Free-agent tackles: Best of the rest after Gross, Carey

The free-agent signing period begins soon and with that in mind, the National Football Post continues its daily breakdown of the 2009 free agent class. Today, the NFP breaks down the offensive tackle position.

Offensive line reminders

1. Must be smart to learn and respond to a fast-changing game. He has to be quick-minded along with book smart. Mental mistakes kill the QB. A test score of 20 is the average in the NFL.
2. Mental toughness is key. Can he play with pain? Can he practice with pain? Does he miss practice? How many practices has he missed in 4/5 years?
3. Former shot putters and discus throwers are normally very good linemen. Did he do this in high school?
4. Arm length and hand size are critical. This allows positional flexibility.
5. Can he block on the second level? What fronts does he play against?
6. Does he have an anchor? Can he get an anchor? Who pushes him?
7. Any former DT/DE that might be good conversions? Did they play it in high school? Bad programs need all their best players on defense, but they might be better suited for offense. Know what offensive linemen have been all-state defensive linemen.
8. How does he play on the road? Can he hear the count and come off the ball in a tough crowd?
9. Three and four-year starters are going to find a way to play in the NFL at this position.
10. Can he play a second position in the line? Can he snap the ball?
11. What is their main protection in the line? We do more than slide here.
12. Can an offensive guard play on an island in pass protection? Does the center slide to him? Can he protect on a two-way go?
13. What kind of run plays do they run? Can he block our running game?
14. Does he play with a man over his head or in the gap? Can he block one on one?
15. We need competitive players here, on and off the field.
16. Fat guys have short careers. We need big, but that does not mean fat.
17. Pay close attention to his weight progression from year to year. What does he weigh at the Combine? And what does he weigh a week before the draft? We must know what weight we are getting. Fat guys like being fat.
18. Short players need to have long arms and must have an ability to play with power.
19. What is the level of experience of the coach who coaches him? How many years did he have the same coach? What pro players has he coached?
20. An offensive linemen who had a red-shirt year must be able to become a starter. We need to have quality back-ups because they always play.
21. Must evaluate every tight end who is over 6-5 and 270 as a potential OT. Players play positions in college because of a lack of talent, not because it's the right position for them. Any slow (5.10) tight ends that might be tackles?

Note: There are some players missing from the list, but they're players who have option clauses in their contracts that are voidable, and once they void, they become free agents. I will have that list at the start of (UFA) unrestricted free agency.

Starters, left offensive tackle

Jordan Gross, Carolina; 28 years old; 6-feet-4, 300 pounds; 5.11 speed; Agent: Ethan Locke
The prize of the UFA market. Not often do you see a young left tackle make it to the market, and I'm not sure he does. Once the Panthers realize they cannot get Peppers signed, they will turn their attention to franchising Gross.

Khalif Barnes, Jacksonville; 26; 6-5, 320; 5.12; Agent: Ken Zuckerman
Barnes is a good player, but not a great player, and his contract level will be the most interesting nugget of the UFA market. He can play left tackle but is limited in power and the ability to handle the edge all the time. Part of the key to free agency is to not overpay for this kind of player.

Potential starters, left OT

Marvel Smith, Pittsburgh; 30; 6-4, 320; 5.27; Agent: Ken Zuckerman
If his back was OK, he would be signed, but back injuries and tackles don't mix well. Teams must protect themselves with his contract and not count on 16 games.

Tra Thomas, Philadelphia; 34; 6-7, 350; 5.39; Agent: Peter Schaffer
One-year player, but he can help a team in transition like the Eagles. Thomas must have a talented player behind him because you can't count on him being a 16-game starter.

Backups, left OT

Kirk Chambers, Buffalo; 29; 6-7, 313; 5.45; Agent: Steve Dubin
His value lies in his versatility and ability to play along the line. He's not a power player and must go to the right team.

Starters: Right offensive tackle only

Vernon Carey, Miami; 27; 6-4, 333; 5.33; Agent: Ben Dogra
Moved back to his natural position, and if he doesn't get signed in the next few days, I expect the Dolphins to place the Franchise Tag on him. They cannot afford to lose a young starting OT.

Max Starks, Pittsburgh; 26; 6-7, 337; 5.59; Agent: Eugene Parker
I know he played left tackle, but watch the tape the Steelers never left him on an island. He might be able to play left tackle, but the play caller must make sure he is always helped in protection.

John St. Clair, Chicago; 31; 6-5, 315; 5.46; Agent: Ben Dogra
Similar to Starks, St. Clair played left tackle but is more suited to right tackle. Now that Tait has left, look for the Bears to get him signed. They need some stability at the position. St. Clair needs to have the right contract, but the Bears cannot overpay for him.

Jon Stinchcomb, New Orleans; 29; 6-4, 315; 5.11; Agent: Pat Dye
A soft tackle and not a bona fide starter, but he can start. He's a liability against certain levels of competition. Must not overpay.

Mark Tauscher, Green Bay; 31; 6-2, 320; 5.33; Agent: Neil Cornich
Injuries are a concern and lack of foot speed is a huge concern. But he does know how to play and will find a way to play if he can pass the physical.

Backups: Right OT only

Stacy Andrews, Cincinnati; 27; 6-6, 342; 5.11; Agent: Rich Moran
Has the skill level to play tackle but does not have the experience to make you feel certain he can do the job. He might be a tease -- good talent, no production. Might be able to play guard and fill in some.

George Foster, Detroit; 28; 6-4, 338; 5.2; Agent: Phil Williams
The more he has to play, the less you like.

Daniel Loper, Tennessee; 26; 6-6, 306; 5.38; Agent: Leonard Roth
Not sure what to do with him. He's looked acceptable in the preseason after four years of coaching with Mike Munachek. Need to work him out. He's young, tough and has great size. Interesting player. He has played right and left guard and tackle. If he goes to the right scheme, he might produce.

Emergency: Right OT only

Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; 35; 6-7, 330; 5.35; Agent: Ben Dogra
Had a major knee surgery, and his lower body looks bad right now. Can't go through camp, so he would be perfect for an emergency role.