Left Tackle Worth High Pick

by: William P. Tomisser

We've been through the Left Tackle debate about a thousand times but Danny O'Neil brings up the subject again in today's Seattle Times.

Seahawk's president Tim Ruskell has never been enamored with choosing offensive linemen early in the draft, but indicated last month it's an opinion he may have to reevaluate.

"I don't know if that is a correct way to look at it with the increased importance placed on the left tackle," Ruskell said in January. "The reality is there are guys who warrant that pick."

Lately, we've seen Jason Smith rising up draft lists as far as becoming the top rated left tackle on some boards. Certainly Andre Smith and Michael Oher have been in that position at various times earlier in the year. Eugene Monroe is also considered to be in that class. All four could go in the top 10 or 15 picks this year as the value of the left tackle has never been higher.

Look for the offensive tackles to be competing at the combine where we'll all be able to get a good look at them together for the first time.

Hasta,

BillT

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