Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
An inside source with the Kansas City Chiefs reportedly told NBC’s Pro Football Talk that the organization will select offensive tackle Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. With that being said, the Jacksonville Jaguars would be wise to go with offensive tackle Luke Joeckel with the second overall selection.
Many NFL experts are convinced that Joeckel is the most talented all-around player in the entire draft. That means the Jaguars could be very fortunate that the Chiefs are passing on him for Fisher. Of course, that is all hearsay considering it is impossible to know, at least right now, which of the two players will be the better offensive tackle down the road. Personally, I believe Jacksonville is getting the better of the two players, if they choose to draft Joeckel.
Joeckel has been the starting left tackle for Texas A&M since his freshman year. He concluded his college career by winning the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy (top blocker in four conferences) after his 2012 season. He also protected the blind side of Heisman Trophy Award winner Johnny Manziel. Considering Manziel never would have won the Heisman without his stellar offensive line, it is just as much theirs as it is his.
The 6-foot-6, 306-pound lineman has the perfect build for a NFL left tackle. He is big and strong with long arms that will keep defenders at bay. He is also able to get out of his stance quickly, which is very important in order for him to get set against the league’s top outside pass rushers. He is an overall dominate blocker that uses perfect technique to get the job done.
Obviously, there is plenty wrong with Jacksonville. There is no single player in the draft that will make the team better all by himself. It is critical that the Jaguars hit on all of their picks if they want to get better over the next few years. With that being said, Joeckel is a phenomenal addition to the offense who will be a stable player for the next decade.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
