Most experts agree that Ryan Clady is the #2 offensive tackle heading into April's draft meaning it would be pretty shocking (understatement) if he's available at 23. Stranger things have happened thought so we'll take a look. The junior from Boise State does have more question marks around his talent than most of the other top tackles though. Since Clady is a junior, he wasn't in any of the postseason All-Star games and since he played at Boise, some question the level of his competition. At the Combine he pulled a pectoral muscle on the bench limiting his performance there to that single event, but he has since had his Pro Day where he performed and performed well. His results would have ranked in the top ten among offensive linemen in nearly every category and would have been first in the vertical jump and the three cone drill.
Part of Clady's hype though is that he's only been an offensive tackle for three seasons because he was originally recruited to Boise as a defensive tackle. He was redshirted his freshman year and opened eyes on the scout team. His redshirt freshman year he was moved to the offensive side of the ball and started at right tackle in 11 of 13 games earning multiple freshmen awards from Rivals.com, Collegefootballnews.com and ESPN. His next two seasons were spent at left tackle without missing a game and was named to countless All-WAC and All-American teams. During his two seasons as a full-time starter the Broncos ranked in the top 5 in scoring and he recorded 224 knockdowns and 32 touchdown resulting blocks. His 21 TD resulting blocks his junior year were tops in the nation and he graded out at an impressive 85.77% for blocking consistency.
Clady, much like Chris Williams who we profiled yesterday is a better pass blocker than run blocker. He handles blitz pickups and speed rushers well and does a decent job of keeping his pad level low despite his height. Most think that he'll have to get stronger and add some bulk to his 6'6 309lb frame to be an adequate in the running game. A couple of scouting reports have questioned his work ethic in the weight room and said that he'll have to be monitored early on. Clady's a great athlete though who by most accounts should be ready to contribute early, even if he starts at right tackle where his lack of strength won't be such a crutch.
The bottom line on Clady is that to me he seems like a boom or bust type of guy. He's relatively new to the position and has already has show tremendous potential to be a great player. His level of competition and questionable work ethic though has to raise some flags though. Overall though I'd rejoice if somehow he fell on draft day and ended up in Steel Town. So what do you guys think? Is he worth a top 10-15 pick as he's projected and will he be a solid pro?