2011 NFL Draft: Offensive Tackle Rankings

The top 2011 offensive tackle prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2012 prospect.

Combine 40 Times: As I explained on Twitter (@walterfootball), the official Combine 40 times are incorrect, and they’ve been proven false via the NFL Network’s simul-cam.

For the 40 times, I use the NFL Network’s unofficial times, which are more accurate. NFL teams use their own timed 40s anyway, so the official 40s are meaningless.

This page was last updated April 16, 2011.

1. Tyron Smith, OT, USC – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.02.
   Combine 40 Time: DNP.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.93.
   Benchx225: 31. Arm: 36 3/8.
   Projected Round (2011): Top 15 Pick.
   3/31/11: Tyron Smith weighed in at 310 pounds at his Pro Day and carried it well. He ran a 4.93 40 and benched 31 reps of 225 despite his insanely long arms. Smith looked really good in the drills, but Bucky Brooks, reporting live from the workout, was skeptical about Smith’s ability to play left tackle in the NFL.
   
   2/27/11: As many predicted, Tyron Smith was the big winner at the weigh-ins. Smith’s arms measured in at 36 3/8 inches, which is really insane. Smith is also up to 307 pounds despite playing at 285 during the season. The high-upside tackle could go as high as No. 12 to Minnesota or No. 13 to Detroit.
   
   2/20/11: There are rumors floating around that Tyron Smith is at 305 pounds. If so, he could be the first offensive tackle off the board.
   
   7/29/10: Started 12 games at right tackle as a sophomore, earning an All-Pac 10 honorable mention.
   
   
   
   
2. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-7. Weight: 313.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.02.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.21.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: 28. Arm: 35 1/4.
   Projected Round (2011): Top 20 Pick.
   4/7/11: Anthony Castonzo weighed in at 313 at his Pro Day (311 at the Combine), but stood on his numbers.
   
   2/27/11: Anthony Castonzo ran just a 5.21 40, but was phenomenal in the drills, showing great athleticism and technique. He could be the second tackle off the board behind Tyron Smith.
   
   1/30/11: Anthony Castonzo played some left guard in the Senior Bowl, which was a failed experiment. He also surrendered a sack in the second quarter to Brooks Reed, displaying ugly footwork.
   
   1/25/11: Anthony Castonzo eclipsed the 300-pound barrier, weighing in at 6-7, 305 pounds at the Senior Bowl. His arms measured in at 35 1/4 inches.
   
   10/2/10: Castonzo best fits the zone blocking scheme with his ability to get to the second level and angle off defenders. He really struggled against Steven Friday (Virginia Tech) and it isn’t a given that he can play left tackle in the NFL at the moment. Still, he’s the consensus top-rated tackle prospect as of now.
   
   4/3/10: Started at left tackle as early as a sophomore. Needs to bulk up to 300-plus pounds and maintain his athleticism. A borderline first-round pick for now.
   
   
3. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-7. Weight: 314.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.10.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.12.
   Pro Day 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: 29. Arm: 35 1/4.
   Projected Round (2011): Top 25 Pick.
   2/20/11: Gabe Carimi has drawn some comparisons to Jon Runyan. He was probably the best tackle at the Senior Bowl.
   
   10/2/10: Carimi was simply overhyped to start the season. He is a raw offensive line prospect. While he is a bit of a mauler in the run game, his technique in pass protection leaves a lot to be desired. He isn’t a natural bender, and he struggles to move laterally. He can’t play left tackle.
   
   7/23/10: An athletic player for his size, Gabe Carimi could be the first offensive tackle off the board in the 2011 NFL Draft if he has a strong senior season. He wasn’t particularly good as a junior, looking sluggish at times.
   
   
4. Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 311.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.20.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 5.29.
   Benchx225: 23. Arm: 35 3/8.
   Projected Round (2011): Top 25 Pick.
   3/11/11: Derek Sherrod actually ran a worse 40 at his Pro Day, but that doesn’t matter. Sherrod looked terrific in the drills, prompting the Sporting News’ Russ Lande to declare that Sherrod will be a first-round pick. The Colts, Ravens and Bears have all shown major interest in Sherrod.
   
   2/27/11: I was concerned about Derek Sherrod’s sudden weight gain to 321 pounds. Well, Sherrod carried the 321 well and maintained his solid athleticism. He ran a 5.20 40 and looked good in the drills. He could go as high as No. 23 to Philadelphia, but will probably be selected in the 28-35 range.
   
   1/25/11: Derek Sherrod had the longest arms at the Senior Bowl, as they measured in at 35 1/2 inches. His size (6-6, 312 pounds) was also impressive.
   
   10/2/10: Sherrod has been impressive this season with his strength, footwork, and hand extension. He is technically sound, moves well laterally, and has good range. He has more upside than Castonzo and could very well pass him before the year is up.
   
   4/3/10: Qualified for the All-SEC Second Team. A 2-year starter entering his senior campaign.
   
   
5. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-8. Weight: 307.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.88.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.97.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: 21. Arm: 35 1/2.
   Projected Round (2011): Top 30 Pick.
   3/10/11: Nate Solder looked great in the drills during his Pro Day, but there’s some concern about his weight. Solder was 319 at the Combine, but apparently had trouble keeping that weight on, as he lost 12 pounds in less than two weeks.
   
   2/27/11: Nate Solder sucked on the bench press and still has some bad tape to answer for, but he really stood out at the Combine. At 6-8, 319, Solder ran a 4.97 and displayed incredible athleticism in the drills.
   
   1/30/11: How is this guy the next Tony Boselli again? Nate Solder is constantly praised, yet he was easily beaten on numerous occasions in the Senior Bowl by Day 2 prospects like Sam Acho and Brooks Reed. He had some nice blocks in the running game, but overall, Solder was very unimpressive.
   
   1/27/11: I don’t think Nate Solder has been impressive at the Senior Bowl. But he gets a “stock up” because Mike Mayock keeps talking about Solder being the next Tony Boselli. Hopefully that’s the pre-Texans Boselli.
   
   1/26/11: Nate Solder is currently the favorite to be the first offensive tackle off the board. He’s looked good in the Senior Bowl practices, and there’s just so much room for growth on his frame.
   
   1/25/11: Write-ups for these rankings will be added later; there were “personnel complications” on the site, which is why these rankings haven’t been updated in a while.
   
   Nate Solder weighed in at 6-8, 314 pounds with long 35-inch arms. He has room for growth as well.
   
   10/2/10: Solder’s height is going to be a problem at the next level because he doesn’t have Orlando Pace’s or Jonathan Ogden’s elite level of agility. He struggles to bend at the knees and is often caught overextending.
   
   4/3/10: A raw left tackle prospect who has tons of athleticism. Was an All-Big XII first-teamer.
   
   
6. Benjamin Ijalana, G/OT, Villanova – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 313.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
   Combine 40 Time: DNP.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 5.25.
   Benchx225: . Arm: 36.
   Projected Round (2011): 1-2.
   4/8/11: Ben Ijalana had a good Pro Day, and is subsequently drawing a lot of interest. Jason La Canfora reported Thursday that Ijalana could sneak into the first round.
   
   2/27/11: Ben Ijalana looked very impressive at the 2011 Combine weigh-in. Ijalana was 6-4, 317 with 36-inch arms. He helped his cause to be a right tackle in the NFL.
   
   4/3/10: Has started every game of his Villanova career. Made the All-Division 1-AA Second Team as a junior.
   
   
   
   
7. James Carpenter, OT/G, Alabama
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 321.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.38.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.25.
   Pro Day 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: 23. Arm: 34.
   Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
   1/28/11: James Carpenter had a good practice Wednesday, but struggled in the one-on-one drills Thursday.
   
   10/2/10: Carpenter lacks the athleticism to play tackle in the NFL, but he is an intelligent blocker and at times really gets a push in the run game.
   
   
8. Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 330.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.43.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: 30. Arm: 34.
   Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
   3/16/11: Marcus Gilbert looked great in the drills during his Pro Day. He’s a right tackle only, but he has value as a Round 3-4 pick.
   
   4/3/10: Has started one year at right tackle. Played guard in 2008.
   
   
9. James Brewer, OT, Indiana
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.28.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.28.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: 25. Arm: 35 3/8.
   Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
   3/20/11: James Brewer stood on his Combine numbers, but had a Rodger Saffold-like workout according to some observers, including Gil Brandt. Brewer had a private workout with Cleveland afterward.
   
   
10. Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 317.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.16.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.43.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: 34 1/2.
    Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
    4/3/10: An All-Big East First Team member, Jason Pinkston could be selected in the second round if teams aren’t concerned about his previous knee surgery.
    
    
11. Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU – Scouting Report
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 325.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.33.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: 29. Arm: 36.
    Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
    10/2/10: Barksdale isn’t getting the national recognition he deserves. He is by far the best technician in his draft class. He has elite knee bend, has textbook hand use, and displays nice patience in pass protection. He’s a very athletic, talented player who will eventually be climbing 2011 NFL Draft boards.
    
    4/3/10: Could be the first left tackle chosen in the 2011 NFL Draft. Joseph Barksdale is a very athletic lineman who had a great year with LSU. He’ll move over to the blind side in 2010.
    
    
12. Jah Reid, OT, Central Florida
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 321.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.26.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 5.29.
    Benchx225: 23. Arm: 34 3/8.
    Projected Round (2011): 3-5.
    3/25/11: Jah Reid had a fantastic Pro Day. He looked good in the drills and most likely impressed all 32 teams that attended.
    
    4/3/10: An All-Conference USA first-teamer. No relation to Ja Rule.
    
    
    
    
13. Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 326.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.14.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.39.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: 33. Arm: 35 1/4.
    Projected Round (2011): 4-6.
    4/3/10: Struggled with a constant knee injury in 2009, but still made the All-ACC Second Team.
    
    
14. Derek Newton, OT, Arkansas State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 314.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.99.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: . Arm: 33 1/8.
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    3/19/11: Derek Newton didn’t have to run the 40 at his Pro Day because of a great Combine. He did only the positional drills in front of 12 teams.
    
    2/27/11: “Derek… Newton… is a… great… playa…” This is what I wrote when Derek Newton ran his 40 time. Despite his 6-5, 311-pound frame, Newton ran a 4.99 on Saturday. Expect Al Davis to target him early on Day 3.
    
    10/2/10: Newton has some physical tools to work with, but there is no doubt he needs time to be coached up.
    
    
15. Willie Smith, OT, East Carolina
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.43.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: 34 1/2.
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    
    
    
16. Jarriel King, OT/G, South Carolina
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 317.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.04.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.03.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: 36 3/8.
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    4/3/10: Still learning how to play offensive tackle (a former defensive end). Benched during the 2009 season.
    
    
17. Byron Stingily, OT, Louisville
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 313.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.02.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.95.
    Benchx225: 25. Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    
    
    
18. Derek Hall, OT, Stanford
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 305.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.22.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 5-7.
    
    
    
19. Mike Person, OT, Montana State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 294.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.12.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: 22. Arm: 32 3/4.
    Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
    3/20/11: A fringe draftable prospect, Mike Person worked out at his Pro Day in front of two teams: Green Bay and Seattle.
    
    
20. Josh Davis, OT, Georgia
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 313.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.28.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.49.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: 36.
    Projected Round (2011): 6-FA.
    
    
    
21. Kyle Hix, OT, Texas
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 318.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.23.
    Combine 40 Time: 5.43.
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: 34 1/4.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    4/3/10: A right tackle only, Kyle Hix qualified as an All-Big XII honorable mention.
    
    
22. Rob McGill, OT, Louisiana Tech
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.02.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    4/3/10: Made the All-WAC Second Team for two consecutive seasons. May move to guard in the pros.
    
    
23. Richard Lapham, OT, Boston College
    Height: 6-8. Weight: 321.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: . Arm: 34 3/4.
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    4/7/11: Hasn’t been able to work out because of knee surgery.
    
    4/3/10: A 2-year starter entering his season.
    
    
24. Tray Allen, OT, Texas
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 315.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.33.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    4/3/10: A top recruit coming out of high school, Tray Allen has never taken the next step at Texas. A right tackle/guard.
    
    7/27/08: Tray Allen didn’t start any games as a freshman, but he played in nine contests.
    
    
25. Butch Lewis, OT, USC
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 288.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.90.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    4/3/10: Was an All-Pac 10 honorable mention in his first full season as a starter. Will really move up these rankings if he can bulk up to around 300 pounds and maintain his athleticism.
    
    
26. Johnny Culbreath, OT, South Carolina State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 298.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    4/3/10: An All-Division 1-AA Second-Team All-American.
    
    
27. Pete Hendrickson, OT, Tulane
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 304.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 5.04.
    Benchx225: 25. Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    
    
    
28. Michael Arndt, OT, North Dakota State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: N/A.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 5.42.
    Benchx225: 19. Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    
    
    
29. Curt Porter, OT, Jacksonville State
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 315.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    
    
    
30. Cory Brandon, OT, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.01.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    
    
    
31. Kenny Wiggins, OT, Fresno State
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.31.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Pro Day 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Arm: .
    Projected Round (2011): 7-FA.
    4/3/10: Made the All-WAC Second Team. Right tackle only.
    
    

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