TheBow305
Starter
When talking about the 2008 NFL Draft, one of the first things mentioned usually is the amazing class of OT's this year. More than likely a total of 5 will be off the board before the conclusion of Round 1 (Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Jeff Otah, Chris Williams, Gosder Cherilus). It is also not out of the realm of possibility we could see as many as 7 go off the board in round 1 (Add in Sam Baker & Brandan Albert, who many are viewing now as a potential starting LT in the league).
All things considered? What about next year?
The 2009 NFL Draft is shaping up, IMO, to be another year of amazing OT's and one that could very easily push the benchmark set by this year's draft.
Take a look at my 2009 OT Rankings:
1. Michael Oher, Ole Miss
2. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma
3. Alex Boone, Ohio State
4. Eugene Monroe, Virginia
5. Herman Johnson, Louisiana State
6. Andre Smith, Alabama
7. Sam Young, Notre Dame
8. Jason Fox, Miami (Fla.)
9. Steve Rehring, Ohio State
10. Brandon Braxton, Oklahoma
Now, this is still a very preliminary look at next year's OT crop and one that could still fluctuate greatly with the unknowns that come each and every year. There will still be guys that we will be adding to this list next year that rise out of no where to become top prospects. It happens every year and I expect 2009 to be no different.
2 of these guys are big unknowns when it comes to the draft next year. These 2 are Steve Rehring and Herman Johnson. Most draft experts believe that riding a big year for LSU, combined with his great physical assets, Johnson would have been a Day One pick, maybe even a 1st rounder had he decided to enter this year's draft. The kicker here, is that both of these players spent the majority of this past season inside of the offensive line at Guard. I have no question though that with their size, Johnson: 6'7" 340, Rehring: 6'8" 320, both will be looked at as big-time OT prospects next year.
I think the real argument comes in the top level of guys. In my opinion, Oher, Loadholt, and Boone will grade out as better prospects as a whole than the Big 3 of this draft (Long, Clady, & Otah). In fact, I was most disappointed hearing the news that each would return for their Senior years, part due to the fact I would have been much happier with the Dolphins taking each of them over Jake Long at #1. I feel like all three have much more potential and all are LEGIT Left Tackle prospects for the NFL. This to where most NFL experts feel that Jake's best position in the pros will ultimately be at Right Tackle.
There is still much debate obviously with more than a year away and the 2008 Draft yet to be decided. But I am excited as always with the talent there is out there this year and beyond.
Let's Discuss!
All things considered? What about next year?
The 2009 NFL Draft is shaping up, IMO, to be another year of amazing OT's and one that could very easily push the benchmark set by this year's draft.
Take a look at my 2009 OT Rankings:
1. Michael Oher, Ole Miss
2. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma
3. Alex Boone, Ohio State
4. Eugene Monroe, Virginia
5. Herman Johnson, Louisiana State
6. Andre Smith, Alabama
7. Sam Young, Notre Dame
8. Jason Fox, Miami (Fla.)
9. Steve Rehring, Ohio State
10. Brandon Braxton, Oklahoma
Now, this is still a very preliminary look at next year's OT crop and one that could still fluctuate greatly with the unknowns that come each and every year. There will still be guys that we will be adding to this list next year that rise out of no where to become top prospects. It happens every year and I expect 2009 to be no different.
2 of these guys are big unknowns when it comes to the draft next year. These 2 are Steve Rehring and Herman Johnson. Most draft experts believe that riding a big year for LSU, combined with his great physical assets, Johnson would have been a Day One pick, maybe even a 1st rounder had he decided to enter this year's draft. The kicker here, is that both of these players spent the majority of this past season inside of the offensive line at Guard. I have no question though that with their size, Johnson: 6'7" 340, Rehring: 6'8" 320, both will be looked at as big-time OT prospects next year.
I think the real argument comes in the top level of guys. In my opinion, Oher, Loadholt, and Boone will grade out as better prospects as a whole than the Big 3 of this draft (Long, Clady, & Otah). In fact, I was most disappointed hearing the news that each would return for their Senior years, part due to the fact I would have been much happier with the Dolphins taking each of them over Jake Long at #1. I feel like all three have much more potential and all are LEGIT Left Tackle prospects for the NFL. This to where most NFL experts feel that Jake's best position in the pros will ultimately be at Right Tackle.
There is still much debate obviously with more than a year away and the 2008 Draft yet to be decided. But I am excited as always with the talent there is out there this year and beyond.
Let's Discuss!
