Offensive tackle prospects at the Senior Bowl

With Lane Johnson set to inherit Jason Peters’ left tackle spot at some point in the future and Halapouivaati Vaitai waiting in the wings at right tackle, tackle isn’t a top priority for the Eagles in the draft. But you can never have too much depth, especially at offensive line, where a lack of it can break a season. And after two years of no draft picks on offensive line, stocking up could pay dividends down the road.

Yesterday we looked at guards the Eagles might draft, with the Eagles valuing Senior Bowl players, today we’ll take a look at the tackles that are there. This draft isn’t seen as particularly deep at the position, but there are some guys in Mobile who have intrigue.

Zach Banner, USC

The biggest (pun not intended) question with Banner is his size, he is 6’8” and with a huge wingspan, which is impressive, but at one point weighed nearly 400 pounds, which is not. He checked into the Senior Bowl at 361 pounds, so he’s shown teams he can keep the weight down. He’s a two year starter at right tackle with some experience at left tackle. He’s had problems with mental mistakes and penalties, but his frame will have some salivating. The son of Lincoln Kennedy, he’s got a strong bloodline along with a huge frame.

Adam Bisnowaty, Pitt

A three year starter at left tackle, he might be a guard in the NFL as he’s seen as a great run blocker but lacking in pass protection, though Pitt being 110th in passing attempts per game in 2016 didn’t give him a lot of chances. A good week in Mobile could ease concerns. If so he’ll have to add bulk as he’s 6’5” but 307. Teamed up with Dorian Johnson to form a dominant left side opening holes for James Connor, here too a good showing in Mobile in isolation could help him. Has enormous hands at over 11”.

Julie’n Davenport, Bucknell

Four year starter at left tackle in the FCS, Senior Bowl week will be crucial. He’s got very good size (6’6” 307) and wingspan (36” arms), so the physical tools are there. If he impresses, he could go day two.

Antonio Garcia, Troy

Another guy who can really shine in Mobile against better competition, the 6’7” 302 pound Garcia was a four year starter at left tackle for the Trojans. He’s seen as a very good pass blocker, which gives him an edge over most of the other tackles, but lacking in the run game. He’s the kind of player that can really make a name for himself in the Senior Bowl practices.

Conor McDermott, UCLA

A basketball star in high school, the 6’8” 305 pound McDermott has tremendous athleticism for his position, having started his college career as a tight end/tackle tweener and evolving into a two year starter at left tackle. But he’s 24, which is old for a prospect. He played terribly against Myles Garrett early in the season, he’s going to need a good showing in Mobile.

Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

At 6’5” 330 pounds, Moton might be a guard in the NFL, not just for his size but also for his great strength and run blocking. But in Mobile he’s practicing at tackle. A good week of pass protection could impress a team that wouldn’t have an issue taking a tackle who might have to move to guard.

Justin Senior, Mississippi State

A guy named Senior at the Senior Bowl. Of course. He’s a three year starter at right tackle and is another guy seen as a good run blocker who needs work in pass protection. He’s a right tackle only.