Eugene Monroe

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Top Overall Draft Prospects

2009 NFL Mock Draft

Height: 6-5
Weight: 315
40-YD: 5.30

School: Virginia
Year: Senior

Andre Smith out of Alabama is being hyped by many to be the best offensive tackle in the 2009 NFL Draft, but for my money, Virginia's Eugene Monroe should be at the top of that list. While Smith is a talented player as well, when I look at all the top prospects at the tackle position, Monroe stands out as a potential cornerstone at left tackle over all the other candidates.

Equally effective as both a run blocker and pass protector, Monroe has the athleticism, great feet, and technique to handle most pass rushers, although at times he doesn't get outside on speed rushers like you'd think he should. He gets a great jump off the ball, is light on his feet, and holds up incredibly well against bull rushers.

In the run game, Monroe dominates the point of attack, opening huge holes for the running backs. He has great strength as well, although he doesn't always play with good leverage to best utilize that strength. He also lacks a little mobility to attack quicker linebackers at the second level once he gets down field in the run game.

Monroe, who compares favorably to former teammate D'Brickashaw Ferguson in both size and strength, came into his own during his junior season. It's probably no coincidence that he began to emerge at that time, though, since he matched up against defensive end Chris Long, the second pick overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, every day in practice.

During his senior season, he just became a rock at left tackle, and, in my opinion, should be viewed as a a potential pick by the Detroit Lions with the top overall selection.