UPON FURTHER REVIEW: GRADING THE TOP 4 OT’S

Hello again draft junkies, and welcome back to the Padded Cell. With the NFL draft less than three weeks away, I thought I’d take a good long look at the Browns position of greatest need – offensive left tackle. To new General Manager Andrew Berry’s credit, he and his team were able to identify some of the needs for this team and filled a few holes so that new Head Coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive scheme would have the personnel to run it. The biggest two signings thus far have been RT Jack Conklin and TE Austin Hooper; however, I think we also need to give Berry kudos for acquiring FB Andy Janovich in a trade with Denver.

It’s been stated over the airwaves on several occasions that there are four “elite” offensive tackles in this year’s draft. Upon further review of the film, I would like to publicly refute that statement and say that there are only three elite tackles and one elite guard. And as we get further into this article, you’ll see why. Before we get into evaluating the prospects, let’s take a look at the different factors that I’ll be using to evaluate these prospects.

Physical Measurements: This is exactly what it means . . . height, weight, arm length, hand size and bone structure or frame. In the case of an O-lineman, for example, it’s not a good thing to have short arms because it could allow a defender to get his hands on you before you can get your hands on him.

Athleticism: There are a number of things that factor into a player’s athleticism; among which include (but are not limited to) mobility, strength and flexibility. The drills that these players go through at the NFL combine and at their respective pro days are what gives the scouts and coaches better information concerning this area of evaluation. These drills include the 40 yard dash, reps at bench pressing 225 lbs, vertical jump, standing broad jump, 3-cone drill and the shuttle run. With O-linemen there are also drills that show scouts and coaches their ability to pass block, cross block and combo block. A player’s athleticism is part of what allows a him to block an opposing defender at the second level, which is beyond the line of scrimmage. This is a particularly critical factor for an offense that incorporates a wide zone blocking scheme, which is what the Browns (and several other NFL teams) will be running this coming season.

Technique: When you look at former NFL players like Joe Thomas, he wasn’t one of the best in the business because he was such a superior athlete than his opponent, but rather because he was such an excellent technician at the left tackle position. His ability to keep himself between the defender and the quarterback was simply outstanding. So, what all does technique involve? It includes how well you move your feet, keep your hips perpendicular to the direction the defender is coming, what arm and hand movements you use to keep his hands off you and your hands on him, how well can you bend your knees to maintain leverage on the opponent and how much leg drive you have when you need to move the defender backwards.

Coachability: This is exactly what it means. How quickly can the player take what’s learned in the class room or in practice field and apply it and make it part of his skill set. Sometimes it’s grasping a concept of the offensive scheme. Sometimes it’s working on using his hands in a different manner. Sometimes it’s trying to more quickly recognize a particular type of defensive line stunt.

Desire: What drives a player to be better? How intensely do he go about his work? Does he get to the point to where he’s satisfied with a certain performance level? One of the things I like to see in an O-lineman is a desire to find the next body to block. Some scouts call that one, “looking for work”.

Intelligence: contrary to what some people may think, offensive lineman aren’t just a big, strong balls of stupid. You cannot allow yourself to be ruled by emotion and adrenaline. You have to be smart enough to keep your cool so you can out-think the opponent. You have to be able to recognize the front and possible blitz packages coming from that front.

The NFL has also come up with an analytical formula of scoring a player’s ability called the S.P.A.R.Q. score. It stands for Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness. 1.00 is the highest score available.

Now let’s take a look at the “top four” candidates for the Browns left tackle position.

Jedrick Wills – Alabama: 6′-4″ / 312 lbs. / 34 1/4″ arms / 10″ hands / 5.05 in the 40 / 34.5″ vertical / 113″ broad jump / 4.84 shuttle / SPARQ = 0.74

At 6′-4″ tall, Wills is adequate height for the position, but not ideal. His 34 1/4″ arm length is quite good; as are his 10″ hands. While he did not participate in the 225 bench press, but his other combine stats are quite satisfactory. On the field, Wills has plenty of athleticism to get to the next level. His technique is by far the best of all the candidates. He exercises great footwork, hip movement and uses his arms and hands very well. On every run play, you’ll always find him ready to find another body to hit. Wills is a ready to plug in and play prospect whose consistent play makes him a valuable commodity in today’s NFL. Wills may in fact be the first offensive tackle taken in the draft. The only question is, “Can he flip over from right tackle to play left tackle?” There is nothing in his evaluation that tells me that he cannot. Thus, Jedrick Wills gets my vote for the most NFL ready O-tackle.

Andrew Thomas – Georgia: 6′-5″ / 315 lbs. / 36 1/8″ arms / 10 1/4″ hands / 21 reps at 225 / SPARQ = 0.71

While Thomas chose not to participate in any other combine events, his game film tells me all I need to know. His height is adequate to good, his arm length is very good, he shows very good strength in run blocking and his footwork in pass blocking is very good. He’s very capable of getting to the next level and is always looking to find another body to hit. My only knock on Thomas is that he too often allows the defender to get his hands on him first when it comes to pass blocking. This is definitely a coaching thing at Georgia because you see all their O-linemen pass blocking with the same poor hand and arm technique. Once he gets this corrected, Thomas will have a higher ceiling than his Alabama counterpart.

Mekhi Becton – Louisville: 6′-7″ / 364 lbs. / 35 5/8″ arms / 10 3/4″ hands / 5.11 in the 40 / 23 reps at 225 / SPARQ = 1.00

This kid is big, strong and so very raw. He’s so big that it’s hard to get around him. He’s so strong that you can’t go through him. For his size he has very good feet in pass protection, and he’s mobile enough to get to the next level. Becton also seems to have a nasty streak that exceeds the others previously mentioned. I’ve seen tape where he’s literally bench pressed defenders out of the way and to the turf. And I’m not talking about 180 lb. defensive backs, either. I’m talking about 265 lb. defensive ends and rush linebackers. Once this kid learns proper NFL style technique, this kid will be an unstoppable force. The only question is, “How long will it take for him to get there?” Becton’s sheer strength and physicality are what make him a standout prospect. If the Browns were to draft Becton, it would be interesting to see how soon O-line Coach Bill Callahan get get him NFL ready. He’s got the highest upside potential, and is by far the most intriguing prospect at the position.

Tristan Wirfs – Iowa: 6′-5″ / 320 lbs. / 34″ arms / 10 1/4″ hands / 4.85 in the 40 / 24 reps at 225 / 36.5″ vertical jump / 121″ broad jump / 4.68 shuttle / SPARQ = 0.97

When it comes to athleticism, Wirfs has it in abundance. In fact, he’s one of the most athletic offensive lineman in the draft. He has great feet, the ability to get to the next level, solid one-on-one pass protect technique and is well versed in wide zone blocking. So where is his Achilles heel? Two man stunt pass protection. If you watch film of the Penn State game, you’ll see that Iowa was helpless against Penn State’s stunts. Wirfs really exposed himself as being vulnerable to this kind of D-line game; and though this is something that is teachable, it does concern me. You’d have to look long and hard to find a football coach that’s better suited for grooming O-linemen at the collegiate level than what Iowa has in Kirk Ferentz, who many years ago was the O-line coach for your Cleveland Browns. And in all candidness and honesty, let me say that Tristan Wirfs may end up being a productive tackle; but his skill set is best suited for him to play at guard, where I think he can become a perennial All Pro. And I’m not alone in my opinion. Former Cleveland Brown multi-time Pro Bowl first team selection and not-long-to-be Hall of Fame member Joe Thomas has shared that very same opinion over the airwaves.

So in review, the Cleveland Browns only have three players to select from if they’re looking to take an offensive tackle with the tenth overall pick: Jedrick Wills, Andrew Thomas and Mekhi Becton. I sincerely hope that at least one of these three is available when the Browns are on the clock April 23rd.