Top 5 Offensive Tackles in the 2014 NFL Draft
1. Greg Robinson (Auburn)
Robinson is the top candidate for the Rams’ 2nd overall selection. They will need all the help they can get if the plan is to continue with Bradford at the helm of the offense. Robinson is by far the most athletic tackle in this year’s draft, running a 4.85 second forty yard dash at 332 lbs. If he is picked by St. Louis, expect him to start on the right side until his pass protection abilities have improved enough for him to take over for Jake Long on the left.
2. Jake Matthews (Texas A&M)
Matthews is not as athletic as Robinson, but his technique is more refined. He should also be a top 10 pick, and if he is just half as good as his father, who played for 19 seasons on the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, his high selection will be justified.
3. Taylor Lewan (Michigan)
Lewan is a cut below Robinson and Matthews, but he still has the talent needed to be worthy of a 1st round pick. He is more of a risk that the top 2 tackles, as his technique is still quite raw, but if he does continue to develop, he could make an excellent franchise left tackle for whichever team takes him. The premium placed on left tackles, as they protect the quarterback’s blind side, could see Lewan getting picked in the top 10, even though he is not the best prospect at the position.
4. Morgan Moses (Virginia)
If Lewan is a cut below Robinson and Matthews, then Moses is two or three cuts below Lewan. Even still, the importance of the tackle position could see Moses getting selected at the bottom of the 1st round. For a man of 6’ 6” and 320 lbs, Moses is remarkably light on his feet, giving him an excellent ability to stop speedy pass rushers in their tracks.
5. JaWuan James (Tennessee)
James often has trouble keeping his pad level down, leaving him vulnerable to swim moves. But his 37 straight starts at right tackle and always-quick burst off the line will interest teams who need someone to pave the way for their running back.
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