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1. Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
Fisher took full advantage of the pre-draft process by solidifying himself as one of the 10 best players in this draft. He has prototype size and is a great athlete. He displays good footwork and is very quick out of his stance. His pass protection is already outstanding, which makes him a day one starter at left tackle.
Possible Destinations: Chiefs, Eagles, Jaguars, Lions, & Raiders
2. Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
If you believe the media hype, your first impressions of Joeckel will be underwhelming. If you just examine the player, you’ll find a very dependable (37 consecutive starts) left tackle prospect. He’s a good pass protector and displays outstanding technique. He’ll do enough in the running to game to suffice. Having played against the Big 12 and SEC, he’s battle tested, which may give him the edge over Fisher on draft day.
Possible Destinations: Chiefs, Eagles, Jaguars, Lions, & Raiders
3. Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
With both left and right tackle experience, Johnson benefited from a strong Senior Bowl and combine workout. He’s an incredible athlete, having run a sub 4.75 40-yard dash at 6-6 and 300-plus pounds. Scouts actually value the 10-yard splits ahead of the 40-yard dash for offensive lineman, and Johnson’s 1.61 10-yard split topped all other offensive lineman. He plays a little high, which can get him off balance, but he finishes blocks with authority and has the length (35-inch arms) to play left tackle.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Cardinals, Chargers, Dolphins, & Saints
4. D.J. Fluker, Alabama
Fluker has a solid build (6-5 & 339 pounds), though his weight is somewhat of a concern. Teams will need to keep an eye on his weight, especially in the off-season. His arm length of 37 inches is freakish, and because of his size, all he has to do is get his hands on a pass rusher to win the matchup. At times, he gets overextended and ends up on his butt, but overall, Fluker is a very good right tackle prospect that will start on day one.
Possible Destinations: Bears, Bengals, Cowboys, Giants, & Panthers
5. Terron Armstead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
A strong pre-draft process has led to Armstead rising up boards. He has ideal size and length to play left tackle. He’s quick footed and does a nice job of getting to the next level. His 10-yard split of 1.64 was second best trailing only Johnson, but his 4.71 40-yard dash actually set a combine record for offensive tackles.
Possible Destinations: Cardinals, Chargers, Cowboys, Dolphins, & Lions
6. Menelik Watson, Florida State
Watson is a long-armed, quick-footed tackle prospect. He can play on the left or right side, and is able to get to the second level in the running game. By the start of this season, he’ll be 25-years-old, so a team may only get one contract from him.
Possible Destinations: Jaguars, Giants, Packers, Ravens, & Texans
7. Reid Fragel, Ohio State
A former tight end, Fragel bulked up and converted to tackle for the 2012 season, where he played well enough to start in all 12 games. Despite already weighing 308 pounds, he could stand to add weight to his 6-8 frame. He’s still learning the position, but his upside and athleticism makes him a future starting right tackle.
Possible Destinations: Giants, Bears, Panthers, Redskins, & Seahawks
8. Justin Pugh, Syracuse
An experience offensive tackle, Pugh will have to overcome the short arm tag, as his 32-inch arms are a major red flag for many teams. He gets to the second level with ease and is assignment sound. His physical limitations will keep him from playing left tackle, but he’s good enough to start in the NFL as a guard or right tackle.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Buccaneers, Chargers, Panthers, & Texans
9. Chris Faulk, LSU
Faulk is an interesting case. He missed all of 2012 with a knee injury, but decided to enter the NFL draft instead of returning for his senior season. He’s a massive (6-5 & 331 pounds) mauler that probably projects on either side. He gets his long arms extended while initiating contact and does a nice job with his hand placement. His knee will obviously weigh heavily on his draft stock, but he could be a starter down the road.
Possible Destinations: Bears, Giants, Redskins, Seahawks, & Vikings
10. Xavier Nixon, Florida
With good experience going against SEC rushers, Nixon is a potential starting right tackle. Despite his great size (6-6 & 321 pounds), he must get more physical and develop a nasty streak. He’s just athletic enough to reach the next level, but he remains a year away from vying for a starting job.
Possible Destinations: Giants, Bears, Panthers, Redskins, & Seahawks
11. Brennan Williams, North Carolina
Williams will struggle with quick edge rushers, but if he gets out of his stance quick enough, he’s long enough to lengthen their route to the quarterback. He has outstanding size, physicality, and is a nasty run blocker. His future is at right tackle.
Possible Destinations: Giants, Bears, Redskins, Seahawks, & Vikings
12. David Quessenberry, San Jose State
A tackle prospect with quick feet and long arms, Quessenberry displayed outstanding athleticism at the combine. He ran a 5.08 40-yard dash, including a 10-yard split of 1.73. His underwhelming strength is a red flag, and the pro game will expose this.
Possible Destinations: Chargers, Dolphins, Eagles, Raiders, & Saints
13. Jordan Mills, Louisiana Tech
A developmental tackle, Mills has tremendous size and length. While his bench numbers (20 reps) were underwhelming at the combine, he does play powerful and is physical in the run game.
Possible Destinations: Chiefs, Jaguars, Lions, Patriots, & Rams
14. Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin
Wagner is an excellent run blocker with ideal size. He has long arms (34 inches), and is quick enough to reach the next level. He struggles with speed rushers, but with his size and length, Wagner has the ability to be a backup swing tackle in the pros.
Possible Destinations: Chiefs, Giants, Patriots, Rams, & Ravens
15. Tanner Hawkinson, Kansas
There’s nothing unique about Hawkinson. He has excellent durability, having started 48 consecutive games. He also has experience at both left and right tackle. His size and strength is a red flag, but his ability to play tackle or guard projects him as a capable backup.
Possible Destinations: Bills, Colts, Saints, Texans, & Titans