With the 2016 NFL Draft swiftly approaching, we've been studying up on the top prospects in this year's class. Today, we'll profile left tackle Laremy Tunsil, the Ole Miss junior who many experts are projecting the Tennessee Titans will select with the first-overall pick.
Tunsil is unlike many presumptive top picks in that he's coming off a final collegiate season in which he appeared in just five games due to a seven-game suspension for receiving inadmissible benefits. But in the games in which he did play, the Rebels averaged 200.6 rushing yards, 506.0 total yards, and less than a sack allowed per game, compared to 104.0 rushing yards, 411.0 total yards, and 3.0 sacks allowed in games without him. In 28 career starts at left tackle, Tunsil allowed just two sacks.
At 6-5 and 305 pounds with a lightning-quick first step and freakish wingspan, Tunsil has all the tools to be a cornerstone left tackle for years to come. Odds are he won't be around when the Eagles pick at number eight, but the first round of the draft is often unpredictable.
Scouting Report From NFL.com
Came into Ole Miss as five-star prospect and lived up to every bit of the hype. Has the elite foot quickness of a high¬-end NFL tackle and his base remains balanced and uncompromised throughout his pass reps. Excellent bend and overall flexibility in his ankles, knees and hips and maintains good pad level throughout his pass sets. Plays with textbook hand usage. Possesses a boxer's jab in his left hand with measured accuracy, timing and force. Uses length to control the rep, but is willing to slide and mirror without even punching if defender continues to linger outside his reach. "Basketball defender" who understands importance of footwork and positioning in pass protection. Heady tackle with plus instincts and reads keys for hints of upcoming blitzes and twists. Heat¬seeking missile in open field as screen blocker. Very good body control and balance. Makes climb to second level with good timing and gathers himself to make accurate strikes on linebackers. Got into LSU's linebackers and gave them the absolute blues in running game.
What He Said
"Everybody wants to be the No. 1 pick. Being the No. 1 pick would be great. I'd love to play for any team. That's been my goal since I was a little kid, man, just to accomplish one of them goals, it would be great." - Laremy Tunsil on potentially being the first-overall pick
