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The Way We Hear It — draft edition
Cherilus rising, Williams sliding as interest increases for O-linemen
By Nolan Nawrocki
April 23, 2008
PFW personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki will post "The Way We Hear It — draft edition" Thursday for the final time prior to the NFL draft. Be sure to make this Web site a regular destination during the upcoming draft weekend, as we'll provide wire-to-wire coverage of the action, including analysis of the picks and commentary.
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Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams (left),
Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus
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With one offensive tackle already removed from consideration, the big question that has begun springing up around the league is when the next offensive lineman will be taken.
The Rams have a pressing need at tackle, so pressing, in fact, that some evaluators think they should take the second-highest rated tackle on their board. However, they are expected to go with defense. The Falcons and Raiders also have glaring holes at tackle but are expected to address their defensive lines, as well.
As a result, the Chiefs could be the next potential landing spot for an offensive lineman, with team sources saying that Virginia OG-OT Branden Albert is in consideration in both Kansas City and Baltimore. Ravens OLT Jonathan Ogden has already told the team, according to team sources, to plan for him not returning, which has forced the Ravens to look more closely at the position.
The Bengals are also in need of an offensive tackle but have already ruled out taking one with their first overall pick, at No. 9 overall. The way we hear it, Buffalo could be in a prime position to trade down, with the Broncos expected to select Boise State OT Ryan Clady. Strong needs exist after the Broncos, as well, with Carolina, Chicago and Detroit all in need of offensive linemen, which could further spark the Eagles’ interest. Eagles head coach Andy Reid has his eye on offensive linemen with two aging starters on both edges, and he is in prime position to move up.
The way we hear it, Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus has climbed ahead of Pittsburgh’s Jeff Otah on a number of draft boards and could potentially be drafted in the top 15. Questions about Otah’s maturity and work habits have raised concerns and could potentially push him down several slots. However, at the worst, he does not figure to get past the Eagles, who could still consider trading up to land him. He is a big, physical mauler who plays with power and perfectly fits the profile of Reid's prototype offensive lineman.
There were similar concerns about Arkansas ORT Shawn Andrews and his inability to control his weight in 2004 when the Eagles moved up to draft him 16th overall. Should Otah remain on the board past the Lions, he could warrant consideration from the Chiefs, who now hold the 17th overall pick after acquiring it as part of the deal for Jared Allen, especially if they select a pass rusher to replace Allen with the fifth overall pick.
The greatest need of the Texans, at No. 18, is a left tackle, and Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams could be available. The way we hear it, concerns about the variations in the size of Williams’ arms and legs, with one being shorter than the opposite limb, could affect his status. Furthermore, multiple team sources say he has been removed from consideration on their draft boards for medical reasons, which could play into the Texans’ favor.
The Steelers and 49ers also both have glaring holes on their offensive lines and could address the position in the first round, as could the Titans, Seahawks and Packers. The strong interest in offensive linemen could benefit a pair of USC linemen. USC OT Sam Baker is expected to fit into the back half of Round One, and the way we hear it, it would not be a shock if USC’s Chilo Rachal even warrants late consideration in the first round, if there has been a strong run on offensive linemen.
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2008 Draft Preview
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If you would like to read more about the players who are about to enter the April 26-27 NFL draft, Pro Football Weekly has two publications that will fit the bill — the 2008 Draft Preview book and the 2008 Draft Guide.
The 200-page 2008 Draft Preview book, which sells for $19.95, contains detailed scouting reports on nearly 500 prospects with each player's height, weight, 40-time, positives and negatives. You'll also get our rankings of more than 900 draft prospects and a breakdown of each NFL team's needs, by position. Written by PFW personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki and the editors of PFW, the Draft Preview book is widely recognized as the "bible of the draft." Books are now ready to be shipped.
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2008 Draft Guide
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Meanwhile, hot off the presses, the 2008 Draft Guide is a 152-page magazine that sells for $6.99, showcasing feature stories on Arkansas RB Darren McFadden and the secret to drafting success, a sleeper watch, a fantasy forecast and more. In addition, you'll find scouting reports on more than 350 players, draft previews for all 32 teams (including each club's top five areas of need and a "hot list" of prospects who fit the team's schemes) and rankings of the prospects by position.
The 2008 Draft Guide is available now at newsstands and bookstores throughout the country. Both of the above publications can be ordered now from the PFW store. You will receive a discount if you purchase both the 2008 Draft Preview book and the 2008 Draft Guide magazine from the PFW store with our Combo-Pack offer.
Related Articles:
Links to our online draft coverage
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