NFL Draft 2013: Luke Joeckel Scouting Report
By Josh Sanchez
As we gear up for the 2013 NFL Draft, you will begin to see scouting reports on some of the hottest and most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. Prospects will have two remaining major chances to boost their draft stock — their school’s Pro Day and the NFL Scouting Combine. But while they can improve their stock at those events, the game film never lies. Let’s take a look at the tape.
The player in today’s scouting report is Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel.
Joeckel is in the running to be the first-overall pick in April’s draft and for good reason.
The sensation in college football that was Johnny Football has Joeckel to thank for the time he had to scramble around and make the plays that earned him the Heisman Trophy.
When you watch college football, you will not find a better offensive tackle than Joeckel.
When you factor in that he plays one of the most valuable positions in the game, you can easily understand why he has been demanding the attention he has received.
How does Joeckel check out on film? Here is the scouting report:
Player: Luke Joeckel
School: Texas A&M
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 306-pounds
Pros:
- Excellent technique
- Prototypical size
- Elite pass blocker
- Great leg push and drive in run blocking
- Plays with great leverage
- Fluid athlete
- Scheme versatile
- Natural bender
- Great footwork
- Light on his feet
- Mirrors pass rushers perfectly
- Very aware of quarterback movement
- Quickly recognizes blitzes
- Rarely fooled by pass rush
- Never guesses, always reacts
- No injury concerns
- Experience in spread offense forces him to think quickly
- NFL ready
Cons:
- Needs to improve hand work
- Could improve strength
- Can play flat-footed at times
- Tendency to overextend when reaching the second level
Overview:
There is no doubt that Joeckel is deserving of becoming the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. If the Chiefs were able to trade current left tackle Branden Albert, then Joeckel would provide the team with an immediate replacement. If Albert returned to Kansas City under his one-year franchise tender, then Joeckel could start off his NFL career as a right tackle before eventually transitioning to his natural position.
Joeckel is the best offensive tackle prospect since Jake Long, and he actually may be a bit better. Whoever drafts Joeckel is going to receive their starting left tackle for the next decade.
He has very few weaknesses and his combination of blocking ability and understanding of the offensive line and defensive schemes is a scary thing for his opponents. Joeckel is going to be a force to be reckoned with and he’s going to make some NFL quarterback very happy.