Auburn -- One of the guys who seems to have lost a bit of luster this season. Entering the year, McNeil was thought to be in the running for top 10 honors alongside Ferguson but a balky knee and inconsistent play early on seemed to have cooled the hype a bit. McNeil is mammother [6'8", 335 lbs.] with decent speed [for an OL] and would have to have a very poor showing at workouts to not be solidly in the first round mix.

I liked the way you summed it up. I think of Brick as the most athletic, but undersized guy, Winston as the best technically, and maybe with the highest upside, Scott as the least risky (as you said), and McNeill as the man-mountain in the pace/ogden mold. McNeill, Winston, and Brick will be easier to rate once we know if they have a clean bill of health. If Scott had a mean streak and motor, he would be the bar none #1 in this class.I would add in Winston Justice, USC in as a sure first rounder (yes, 5 will go in the first), and Daryn Colledge, Boise St. has a chance to get in the mix if he continues to impress.

 

[diesel7982]

I really like Max Jean-Gilles from Georgia. Seen him manhandle guys all year on the inside.

Agreed. Hes a beast. Would be a great part of a power running game like Dallas' or Pitts'

 

[diesel7982]

This year was supposed to be a bumper crop of NFL caliber tackles but it simply didn't materialize the way many [myself included] expected.

Personally, I think four tackles will come off the board in the 1st round...

Brick Ferguson, UVA -- The favorite choice among draftniks to be the top OL drafted. Ferguson had an up and down year [as did most of the UVA players] but remains a top tier prospect. He has questions to answer though and I'm not 100% confident we should all be so quick to lock him into a top 5 overall selection just yet. How is his knee? What will he weigh? There aren't many sub-300 lbs tackles in the NFL and Ferguson has always played light...with his knee being tweaked, will scouts wonder how he can handle extra weight?

Eric Winston, Miami -- Winston blew out his knee last year but battled back and really played at a high level in the 2nd half of 2005 to reassert himself among the top tackle prospects. A former TE, Winston is athletic, but also has good size [6'6", 310 lbs.]. I would be surprised if Winston isn't a top-10 -12 selection regardless of where Brick Ferguson grades out.
Jon Scott, Texas -- A personal favorite, I think Scott could be a great pro for a long time to come. Never seems to garner the national attention of Ferguson and Winston despite UT's considerably strong run these last few seasons. A 4-year starter for a top tier team, plus solid measurables = the lowest risk of the tier 1 tackle prospects.
Marcus McNeil, Auburn -- One of the guys who seems to have lost a bit of luster this season. Entering the year, McNeil was thought to be in the running for top 10 honors alongside Ferguson but a balky knee and inconsistent play early on seemed to have cooled the hype a bit. McNeil is mammother [6'8", 335 lbs.] with decent speed [for an OL] and would have to have a very poor showing at workouts to not be solidly in the first round mix.

I liked the way you summed it up. I think of Brick as the most athletic, but undersized guy, Winston as the best technically, and maybe with the highest upside, Scott as the least risky (as you said), and McNeill as the man-mountain in the pace/ogden mold. McNeill, Winston, and Brick will be easier to rate once we know if they have a clean bill of health. If Scott had a mean streak and motor, he would be the bar none #1 in this class.I would add in Winston Justice, USC in as a sure first rounder (yes, 5 will go in the first), and Daryn Colledge, Boise St. has a chance to get in the mix if he continues to impress.

Was about to ask about Justice myself.Colledge is more of a 2nd now, but can certainly improve. Good teams drafting at the end of the rounds seem to have a proclivity for reaching for OTs

 

[Bloom]

I really like Max Jean-Gilles from Georgia.  Seen him manhandle guys all year on the inside.

Agreed. Hes a beast. Would be a great part of a power running game like Dallas' or Pitts'

epitome of a road grader.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think Justice and gilles both go in round 1 as well. Wouldn't be shocked to see Pittsburgh take Gilles in the latter half of round 1, only because he fits their system beautifully and you can NEVER have too many good OL, but I think they may take an RB or WR in round 1 and look for a C prospect in round 2-3.

 

[Jason Wood]

This year was supposed to be a bumper crop of NFL caliber tackles but it simply didn't materialize the way many [myself included] expected.

Personally, I think four tackles will come off the board in the 1st round...

Brick Ferguson, UVA -- The favorite choice among draftniks to be the top OL drafted. Ferguson had an up and down year [as did most of the UVA players] but remains a top tier prospect. He has questions to answer though and I'm not 100% confident we should all be so quick to lock him into a top 5 overall selection just yet. How is his knee? What will he weigh? There aren't many sub-300 lbs tackles in the NFL and Ferguson has always played light...with his knee being tweaked, will scouts wonder how he can handle extra weight?

Eric Winston, Miami -- Winston blew out his knee last year but battled back and really played at a high level in the 2nd half of 2005 to reassert himself among the top tackle prospects. A former TE, Winston is athletic, but also has good size [6'6", 310 lbs.]. I would be surprised if Winston isn't a top-10 -12 selection regardless of where Brick Ferguson grades out.
Jon Scott, Texas -- A personal favorite, I think Scott could be a great pro for a long time to come. Never seems to garner the national attention of Ferguson and Winston despite UT's considerably strong run these last few seasons. A 4-year starter for a top tier team, plus solid measurables = the lowest risk of the tier 1 tackle prospects.
Marcus McNeil, Auburn -- One of the guys who seems to have lost a bit of luster this season. Entering the year, McNeil was thought to be in the running for top 10 honors alongside Ferguson but a balky knee and inconsistent play early on seemed to have cooled the hype a bit. McNeil is mammother [6'8", 335 lbs.] with decent speed [for an OL] and would have to have a very poor showing at workouts to not be solidly in the first round mix.

I liked the way you summed it up. I think of Brick as the most athletic, but undersized guy, Winston as the best technically, and maybe with the highest upside, Scott as the least risky (as you said), and McNeill as the man-mountain in the pace/ogden mold. McNeill, Winston, and Brick will be easier to rate once we know if they have a clean bill of health. If Scott had a mean streak and motor, he would be the bar none #1 in this class.I would add in Winston Justice, USC in as a sure first rounder (yes, 5 will go in the first), and Daryn Colledge, Boise St. has a chance to get in the mix if he continues to impress.

Was about to ask about Justice myself.Colledge is more of a 2nd now, but can certainly improve. Good teams drafting at the end of the rounds seem to have a proclivity for reaching for OTs

Has Justice declared? I hadn't thought so. If he has [or does], I agree he'll get first round consideration for sure, but I'm not sure I see him as a lock. His one-year suspension will raise a red flag regardless of his talent, and the fact he plays right tackle also inherently lowers his perceived value. It certainly helps that he plays for SC [and started three of the last four years], but I could see him falling to the 2nd round in this class as long as the other OTs meet expectations during the workout/senior bowl/combine period.

 

[msommer]

It was posted yesterday I think that Justice declared

 

[Chaos Commish]

The record for OLs in round 1 is 6 (I think it's happened twice), and I think this year ties or breaks the record. The four Wood detailed and Justice are all but guaranteed (that's 5 for sure). Between Colledge, Jean Gilles, Eslinger, Trueblood, Whitworth, and O'Callaghan one or more will likely leave the board in Round 1. One of them is bound to kick butt at the Combine. There are some others with huge measureables under the radar. I agree the crop didn't bloom as expected at the very top (D'Brick, Winston, McNeill, Scott all have ??). That hasn't really moved them out of round 1, just down a few notches in round 1, and some of these others have finished very very strong. Doug Free said he was staying in school, but there is a chance here in the next week or so that he could declare. He too is likely staring at a first round grade from the draft advisory board. I've read some pretty sharp criticism of Trueblood and Whitworth here and there. They both looked absolutely dominant in their bowl games. It would be hard to put those performances alongside the sure thing first rounders and pick whom played at the higher level. I don't think Colledge has had a bad game in two years. We have to wait on a couple small college bruisers to get tested, but a couple of them are freaks. It's not as supremely talented a crop as initially advertised, but it is very talented, there are OL needs all across the league, the depth is unheard of, and good OLs are drafted early.

 

[Jason Wood]

The record for OLs in round 1 is 6 (I think it's happened twice), and I think this year ties or breaks the record. The four Wood detailed and Justice are all but guaranteed (that's 5 for sure). Between Colledge, Jean Gilles, Eslinger, Trueblood, Whitworth, and O'Callaghan one or more will likely leave the board in Round 1. One of them is bound to kick butt at the Combine. There are some others with huge measureables under the radar. I agree the crop didn't bloom as expected at the very top (D'Brick, Winston, McNeill, Scott all have ??). That hasn't really moved them out of round 1, just down a few notches in round 1, and some of these others have finished very very strong. Doug Free said he was staying in school, but there is a chance here in the next week or so that he could declare. He too is likely staring at a first round grade from the draft advisory board.

I've read some pretty sharp criticism of Trueblood and Whitworth here and there. They both looked absolutely dominant in their bowl games. It would be hard to put those performances alongside the sure thing first rounders and pick whom played at the higher level. I don't think Colledge has had a bad game in two years.

We have to wait on a couple small college bruisers to get tested, but a couple of them are freaks.

It's not as supremely talented a crop as initially advertised, but it is very talented, there are OL needs all across the league, the depth is unheard of, and good OLs are drafted early.

I had thought, entering this season, that three or four tackles would be top 10 picks potentially [i.e., they would be viewed as franchise tackle prospects], and while that certainly hasn't materialized, I think it would take A LOT for at least four tackles [and probably one or two interior lineman] to not go in the 1st this year.

I'm hopeful the Eagles take one of these guys frankly, I would prefer Artis Hicks to remain at OG, and would rather one of the aforementioned guys being brought in at LT to replace Tra Thomas.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

IMHO, taking Jean-Giles is the only pick that seems to be a safe investment at this point as far as offensive linemen go. Granted, OG's dont go that high as is, so I suspect Giles to slip to the end of the first round, possibly early 2nd. In terms of talent, he clearly is the top OG of his class but with all the question marks surrounding the 'projected' first-round OT's, I think he ends up having the most impact out of any of the top Offensive Lineman. His showing in the Peach bowl was impressive at the very least. On single coverage, he abused his defensive counterpart and on several ocassions quickly shed a pretty bulky DT mind you, spun, and threw a blitzing LB to the ground. Very nasty man with even nastier talent. If he happens to slip to #33, the Texans would be fools to pass him up and with (theoretically) a top OT and Giles on the same line, the talent on their line would be unheard of. As for OT's- ill do my ditty on them later but am very impressed with the early/middle round talent. Especially Colledge and Trueblood.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Has Justice declared? I hadn't thought so. If he has [or does], I agree he'll get first round consideration for sure, but I'm not sure I see him as a lock. His one-year suspension will raise a red flag regardless of his talent, and the fact he plays right tackle also inherently lowers his perceived value. It certainly helps that he plays for SC [and started three of the last four years], but I could see him falling to the 2nd round in this class as long as the other OTs meet expectations during the workout/senior bowl/combine period.

Yes he did declare his intentions (not sure if he's filed the paperwork though). I posted the story yesterday. Apparently, he listened to Carroll's speech about staying to increase his value, then he received his eval from the advisory board and realized his value was as high as he could hope for. The story at NFL.COM stated he could be the 1st OT drafted. The unconfirmed portion of the story is that it was the NFL Draft Advisory Board telling him he could go first, before D'Brick and the others. They seem to be sworn to secrecy as to what the board reports. I don't know about him going that high, but it wouldn't surprise me. These OTs are very hard to rank. I suspect the 32 franchises will have a variety of preferences before all is said and done. I have been posting concerns over D'Brick for weeks, but that's only because I felt the impression that he was the runaway #1 and clearly a franchise LT was probably a little too strong. I think he's great and as safe a pick as Scott or Justice and better potential. If McNeill checks out physically (and his back is my biggest concern), then I think he's probably the most physical and dominating of the lot, and my personal preference. He has the fastest reported 40 time of them all, which isn't a key number for a tackle, but it does speak to his power and physical freakishness. Yesterday's Winston discussion w/link to nfl.com story

 

[Jason Wood]

Has Justice declared? I hadn't thought so. If he has [or does], I agree he'll get first round consideration for sure, but I'm not sure I see him as a lock. His one-year suspension will raise a red flag regardless of his talent, and the fact he plays right tackle also inherently lowers his perceived value. It certainly helps that he plays for SC [and started three of the last four years], but I could see him falling to the 2nd round in this class as long as the other OTs meet expectations during the workout/senior bowl/combine period.

Yes he did declare his intentions (not sure if he's filed the paperwork though). I posted the story yesterday. Apparently, he listened to Carroll's speech about staying to increase his value, then he received his eval from the advisory board and realized his value was as high as he could hope for. The story at NFL.COM stated he could be the 1st OT drafted. The unconfirmed portion of the story is that it was the NFL Draft Advisory Board telling him he could go first, before D'Brick and the others. They seem to be sworn to secrecy as to what the board reports. I don't know about him going that high, but it wouldn't surprise me. These OTs are very hard to rank. I suspect the 32 franchises will have a variety of preferences before all is said and done. I have been posting concerns over D'Brick for weeks, but that's only because I felt the impression that he was the runaway #1 and clearly a franchise LT was probably a little too strong. I think he's great and as safe a pick as Scott or Justice and better potential. If McNeill checks out physically (and his back is my biggest concern), then I think he's probably the most physical and dominating of the lot, and my personal preference. He has the fastest reported 40 time of them all, which isn't a key number for a tackle, but it does speak to his power and physical freakishness. Yesterday's Winston discussion w/link to nfl.com story

Thanks for the link Chaos

 

[pigskinliquors]

For what it's worth; it's not official yet, but Joe Thomas (WIS) will be staying for his Senior year (sorry for no link). Prior to his injury during the game in which the Badgers kicked Auburn's ###; he was graded out as the second best OL in college.

 

[bagger.]

Justice hasn't declared yet. Ryan Kalil will be a first day guy, also a OL from USC.

 

[Austin Rams Fan]

Justice hasn't declared yet. Ryan Kalil will be a first day guy, also a OL from USC.

In the Rose Bowl, I really noticed the left side of that USC line: Lutui at guard and Baker at tackle. I think that Lutui is the guy that went up against Rod Wright (UT D-tackle) in the Rose Bowl and just absolutely stoned him on most pass rushes. I also remember seeing him lead blocking Bush on sweeps to the right side and was incredibly impressed with his ability to pull and get to the sideline on the opposite side of the field.

 

[bagger.]

Justice hasn't declared yet.  Ryan Kalil will be a first day guy, also a OL from USC.

In the Rose Bowl, I really noticed the left side of that USC line: Lutui at guard and Baker at tackle. I think that Lutui is the guy that went up against Rod Wright (UT D-tackle) in the Rose Bowl and just absolutely stoned him on most pass rushes. I also remember seeing him lead blocking Bush on sweeps to the right side and was incredibly impressed with his ability to pull and get to the sideline on the opposite side of the field.

"Deuce" Latui is an absolute stud. I have not heard yet if he has declared either as I think he is a junior as well. That line has 3 JRs, 1 SR (Kalil), and a SO (I think).Kalil is obviously leaving and most assume Justice will as well. These guys are the unspoken studs that have helped the past two Heisman winners achieve their success.

 

[Jason Wood]

Justice hasn't declared yet.  Ryan Kalil will be a first day guy, also a OL from USC.

In the Rose Bowl, I really noticed the left side of that USC line: Lutui at guard and Baker at tackle. I think that Lutui is the guy that went up against Rod Wright (UT D-tackle) in the Rose Bowl and just absolutely stoned him on most pass rushes. I also remember seeing him lead blocking Bush on sweeps to the right side and was incredibly impressed with his ability to pull and get to the sideline on the opposite side of the field.

"Deuce" Latui is an absolute stud. I have not heard yet if he has declared either as I think he is a junior as well. That line has 3 JRs, 1 SR (Kalil), and a SO (I think).Kalil is obviously leaving and most assume Justice will as well. These guys are the unspoken studs that have helped the past two Heisman winners achieve their success.

Latui = Senior and should easily be a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

 

[bagger.]

Justice hasn't declared yet.  Ryan Kalil will be a first day guy, also a OL from USC.

In the Rose Bowl, I really noticed the left side of that USC line: Lutui at guard and Baker at tackle. I think that Lutui is the guy that went up against Rod Wright (UT D-tackle) in the Rose Bowl and just absolutely stoned him on most pass rushes. I also remember seeing him lead blocking Bush on sweeps to the right side and was incredibly impressed with his ability to pull and get to the sideline on the opposite side of the field.

"Deuce" Latui is an absolute stud. I have not heard yet if he has declared either as I think he is a junior as well. That line has 3 JRs, 1 SR (Kalil), and a SO (I think).Kalil is obviously leaving and most assume Justice will as well. These guys are the unspoken studs that have helped the past two Heisman winners achieve their success.

Latui = Senior and should easily be a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

You're right. Deuce is the senior, Kalil is the junior.Deuce is the only senior offensive linemen.

 

[Austin Rams Fan]

Justice hasn't declared yet.  Ryan Kalil will be a first day guy, also a OL from USC.

In the Rose Bowl, I really noticed the left side of that USC line: Lutui at guard and Baker at tackle. I think that Lutui is the guy that went up against Rod Wright (UT D-tackle) in the Rose Bowl and just absolutely stoned him on most pass rushes. I also remember seeing him lead blocking Bush on sweeps to the right side and was incredibly impressed with his ability to pull and get to the sideline on the opposite side of the field.

"Deuce" Latui is an absolute stud. I have not heard yet if he has declared either as I think he is a junior as well. That line has 3 JRs, 1 SR (Kalil), and a SO (I think).Kalil is obviously leaving and most assume Justice will as well. These guys are the unspoken studs that have helped the past two Heisman winners achieve their success.

Latui = Senior and should easily be a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

Wow, The Rams could really use him in the 2nd round.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Justice hasn't declared yet. Ryan Kalil will be a first day guy, also a OL from USC.

In the Rose Bowl, I really noticed the left side of that USC line: Lutui at guard and Baker at tackle. I think that Lutui is the guy that went up against Rod Wright (UT D-tackle) in the Rose Bowl and just absolutely stoned him on most pass rushes. I also remember seeing him lead blocking Bush on sweeps to the right side and was incredibly impressed with his ability to pull and get to the sideline on the opposite side of the field.

"Deuce" Latui is an absolute stud. I have not heard yet if he has declared either as I think he is a junior as well. That line has 3 JRs, 1 SR (Kalil), and a SO (I think).Kalil is obviously leaving and most assume Justice will as well. These guys are the unspoken studs that have helped the past two Heisman winners achieve their success.

Latui = Senior and should easily be a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

Wow, The Rams could really use him in the 2nd round.

Jean-Gilles and Joseph supposedly grade higher. That could certainly change, but they all look to be available in the 2nd round (though Jean-Gilles is currently projected in many first rounds). I like Deuce better than any of them. Great intangibles. He's a devoted family man who takes his craft and career very seriously, and he's a great locker room guy.