Since the merger, the NFL Draft had never seen tackles selected first and second overall until Thursday. Kansas City took Eric Fisher with the first pick, and Jacksonville took Luke Joeckel second. Add in Lane Johnson fourth to Philadelphia, and you have a fairly valuable tackle draft.
2013 NFL Draft best available: David Bakhtiari top remaining tackle
Even with a big run on offensive tackles at the top of the 2013 NFL Draft, there are still a few who have gone under the radar to this point.
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Now, how many of them are left?
Heading into the start of Day 3 of the draft (noon ET), there are still tackle options available, even if they aren’t on the same level as their blue-chip colleagues taken in the first three rounds.
Top Offensive Tackles Available
1, David Bakhtiari, Colorado
An aggressive and passionate player, Bakhtiari doesn’t possess elite size (6’4, 299 pounds) but plays hard and with an edge. He started three years at Colorado, and is as impressive an individual as he is a football player. Tough and determined, he showed a fighting spirit despite playing on a losing team throughout his career. Decent all-around skills are accentuated by that effort, and he could turn into a solid player at the next level.
2, David Quessenberry, San Jose State
Size and bulk seem to be an issue with the high-cut Quessenberry. He doesn’t have great power, but he has quick feet on the edge. He can be seen as a project for a team with outstanding offensive line coaching because Quessenberry has some decent tools. He just needs work.
3, Xavier Nixon, Florida
It appeared Nixon was on the fast track to stardom when he became the Gators’ first true freshman starting left tackle in two decades. Injuries and concerns about his focus derailed those hopes a bit, but he showed flashes of ability in his four-year career. A team looking to boost their athleticism at the position may look at Nixon.
4, Reid Fragel, Ohio State
The former tight end has outstanding athleticism for the offensive line and is still learning the nuances of the tackle position. He only played tackle for one season, but he shows enough tenacity and aggression to think enough time spent with him could create an outstanding player.
5, Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin
Another addition to a long line of Badgers offensive linemen in the pros, Wagner is more of a technician than a mauler. He isn’t afraid to fight, but he isn’t winning one-on-ones with his strength. He relies on recognition and angles to succeed.
Honorable Mentions
Jordan Mills, La. Tech
Roger Gains, TCU
Tanner Hawkinson, Kansas
Vinson Painter, Virginia Tech
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