NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Ryan Clady, OT
by Sam Monson
26/2/2008
 
The 2008 draft class is one of tremendous depth at the OT position. There are as many as 5 or 6 offensive tackles that could go in the first round of the draft, and there are many who believe that Ryan Clady, and not Jake Long, is the best left tackle available.
 
Clady took over the left tackle for Boise St in the 2006 season, and over his final two college seasons has registered 224 knockdowns, and 32 touchdown-resulting blocks, making him one of the biggest success stories of the small market Boise St Broncos football program. Clady has a chance to earn himself some big time money in the NFL, with left tackles at a premium, and his superior technique and athleticism could see his stock rise the closer we get to Draft Day.
 
Clady attended Eisenhower High School, in Rialto, California, but was not a star recruit like many of the prospects we've been profiling. Boise St was the only major school to recruit him, and he decided to enrol with the idea that if nothing else he would get a sound education. As it happens, he's managed so much more on the blue turf.
 
What we like about Clady
 
Clady has prototype size, reach and frame for an NFL left tackle. The scouts that love Clady talk about his footwork, athleticism and technique, which is what makes them say he is a better prospect than Jake Long. Whereas Long struggles with elite speed on the outside, Clady has the superior footwork and athleticism to deal with the edge rushers. He also has an outstanding wingspan which allows him to keep defenders at a distance and neutralise them before they get inside.
 
Clady was a natural when he was first moved to the O-line, and was very quick to develop a smooth technique, aided by his quickness and agility, and this quick transition will bode well for him as he tries to step up to the next level. Coaches love nothing more than a guy who's coachable.
 
Clady is what the NFL looks for in a left tackle: a guy who has the agility, size and athleticism to protect a quarterback's blindside, and who also has room to be coached up and improved upon.
 
Question marks about Clady
 
Not many. He could stand to get a little stronger in his lower body, to allow him to better anchor against the bull rush, as he can be walked back in the pocket by powerful rushers at times. The added bulk would also help his drive in the run game, which can be a little suspect. He could also improve his initial hand-punch to stun the defender.
 
Highlight of his College Career
 
In 2006 the Boise St Broncos finished the season undefeated and pulled a colossal upset over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl, coming from behind in a dramatic win in Over Time. The Broncos completed a Cinderella season and proved all the experts wrong, proving that they 'could hang with the big dog'. In 2007, Clady also had a run of three games where he didn't allow his man to record any statistics at all.
 
Other Snippets

• Clady was an unheralded defensive tackle when he first arrived at Boise St, the only major school to recruit him, and he spent a year on the scout team before being moved to the O-line.

• As a senior Clady finished with 122 knockdowns, and led the nation with 21 TD-resulting blocks to grade 85.77%.

• The NFL player Clady closely resembles would be Chad Clifton.

• Potential good fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers.