This may seem ridiculous because he's a left tackle projected to switch positions, but Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi might be the most NFL-ready player in college football.
Carimi's power blocking is perhaps second to none this season. He's an excellent run blocker who really drives defenders backward. But it's his pass blocking that has shined this season. Carimi only gave up one sack on the year and showed that he can work to the outside better than previous seasons.
His improved pass blocking helped Carimi win the Outland Trophy this season, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman. The past four winners of the trophy were Ndamukong Suh, Andre Smith, Glenn Dorsey and Joe Thomas. Each were top 10 draft picks.
Gabe Carimi perhaps the most pro-ready player in the 2011 NFL Draft
But it’s the wild unpredictability of the other positions that makes Carimi the most pro-ready player in the draft. It also helps that everything about Carimi is a known commodity. We know exactly what the mammoth tackle can and can’t do. Can you say that with certainty about one-year superstars like
or
?
He’s more pro-ready than fellow senior offensive linemen
,
and
because Carimi has a more-natural power base. Sherrod, Castonzo and Hudson project higher because of their upside. The same can be said for
and
on defense.
Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers face a big adjustment to the NFL and are no sure thing as rookies. There are no linebackers or safeties this season as ready as Carimi. Prince Amukamara or
could make a case as cornerbacks, but the 2005 draft should give anyone caution there.
The only other players that come close to Carimi’s readiness as a pro are defensive ends
and
. But it’s never a given that big college ends can become impact pass rushers immediately.
It’s not sexy to like Carimi. However, there’s nothing wrong with at the least picking up the next Phil Loadholt or maybe even the next
.
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