2013 NFL Draft: Offensive Tackle Rankings

The top 2013 offensive tackle prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2014 prospect. ** – denotes 2015 prospect.

This page was last updated April 23, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Luke Joeckel*, OT, Texas A&M
Height: 6-6. Weight: 306. Arm: 34.28
40 Time: 5.30.
Projected Round (2013): Top-5 Pick.
4/23/13: While Joeckel didn’t blow scouts away at his pro day or the Combine, he didn’t hurt his stock either. Some pundits prefer Eric Fisher or Lane Johnson, but Joeckel is still the heavy favorite to be the first player selected. Scouts told WalterFootball.com that they feel Joeckel is a solid high first-rounder, but not as good of a prospect as the Browns’ Joe Thomas (2007 out of Wisconsin) or the Rams’ Jake Long (2008 out of Michigan).

Joeckel had a superb 2012 season and was a dominant force against elite competition. The junior owned Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier in a rout by Texas A&M. Joeckel moved him around in the ground game, and Lemonier had zero pass pressure going against him. This was just another superb showing against a pass-rusher who could be a first-round pick.

Joeckel had a phenomenal game a week earlier, dominating LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery. It was a complete performance from Joeckel as he shut down Montgomery’s pass rush and moved him out of his gap in run defense. This was yet another statement game from Joeckel against one of the better defensive ends in college football. He played well against Alabama, too.

Joeckel was superb in the first half of the Aggies’ season opener against the Gators. He had some rough moments in the second half in pass protection and was beaten for a sack. Joeckel was close to giving up a few other sacks as well. It was a mildly disappointing performance. Joeckel was otherwise excellent in 2012.

8/23/12: Joeckel started as a freshman in 2010 and, after some early struggles, he finished the season strong. Joeckel did a very good job of protecting the blind side of quarterback Ryan Tannehill last season. Joeckel gave up some pressures against some of the elite pass-rushers he faced, but overall, he did very well for a sophomore.

If Joeckel shuts out some of the elite pass-rushers he is matched up against in 2012 and/or 2013, he probably will be a first-rounder. Joeckel is a strong run-blocker who should continue to improve as a pass-protector as he gains experience. Joeckel has a challenging schedule of speed-rushers this season as the Aggies are playing their first season in the SEC. If the junior plays well against those top defenders, his stock could soar.

Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Height: 6-7. Weight: 306. Arm: 34. Hand: 10 3/8.
40 Time: 5.05.
Projected Round (2013): Top-5 Pick.
4/23/13: There are reports that Fisher could be the Chiefs’ selection and that some of the Kansas City coaching staff prefer him. Fisher is a lock to be a top-five pick and looks like a franchise left tackle. He is a blue-collar type who is hungry and dedicated, plus works hard in the weight room.

Fisher had an excellent showing at his pro day to further cement his high grade. He had already had a quality Combine with a nice 40 time and solid performance in the field drills. His bench press performance was good as well.

In college, Fisher showed versatility by starting at right tackle, guard and left tackle over his career. He eventually found a home at left tackle in 2011 and was an All-Conference selection. Fisher dominated his level of competition in 2012, and continued that with a tremendous showing at the Senior Bowl.

Fisher was the most dominant offensive lineman at the 2013 Senior Bowl. He was excellent at nullifying defensive ends all week. Fisher did extremely well in the one-on-ones, too. He mirrored speed-rushers coming around the corner and used good strength to anchor against bull rushes.

Fisher is very quick on his feet. He uses that quickness to get deep in his pass drop to cut off speed-rushers. In the ground game, Fisher is fast to fire downfield to hit blocks on the second level of the defense. The speed can also be seen when he pulls around the other side of the line. Fisher would be a very good fit in a zone-blocking scheme.

It would be good if Fisher added some functional strength for the NFL. That will help him to push defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage. He has the frame to add on another 15-20 pounds of muscle and that would be ideal.

Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Height: 6-6. Weight: 303. Hand: 9 3/4. Arm: 35.
40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2013): Top-10 Pick.
4/23/13: The rise for Johnson has him as a lock to be a top-10 pick and is extremely likely to have him go in the first seven selections. Johnson was a 2-year starter who was a good edge-blocker for Landry Jones. In his best tests of 2012, Johnson had strong games protecting his quarterback against Notre Dame, Texas and Texas A&M.

Johnson dominated the Combine with a gold standard workout for offensive linemen. He showed his elite athletic ability in the field drills and had the second fastest 40-yard dash. Many believe that Johnson has more upside than Fisher or Joeckel.

Johnson was the second-most impressive blocker at the Senior Bowl – behind only Eric Fisher. Johnson was rock solid in pass protection in the one-on-ones. He clearly has been well-developed by the Sooners coaching staff to protect the blind side. After all, Johnson did a lot of pass blocking at Oklahoma for Landry Jones.

Johnson has light, quick feet to get depth in his drop and negate speed rushes. It looks like he can stay at left tackle in the NFL and also has the frame to add more weight while maintaing his quickness.

There is a big demand for tackles in the NFL, and Johnson has demonstrated he has starting potential. A couple of scouts told WalterFootball.com that Johnson should go in the first round and that looks like a certainty off of his performance at the Senior Bowl alone. There are plenty of teams that could use an edge-blocker of Johnson’s ability.

There were a lot of doubts at Oklahoma entering the season if Johnson could handle left tackle, but did extremely well for the Sooners. Johnson redshirted in 2009 before playing tight end and defensive end in 2010, so his athleticism can be seen in him trying a variety of positions.

D.J. Fluker*, OT/G, Alabama
Height: 6-4. Weight: 339. Arm: 36 3/8. Hand: 10 1/4.
40 Time: 5.31.
Projected Round (2013): Top-20 Pick.
4/23/13: Fisher and Johnson aren’t the only tackles who have had their stock climb. Fluker is a hot prospect who could go in the top half of the first round. Some believe he could go in the top 10. The demand for tackles is helping Fluker to rise. He had a disappointing Combine with only 21 reps on the bench press, but is at a disadvantage because of his extremely long arms.

Fluker is an absolute force in the ground game. He projects as a road-grading right tackle in the NFL. Fluker had a lot of problems in pass protection during 2012. He was beaten for two sacks against Western Kentucky and allowed other pass pressures. Fluker also allowed heat on the quarterback when Alabama played Michigan.

The pass-protection issues continued in other games. Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson beat Fluker for a sack, as did some defenders from Mississippi State. His run blocking was awesome, but his pass blocking was a liability.

Fluker stepped up with a good game against LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo. Fluker did a good job of keeping Mingo from getting pressure or any sacks. That performance could help provide evidence that Fluker could stay at right tackle with good coaching. He had success as a run-blocker against Georgia, but also beaten for at least one sack. Some NFL teams may consider moving him to guard.

8/23/12: Fluker was real force at right tackle for Alabama in 2011. He was a strong run-blocker who paved the way for Trent Richardson. Fluker looks like he could be an instant starter at right tackle in the NFL and is a natural at the position. Fluker has been a dominant force in the SEC the past two seasons. He is athletic as a pass-protector, and a bulldozer as a run-blocker.

If Fluker has another good season, one would expect him to leave for the NFL given the three years of standout play on his resume.

Menelik Watson*, OT, Florida State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310. Arm: 34.08.
40 Time: 5.29.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
4/23/13: The Manchester, England product is a freak athlete. A former basketball player, Watson is very fast and agile. He played right tackle for Florida State, and he’ll probably start out there in the NFL. Watson’s quick feet and athleticism provide the potential for him to move to left tackle in the future.

Watson was a key cog in the Seminoles featuring a quality rushing offense in 2012. He already looks ready to compete in the NFL as a run-blocker. Watson’s pass protection will need some work as he is very inexperienced. He may require more development than most early-round picks, but is an interesting prospect with a ton of upside. Many feel that in time Wataon could be a starting left tackle.

Scouts told WalterFootball.com that Watson really impressed teams with his knowledge of the game during Combine interviews. They believe that his immense upside will likely see him taken in the top 32.
Justin Pugh, OT/G, Syracuse
Height: 6-4. Weight: 301. Arm: 31 1/2. Hand: 10.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
4/23/13: Some media pundits and draft analysts are hire on Pugh, believing he could go late in the first round. Pugh did a good job of protecting quarterback Ryan Nassib in 2012. Pugh clearly needs to add weight and strength for the next level.

Similar to Nassib, Pugh’s Senior Bowl wasn’t a complete debacle, but it definitely didn’t help his stock. Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson stood out, but Pugh was very disappointing in comparison. It all started at the weigh-in when he checked in at 6-foot-4, 301-pounds. That is very undersized for an NFL offensive tackle. It was known that Pugh was on the lighter side entering Mobile, but he was a few inches shorter than expected and has very short arms (31 1/2). Pugh also struggled in the one-on-ones on the edge. He also had some issues at guard with bull rushes, too.

Pugh had a solid career protecting Nassib’s blind side, but for the NFL, he looks like he probably should be a guard in a zone-blocking system. That, along with him not looking like a starting tackle, hurts the number of teams that could consider Pugh. His disappointing weak and undersized status make him look more like a mid-round pick rather than the top-32 selection some have suggested.

8/23/12: Pugh was a 2011 All-Big East First-Team selection for Syracuse as the blind-side protector for quarterback Ryan Nassib. It was Pugh’s second straight year as a starter, and he contributed to Antwon Bailey eclipsing 1,000 yards on the ground. Pugh is a sleeper prospect worth keeping an eye on.

Kyle Long, OT/G, Oregon
Height: 6-6. Weight: 313. Arm: 32 1/8. Hand: 10 7/8.
40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
4/23/13: Long tried for, and was denied, another year of eligibility, so he entered the 2013 NFL Draft class. The athletic blocker used to be a defensive lineman like his Hall of Fame father, Howie Long, and Pro Bowl brother, Chris Long.

Kyle Long was excellent at opening running lanes for Kenjon Barner and protecting his quarterback in 2012. Long is very strong and extremely fast. His speed and athleticism was on firmly on display at the Combine. He only played one season at Oregon, so he could use more development in the NFL.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Long cracks the first round. His great bloodlines will help him to get selected earlier and overcome some off-the-field problems. Long started out his career on Florida State’s baseball team before getting in trouble and leaving the school. He went through junior college on his way to Oregon.

David Bakhtiari*, OT, Colorado
Height: 6-4. Weight: 299. Arm: 34.08.
40 Time: 5.09.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
4/23/13: Bakhtiari was a solid player for Colorado, but is an undersized tackle for the NFL. Considering he won’t be a first-round pick, he probably should’ve gone back to school for his senior year. Bakhtiari probably thought he accomplished everything he could in college after starting the past three seasons. Bakhtiari started 33 games and was an All-Pac-12 selection. He had a good showing at the Combine and looks like a second-day pick. Some teams may want to move him to guard or center.
Terron Armstead, OT/G, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
Height: 6-4. Weight: 310. Arm: 33 5/8. Hand: 9 7/8.
40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
4/23/13: Many teams like Armstead, and he is one of the better tackle prospects for the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft. Armstead played tackle for Arkansas Pine-Bluff, but some teams may move him to guard in the NFL. He performed well in postseason All-Star games in January, which has helped his draft stock. Armstead is a good athlete for his size who also is a track champion. He is a nice developmental prospect.

Armstead put on a show at the Combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in a blistering time of 4.71 seconds. That was the fastest of any offensive lineman. He also did well on the bench press (31 reps) and in the field drills.

Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina
Height: 6-6. Weight: 318. Arm: 34.08.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
4/23/13: Williams was generating a lot of draft buzz in 2012 and his stock was rising, but then his season ended early due to a torn labrum. The senior was doing a good job of run blocking for Giovani Bernard. Williams still has starting potential at right tackle in the NFL and could be a great value pick on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft – if he can stay healthy.

8/23/12: Williams broke into the starting lineup at right tackle as a junior. He had an excellent season as a lead run-blocker for running back Giovanni Bernard. The redshirt freshman ran for 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams was one of Bernard’s best blockers. If Williams continues to improve, he looks like he could be a second-day pick with the ability to be a starting right tackle in the NFL.

Jordan Mills, OT, Louisiana Tech
Height: 6-5. Weight: 316. Arm: 34.08
Projected 40 Time: 5.37.
Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
4/23/13: Mills was a 2-year starter who helped pave the way for a good rushing offense. He also did well as a pass-protector.

Mills really helped himself with a strong Senior Bowl. He did a good job of fighting off speed-rushers and powerful linemen. Mills didn’t win all of his reps, but he held his own. Mills also displayed a real mean streak. He blocked through the whistle and was ready to mix it up. Mills could be sleeper who turns into a starter in the NFL. Some teams might move him inside to guard.
Chris Faulk*, OT, LSU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 331. Arm: 34.28
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
4/23/13: Faulk missed the season after suffering a knee injury in practice a few days after the 2012 opener. He would have been better off returning to LSU and playing in 2013 and possibly 2014 before going pro, but he entered the draft. It is possible that Faulk falls into late rounds like Florida State tackle Andrew Datko did in the 2012 NFL Draft.

8/23/12: Faulk had an excellent sophomore season at left tackle for LSU. He was a good pass-blocker and a road grader of a run-blocker. Faulk has a lot of athletic ability and the potential to be a special player. He had some issues in pass protection in the National Championship Game against Alabama. His first performance of the year against the Crimson Tide was much better.

Faulk saw his first playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2010, making two starts at right tackle. He competed and won the left tackle starting position leading into the 2011 season. If Faulk can improve his pass protection, he could go early in the first-round next April. Faulk will have a number of opportunities to shut down speed-rushers. There is no reason to think that the reshirt junior won’t continue to improve as he gains experience.

Brian Winters, OT/G, Kent State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 320. Arm: 32. Hand: 9 1/2.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
4/23/13: Winters had a dominant senior season for Kent State which raised his profile for the NFL. He was an All-Conference selection from his sophomore season on. The Senior Bowl was sort of neutral for Winters as he didn’t help or hurt himself significantly. However, Winters checked in three inches shorter than his listed height and almost 20 pounds heavier. The lack of height and length could push him inside to guard in the NFL.

Winters compounded his issues with a bad Combine. He had the worst showing on the bench press (9 reps) of any lineman who participated. Winters looks like a guard in the NFL.

Xavier Nixon, OT, Florida
Height: 6-6. Weight: 321. Arm: 33.48. Hand: 10 1/2.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
4/23/13: The Senior Bowl was a mixed outing for Nixon. He did well as a run-blocker, but had some struggles in pass protection. Nixon had an injury at the Senior Bowl and didn’t work out at the Combine.

Nixon continued to flash good and bad for Florida in 2012. He has a lot of talent, but isn’t consistent. Nixon had a good game versus LSU. He did a good job for the most part against the Tigers’ star defensive ends and was excellent as a run-blocker in the final two quarters.

Nixon battled against South Carolina with some good and bad moments against Jadeveon Clowney. Nixon was injured the next week, but played hurt versus Georgia. Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones overwhelmed Nixon, allowing him to have a monstrous performance.

Nixon had a dominant game against Florida State. He shut down Tank Carradine as a pass-rusher and owned him in the run game. The Gators had a lot of success running behind Nixon, including one of Mike Gillislee’s touchdown runs. Nixon had a mixed day against Louisville to conclude his collegiate career. He has real upside, but must get more consistent to maximize his potential.

8/23/12: Based on skill set alone, Xavier Nixon should be much higher on this list. He is quick, athletic, strong, and plays with good technique. Nixon was a top recruit who has been moved around from left tackle to right tackle, and dealt with some injuries in his first two seasons. He was able to stay healthy as a junior.

Nixon started out the 2011 season well with good performances in the first four games of the year, but after that, he had some major struggles in conference play especially against Alabama and LSU. Nixon would do well blocking either team’s edge-rushers before a few lapses would spoil his game. He is a good athlete with a lot of potential and a high ceiling.

Nixon needs to reach his potential if he wants to be more than a third-day draft pick. Nixon is not consistent enough in his run or pass blocking.

Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin
Height: 6-6. Weight: 308. Arm: 32. Hand: 9 1/2.
40 Time: 5.17.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
4/23/13: Wagner did well in pass protection in 2012, but wasn’t getting a consistent push in the ground game in the early portion of the season. The Badgers clearly missed the three linemen the team lost following 2011 along with the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator.

Making Wagner’s job harder was Wisconsin moving Travis Fredrick from left guard to center. Wagner and the Badgers performed better running the ball late in the year against weaker opponents. Wagner didn’t show all that well in the Rose Bowl against Stanford.

Wagner really struggled at the Senior Bowl, too. He was constantly burned by speed-rushers; Texas defensive end Alex Okafor absolutely destroyed him. It was a devastating performance that illustrated that Wagner has to be a right tackle or guard in the NFL. He had one of the lower bench press totals at the Combine with only 20 reps.

8/23/12: Wagner had a strong 2011 season. He opened up a lot of holes for running backs Montee Ball and James White while preventing pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson.

Wagner played well against Wisconsin’s better opponents like Nebraska and Michigan State – well, the first meeting. The only games where he had some issues came against Illinois and defensive end Whitney Mercilus and the second battle against Michigan State when William Gholston was in the lineup.

Wagner could stay at left tackle in the NFL, but also could move to right tackle. He is quicker and more athletic than one might think.

Wagner needs to work on sustaining his blocks – both running and passing – for the NFL. He needs to improve his ability to maintain contact on defensive ends and hold onto them longer. The senior needs to improve his overall game this season and make his run blocking and pass blocking more consistent.

Wagner started 10 games for the Badgers at right tackle in 2010 before being moved over to left tackle to replace Gabe Carimi in 2011. Wagner truly is an excellent run-blocker. He is powerful and can drive defenders off the line of scrimmage.

Luke Marquardt, OT, Azusa Pacific
Height: 6-8. Weight: 315. Arm: 34.48
40 Time: 5.17.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
4/23/13: Marquardt has the size, length and frame to develop into a starting right tackle in the NFL. He has surprisingly quick feet and is athletic. Marquardt’s basketball background can be seen in his agility and smooth movement skills. He is a developmental prospect with big upside.

Marquardt was a backup tight end as a freshman before switching to tackle late in the year. Marquardt locked down a starting spot at tackle for his final three collegiate seasons.
Reid Fragel, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-8. Weight: 308. Arm: 33.08
40 Time: 5.14.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
4/23/13: Fragel was a backup tight end prior to his senior season. He switched to right tackle and showed some nice potential to be an edge-blocker. Fragel is raw, but could develop into a right tackle competitor.
Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia
Height: 6-5. Weight: 308. Arm: 33.78. Hand: 10 1/2.
40 Time: 5.45.
Projected Round (2013): 5-6.
4/23/13: Aboushi struggled in the Senior Bowl. He was especially beaten via power and physicality. While other tackles have helped themselves since end of the season, Aboushi’s stock has fallen. He had a disappointing Combine performance with a slow 40 and a weak performance on the bench press (17 reps) as well.

Even though Virginia struggled this year, Aboushi played well. He looked good against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and TCU.

Aboushi has improved his run blocking while being rock solid as a pass-protector. He is very quick on the edge. Aboushi has no problem getting depth in his drops to negate speed rushes.

8/23/12: Aboushi has plus athletic ability to serve as a blind-side protector. It looks like he has the quickness and length to be a good pass-blocker for the passing-driven NFL.

Aboushi has quick feet and is a natural left tackle. He also is a decent run-blocker with some power and mobility. Aboushi could have been a top-60 pick if he had entered the 2012 NFL Draft, and he should only get better as this year.

Aboushi could rise high in the 2013 class and comes from a school that has produced a lot of offensive tackle talent. The senior still needs to get more consistent. Sometimes he is dominant and looks like the complete package; othertimes, he gets beat and shows sloppy technique. Aboushi could use more strength and 10-15 pounds of muscle. He definitely would fit best in a zone-blocking scheme that emphasizes athleticism and movement skills.

Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 298. Arm: 33.38
40 Time: 5.07.
Projected Round (2013): 5-7.
4/23/13: Hawkinson played pretty well for Kansas over his collegiate career. He looks like a developmental prospect at right tackle for the NFL. Hawkinson didn’t impress at the East-West Shrine, but he performed better at the Combine. He is a candidate to move inside to guard. Hawkinson needs time to improve as a backup, but he is a sleeper who could turn into a contributor.

8/23/12: While Kansas struggled, Hawkinson played decently in 2011, but maybe not as well as his sophomore season. He has a nice skill set. Hawkinson earned the starting left tackle position before his first collegiate game, and he has started every game at left tackle for Kansas the past three seasons.

Hawkinson is quick, athletic, and matches up well with pass-rushers. He was named to the All-Big XII First-Team in 2010. It would be good to see the senior add some strength and power for the NFL.

Vinston Painter, OT, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-4. Weight: 306. Arm: 34. Hand: 9.88.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2013): 6-7.
4/23/13: Painter started out his career at defensive tackle before being moved to the offensive line. He was a backup at tackle and guard for his first three seasons. As a senior, Painter won a starting spot and was an All-ACC Honorable Mention. He should probably move inside to guard in the NFL.
Jason Weaver, OT, Southern Miss
Height: 6-4. Weight: 313. Arm: 34. Hand: 9.25.
Projected 40 Time: 5.29.
Projected Round (2013): 6-7.
4/23/13: Weaver started out his career in junior college. His first season at Southern Miss ended with a knee injury after only three games, but received a medical hardship from the NCAA. Weaver went on to start two seasons for Southern Miss at right tackle and played well. He should probably move inside to guard.

Jeff Braun, OT, West Virginia
Height: 6-5. Weight: 321.
Projected 40 Time: 5.29.
Projected Round (2013): FA.
4/23/13: West Virginia featured one of the best offenses in college football this year, and Braun was generally a reliable pass-protector for Geno Smith. The one game Braun struggled was against Texas and its future NFL defensive ends. He also didn’t play well against Kansas State or Syracuse. Braun did not participate in the Combine.

8/23/12: Braun started 13 games at right tackle in 2010 and stayed in the lineup as a junior. He needs to improve in order to get drafted. Braun had an ugly game in 2011 against LSU battling some future NFL offensive linemen. He could be a better fit at guard.
LaAdrian Waddle, OT, Texas Tech
Height: 6-6. Weight: 332.
Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
Projected Round (2013): FA.
4/23/13: Waddle and Texas Tech blew out cupcakes to start the season before being dropped by Oklahoma and Kansas State. The Red Raiders had a big upset of West Virginia. Unfortunately, pass-rusher Stansly Maponga was out for TCU when Texas Tech played the Horned Frogs. Waddle did a solid job of protecting Seth Doege, but Waddle doesn’t look like a real NFL prospect.

8/23/12: Waddle was an All-Big XII Second-Team selection last year. The junior started every game at left tackle for the second straight year. Waddle is a sleeper prospect who is worth watching in 2012. The senior should be able to move inside to guard in the NFL if he can’t stay on the edge.
Alex Hurst, OT, LSU
Height: 6-6. Weight: 340.
Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/23/13: Hurst missed the rest of the 2012 season following the Florida game dealing with a personal issue. His potential return to football is unknown.

Hurst helped himself in the early going of the year. He was fabulous against Washington, blasting open holes in the ground game. Hurst was the blocker who the Tigers ran behind the most, going behind him with success in critical short-yardage situations and on the goal line. He is a road grader as a run-blocker.

The senior’s pass blocking was improved, but he was moved to left tackle due to the absence of Chris Faulk and had some rough moments against Florida. Hurst did his best to pick up outside blitzers, but his left guard was terrible at adjusting with him.

8/23/12: Hurst had a lot of good games blocking for LSU in 2011. He was a tough run-blocker and did a quality job in pass protection. Hurst should stay at right tackle and is not a candidate to move to left tackle. He has good power and technique. Hurst struggled in both games against the Crimson Tide’s edge rushers. He probably needs to drop some weight and improve his mobility for the edge-rushers in the NFL.

Hurst took over for the right tackle position after Joseph Barksdale left LSU. Hurst is a massive blocker who has great strength. He is a leader on the offensive line and has won a lot of awards in the program for his work ethic and weight-room dedication. Run blocking is Hurst’s strength. He needs to improve his ability to block speed-rushers.

Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2013): FA.
4/23/13: Fisher has the talent to be a second-day pick, but can’t stay on the field. It didn’t start out that way; he was the starting left tackle as a freshman in 2008. Fisher was an All-Big XII honorable mention at left tackle in 2009 and 2010. He had an excellent 2010 season as the blind-side protector for Blaine Gabbert. Fisher completely shut down Adrian Clayborn in Clayborn’s final collegiate game.

Fisher missed the 2011 season with a ruptured patellar tendon. He was hurt again this season, having to be carted off the field versus Georgia. That injury was an MCL strain that kept him out for three games. Fisher could be worth a shot as an undrafted free agent.