If the New York Giants want a left tackle in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft it looks like Tyron Smith of USC is one player they are not going to be able to get. Unless, of course, General Manager Jerry Reese were to do a very un-Giants like thing and trade up from No. 19 (and no, I am not recommending that).
Smith was the unquestioned star of Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The question about Smith entering the Combine had nothing to do with talent. It had to do with size. Would he be big enough to handle left tackle in the NFL, having played the 2010 season at only 285 pounds. Well, he answered that question impressively Thursday, weighing in at a "cut 307 pounds."
Smith's 36 3/8-inch arms were among the longest ever measured at the Combine, and he has size 11 hands. As Draft Countdown said "Needless to say Smith passed the eyeball test.'
Pro Football Talk's report also included notes about another trio of players who might interest the Giants -- Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph, Colorado tackle Nate Solder and Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey.
Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi declared himself the best offensive tackle prospect in the draft, and Boston College's Anthony Castonzo fired back on Thursday. Seems like neither of them is likely the top dog in this fight, but I love the competitiveness. Combine trash talking! That is something I did not expect.