Jan 17, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia Eagles helmet rests on a table prior to a press conference to announce Chip Kelly (not pictured) as the new Eagles head coach at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

With the #4 pick in the NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have selected offensive tackle Lane Johnson out of Oklahoma.

A team that definitely needs help on their offensive line. A man who is in excellent shape, will give solid protection for Michael Vick or Nick Foles, whoever is under center.

A young prospect who they could swap between left and right tackle, will give the offensive line coach in Philadelphia options if things don’t seem to work out.

Lane Johnson is the 3rd offensive tackle to be taken early on in this draft.

Detroit Lions are now on the clock.

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooner tackle Lane Johnson (69) in action against Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) during the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The draft is a little over a week away, and the speculation of where players will be taken or who your favorite team will draft is circling around. And some of the potential NFL hopefuls are fueling the rumors.

Recently, University of Oklahoma LT Lane Johnson says he comes of the board at No. 4 to the Philadelphia Eagles.

“It’s a good possibility,” Johnson said, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. “What they’re going to do offensively really fits what I excel at — up-tempo, zone offense. But you never know what’s going to happen come draft day.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that he thinks the top three OTs in the draft (Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson) “will be off board in first seven picks. And maybe sooner.”

Those two statements seem to validate one another.

The Eagles are definitely considering a tackle, and have brought Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher to Philly for pre-draft visits. Eagles’ offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland travelled to Texas to work out Johnson.

“Coach Stoutland came down and had me do some basic combine drills and just different blocks that the Eagles would do,” Johnson said. “They had me work out for about an hour. It went well.”

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A

One step closer to the start of the season, we made it through the combine and now the count down to the draft is down to 10 days and counting. Between now and the draft, my fellow colleagues and myself are going to break down each position and give you our Top Five prospects to look out for come draft day. Now, last season we all know what type of talent the draft delivered and they pretty much raised the bar on what to expect from draft classes in the future, including this one.

To me, this years draft class is all about offensive linemen. I know it is different for everybody else but being a former tackle/guard myself, I am usually all about the offensive line. Without the offensive line, you wouldn’t score, kinda obvious right? If you want solid production from your offense, you need guys on the front line who won’t crack under pressure. Don’t get me wrong, nobody is perfect, I had my share of holding calls, false starts and missed assignments, but as time goes on and you put in the work, you start to correct your mistakes and sharpen up your game.

Now, back in February, I did a Top Five for Offensive Linemen as a whole, which included tackles and guards. So you may see a few names that I have listed in these two upcoming articles, this one being tackles and my next one being guards, but will see some new faces as well. So with all this being said, I’m pretty sure you are anxious to see who made this list. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out our other Top Five draft prospects for this coming draft. Now let’s get things started and open up with the #1 prospect for Offensive Tackles.

1. Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M (6’6 306 lbs) - Combine Grade: 95.3 – I have him going #1 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs in this years draft. A completely new look in Kansas City, with Andy Reid being the new head coach and Alex Smith now under center, could definitely use a strong offensive tackle like Joeckel. He was a top performer in the 20 yard shuttle (4.68) and vertical jump (28.5). I really don’t see this kid going anywhere else but Kansas City, but if the Chiefs do end up passing on Joeckel, he will fit perfectly with any team who drafts him. Athletic tackle, pass protection is good and is decent when it comes to run blocking. He started all 13 games in his college run, protecting for quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill and last seasons Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. He has had Freshman-All American honors, All Big 12 honors and won the Outland Trophy which is given to the best interior linemen in college football.
   
2. Eric Fisher, Central Michigan (6’7 306 lbs) - Combine Grade: 91.3 – If anybody comes close to taking the #1 overall slot in this years draft, it is this man right here. In my mock draft, I had him going #4 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, who really need to look at offensive linemen in the first round. Like I mentioned before he could still add more to his 6’7 frame when it comes to muscle and does have quick foot work. Top performer in the broad jump (9’8) and vertical jump (28.5). He has played a few games at guard and some right tackle his freshman year. He was apart of an offensive line that average 6.2 yards per play which was second best in the MAC and only allowed 14 sacks all season which was fourth best. Awesome pass protector, has a tall frame and long arms, could use them to his advantage. Needs to work more on his lower and upper body strength.
   
3. Lane Johnson, Oklahoma (6’6 303 lbs) Combine Grade: 86.9 - I didn’t have him going in the first round of my mock draft, but after the combine he has, he could possibly jump into the 1st round either going to the Miami Dolphins or St. Louis Rams. He was a top performer in the 40 yard dash (4.72), vertical jump (34′), broad jump (118′) , 3 cone drill (7.31) and 20 yard shuttle (4.52). As a high school senior, he was an all-state quarterback, yes, QUARTERBACK! He played some tight end and defensive end around 2009 and 2010 and moved to offensive line in 2011. He started 12 games at right tackle in 2011 and moved to left tackle in 2012 where he started 11 games. Quick off the snap, good frame work, strong arm extension, consistent blocker. Down side of this, is his experience as an offensive linemen, can he handle the next level?
   
4. D.J. Fluker, Alabama (6’5 339 lbs) - Combine Grade: 85.5 - I had Fluker going to the St. Louis Rams at #22 but could possibly slip up a few spots and head to either the Miami Dolphins or Dallas Cowboys. Was a redshirt freshman in 2009 where Alabama won their first BCS title against my Texas Longhorns. But he was apart of two out of three national championships as a starting player. He started at right tackle for 36 games during his time at Alabama. Needs to work on his speed and balance, he is a big guy so he will be tough to move. Strong run blocker, could have trouble when it comes to pass blocking as blitzing players can get around him quickly.
   
5. Terron Armstead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff (6’5 306 lbs) - Combine Grade: 73.0 - A man who was a top performer and almost every combine drill they had, could possibly slip himself into the late first round with the Green Bay Packers or could be picked up early in the 2nd round. He ran a 4.71 in the 40 yard dash, 35.5 inch vertical jump, 112 inch broad jump and a 4.72 20 yard shuttle run. Started 12 games at left tackle during his senior season and replaced Dallas Thomas in the Senior Bowl. A very strong and athletic tackle, probably the most athletic I have seen in awhile, should have a good rookie season and career if he can stay healthy. Awesome arm extension, fast on pass protection so run blocking should not be a problem, especially if he pulls and has to seal a block on the outside. Needs to improve his lower body strength and limit or eliminate him lunging at defenders with his head down, this is one thing you never do as a player, especially an offensive linemen, an easy way to get beat off the ball and miss your assignment.
   

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals were once thought to be in the prime position to take Central Michigan star Eric Fisher off of the board, but they might not even be able to take Lane Johnson (the third best tackle in the 2013 NFL Draft behind Luke Joeckel and Fisher) with the seventh pick in the draft. Many teams want an offensive tackle in this draft, and Johnson has mouth-watering athleticism that has seen him vault into the top ten in most mock drafts.

Johnson is a sure-fire top ten pick now, because teams like the Miami Dolphins would be more than willing to trade up to land him. He could even be taken off the board by the Detroit Lions with the fifth pick if the Eagles take Fisher at four. Anything can happen at OT, and that’s clearly the Cardinals biggest position of need. They have the worst tackles in the league, and the amount of pressure they give up is dreadful (they are also prone to giving up quick pressure).

So are the Cardinals willing to trade up to take a tackle and not risk them all being off the board before the seventh pick? That might be an impulsive decision, but it might also be the safest decision. It’s a decision that would likely be justified from the Cardinals perspective, because they could really use a tackle. It’s incredible to think, though, that three tackles could be taken off the board in the top five, but that’s just a testament to how important the position as become in this league.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, the New Orleans Saints will work out Oklahoma Sooners star left tackle Lane Johnson today. Johnson has risen high ever since he had an incredible 2013 NFL Combine performance, and he has tantalizing upside, athleticism, speed, and size. He might not make it outside of the top ten picks in the 2013 NFL Draft, and I find it impossible to think he’ll last until the Saints pick with the 15th selection in the draft. The San Diego Chargers will almost certainly be the ones to snap up Johnson with the 11th pick.

So if the Saints really want to get Johnson, then they will have to trade up. That’s probably not the best idea for this organization, no matter how much they want a new left tackle. If the Saints really do want a tackle, then they would have to trade down and try and nab a less heralded (but still talented) left tackle. They could also hope that Terron Armstead falls to them in the second-round, because he is just as athletic as Johnson (even if he isn’t nearly as good on tape). But the Saints might want to play it safe and trade down from the first round (or even up from the second) to try and secure Armstead (or another LT type).

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson is massive at 6’7″, 310 pounds, and he reminds me of New England Patriots rising left tackle Nate Solder. He has the huge frame and incredible athleticism, and those are traits that give Johnson a lot of upside. We all know how ridiculously fast he is per his weight, and Johnson has actually gotten stronger in the pre-draft process as well.

Most commonly mocked to the San Diego Chargers with the 11th pick, Johnson might not make it out of the top ten anymore. After the Miami Dolphins signed cornerback Brent Grimes to a $5.5 million deal, reports have the Dolphins trading up to draft an offensive tackle (most likely Johnson). Like the Eagles, the Detroit Lions are another team with a top five pick that could be looking at an OT.

The Eagles will most likely draft Fisher, but they could switch things up and draft Johnson if they decide they like Johnson more than Fisher. We’ll see how this visit goes for Johnson and if the Eagles show more interest in him, and I get the feeling that Johnson won’t make it outside of the top ten in this draft.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

12. Miami Dolphins – Bjorn Werner, DE, FSU – The Dolphins get Bjorn Werner who many thought would be a top 5 pick all the way down at pick #12. The Dolphins just signed a big CB in Brent Grimes in free agency, plus there should be some very high potential CB picks at the top of round 2 to fill in the #2 slot and eventually become #1.  The Dolphins hit a home-run here filling their greatest need with one of the best overall players available at pick #12.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – Tampa Bay can’t let a linebacker like Jones fall any farther than 13^th overall.  They have a glaring need for an upgraded linebacker corps.  Not only that, but Jarvis Jones according to the body of work he’s put on film, is the best player available at this point in the draft.  They take him, wisely and become a force to be reckoned with next season in the NFC South which can be 2013’s best division in the NFL.

14. Carolina Panthers– Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri – The Panthers continue to build up their talent rich but hole-y defense with one of the top 4-3 defensive tackles in this class.  Richardson would join an up and coming defense anchored by Luke Kuechly at MLB and Charles Johnson at DE.  The Panthers also signed free agent DBs Drayton Florence (CB from Detroit) and Mike Mitchell (SS from Oakland) who will step in and make an immediate impact in the Carolina secondary.

15. Cleveland Browns (trade with New Orleans)– Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU – The Browns get a few extra picks trading down with New Orleans here yet still fill their hole at pass rushing jack DE/OLB.  Without a 2^nd round pick this year the Browns needed to do something to get some slack.  The Saints don’t have a 2nd round to give but I’m sure Cleveland gets this years 3^rd and another pick from the Saints in 2014, yet still get one of this draft’s elite pass rushers

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive lineman Barkevious Mingo (33), and Bennie Logan (29), and Sam Montgomery (34) pose for a photo after finishing their workouts during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M – The A&M product is a sure fire hit at Kansas City’s biggest position of need.  They can interchange him with Eric Fisher as many draft analysts say, but Joeckel has the experience over Fisher blocking some of the best defensive linemen in this draft from his play in the SEC.  Fisher’s draft was eye popping, but then again so was Dontari Poe’s.  Do you think Kansas City would pick Poe over Michael Brockers, Bruce Irvin or Chandler Jones if they had a time machine?

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon – This is a toughie, Jaguars need a pass rusher and have the pick of the litter.  They’re a team that takes a player solely based on draft stock (see Blaine Gabbart and Justin Blackmon).  I think Dion Jordan will have the highest stock of the edge pass rushers for the Jags and will be the first one in a few years to actually earn their GM a pat on the back.

3. Oakland Raiders –  Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida – Like the Chiefs, Oakland has a choice here at the best 2 interior linemen in Floyd and Lotulelei.  They choose the safer pick in Floyd here, who like Joeckel, has the SEC experience to go with his monstrous gameplay (how many Pac12 O linemen are 1^st or 2^nd round prospects this year?).  Oakland needs to make a safe pick here, they’ve done some crazy things in the past (drafting Jamarcus Russell over Darrelle Revis, Patrick Willis, Calvin Johnson, Marshawn Lynch – also trading the house for Carson Palmer).  It’s time they get conservative and build back their franchise as safely as possible.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – The Eagles have a choice of getting 3 potential superstars in 3 positions of need here: Dee Milliner, Eric Fisher and Ezekiel Ansah.  Cornerback is by far the most glaring need for them and Milliner is the crown jewel of this class who can become a Joe Haden or Patrick Peterson like cornerstone to the Philadelphia defense.

5. Detroit Lions – Eric Fisher, T, Central Michigan - The Lions need help badly on their offensive line.  Although they did just draft Riley Reiff in the first round last year, rumor has it that they’re thinking about moving him to guard.  The Lions can’t pass up the opportunity to put an end to their O-Line woes.  They take Eric Fisher here to help protect Matthew Stafford so that he can get the ball to Calvin Johnson next season.

6. New Orleans Saints (Trade with Browns) – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah – The Saints trade up to fill that missing piece at NT in their new 3-4 defense with Utah’s defensive standout, Star Lotulelei.  The Saints currently do not have a true nose tackle and need someone who can come in and immediately make an impact.  Lotulelei may do this and more, he can be the guy to anchor New Orleans’ brand new defensive scheme next season.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Lane Johnson – T, Oklahoma - The Cardinals decide to sit out a year on drafting a QB by pulling the trigger on Carson Palmer.  They now have a QB worthy of getting Fitzgerald the ball.  They still need major help blocking for him.  When every single player in the Cardinals back field got injured at some point last season, it’s a sign you go offensive tackle in the 1st.  Lane Johnson is one of the most athletic in this class and give Carson Palmer that much needed protection this season.

8. Buffalo Bills – Cordarralle Patterson – WR, Tennessee – The Bills decide to give Kolb a shot rather than go for Geno.  They bank on the best looking WR in the draft in Cordarrelle Patterson.  This way, when they do sign their next franchise QB, he’ll already have his weapons to throw to.

9. New York Jets – Ezekiel Ansah, OLB/DE, BYU – The Jets have so many choices at #9, but with Ziggy Ansah and Dion Jordan gone and Eric Fisher falling, the smartest move is to pull the trigger on a lineman many considered to be worthy of a #1 overall pick.  A quintessential step in the rebuilding of the Jets.  Eric Fisher will immediately bring their below average offensive line to one of the best in the NFL with Mangold and Ferguson at center and left tackle.  Fisher could play right and eventually replace Ferguson at left, while Ducasse, Howard, Colon and possibly a later round pick can rotate at guard.  Now whoever wins the battle at QB, will have time to relax and throw the ball and Mike Goodson whose always been great at finding the right holes can have his best NFL season yet.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, G, Alabama – The Titans whose greatest need may be at Guard have the opportunity to sign the best guard in the draft and a surefire starter.  He’ll give Chris Johnson the help he’s been complaining about not having in the run game and can help Jake Locker stay off the injury reserve list immediately.

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Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Lane Johnson of Oklahoma (69) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1 – Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma – This seems like a bit of a reach but if Lane Johnson fell to the Saints at 15, it’s not something New Orleans could pass up.  Their #1 priority should be protecting the team’s most valuable asset, Drew Brees.  The Saints know that they have to make a splash with their first round pick being that they don’t have a 2nd rounder this year, so for them I say Lane Johnson or bust.  Lane Johnson is probably the most athletic offensive lineman, the rich man’s Terron Armstead running a sub-4.8 40 as an offensive lineman.  If Lane isn’t there at pick #15, look for them to trade down for a dynamic first round defender like Ohio State’s Johnathan Hankins or Texas A&M’s Damontre Moore as well as an extra pick.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad defensive lineman Montori Hughes of Tennessee-Martin (54) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Sleeper – Montori Hughes, NT, UT-Martin - This is a steal for any team in need of a nose tackle.  Montori Hughes is a true nose tackle whose had some issues off the field.  Originally an SEC defender anchoring the defensive line for the Tennessee Volunteers, Montori is a steal for a 3rd day pick.  He’s a highly physical and naturally athletic nose tackle earning the start for the Volunteers by the beginning of his sophomore season.  Unfortunately, he was dismissed from the Volunteers after failing to make grades and getting involved in a “dorm room incident.”  This, coupled with the depth at 2013′s interior defensive line class is probably the main reason he falls from the 2nd day to the 3rd day which makes him a potential gem as a 4th – 7th round pick.  Luckily, there are no classes or dorm rooms in the NFL. With a Ryan guiding him on defense combined with an excellent motivator in Sean Payton, Montori Hughes can potentially be a steal in this draft for New Orleans (or any team with great defensive coaching in need of a true nose tackle).

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooner tackle Lane Johnson (69) in action against Texas Longhorns defensive end Alex Okafor (80) during the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma offensive line man Lane Johnson finished his time at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine. Part of the NFL Scouting Combine is the various meetings with NFL teams, and potential employers. We hear various stories about how the team can get inappropriate with questions at time, like when the Miami Dolphins met with Dez Bryant.

So Lane Johnson went on The Mighty 1090 in San Diego to discuss the experience. His interesting comments about the interview are what stand out though. He starts off by talking about Oklahoma and how they prepare you for the interviews.

“At Oklahoma we’re kind of used to talking in front of the media,” Johnson said. “We’ve had media trainers. As far as the interviews, I actually met with Ken Herock, who was an ex-GM for the Falcons. So we basically did mock interviews and he told us basically what was going to be going on in those meetings, and what kind of things to expect. So I kind of had an idea of what to expect heading to the Combine.”

So did everything go as expected? Not necessarily.

“One thing caught me off guard. I was meeting with Cincinnati, and I went in there and they told me to remember five things,” Johnson said. “They just listed five things like a bear, a flower, a tree, a man and like a dog. And they told me to remember those terms, at the end of the meeting to see if I could remember them. And from that point on, they listed numbers. They said, like, 9167, and then told me to repeat them in reverse order. So that was probably the weirdest meeting I’ve ever been a part of.”