The Leadership Of the Blind

When it comes to this year’s class of left tackles, draftniks are in agreement about two things. One, it’s highly probable six left tackles are selected in the first round. A large number to say the least. And two, this year’s class isn’t all that great.

These two contentions are at odds, perhaps even contradictory. If the available talent is low, why is the demand still high?

Because, next to quarterback, left tackle is the most valuable position on the field, in part due to its protection of that unqualified most important position on the field. At least, according to some.

So it is a question of value… just of the position more than the player.

It’s fitting then that Michael Oher from Ole Miss is in the thick of this contradiction. Oher of course was the central character in Michael Lewis’s seminal book The Blind Side. Lewis chronicled the evolution of the game through the rise in importance of the left tackle position.

Starting with Lawrence Taylor, offenses faced freakish athletes rushing the quarterback’s blind side. The counter move in this game of chess was placing another freakish athlete in the speed rushers path. Tackles had to not only be massive men but display nimble footwork, excellent balance, and ungodly strength.

A rare athlete, indeed. Which in part explains why NFL teams covet even the potential for a quality starting left tackle. But this rarity should underscore also the possibility that most of these prospects won’t transform into dependable starters much less perennial Pro Bowlers.

Teams at the top of the Draft have visions of Joe Thomas and Jonathan Ogden. Yet with this class they might end up with Robert Gallery or Alex Barron.

Out of all the tackles, Andre Smith was the one universally thought to be worth a top three selection when the college season ended. Yet Smith’s horrendous postseason from the bowl game suspension to flight from the Combine to uneven pro day has instilled doubt in scouts about his potential to succeed as a pro.

Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe have apparently filled that overlarge void left by Andre. Yet at no point until the Draft season was well underway were Jason and Eugene considered worthy of a top three selection. Yet there their names are atop many mock drafts and, more importantly, team boards.

And then there is Oher. The epicenter of contradictions. A boy in a man’s body. Born black and poor now spoiled (and deservedly so) by a rich white family. A beheamoth light, even graceful, on his feet. A hard worker that suffers from sloppy technique.

No one emobies the contradictions of this year’s left tackle class quite like Oher.

Yet for all my skepticism I find myself hoping Michael Oher is available when Packers select ninth overall. Sure, the revamped defense needs rush linebackers, the defensive line is razor thin in terms of depth, and the starting corners while great are months away from qualifying for AARP benefits. But an elite anchor to the offensive line remains the more seductive if less sexy idea.

I don’t have a good answer for why I feel this way. The unknowns, the vexing variables, should throw up warning signs all over this potential path. But sometimes tried and true football logic overrides sound football decisions.

This weekend, I’ll be on the scene at the Draft. I recommend checking Throwing Into Traffic where Zac will be live blogging the Saturday selections. Check back Monday for my full Draft write-up. Enjoy the weekend.