What They’re Saying: Oregon Tackle Tyrell Crosby

Entering the 2018 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles are in an enviable position. Lacking a clear, immediate need, they can go in any direction they choose based on their board without needing to reach.

However, there are long term and depth needs to address with an eye towards filling out the roster and having a vision for the future. One of those positions is offensive tackle. Veteran LT Jason Peters is 36 years old and coming back from achilles surgery. RT Lane Johnson is one wrong amino away from a lengthy suspension. Behind them, there is a debate to be had another day about OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s worth as a long term answer.

One way the Eagles could go in the draft is taking a swing at shoring up the future by finding an heir apparent at bookend. A prospect that could catch their eye is Oregon’s OT Tyrell Crosby.

Crosby started his first two seasons at right tackle and moved to left tackle in his junior year, so he’s comfortable on either side of the formation. His 6’4 5/8” 309 pound frame comes with 35 ¼” arms and some serious mitts (10 ¾” hand size). From Mockdraftable:

Pro Football Focus credited Crosby with only 3 pressures for the entire 2017 season while allowing zero sacks. Here’s what the media is saying about the first team All-Pac-12 lineman:

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Crosby won’t be a favorite of evaluators looking for a pretty tackle who wins with athleticism and technique, but he will appeal to teams who covet size, length and strength as he puts big checkmarks in those boxes… he still needs to prove he has enough foot quickness and technique to sit on an island and handle quality pass rushers.”

Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus

“Crosby is arguably the most physical tackle in the entire class. He’s also another player who has done it on both the left and right side in the college ranks. Crosby’s not going to win any awards for his athleticism, and could ultimately end up at guard, but he’s an easy projection as a run-blocker.”

Ben Natan, Bleeding Green Nation

“Tyrell Crosby is going to be a player who goes higher than many think… He is an excellent run blocker with great feet to move on the edge. After the combine, expect a lot of people to be in on the Oregon product.”

Jon Ledyard, NDT Scouting

“Consistently uprooting defenders as a power blocker, Crosby has overwhelming push that caused a lot of headaches in the PAC12. Crosby has great length as well, which he used to shoot defenders past their landmark in pass coverage…”

Michael Peterson, Breaking Football

“Crosby is a brute who loves to inflict pain on his opponents through his heavy hands and raw strength. Crosby takes short, choppy steps in his pass set that leave him with a fairly narrow base, yet somehow never seems to find himself caught off-balance.”

Jeff Risdon, Texans Wire

”Crosby brings a seek-and-destroy mentality and is strong enough to move even bulkier base ends. His footwork did improve as the 2017 season progressed. Because he was off the radar from missing most of 2016, most of the draft media is behind on Crosby. He has strong potential to be the best tackle in this draft class.”

Justin Melo, Draft Wire

“Crosby is a long-armed prospect with ideal size who possesses the raw strength to be a quality starter at the next level. A physical player with a mean streak … On tape, he appears to be an average athlete at best, and may benefit from a move to the interior at the next level. Either way, Crosby possesses the versatility and skill-set NFL teams are looking for in an offensive line prospect.”

Oregon Head Coach Willie Taggart

“You meet him and you’re like, ‘This can’t be the same guy that’s out there on the football field where he’s just punishing people. He’s a totally different guy. We love it.”