2013 NFL Draft results: D.J. Fluker selected by Chargers with No. 11 pick

Fluker, the third Alabama player to go in the first round, joins the San Diego offensive line.

by Adam Stites

Apr 26, 2013, 1:31 AM UTC

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

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With the 11th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the San Diego Chargers selected Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle D.J. Fluker. Fluker is the No. 20-rated player in the draft rankings from SB Nation's Dan Kadar and the fourth-rated offensive tackle.

Fluker, 22, was a starter at right tackle in each of his three seasons at Alabama, as the team won back-to-back BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012. At 6’5, 339 pounds, Fluker is easily one of the largest offensive lineman in the draft, and has long, 36.75-inch arms to match.

Fluker, one of the best run blockers in this year's draft and the third straight Alabama player to get drafted, will try to open up holes for running back Ryan Mathews.

In a scouting report on SB Nation, the following were listed as positives for Fluker:

Fluker is among the best run blockers in this draft class. His size helps him completely dominate at the line of scrimmage and anchor the right side of Alabama’s offensive line. While he isn’t necessarily the quickest lineman, Fluker can be tough to beat because of his length. Given his prototypical size, Fluker has solid movement skills, though that’s definitely an area where he can improve.
Fluker is tough to bull rush. He is solid in his stance and is tough to move off his blocks due to his wide base and incredible length and bulk. He also plays with decent balance for his size. Fluker has powerful hands on his initial punch to drive defenders off the football and open up huge lanes in the running game. He also is able to get to the next level of the defense and take linebackers out of the equation. Once he engages on his block he’s tough to shed.

In three seasons with the Crimson Tide, Fluker started at right tackle in 36 games before foregoing his senior season to enter the 2013 NFL Draft. In his final season with Alabama, which culminated with a 42-14 win over Notre Dame, Fluker was named a second-team AP All-American.