Who The Hell Will They Draft? Miami OT, Jason Fox

Fox, along with Kyle Calloway are the latest available tackles that could reasonably be expected to step up into a serious role at OT. Fox was considered a borderline 1st round talent by some after 4 years in the starting lineup for the Hurricanes (his first primarily at RT, followed by 3 years on the left side). Fox's stock took a serious hit when he missed the last two games of the season through the NFL combine after a leg injury required surgery.

Fox has LT size at 6'7" 303lbs and was a high school TE before Miami plugged him right in as a true freshman at RT, the questions around him are whether he has the absolutely elite athleticism required of a LT, a need to fill out his frame and get stronger for the run game and some concerns about how well he's recovered from the serious leg injury last year.

Fox's experience, size and athleticism is a rare combo in a tackle that will be available in the middle rounds.

Mocking the Draft

Fox is a converted tight end who displays a good first step to the outside. He moves to the second level well and locates and gets to defenders nicely. He's improving as a run blocker but clearly needs to continue working on his strength. Fox has some good tools, but must continue to work on the nuances of the position. He has some added value because of his versatility playing tackle and guard.

NFL Draft Scout

At least moderate initial quickness, but is inconsistent with his depth on his initial kick-step. May lack the elite lateral quickness and balance to remain at left tackle in the pros. Appears to have the agility to beat the defender to the edge, but too often stops moving his feet and is susceptible to pass-rushers with a second move. Quick, active hands that he uses well to control the defender when he keeps his feet moving. Bends at the knees and has the core strength to anchor against the bull-rush. Alert, experienced pass blocker who reacts efficiently and correctly to the surprising blitz and loop.

More consistent with his quickness as a run blocker. Can get out and hook the defensive end to seal the edge. Strong enough to turn his opponent, but isn't a road grader that can consistently drive his opponent off the ball. Quick hands, but has only marginal upper-body strength and hand placement to sustain. Good short-area quickness to get to the second level and shows at least adequate balance moving forward and laterally to hit the moving target. Good effort downfield.

NFL.com

Big and tall with long arms. Four year starter who understands pass protection. Possesses good footwork and body control. Athletic enough to engage quicker edge rushers. Uses quickness and speed to pull in the running game. Shows a mean streak.

Lacks good lateral range. Does not finish blocks and struggles to bend his knees to gain leverage. Takes false steps and forgets blocking assignments in the second level. Does not get necessary push and has inconsistent hand technique.

Is Fox a steal at LT, a perfect RT for a pass heavy team or is he going to be stuck between the positions, not agile enough to handle elite edge rushers at LT and not strong enough to anchor the run attack at RT. Fox is generally considered a 3rd rounder who could sneak into the 2nd or fall into the 4th. In the late 3rd I'd be happy to have him if the Colts didn't address the LT position in the first two rounds.

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