Mel Kiper 2013 NFL draft big board: Offensive tackles

We started our look at the top 5 at each position in 2013 NFL draft at safety, because there's probably no position on the team more bereft of talent. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the biggest need. That may very well be on the offensive line, where so many of the Eagles problems stemmed from this season.

So now we'll take a look at Mel Kiper's top 5 OTs in the 2013 draft.

Kiper's take

Analysis: Really good class at the top, where Joeckel could challenge to be the first player taken. Nobody even knew who Fisher was to start the season, but he should go on the first round come April. Joeckel is the clear standout among this group, but guys like Watson could really emerge.

Luke Joeckel scouting report

Shows a strong feel for blitz pick up. Knows his assignments and shows good natural reaction skills. Keeps head on swivel. Feels delayed blitz/twist/stunt consistently. Will get a good initial chip in on combo block before peeling off for second-level and/or backside assignments. Shows very good awareness as a run blocker in space.

Eric Fisher (CBS)

He is a balanced athlete and plays with excellent coordination and length for a 6-7, 305-pound blocker. Fisher is a smooth mover in any direction and does a nice job breaking down in space to handle speed rushers, showing the eye discipline to mirror defenders.

He has added "good" weight the past few years and even though he lacks much bulk, he plays with a strong frame and core.

Fisher is a fiery competitor and plays with more pop than expected, delivering power in the run game.

Naturally because of his height, Fisher will allow his pads to rise at times and can be walked backwards because he doesn't have a stout anchor. But he looks comfortable in pass protection and has worked hard to improve his technique and instincts at the position.

DJ Fluker (ESPN)

Can be late off the ball at times (focus?). Doesn't always seem confident in his assignments in space. But he does do a good job of adjusting on the fly. Has natural instincts when it comes to combo blocks and passing defenders off before picking up twists, delayed blitzes, etc. Still a work in progress but shows good natural instincts and can improve with more game experience and attention to detail.

Menelik Watson

An interesting prospect who at 6-6, 320 is obviously built to play OT, but he's very raw having only played 20 competitive games since coming from Manchester, England. 8 of those games were at a Junior college and 12 were at Florida State last year.

Justin Pugh (ESPN)

Overall instincts are solid. Displays good awareness in pass pro. Shows good patients in his pass sets and does a nice job of passing off and picking up rushers working against defensive line stunts. Also show ability to identify and react to pressures coming from the second and third level of defense. Assignment sound in the run game and does a nice job of identifying targets at the second level or in the open field.