Covitz: NFL draft: Top five offensive tackles
 

NFL draft: Top five offensive tackles

This is the second in a series examining positions leading into the April 25-26 NFL draft.

TOP FIVE PROSPECTS


Player School Ht Wt Comment
Jason Smith Baylor 6-5 309 Former tight end has franchise tackle written all over him.
Eugene Monroe Virginia 6-4 1/4 309 Follows proud tradition of Virginia OL to NFL
Andre Smith Alabama 6-3 332 Outland Trophy winner has maturity issues.
Michael Oher Ole Miss 6-4 1/4 309 Consistency is major question mark.
Eben Britton Arizona 6-6 309 Junior may be best suited at right tackle.
BIG 12 PROSPECTS


Player School Ht Wt Comment
Phil Loadholt Oklahoma 6-7 3/4 332 His last name is appropriate. He’s a load.
Lydon Murtha Nebraska 6-7 306 Had good showing, but injuries are a concern.
Dan Gay Baylor 6-4 314 With two pro prospects, why wasn’t Baylor better?
•SLEEPER: Grand Valley State’s Sam Allen hails from the same Division II program that produced Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr in last year’s draft.

•FUN FACT: Baylor’s Jason Smith participated in team calf roping until a year ago when Baylor coach Art Briles requested he quit. “Team roping’s actually safe … it’s not one of those events where you can get hurt,” Smith said. “When coach Briles first came in, he said, ‘You’ve got to quit riding horses.’ ”

•CHIEFS’ NEEDS: The Chiefs need to find a successor to right tackle Damion McIntosh, 32, who has lost some of his effectiveness because of age and wear and tear on his body.