BroncoTalk Draft Prospect Profile – Ryan Clady

For the next several weeks leading up to April’s draft, BroncoTalk will be profiling some of the hottest prospects out there, particularly ones that could potentially be available for the Denver Broncos in the first two or three rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft. Today we feature Boise State OT Ryan Clady.

We now turn the mic over to Christopher Hart, who covers the Broncos draft at The Beat. Enjoy!

When it comes to Ryan Clady, there isn’t a better fit at the tackle position in this draft. If the Broncos are serious in investing in a left tackle that can protect Jay Cutler for the next decade, Clady is that prospect; but it’s likely after a fantastic Pro Day workout that he is now out of our reach.

There are a lot of things to like about Clady. First and foremost, he has fantastic size at 6’6 – 310 pounds and has the ability to put on more weight if need be. Along with his size, Clady is extremely agile and has no problem getting to the second level. He displays good footwork and looks extremely flight on his feet for a big man. Those qualities together make Clady a perfect fit for Denver’s zone blocking scheme. Clady’s a determined hard worker who has the aggressive demeanor necessary to succeed at the NFL level.

Despite all the positives Clady does have several negatives. The biggest question mark regarding Clady is his run blocking ability; but finished his senior season with over an 85% success rate for blocks which shows improvement in that area. The other problems Clady has is typical of most all lineman going into the NFL such as needing improvement on his handwork and getting stronger at the point of attack.

No prospect is perfect, and if Clady is available at #12 – the Broncos would be wise to grab him. Clady has everything you can’t teach and has the ability to improve upon several of his aforementioned flaws, but regardless is a top ten prospect in this draft and one of the best tackle prospects to come out in recent memory. He’s not Joe Thomas or Jake Long, but he’s not too far off.

A selection of Ryan Clady at #12 for the Denver Broncos would give them a legitimate left tackle option and a starter right away. While the staff may be confident in the abilities of second year lineman Ryan Harris, Denver cannot afford to go into camp with only Harris and Erik Pears as their on the roster tackles. If Clady isn’t available at #12, look for them to pursue other options at the position such as Christopher Williams, or Jeff Otah and Sam Baker if they trade down.

Thanks again to Chris at The Beat for the bio. Personally, I’m crossing my fingers Clady is available at #12. There’s a reason I kicked off this series with this bad boy – he’s BroncoTalk Approved #1.

Now tell us – is Clady staying a Bronco through college AND the Pros the best of ideas or what?