2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Offensive Tackle

Matthew O

13.) Donovan Smith, Penn St (6’6 | 341 | 5.12)

Scouting report – Boosted his draft stock with a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Smith has great size and moves his feet while for a 340 pounder. He started at LT for three years and depending what game tape you watch on Smith, he can look like an early 2nd round pick or a late day 3 pick. At his best he is a punishing run blocker with good enough feet to mirror in pass pro and recover from mistakes. Other times he looks lazy, with sloppy hand placement and focus issues. Smith’s most consistent asset is his run blocking ability which will likely move him to right tackle or maybe even guard at the next level.

Draft grade: 3rd-4th round

14.) Jeremiah Poutasi, Utah (6’6 | 322 | 5.29)

Scouting report – Improved significantly in 2014 only allowing 3 sacks and 6.5 QB hits on the season. Poutasi has decent feet and agility for a big man but his pass blocking still needs some work to be NFL caliber. With some coaching on his technique and hand placement Poutasi could develop into a solid right tackle. Run blocking is his strength which could lead to a move inside to guard at least in the short-term.

Draft grade: 3rd-4th round

15.) Daryl Williams, Oklahoma (6’6 | 329 | 5.36)

Scouting report – Lacks NFL athleticism, but wins with consistent technique, decent power, intelligence, and a mean streak. Williams is decent in pass pro, but excels as a run blocker. Williams’ lack of athleticism could get him moved inside to guard, but he has a decent chance to stick as a right tackle with limited upside.

Draft grade: 4th round

16.) Austin Shepard, Alabama (6’5 | 320 | 5.42)

Scouting report – Under-rated RT prospect who has been a powerful run blocker for the Tide since taking over for D.J. Fluker in 2013. Shepherd’s strength is his run blocking ability, but he has pretty good feet in pass pro and the agility to improve with coaching.  If Shepherd can become more consistent as a pass blocker, he has the potential to be a decent starting RT in the NFL.

Draft grade: 4th round

17.) Chaz Green, Florida (6’5 | 305 | 5.17) 

Scouting report – Has less physical ability than his line-mate Humphries, but is less injury prone and a more consistent player. Green is an aggressive run blocker who moves very well and has crushed defenders on the 2nd level this season. He’s decent in pass pro, but his strength is as a run blocker and he may move inside to guard at the next level. His lack of NFL athleticism will hurt his draft stock, but his strong fundamentals and above average mobility will earn him a spot on an NFL roster.

Draft grade: 4th-5th round

18.) Tayo Fabuluje, TCU (6’7 | 355 | 5.09)

Scouting report – Massive tackle with elite strength and surprisingly nimble feet. Fabuluje can move defenders wherever he wants them in the run game and is tough to bull-rush or get around in pass pro. He occasionally flashes the ability to become an elite tackle, but his technique is a mess and his performance is inconsistent. Fabuluje’s frame, strength, and feet will get him drafted earlier than his tape warrants and he is an interesting developmental prospect.

Draft grade: 4th-5th round