*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Sources see Washington LT Trey Adams as Top 2018 Talent
Updated July 24, 2017By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
One of the unique parts of the 2017 NFL Draft was the lack of talent at the offensive tackle position. NFL teams always have a demand for edge blockers who can protect their franchise quarterbacks, and the 2018 class saw only two offensive tackles being selected in the first round. None were taken in the top half of the first round; both came off the board in the final 13 selections. The 2018 NFL Draft could be different as there are a few potential first-round offensive tackles. In speaking to scouting sources who have done advance work on the 2018 class, they think Washington left tackle Trey Adams could be a high first-round pick with franchise left tackle potential.
Sources say that they think that Adams could emerge as one of the top talents for the 2018 NFL Draft. They compared Adams’ size and athleticism to Taylor Lewan coming out of Michigan, and also that Adams has good technique to go with his impressive skill set. Scouts also like Texas left tackle Connor Williams and Notre Dame left tackle Mike McGlinchey. They think that the 6-foot-7, 309-pound Adams is bigger with better range than Williams and more athletic ability than McGlinchey. Another thing that impressed sources was how Adams played against Alabama in the first round of the college football playoff last year. They say that Adams shut down the Crimson Tide defenders anytime he was isolated on them. That Alabama defense featured three dangerous pass-rushers in the form of Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson.
Aside from Adams, sources say that Williams is legit. They think Williams has Thursday night potential for the 2018 NFL Draft. Sources from multiple teams have said they see a possible first-rounder with McGlinchey. One NFC team had McGlinchey graded as a top-25 talent prior to him deciding to return for his senior year, although there is more variety in opinions on McGlinchey as some scouts love him and others are not as enthusiastic. Thus between Adams, Williams and McGlinchey, the 2018 class has some tackle options with more candidates who could emerge, including Florida’s Martez Ivey.
There still is a long ways to go before the 2018 NFL Draft, so a lot of players will have their preseason estimates blown out of the water as prospects rise and fall during the 2017 season or during the leadup to the draft with the combine, pro days, and interviews. Right now, the 2018 NFL Draft has the potential to be much stronger at offensive tackle, with some team sources seeing a top-of-the-draft candidate and a potential franchise left tackle in Adams.
