By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: The 2018 NFL Draft is weak at the offensive tackle position, but there are plenty of pro teams that are in need of young talent on the edge of their offensive lines. Tackle is a premium position, and the 2017 NFL Draft was also weak for edge protectors. As a result, some tackle prospects will benefit from that demand, and Crosby is one of those fortunate prospects.
Crosby had a solid career at Oregon and was a steady left tackle for the Ducks. There was some hype and excitement heading into the 2016 season about Crosby, but his season was dashed after he only played in two full games due to suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 3. He was able to rebound as a senior, playing very well for Oregon. In his strong senior year, he did allow some sacks and only a few pressures, but also contributed to Royce Freeman having a productive season for the Ducks’ rushing attack.
The best trait that Crosby has for the NFL is excellent feet. He is a tap dancer with his feet, which lets him protect the edge against speed rushers. He’s able to shuffle and glide to keep them from turning the corner. With his feet getting him in good position, Crosby doesn’t have to reach after defenders. He is a good athlete with quickness and agility. Given his feet and agility, Crosby has the potential to possibly develop into a starting left tackle in the NFL.
Crosby definitely has some limitations with length and height that concern NFL evaluators. Sources mentioned the lack of height and length as problems at the Senior Bowl, but they felt that Crosby’s feet save him, and he helped himself with his showing in Mobile. One issue for Crosby is a bad body. He needs to get stronger and improve his conditioning for the NFL. Crosby is more of a finesse blocker, as are 95 percent of current prospects, because college football has gone away from power offenses to the uptempo spread attacks. As a pro, Crosby could stand to get nastier and block through the whistle while getting more violent with defenders.
In the 2018 NFL Draft, Crosby could be selected in the third round and probably won’t get out of the fourth round if he slips to Day 3.
Player Comparison: David Bakhtiari. Crosby reminds me of Bakhtiari coming out of Colorado. Entering the NFL, both had good feet and athleticism. They also are nearly identical in size as Bakhtiari (6-4, 310) also lacks ideal height and length for a left tackle. Bakhtiari has been able to overcome that to have a very good NFL career. He was a high fourth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and Crosby could go in the same general area as third- or fourth-rounder.
NFL Matches: Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Denver, Baltimore, Jacksonville, New England, Philadelphia and Houston
There are a lot of teams that could be a fit for Crosby in the 2018 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay probably will address more pressing needs early, so Crosby could be a target of the organization on Day 2. Cincinnati definitely needs to improve its offensive line, so Crosby could be in play for the Bengals as a potential linemate to the newly acquired Cordy Glenn.
Denver could use another tackle to pair with Garett Bolles, which would give the Broncos bookend tackles. Baltimore could use an upgrade at right tackle. Taking Crosby to go with Ronnie Stanley could make sense to provide some long-term tackles for the Ravens.
The Jaguars’ offensive line still needs work despite the addition of Andrew Norwell. Crosby could compete at right tackle or guard for Jacksonville.
Philadelphia needs another tackle to go with Lane Johnson, while the Patriots could lose Nate Solder in free agency. Houston badly needs some young talent at tackle. Crosby could play quickly for the Texans.
RELATED LINKS:
2018 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2018 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2018 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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