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Strengths:
Athleticism. Joe Staley has more athletic ability than just
about every other tackle in this year’s draft. Staley played at a
much lighter weight while in college, closer than 270 pounds than
300, so he is a bit quicker than his fellow OT prospects. Joe
Staley’s added talents make him more versatile as he has the
strength to be a left tackle and the quickness to play right Tackle.
Staley was originally a tight end and carried his speed and agility
over to the offensive tackle position.
Weaknesses:
Since he did in fact play at a smaller size at the collegiate
level, it is a concern that with the additional bulk that has been
added, Staley will lose some of the explosiveness that made Joe
Staley such an excellent prospect to begin with. Raw strength may
not be a concern, but dealing with quicker and stronger defensive
ends at the NFL level will make it a necessity for Joe Staley to
adapt and progress sooner rather than later if he expects to succeed
in the National Football League.
Overall:
Some pundits recently have made brass predictions that Staley is
a top 10 potential selection and will battle Levin Brown for the #2
OT taken in the 2007 Draft. While the War Room Report appreciates
and understands the recent “rise” in the draft stock of one Joe
Staley, we do not feel that he will come close to living up to the
top 10 hyperbole or challenge either Joe Thomas or Levi Brown for
draft position. Joe Staley is progressing in the right direction,
and taking the proper steps that are necessary in preparation, but
going from a mid-major college level to the National Football League
is quite the leap. However, to reiterate, potential left tackles are
coveted so expect Joe Staley to be drafted mid-late round one.
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