2013 NFL Draft all-overrated team: D.J. Fluker, Menelik Watson among overvalued offensive tackles

Between now and April 25, we will be unveiling our All-Underrated and All-Overrated teams for the 2013 NFL Draft. Each team will be revealed position by position with a first-team selection, second-team selection and honorable mentions as we see fit. We continue with the all-overrated quarterbacks

by Matthew Fairburn

Apr 20, 2013, 12:00 PM UTC

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

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2013 NFL Draft all-overrated team

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Without the top-end talent we've seen in recent years, the 2013 NFL draft has become one focused on the offensive tackles. Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are being pegged as the "safe picks," as if there is such a thing. Even Lane Johnson, who was playing quarterback when he was first recruited out of high school, could be a top 10 pick at offensive tackle.

The first round could see five or more offensive tackles come off the board. The position has become one of the most valuable in the NFL, or at least that’s how it’s perceived. Thus, plenty of big-bodied college kids will become well-paid athletes on draft weekend.

Here are the most overrated of the bunch.

First team: D.J. Fluker, Alabama

D.J. Fluker is a player I would love to have on my football team. He’s an absolute monster in the running game and reportedly works as hard as anyone on a daily basis. But Fluker’s bandwagon is starting to pick up enough steam to where he could be drafted in the top 12. The issue is that Fluker is not likely to develop into a long-term fixture at left tackle, meaning a team would have to sacrifice value and take a right tackle too early. After pick 20, Fluker starts to present some value, but before that I would have reservations taking a player not quick enough in pass protection to play on the left side.

Second team: Menelik Watson, Florida State

Menelik Watson is an intriguing talent. Without much football experience under his belt, Watson is still a work in progress. His technique is unrefined, particularly his use of his hands. In the NFL, Watson is going to have a tough time playing right away and at age 24 he’s already older than most prospects. The upside is there, but for a first round pick, he’s a bit too raw for my taste.