Emphasis on Pass Protection Keeps Tackles at Premium in Draft

As the first round of last year's NFL draft unfolded, it became abundantly clear any team that wanted a tackle had better act fast.

The expected run on players at the position came sooner and lasted longer than anticipated, as seven were chosen in the initial 21 picks, and eight in all were taken in the opening round.

Decision-makers for NFL teams seem to have learned their lesson, and those clubs with needs on the offensive line appear prepared to move swiftly next Saturday in the first round of this year's draft. Tackles probably will come off the board rapidly again, although few observers seem to expect a duplication of last year's eight first-rounders.

"Just look at last year," Detroit Lions Coach Jim Schwartz said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in late February. "All the draft experts had some guys as second-round picks and maybe later, and the run started on offensive tackles early. Coaches realize how important those guys are to schemes. So any year is good to be a tackle."

Schwartz's Lions have the top overall selection, and many within the league are convinced they'll choose Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Lions are coming off the first 0-16 season in league history and lack a franchise quarterback.

But Baylor tackle Jason Smith apparently has been in the mix for the Lions as well. And if Smith doesn't go first overall to the Lions, he easily could go second to the St. Louis Rams, who must replace Orlando Pace after releasing the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle.

Wherever Smith goes, his selection probably will start a run on tackles that will be followed by the choices of Virginia's Eugene Monroe, Alabama's Andre Smith and Mississippi's Michael Oher. Those four are regarded as almost certain first-rounders, and NFL talent evaluators said they wouldn't be surprised to see one or two other tackles taken in the opening round.

"I know that the eight that came out last year, the majority of them played extremely well," Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith said at the combine. "From what I understand, this group of offensive tackles that are coming out this year are just as impressive -- maybe not as deep, but they are some very good players."

Said Cincinnati Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis: "Probably the total group is a pretty good group in totality. I don't know if there is the standout franchise-guy type player. Maybe I'm wrong."

The Lions, in some ways, face a decision with the top choice similar to the one faced last year by the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins were coming off a 1-15 season, had the top overall pick and lacked a young quarterback around whom to build. Yet they passed on Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan to take Michigan tackle Jake Long.

That began the run on tackles that continued with the Denver Broncos taking Ryan Clady 12th; the Chicago Bears getting Chris Williams 14th; the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Branden Albert, a converted guard, 15th; the Lions choosing Gosder Cherilus 17th; and the Carolina Panthers taking Jeff Otah 19th. Then came two unexpected first-rounders, Sam Baker at 21st overall to the Falcons and Duane Brown 26th to the Houston Texans.

Coaches said NFL defenses put a premium on speedy pass rushers because the rule changes in recent years have made it more difficult for defenders to cover receivers if quarterbacks have time to throw. That increases the draft value of blockers who can keep those pass rushers away from the quarterback.

Though Ryan immediately established himself as a standout quarterback last season for the Falcons, who took him third overall, Dolphins Coach Tony Sparano didn't speak regretfully at this year's combine when he talked about the decision he and his bosses, front-office chief Bill Parcells and General Manager Jeff Ireland, made last year.

"Different people have different philosophies with this whole thing," said Sparano, a former offensive line coach for Parcells in Dallas. "You look at the way that whole deal went down and, of course, we feel like we got a very good player in Jake, and . . . I can't speak for Atlanta, but [Ryan] is a heck of a player.

"At the end of this whole thing, from our end it's always been a philosophy that you start there -- up front. And, of course, my background is that way, and Bill's background and history is one where you do start within the lines and you try to get the big people first. The tackle was available, and the left tackle in this league is a premium."