2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Offensive Tackle
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
7.) Ty Sambrailo, Colorado St (6’6 | 309 | 5.27)
Scouting report – Is dropping farther than he should on some draft boards due to an uneven performance at the Senior Bowl. Sambrailo was bullied by stronger DEs in Mobile showing a lack of strength that will be an issue at the next level. That being said, Sambrailo still has prototype size, arm length, and pass pro technique. His footwork is excellent, with a consistent kick-slide, above-average agility, and the change of direction ability to recover from mistakes. Sambrailo is also an aggressive run blocker who plays through the whistle and flashes a mean streak. With a year or two in an NFL strength program, Sambrailo could be a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle.
Draft grade: 1st-2nd round
8.) Jake Fisher, Oregon (6’6 | 300 | 5.15)
Scouting report – Good size, long arms, and moves his feet well enough to deal with speed rushers off the edge. Oregon’s offense struggled when Fisher was out for a few weeks and improved immediately on his return which reflects well on Fisher. He moves very well for his size with the quick feet to handle the left side and a good enough run blocking technique to play on the right. Fisher is an intelligent player with no clear weak spots except a lack of elite strength and should be able to contribute on either side of the line right away.
Draft grade: 2nd round
9.) D.J. Humphries, Florida (6’6 | 290 | 4.97)
Scouting report – Has the athleticism to be a solid NFL left tackle, but needs top gain weight/strength and be more consistent with his technique. Humphries flashed elite ability with the quick feet, long arms, a nasty streak, and the mobility to be a lock down NFL tackle. At other times he looks lazy and not strong enough to handle NFL D-lineman. Humphries has also had numerous minor injuries which will be a red flag for NFL teams. He won battles in college relying on his elite athleticism and toughness, but his technique was often sloppy. Humphries will need to clean up his hand placement and balance issues to excel at the next level, but if he can be coached up in those aspects he could be become a Pro Bowl level left tackle.
Draft grade: 2nd round
10.) Corey Robinson, South Carolina (6’8 | 344 | 5.35)
Scouting report – Played LT for South Carolina, but has struggled with SEC speed rushers so a move to RT in the pros is inevitable. Despite his massive frame, Robinson has good feet and surprising athleticism. He’s been a very good run blocker for the Gamecocks and that should translate well to the next level, but the worry is whether Robinson will be able to hold up in pass pro. He’s a bit of a project, but has the size, unique athleticism, and potential to eventually become an elite RT if he can improve his pass pro technique.
Draft grade: 2nd-3rd round
11.) Rob Havenstein, Wisconsin (6’8 | 327 | 5.39)
Scouting report – Massive human who has been the right tackle on dominant run blocking lines at Wisconsin the last two seasons. Havenstein wasn’t asked to pass block much for the Badgers and it isn’t considered a strength, but he looked very solid in pass pro at the Senior Bowl regularly stoning elite pass rushers with a strong punch, long arms, and a wide base. He’s a mauling run blocker with a polished enough technique to step in and contribute as a rookie. If Havenstein can improve his pass protection he could become an above-average right tackle early in his career.
Draft grade: 3rd round
12.) Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma (6’5 | 336 | 5.21)
Scouting report – Had NFL athleticism but is still learning the intricacies of the left tackle position. Thompson has quick feet for his size, ideal arm length, and the lateral agility to recover when beat by an initial move. He is decent in the run game as well with the agility to get to the second level and enough strength to seal off running lanes. Thompson does need to get stronger to be as effective at the NFL level and his technique could be more consistent, but the major red flag on Thompson is mental. He has a tendency to take plays off when they are not run to his side, plays soft at times, and multiple scouts have questioned his desire to improve. The talent is there for Thompson to be a starting left tackle in the league which will get him drafted sometime on day 2, but concerns about his effort level make him a risky pick.
Draft grade: 3rd-4th round