2012 NFL Mock Draft: Where Will the Top Offensive Tackles Land?

Ryan PhillipsJun 7, 2018

The NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, and all the top NFL prospects will get their opportunity to shine in the Circle City.

The 2012 NFL Draft could see as many as four offensive tackles come off the board in the first round. It is a deep class at the position, and some of the players could make an immediate impact in the league during the 2012 season.

Here is a look at where I'm currently projecting the top offensive tackles to end up.

Matt Kalil, USC

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Kalil is far and away the best offensive lineman in the 2012 NFL Draft, and there is no way he will last beyond the first three picks.

The St. Louis Rams could possibly decide to grab Kalil at No. 2, but they appear set at left tackle with Rodger Saffold and would probably prefer to trade the pick to a team looking to move up and grab a quarterback.

The 22-year-old USC product is most likely headed to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 3. The Vikings need to upgrade their offensive line in order to protect young quarterback Christian Ponder. Minnesota hasn't yet found a replacement for the now-departed Bryant McKinnie at left tackle. These two parties would seem like a perfect marriage.

I see Kalil as a perennial Pro Bowler in waiting. He is the total package at left tackle and should be a franchise cornerstone no matter where he goes. He will be off the board very soon.

Riley Reiff, Iowa

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Reiff is the most consistent of all the top offensive linemen in this year's draft. While he isn't the complete package that Kalil is and doesn't have the upside of Jonathan Martin, the Iowa product is fundamentally sound and—barring injury—will be an NFL starter for the next decade.

If Kalil somehow goes No. 2, Reiff could end up with the Vikings at No. 3 because of how desperate Minnesota is for offensive line help. After that, there will be a wait, but not too far. The Washington Redskins could use help at tackle, but they are likely to focus on getting a quarterback. That means Reiff could fall to No. 8/9 (depending on a coin-flip scheduled for Friday) when the Miami Dolphins pick.

In this scenario, Reiff would take over the right side of the offensive line, book-ending four-time Pro Bowler Jake Long. If Reiff somehow falls past that spot, the Buffalo Bills (No. 10) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 13) will both be after him.

Wherever he ends up going, Iowa's latest stud offensive lineman should not have to wait around long on draft day.

Jonathan Martin, Stanford

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Martin measured about where he was expected to at the combine on Thursday, checking in at just over 6'5" and 312 pounds with a 34-inch arm length. He and Reiff are battling to be the second tackle selected on April 26 when the draft starts, but as things currently sit, Martin has some work to do.

Martin played left tackle for the Cardinal protecting quarterback Andrew Luck's blind side. He is solid in pass protection, but where he is at his best is in the running game. He has outstanding burst off the line and excels at leading backs to the second level. He loves contact, and as he develops he'll get stronger and even better as a road-grader.

He could profile best as a right tackle, and there is almost no way he lasts past No. 13 where the Arizona Cardinals sit, desperate for help along the offensive line.

I see Martin as a perfect fit with the Cardinals and think that is where he'll land. If he lasts longer than that, I'd be shocked, but you can bet the San Diego Chargers would love for him to fall to No. 18.

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Mike Adams, Ohio State

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Adams is a bit of a wild card in this mix because he has been climbing up draft boards lately. I don't have him with a first-round grade at this point, but after the combine he might earn one.

He measured in at 6'7" and 323 pounds and claims he would even be willing to move to right tackle at the next level. The problem with Adams is that while he looks the part of a dominant offensive lineman, he doesn't stand out on film. He's good, and he has upside but it just seems like he should be far more dominant than he is.

Still, with so many teams in need of offensive line help, Adams may come off the board in the first round, even if he has some holes.

The Chargers (No. 18), Chicago Bears (No. 19) and Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 24) all have immediate needs along the offensive line. Expect all three teams to at least show some interest in Adams if he's the only one of the top four guys still available.