Top 5 NFL Tackles
Tyron Smith #77
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Strengths
+ one of the most athletic lineman in the NFL + prototype tackle (height/weight/speed) + very quick into his pass pro set + long arms help him deliver a stiff punch at the point of attack + great on the move and comfortable blocking in space |
Final Verdict
Tyron Smith makes his case as the best exterior lineman in the NFL. Gifted with great physical traits and movement skills, Smith is a blocking technician. Quick set into pass pro and gives a stiff punch to stop rushers in their tracks. Rarely gets help on the blindside and efficiently blocks any type of defender one-on-one. Strong leg drive in the run-game. Takes great angles in open space and is able to seal defenders away from the ball carrier with ease. When you combine his physical traits and technique, its hard to argue that Tyron Smith isn't the best left tackle in the league.
Joe Thomas #73
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Strengths
+ durability (never missed a start) + amazing leg drive in the run-game + gets on and sustains blocks consistently + a great initial punch in pass pro and stymies counter moves with good hand placement Weaknesses - will struggle with pure speed rushers that win on the first move around the edge |
Final Verdict
Mr. Consistency would be the perfect nickname for Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. Going into his 9th season, Thomas has yet to miss a start. In the NFL availability speaks to your accountability. Thomas is as accountable as they come. A tough and rugged lineman who drives defenders off the ball with strength and technique. Wins with his hands and seals defenders off consistently. A very reliable blocker in pass protection, rarely giving up pressure. Elite burst and speed off the edge may be his only minor weakness. No matter who is under center in Cleveland, you can count on Joe Thomas playing at an All-Pro level.
Joe Staley #74
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Strengths
+ old-school gritty lineman with new-school traits + quick into his pass pro set and shuffles feet well to prepare for the first move + athletic and moves very well in the open field plays such as tosses and screens + a relentless motor and plays to the whistle Weaknesses - struggles with elite pass rushers that can convert speed into power on the edge |
Final Verdict
The 4-Time Pro Bowler came into his own during the Jim Harbaugh tenure in the Bay Area. His relentless style of play fit well into the style San Francisco coveted. Now, he must continue to exhibit the traits that named him to three 2nd-Team All-Pro selections. Staley looks like the prototypical old-school left tackle. His grit and toughness are by far his best traits. He battles to the whistle and makes multiple "effort" blocks in every game. He sets quickly in pass protection and takes rushers where he wants them to go. Many of the pressures he gives up are due to his quarterback scrambling and holding on to the ball. Even though his team isn't performing at the level they are used to, Joe Staley should still be considered one of the best tackles in the league.
Jason Peters #71
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Strengths
+ great lower leg drive to push defenders back and create gaps in the defense + great feet for someone his size + rarely gets beaten at the point of attack Weaknesses - has trouble regaining balance and re-anchoring when defenders get under him |
Final Verdict
Peters is the veteran of this group and has been playing at a high level for years. An extremely reliable player who hasn't missed many games over his 12 year career. A massive human being who possesses agile lower body ability to move in space. A dominant run blocker who can move a pile of defenders to clear the way for ball carriers. His long arms are his greatest asset in pass protection. Keeps defenders hands off is body with well placed punches and steers them away from the quarterback. At age 33 Jason Peters is still playing at a high level. It will be interesting to see how long he can keep up his production.
Andrew Whitworth #77
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Strengths
+ elite level strength and leg drive for a left tackle + strong at the point of attack and gains early leverage on defenders + wins in pass pro with a heavy first punch Weaknesses - heavy footed for his position - struggles with speed and quickness off the edge |
Final Verdict
Andrew Whitworth is as underrated as offensive linemen go. The 10-year vet only has one All-Pro nomination to his name, but has been playing quality football for years. The Bengals premier lineman is one of the best run blocking tackles in the league. Wins at the point with brute strength and tenacity. Mauls defenders with his size and overpowers them with his effort. A slower pass pro set than you would like, but makes up for it with a stiff punch. A consistent blocker, but can occasionally get beat with a quick dip and rip move off the edge. Now that the Bengals have more talent on their roster, fans around the league might start to show Whitworth the respect he deserves.