Tyron Smith is built more like a power forward than a tackle.

Today we’re going to look at the big men, the guys in the trenches, we’ll have two installments of our big board covering the offensive tackles and the interior linemen in this year’s draft. If you need a tackle, this is a good year for that. The draft is deep with book-ends, including potentially five first-round caliber players at the top of the list.

The Bucs aren’t exactly looking for a tackle, but there is some uncertainty at the position. Donald Penn has the left side held down and after signing him to a nice extension a year ago the Bucs won’t be looking to replace him. On the right side things are less clear, Jeremy Trueblood fell out of favor as a result of injuries and penalties last season and James Lee played very well in his place. Lee is not a player the Bucs probably envisioned as their starting right tackle, the knock on him going into last year was he lacked upper-body strength (and reminded people a little too much of Kenyatta Walker). That spot on the line will probably be open to competition next season, but I doubt the Bucs look to add an offensive tackle unless it’s late in the draft.

Here are the top Offensive Tackles in the 2011 Draft:

1.) Tyron Smith, USC - Standing in at 6’5, 307 lbs, Smith is the top tackle in this year’s draft class. He combines prototype speed with tremendous athleticism and should be capable of playing at a high level for a while in the NFL. Smith is probably the best pass-blocker in the draft, his run-blocking is solid but he needs to learn to finish blocks more consistently and he has a tendency to get lazy at points coming off the line. Smith predominantly played right tackle in college and a lot of teams are discussing flipping him to left tackle, a position he’s capable of playing but will need some time to adjust to. Other concerns are his lack of football experience, at 20 he is just three years removed from high school and still very green. But make no doubt about it, this kid will be very good.

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