Here are some of the top senior tackles in the draft according to Gil Brandt at NFL.com. I know there is a junior at Iowa who is considered a first rounder if he enter the draft.

1. Trent Williams

College: Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 6-4, 305

Williams started in 2007 and 2008 at right tackle, but will play left tackle in 2009. He started six games as a true freshman in 2006. He has good speed and athletic ability. He has been well-coached and is a good, but not great, worker. Williams will be a first-round pick and can be a long-time starter in the NFL.


2. Russell Okung

College: Oklahoma State
Height/Weight: 6-4½, 300

Okung will be a four-year starter for Oklahoma State. He has started 35 games in three years, moving from right to left tackle in 2008. He is strong, athletic and has good feet. He was first-team All-Big 12 last season. He will start and play a lot of years in the NFL. Okung is a first-round pick.


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3. Adam Ulatoski

College: Texas
Height/Weight: 6-7, 305

Ulatoski is a fifth-year player who has started four years. He started at right tackle in 2006 and 2007 and switched to left tackle last season. He is a smart, well-coached player with good strength. He made first-team All-Big 12 in 2008. His best position is most likely right tackle, but he can play left tackle if needed. He has great character (reminds you of the Titans' David Stewart).

4. Selvish Capers

College: West Virginia
Height/Weight: 6-4½, 295

Capers is a fifth-year player, who didn't play in 2005. He played tight end in 2006 and moved to tackle in 2007, starting seven games at right tackle. He started all of 2008 at right tackle. He needs to get stronger, but has very good athletic ability for the position. That said, he needs some work refining his game.


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5. Ciron Black

College: LSU
Height/Weight: 6-4, 325

Black is a fifth-year player who has started 40 straight games at left tackle. He played a school-record 1,031 snaps in 2007. He is a better run blcoker than pass protector. He is a good, but not great, worker. When you watch tape, you expect more than you see.

6. Tony Washington

College: Abilene Christian
Height/Weight: 6-6, 305

Washington is a second-year player at the school after transferring from Trinity Valley Junior College in Texas. He played high school football in New Orleans. He is tall, moves well and looks above average in everything he does. A lot of scouts will visit this school in the fall to watch Washington. The big question about him is why he went to junior college out of high school.


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7. Sam Young

College: Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6-4, 317

Young started as a true freshman in 2006 at right tackle. He started 10 games at left tackle in 2007. He was the first freshman lineman to start at Notre Dame since 1972, when freshmen became eligible to play. He is a good run blocker, but needs to get stronger and better at pass protection. He was a great high school player in Florida. Young will be a good NFL player at right tackle.

8. Charles Brown

College: USC
Height/Weight: 6-5½, 290

Brown is a fifth-year player, who came to USC as a tight end. He moved to tackle in 2006 and started at left tackle in 2008. He is a very good athlete with good feet and is well coached at USC by offensive line coach Pat Ruel. Brown needs to add weight and strength, but he can play left tackle in the NFL and has upside.


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9. Kyle Calloway

College: Iowa
Height/Weight: 6-6½, 318

Calloway is a fifth-year player who played guard in 2006. He was a left tackle in 2007 and right tackle in 2008 and was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten last season. The best NFL position for Calloway, who has good foot speed, will be right tackle. Iowa does a great job coaching offensive linemen and has a great strength program. Calloway should be a solid pro starter.

10. John Jerry

College: Mississippi
Height/Weight: 6-4½, 345

Jerry is in his fourth year at Ole Miss after spending one year (2005) in prep school. He has started 34 games over the past three seasons playing right guard, before moving to right tackle in 2008. He was named second-team All-SEC last season. Jerry is a very powerful player, but does not have good enough feet to play left tackle. He's not fast and needs to improve his speed

The top four guys can all play LT almost from day one..

I think Black is more of a RT, who could get by at LT.

The two guys who are interesting prospects are Brown and Washington.

In other words, if CLifton could play one more year, they would be ready after that.

Before seeing this thread I replied to the 2010 draft thread,
HERE
I put up 16 OTs for consideration in the first three rounds. Conclusion ? We can get an OT in round one or two if TT wants one badly, almost regardless of where we pick.

Mancl, this is why you are one of my favorite posters. Thanks for putting this info out there. I think Bulaga is the Tackle from Iowa that will go pretty high if he comes out. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one hoping against hope that TT finally sees what the rest of us see...we need to draft an OT high in the draft!

I'd even like to see him add another RT in the draft as well. Barbre is doing nothing for me right now. Here's hoping the light comes on for him.

Thanks Wolfman I didn't think anyone recognized my posts.


I think the top LT's Okung and Williams, could step in on day 1. I think the others Capers,
washington, Brown would need some time. That's why I think the Packers would need to sign a stop gap, whether it be Clifton or someone else.

Nice list. The only guy that I think you missed might be Tony Washington from Abilene Christian. You also have to consider that a number of underclassmen who many might not be expecting to declare for the draft will end up making the jump to the NFL this offseason as well as a couple of sleeper picks who will rise in the rankings before April is on us (Michael Roos and Joe Staley come to mind).

He got him

6. Tony Washington

College: Abilene Christian
Height/Weight: 6-6, 305

Washington is a second-year player at the school after transferring from Trinity Valley Junior College in Texas. He played high school football in New Orleans. He is tall, moves well and looks above average in everything he does. A lot of scouts will visit this school in the fall to watch Washington. The big question about him is why he went to junior college out of high school.

You're right, 66 Ray, mancl did have him on his original list and I saw that.

I was commenting on the expanded list that OneTwoSixFive put together. Tony Washington was the only guy that he didn't have listed that I think should be considered. As far as underclassmen go, I think that Matt Reynolds from BYU should be considered as well. He's a redshirt sophomore, but his stock should be high after the season is over and he's old for an NFL prospect because of his LDS mission. Very similar to Austin Collie, who's doing fairly well in Indianapolis.

I think that it goes without saying that an OT is needed. I'm hoping for a legitimate LT prospect. As much as I love Clay Matthews, I'd have been just as happy if it had been Michael Oher that they'd traded up for.

They've had chances for decent OT prospects and haven't gotten them. It's time to find the replacement for Chad Clifton. I doubt it'll come from free agency, so it needs to come from the draft.

Guy who was relatively unforeseen:

Jason Fox of Miami FLorida is rising up the charts right now.

This is one thing that has me more than a tad upset with Ted. He gives Rodgers a huge extension and puts this patch-work line out there to protect him??? Just plain stupid.

Ted always seems to try and get cute with late round picks at the most critical position on offense - the line. Why?! It's inexcusable to protect the franchise with this line. Every year it is an albatross. How long will the organization allow him to do this? I hope they see what all the good posters here see...we NEED some OT's in the worst way!

Whew!...I feel better now. Thanks everybody!

IMO on Fox he's a a technical player but not a mauler. Needs to work on strength a lot

From 2005 to 2009 we drafted 9 O line guys in the 2nd to 5th rounds. That does not really qualify as "Getting cute with late round picks".

While its obvious we need better play at both Tackle spots, let us cast an eye at what was available. I posted a piece a while back HERE in response to Patty's claim that Ted had neglected the line. He hasn't, but the guys he has picked have not improved into good starters.

Without trades (and we normally never know what offers are made), there were only three fairly high picks we missed on, between 2005 and 2009. We missed out on OT Adam Terry in 2005 (the last pick in round two) instead of WR Terrence Murphy, and Logan Mankins over Aaron Rodgers in round one (not likely). In 2007 we chose Brandon Jackson (late round two), over OT Ryan Harris (early round three), who turned into a good player.

Early in Ted's term here we often got athletic guys with promise, rather than a more finished article. More recent picks like Sitton and Lang are starting to buck that trend. There is nothing wrong with drafting talented (but raw) projects and giving them time to come into their own. The problems come when they fail to progress, and the likes of Coston (gone) and Barbre and Giacomini (who should be better than they are by now), are taking up valuable roster spots.

There are signs that Ted and Mike have a quicker trigger finger than in the past, when they dumped Meredith on the PS (which says to me they didn't much care if he was grabbed by someone else or not).

You should be able to get decent guards and centers in the mid rounds of the draft (though to get real quality you might need to invest a round two pick). OTs are a different kettle of fish. The demanding physical and mental requirements mean the position is highly prized, and that normally means a day one draft pick. I have already said elsewhere that we should have a very good chance at a quality tackle in the 2010 draft, and pretty much whatever position we find ourselves drafting, there will be OTs available and deserving of a pick.

I am expecting an OT and Safety to be our day one picks in 2010.

here's how I would like our draft to play out. 4 OT, 3 S and the rest are DL. while our other positions aren't perfect, i say they are serviceable. I don't care when or where, but lets throw a lot of picks at these 3 positions.

I'd also like a new O-line coach....

Would you think it fair to say then that while they invested the picks, they either haven't had a good eye for talent or have been unable to coach them into solid nfl players?

Yes it would be fair to suppose that.

It is tough to try and figure if it is bad coaching, bad drafting, or bad scheme that is making our O line look like idiots. My personal feeling is that coaching is mostly to blame, and I would jettison Campen as O line coach for sure, at the end of this season. I would not blame others for putting some, or even most of the blame elsewhere, it is not a cut-and-dried thing.

How much blame Ted shoulders is a tougher call. It may be the poor product we field at the moment has a lot to do with him, and it may not, but he needs to make a big contribution in 2010 to fix it, and the Packers need to see results quickly. McCarthy also takes blame automatically, because he is resposible for his coaches, and the O line is still making basic mistakes which are not being successfully addressed.

Let us get away from this now, because mancl's original post was about tackles in the 2010 draft, and I have shifted away from that. If we get at least one top tackle, a player who starts from day one and holds his own, it will go a long way to making our offense better, and it would be a much needed mark in the plus column for Ted's O line choices.

This is really a worthless thread.

We all know TT is taking a WR in the first round next year.

I actually am not normally as upset and emotional about this stuff as I have been this year. I don't know if it's because of Ted's stubborn refusal to address some of these areas via FA or not. He has passed on some good OT's in both areas and watching Rodgers get hammered like he has bothers me...perhaps too much.

Back to the original topic, I'd like to ask what you and others think of Bulaga. I see him in a lot of early 2010 mock drafts going to GB. A friend of mine watched Iowa this week and said he was very impressed with Bulaga. A good pick for the Packers? Big and powerful. I like the sounds of this guy. Your thoughts?

Well.....

Wahle Supplemental 2'nd Round 1998
Rivera 6th Round 208 Selection 1996
Clifton Rd 2 44'th Pick 2000
Tauscher Rd 7 Pick 224 2000
Flanagan Rd 3 Pick 90 1996

Winters RD 10 Pick 276 1987
Doston Rd 3 Pick 81 1993
Ruetggers Rd 1 Pick 7 1985
Aaron Taylor Rd 1 Pick 16 1994
Timmerman Rd 7 Pick 230 1995

All I am doing is pointing out the even Wolf got his OL late in the rounds unles someone graded out real high.....Taylor lasted here 3 years...


Rivera/Timmerman/Winters/Tauscher -All good lineman in late rounds... what O line we got in earliere rounds were so much better...

I dont disagree we get a STUD lineman in the first round..I think it will be the pick...But no insurance he does better then some of the late rounders either...

From what I've read, I'd say more athletic and quick-footed than a mauler.

LINK HERE

OT Bryan Bulaga (6/27/09)
Iowa 6'-6", 310
40 time (projected): 4.91
Draft board overall prospect rank: #7
Draft board offensive tackle rank: #2

Overall rating: 92*
College career highlights:
2008 Second team All-Big Ten (Coaches)
2007 Freshman All-Big Ten team (TSN)
2006 Second team HS All-American (USA Today)

Bryan Bulaga has more upside than any offensive tackle in this draft class. He’s 310+ pounds, but should still run a 40 in the 4.9s, which could make Al Davis shit his pants. Timed speed doesn’t help offensive lineman all that much, but his measurables show that this is someone who has the potential to stop both power rushers and speed rushers, a very rare combination. He has very long arms too, which help in pass protection. However he doesn’t have as much experience at left tackle as most players in this draft. He has only been a full time left tackle for the last 2 years. He played both tight end and defensive end in high school, which again shows his athleticism, but he doesn’t have as much experience which is a bit of a red flag. He may never live up to his upside. However, he has been playing left tackle since week 1 in college and in his first two years he has had a lot of success, especially last year. He can’t play right tackle, because he isn’t a good fundamental run blocker, at least not at the moment. However, he is a great pass blocker, with the potential to be a lot better, and should be drafted in the top 10.

NFL Comparison: Michael Roos

Also saw a criticism where he was said to 'steer' his man too much, and could improve in locking on and driving his man back.
The "played TE in high school" comment is an excellent sign, if you are looking for a tackle with quick feet.

Bulaga is a junior, and has had a thyroid problem that has caused him to miss time and lose weight. It is just possible he will not come out this year.

I found it interesting that Rob Rang was NOT taken with this years tackle prospects, and thinks there isn't much out there worthy of a first round pick, and he also feels some of the highest rated guys are overrated. He (Rang) is not sure that any OT is worthy of a first round pick in 2010. I respect Rob's opinion, but this runs counter to some other opinions that project another good year for OTs.......I wonder who is right ?

Campen is a lousy OL coach. Other than the Joe Thomas types, OLmen need NFL coaching to become NFL players.

I have got to ask, how heavy were Ogden, W. Jones, Roaf, Pace when they were drafted. It just seems like every year theres one guy who is 325 or so and athletic coming out of the draft, and we always hear about how he's going to be a Right Tackle (Andre Smith). It seems to me that the guys who have been dominant for more than just a year or two in the NFL however seem to be at least 320 (even Cliffy is that big). So my question or point here is are these guys ALL gaining weight or are all these lightweight tackles some kind of new idea (wich in my opinion would have no chance at working)? The list above for example is littered with 305 lb. left tackles. One of the things several defensive ends talked in the media about when facing and getting little production against Taush. and Cliffy was how big they were and how it made them so tough to get around. It's not that I don't think 305lb. guys can't play tackle, I just don't understand the trend, as it seems backwards to me. I'd rather see a guy be to big at either tackle then too small. At least if he's big and not as quick, we won't see smallish ends try to bullrush him or spin back inside. It's a lot easier to help a player against a Jared Allen if we know ahead of time that he'll be trying to get the corner.

Seems to me that this trend would be a byproduct of so many college teams running a spread option offense, which favors smaller, faster lineman that don't get gassed as quickly as the prototypical massive pro-I style linemen. Just look at the recruiting changes at Michigan since Rodriguez took the helm. It goes against everything the top 3-4 Big Ten teams set up ever year, which might also contribute to none of those same teams winning national championships in a while. When so many top college teams run the spread, it makes sense that pro scouts will give those top-25 offenses more looks.

I agree that a lot has to fall on Campen. Unless you draft a can't miss stud in the first round a lot comes down to coaching. Campen doesn't impress me at all. I have no idea why he is still on the staff now that Favre is gone and we no longer need a messenger.

Still, two 1st rounders, a 2nd rounder, and two 3rd rounders. Ted hasn't come close to that. IMO, OT is too important a position for that. He definitely needs to take one VERY early in the next draft. Surprised to read that Rang said that about this years' OT's. I don't agree with it, but what do I know?

I agree with the posters that Campen is a big part of the problem. That needs to be fixed and McCarthy should have done that with this years' purge.

Hey guys I am still around but usually staying off radar.

For years I have championed the idea of getting a top rated OT. As a person who has centered their life on the draft I usually scrape the bottom of the barrell looking for CB's - OT's and true LB's.

Currently the Packers have a very good QB - average RB's and good WR's but a miserable OL

On defense which by the way is the side of the line that I have the tendency to concentrate on we have decent DL - above average LB's aging but good CB's and poor safeties.

To me this makes for a slightly below average team. I know most of you do not want to read this and most will disagree with me:

I do agree with the posters who blame Ted Thompson for trying to be too cute in many of his selections. I am also harsh on Thompson for ignoring free agency. I am not talking about foolish action in FA but we should be more active. Every year there are a few prized plums to pluck from the vine and we fritter away and play games.

A reality check is needed here: Chad Clifton while a good LT has never been great. Darryn Colledge has been misused to the point I am afraid he might have regression blues. Never been a fan of Spitz and Barbre has disappointed.

The Green Bay Packers must correct this situation immediately. No late round gambles and hoping lightning strikes twice in getting an OT like Tauyscher in round 7. This team must get 2 OL in next years retooling. And it would not hurt if we added a 3rd OL with actual game day talent in FA

Then we need to find a top level S who takes charge of the defense. Also I believe the warts are showing with Ryan Grant. A RB with good field vision and instincts is needed

But until this team gets serious about its OL condition this team will fall short every year. This has been Ted Thompson's folly from the get go. Ted's cavalier attitude and the smugness that followed has been the chief reason why many on this board call me a Thompson hater.

Colledge can be a very good OL but he is the type of player who feeds off others around him. I still maintain you tell him he is the LG and do not ever move him. The talent and athleticism is evident

Clifton was good but is hurt again. Wells I like but for some reason the Packers do not like over achievers who play the guts out every game.

Spitz has talent but there are many reasons why I would not keep him. A couple of promising players for RG but this team needs to get away from promise to actual reality.

Therefore we need 2 OT's with downright talent and fire and guts. We also need a cagy veteran to put in place as a rotational player until the new kids gel. And it should not take 3 years for that to happen. By mid season the top notch rookies should be ready

Currently I like the Oklahoma State kid Okung. Even though Bruce Matthews played more as an OG I see quite a few similarities between Okung and Matthews. Their agility and balance and most importantly their hands usage. Bruce was a pretty good OT as well but his bread and butter was inside whereas Russell Okung will be better outside.

But since I am retired I have shut down operations and have transitioned to being a fan so I have not studied players as intensely as in previous years.

For the record I have watched 2 games of Iowa and have not been impressed with Baluga. Not impressed is not correct but let me say I have seen better OT's But over the years I have watched as top notch OT's in college who were technically sound and strong as an ox fizzle when they get to the NFL And I have seen sloppy OT's who were literally abysmal at times make it to the NFL and they finally "get it" and become outstanding players in the NFL.

Like Jamon Meredith, who was cut by he Pack and is starting at RT for the Buffalo Bills this weekend?

This is why FA is so critical. The draft is a pure crapshoot. Get busy, Mr. Thompson or get out of the way! Otherwise the Vikings are gonna own us for a loooonnnggg time!

Good analysis by Patty.

Totally agree that the Pack has to take two OL and also one in FA next year.

Also agree the two other positions of need are safety and RB.

In fact, if it was me I would try and sign a safety and OL in FA.

And my draft would be :

1. OL
2. OL
3. RB

I could live with an off-season like that. We may need to be looking at ILB's as well. Doesn't sound like the Packers are real happy with the production there so far. You could also throw in a CB. Harris and Woodson aren't getting any younger!

Nice job Patty. I concur with your assessment for the most part. I really like Selvish Capers as a RT prospect. I'd like to see the Packers get him to help bolster the o line with at least 2 more o linemen in the earlier rounds as well. Have you seen Capers play and what is your assessment of him.

What about LT? That seems to be an area of desperation now. Of course, both tackle spots are in a world of hurt. C'mon, Ted. Draft a rookie next year and hope he's a stud from day one??? I hope we can get a stop-gap in FA.

I don't post here all that often except during the draft. I do like coming here because of the almost year-round draft discussion. Just to respond "in general", I agree that o-line needs to be a focus this off-season along with a RB and possibly a S and LB. The question is, how do you make this happen.

Seems to me that you have to see if there is a way to get something in return for miscast or "extra" players. While I hate to say it, Kampy is miscast in the 3-4 and a "franchise and trade" seems like the smartest thing for him and the team. I doubt you get a 1st for him, but think a 2nd and 3rd/4th would be doable. In addition, Hawk does not seem like an viable option in the 3-4, but I'm not sure what his value is. Not even sure you could get a 3rd for him anymore. Still, if you could find a way to get a 2nd plus something for Kampy you might be well served to do it.

That would allow you do draft a future LT in round 1 preferably. Leaves you with 2 picks in Rd 2 to address LB, S and or RB. Use a 3rd rounder on an interior OL. After that, go BPA.

The question after that is what to do about 2010. Do you trust a rookie to take over the LT spot right out of the gate or do you try and find a way to lure Clifton back. Do you try for an interim LT in FA? It seems like you have to give yourself some kind of insurance there - either with Clifton or a FA. I think Lang could be the LG or RT of the future but it's a little early to bank on that. I'd let one of the duo of Colledge or Spitz walk. Between Lang, Sitton, Wells, Rookie, Spitz/Colledge, Dietrich-Smith, you should have enough to man the middle of the line.

I also agree that TT has not done nearly enough to address this. It's not so much about being cute in later rounds. There is nothing wrong with taking a late round lineman as a developmental project pretty much every year. What is inexcusible is to take them with the "expectation" that they may need to play soon. This pattern of drafting and lack of development has set up a bad scenario. The young guys need time to develope. Historically, the odds are that probably about 1/3 of these guys will ever amount to solid NFL contributors, much less solid starters. We continue to try and buck the odds. TT should never gamble in Vegas, he be in the poor house in a day.

Seems to me the way you build a line is to do what's necessary to put together a group of solid starters, using money in FA if that is what it takes. You then continue to fill in the depth with draft picks. You allow them a year or two to develope and then jettison them when it's clear they are not gonna make it. I know it may be easier said than done, but it's also not nuclear physics and a veteran GM shouldn't have this much trouble grasping the concept and doing what needs to be done. In that sense, TT has been a bit "cavalier" in sticking to "his plan".

Lastly, Campen and Fontenot need to go - and perhaps Philbin with them. While this line is young, it's not like it's filled with rookies. Some of the same bad things that happened 2 years ago are still happening to Colledge, Spitz, et.al. Times to get a veteran O-line coach.

Giacomini could not beat out Barbre at RT in camp once he (Giacomini) came back from injury. He has had two training camps and an offseason to improve. Barbre is in his third year here. Spitz and Colledge are in their fourth. Coston was here from 2005-2008 when he was waived. Moll never developed as hoped. Overall, linemen have been given time and failed to become average or better starters. Spitz may yet prove to be ok at Center, but why do we still not know that, in his fourth season here ?

For me, that is too many failures, and when you add that to the regular breakdown in 'fundamentals' of protection (as McCarthy likes to call it), then you can add my voice to the 'Campen and Fontenot must go' choir. Maybe the other coaches should also have a very hard look at the scheme as well. That might be a significant part of why the O line is failing. I'd also recommend quizzing the O line players themselves, and listening, actually listening, to what they say.

Since USC is an unofficial NFL team, I'll take Charles Brown anytime. I like his athleticism. The man can flatly play left tackle or right tackle right now for the Packers.

Brown is listed as a player on the rise in the latest Draft Countdown site. (report below) And there is a discussion about him in the forums. In summary he is very athletic but needs to get a lot stronger- seems like the kind of player who could contribute big time down the line but probably not the first year.

Protecting the blindside of a true freshman quarterback can be a frustrating task, especially at a distinguished program such as Southern Cal. Charles Brown is taking it all in stride though and has been extremely successful so far this season. Like a lot of other top-notch pass protectors Brown was recruited as a tight end but eventually made the move to offensive tackle, where he backed up future first round pick Sam Baker early in his college career. Now in his second full season as the Trojans starting left tackle, Brown doesn’t quite have the strength and mean streak that you look for in an elite blocker. However, it’s pass protection skills that get you selected early on Draft Day and Brown has really shown off his light feet and mobility this year, rarely giving up sacks. Brown continues to move up draft boards with each impressive outing and before all is said and done he could potentially even enter the first round conversation.

I used to look for the super athletes at left tackle, but now I think the best attribute might be raw strength. Foot speed is important, but I would rate it behind technique and strength.

Last year I rated Oher ahead of Andre Smith, Jason Smith, and Eugene Monroe. Oher had natural strength and good foot speed and great technique and experience. Andre Smith could be great, but his head wasn't in it. Jason Smith is not a big strong dude. Monroe needs work. We'll see how their careers turn out, but I'd still pick Oher.

So far, I think Ciron Black looks to be the decade starter to me.