TOP OF THE CROP
E Jake Long, T, 6-feet-7, 313 pounds, Michigan
Bill Parcells’ kind of man, and could be the first player selected in this draft.
Ryan Clady, T, 6-6, 309, Boise State
Recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, an injury that caused his stock to slip.
Chris Williams, T, 6-6, 315, Vanderbilt
Past protector of Jay Cutler’s blind side could become the future protector of Jay Cutler’s blind side.
Jeff Otah, T, 6-6, 322, Pittsburgh
Athletic, but might be a tad lumbering for the Broncos’ zone-blocking scheme.
Gosder Cherilus, T, 6-7, 314, Boston College
Grew up playing soccer. Shifted from right to left tackle in his senior season.
SLEEPER
Carl Nicks, T, 6-5, 341, Nebraska
Serious character concerns, but highly skilled.
OVERRATED
Sam Baker, T, 6-5, 309, USC
He’s really an overachiever, not overrated. Plus, he’s had injury troubles.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
The only true offensive tackles on their roster are untested Ryan Harris and returning starter Erik Pears. Chris Kuper is getting a chance to beat out Pears, but the Broncos want at least one more tackle. They may take one at No. 12 overall, but it’s far from settled. And even if they take, say, Williams at No. 12, he probably wouldn’t start the season opener at Oakland.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Dolphins
A 1-15 team needs everything, but Parcells always starts up front.
Rams
If Long slides past the Dolphins, the Rams will take him at No. 2.
Ravens
If Jonathan Ogden retires, the Ravens will have no choice but to take a left tackle at No. 8 overall.
Texans
Once again, the Texans and Broncos are looking at the same players at the same left tackle position.
Raiders
They’re fine on the right side with former apornell Green and Cooper Carlisle, but need help on the left.
Area prospects
D Tyler Polumbus, T, 6-8, 312, CU, fifth rd.
Edwin Harrison, T, 6-3, 309, CU, free agent
Nick Allotta, C, 6-2, 305, CSU, FA
Jake Gable, C, 6-3, 296, UNC, FA
