The tackles... Are any of these guys worth a top ten pick, and if so, which guy?

So who do we get to complement this guy, and maybe even compete for the left side?

There are four guys currently projected in the top ten by at least someone out there right now; this is by no means my assessment of these guys: it is rather, in attempt to see what the great football minds here have to say about them, and how I'll ultimately decide who, if any of them, are indeed worthy of our first round pick.

The four, in alphabetical order:

1. Bryan Bulaga, 6-6, 312, Iowa

This guy has fallen tremendously by getting manhandled by Brandon Graham, who himself is projected near the bottom of the first round, top of second round, and has fallen. Some say he has short arms, lacks the agility and athleticism to maintain his center and recover from dynamic NFL DEs. He's a stud run blocker, but imo, not NFL ready, and definitely not worth the high first round pick. I say pass him, by all means. He also has a thyroid situation that could equate to problems down the road, and will no doubt make his stock fall accordingly. I don't see even a solid combine showing or pro day affecting this much, either. Charlie Casserly on Bulaga: "Iowa guys are coached great; they really are at their max when they come out--does this guy have an upside?"

2. Anthony Davis, 6-6, 325,OT, Rutgers:

Davis is being touted by many as perhaps the most NFL ready guy, projected late first, early second by most, it is my belief he'll move up in the draft. The rare combination of size and athleticism, he looks to be the only guy who might give Mario a run for his money at the LT spot, and should be able to play either side as well as any of the other four. I know some will find another of these four as a better pick than Davis, and there is quite a disparity in where this guy will fall on mock draft boards everywhere. This year's positional needs are as transparent as ever, and unless things go completely different than is projected (as is always possible) in this, what some are calling the "best first round since '83," we'll see many teams address holes with what becomes the consensus best guy available at the position. I do not forget for one moment that Al has the ultimate say in all things Raiders, and expect to be surprised by at least 3 picks; I hope they're not pivotal ones. Long arms, and a fair ability to use them; under the right coaching, Davis could be a missing link for the Raiders, and a necessary bolster to the pass protection.

3. Russell Okung,  6-5, 300, OT, Oklahoma State

Okung is probably the highest ranked tackle among the four, and perhaps the only one whose been touted as a potential overall 1st pick. Highly regarded as tremendously athletic, light on his feet, very cerebral and rarely caught out of position, excellent reader of stunts and blitzes, great lateral agility, durable, powerful lower body and great hip/knee/ ankle flexion--all skills necessary to be a great pro. Recognized as a leader, understanding of angles, and a potential franchise guy. I would not hate this pick whatsoever, but believe Okung is one of those guys whose apparent skills in college may not equate to the NFL, where he'll consistently face more dominant opponents with more complete mixed bags of tricks. I think this is the most likely pick for us if he's there at number 8, and the best DT's and McClain are off the board. I'll be watching this guy closely at the combine, and eager to see which of the NFL GM's and personnel guys I trust most have to say about his outing.

4. Trent Williams, 6-5, 318, OT, Oklahoma,

First team All-American of 2009, and highly regarded by his coaches as one of the best they've coached, from a school that produces NFL quality offensive lineman. Also lauded by NFL types for his blend of strength and athleticism, he's been projected mid first round by most. He'll be remembered largely for allowing Bradford to get taken out in the '09 season, but did a lot to improve his game since the infamous play, when its arguable even the best tackle couldn't have avoided it. There will be many mixed feelings on this player, and perhaps rightfully so. There are a great many questions about this guy; reminds me of a John Runyan type guy--capable of dominating some guys, susceptible of being owned by others. I don't like Trent at all, and believe Al doesn't either. If a trading down in the round situation occurred, I believe he would be much more likely, but remain ambivalent about him. I probably know least about this guy of any of them, and don't see a solid combine or pro day changing much of my opinion about him. I believe the susceptibility to getting beaten by the best college guys, means the same to getting beaten most of the time in the NFL. I want a guy who gives up zero sacks, and believe Iupati will go ahead of Williams in this draft. I think Iupati might be more capable of making the transition to tackle in the pros than Williams has of being successful as an NFL tackle.

There are other guys who arguable deserve top four mention, and it's quite possible none of these guys will even get in the top ten as well. I believe Okung is a shoo-in for top ten, however, and hope we can find a way to get him, but not at the expense of passing on Rolando or even Suh or McCoy if they fall to us. There is another four guys that we can look at in the second round, as well, including a number of juniors that look solid. The FA situation will dictate some of what happens between now and April, but I'm liking the comparisons to '83 nonetheless! One of these guys could be the missing link, and we could have the Upshaw/Shell combination again! Let it be our year!