2009 Offensive Line Impact Rookies

This draft class was stocked with quality tackles but not with a great selection of interior lineman. Due to the lack of overall depth with this group of players we saw teams scramble to get their hands on the top prospects. This caused many of the players to get drafted way higher than they were predicted they would. 13 offensive lineman were drafted in the first two rounds, with three tackles going in the first ten picks. So here are my top five impact rookies for the offensive line, with two sleepers to watch out for.
1)Jason Smith - Rams - Baylor
2)Andre Smith - Bengals - Alabama
3)Alex Mack - Browns - California
4)Eugene Monroe - Jaguars - Virginia
5)Andy Levitre - Bills - Oregon State
Sleeper 1)Phil Loadholt - Vikings - Oklahoma
Sleeper 2)Eben Britton - Jaguars - Arizona
Jason Smith is ranked number one on my list, not because he is the best run or pass blocker in the group, but because he is going to St. Louis. Drafted to replace Orlando Pace, Smith should be in the starting line-up right away. The rams offensive line was one of the worst in the league, giving up 45 sack last season and ranking 25th in rushing. Smith is a good run blocker that should provide the push for runningback Steven Jackson that he did not get last season. He is a athletic, strong tackle who would fit great in a zone blocking scheme. Smith is also a smart player who reads and picks up blitzes well. Smith a quick tackle with good feet and should be able to get up to the second level easily. One of the biggest knocks on Smith coming out of college was that he was in a two point stance most of the time at Baylor. Scouts worry that he might not be able to fire out of his stance as quickly in a three point stance. Another question on Smith's game is that he is not a great pass blocker, and needs to work on his lower body strength.
At number two is Andre Smith who was drafted number six overall by the Bengals. Marvin Lewis chose Smith because he wanted to get back to having a power running attack, and playing solid defense. He is big, even for tackle standards, which makes it even more surprising how quick he is. Smith shows the potential to be an elite run blocker in the NFL, and the ability to pancake one defender, then move up to the second level. In his three years at Alabama Smith only missed one game due to injury, which shows the durablity he needs at the NFL level. When it comes to pass blocking Smith relies to heavily on his size, often letting defenders into his body rather than using his hands. Smith has also had the handle of being lazy around him since he declared for the draft, showing up to the combine and workouts out of shape. If Smith can develope his pass blocking he can become this best tackle from this draft.
With the number three rookie we have our first interior lineman, Alex Mack of the Cleveland Browns. Mack is a tall, athletic lineman who has the versitility to play both guard and center positions. Probably the best blocker whenit comes to technique in this draft, which maximizes his strength. The best quality in Mack's game is that he plays with great effort and uses his smarts during games, which coaches love. Mack tends to play a little high causing him to get pushed back easily sometimes. His push in short-yardage situations needs to be worked on, as well as his pass blocking.
Jacksonville picked Eugene Monroe with the eigth overall pick to create depth for their offensive line that was ravaged by injuries last year. Experts believe that what caused the Jaguars titanic fall from the elites last year was injuries and not sticking to the run game. Coming out of college Monroe is the best all-around tackle out of the three that went in the top ten, showing great pass blocking skills, and creates a nice push as a run blocker. Monroe is expected to be the started, and should be able to learn alot from veteran Tra' Thomas, a free agent brought in from Philadelphia. He needs to work on using his punch during pass blocking, and needs to be more aware at picking up blitzers. Overall Monroe is already a formidable tackle, but needs to refine his skills to make him great.
When the Buffalo Bills traded pro-bowl left tackle Jason Peters to the Eagles it left a gapping hole in their already depleated offensive line. With needs at several spots in their line, the Bills drafted Andy Levitre who can play both guard and tackle. He shows good vision being able to pick up blitzers, and good quickness off the snap. Combine that with his durability and versitility and you have the makings of a all-pro lineman. However Levitre is short, has short arms, and has a smaller kick step then you would like for a tackle. Levitre is also does not have the strength you want to see in a guard. I see Levitre beginning his career as a guard, then maybe moving outside to be a tackle.
Both Britton and Loadholt have the physical tools to have been first round talents, but they showed glaring weaknesses during their college career. Britton is to slow to play left tackle, luckily the Jaguars already drafted their left tackle in the first round. Moving Britton to right tackle should be a great fit, keeping his strength and above average pass blocking on the starting line. Eben Britton flashed his ability in pass rushing situations, but needs to work on his down field blocking. He might not start right away but Jacksonville could have the best tackle combination for years. As far as Loadholt goes he is very similar to Britton in the way the have every physical tool they need. At 6' 8" 332lbs Loadholt will be one of the largest players in the NFL. During college he relied too much on his natural ability, and was often beaten by pass rushers. Later he was moved to guard as a way of the coaches to keep his run blocking skills in the lineup. Loadholt fits into Minnesota's power running system perfectly, allowing him to use his size to maul his opponents. He is expected to play right tackle because he is to slow to play left tackle, and to tall to play guard or center. Loadholt is a raw talent and if the Vikings coaching staff can tap his potential he could become the best tackle in the league.