NFL combine: 49ers, Raiders eye offensive linemen

INDIANAPOLIS — When the first round of the NFL draft concluded a year ago, eight offensive tackles had been chosen.

There doesn’t figure to be as many linemen chosen this year, but the run is expected to begin earlier. The Raiders and 49ers have needs in that area, but their options might be limited when they go on the clock.

The Raiders own the No.7 overall pick, while the 49ers have the 10th selection. It is possible — maybe even likely — that three offensive tackles will already be off the board on April 25 when the Raiders go on the clock.

A year ago, Miami picked Jake Long at No.1, but the next tackle was not chosen until Denver selected Ryan Clady at No.12.

“I see a lot of size and real athletic ability,” Raiders coach Tom Cable said Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. “Normally, you have some good athletes and a bunch of big guys. I think there are a lot more big guys who are athletic this year.”

Cable downplayed the Raiders’ needs at offensive tackle. Kwame Harris started 11 games at left tackle after signing a lucrative free-agent contract. Mario Henderson replaced Harris and played reasonably well in five starts. At right tackle, Cornell Green had six false starts and surrendered 7½ sacks in 16 starts.

Meanwhile, the 49ers’ biggest problems on the offensive line were at right tackle. Jonas Jennings, Barry Sims and Adam Snyder started games.

While the 49ers need help at tackle, they might address that need during the free-agent signing period.

Four offensive linemen could be selected in the top10 spots in the draft. Here are the candidates:

Eugene Monroe, Virginia: Monroe is so good that Branden Albert could not unseat him at left tackle in college. The Kansas City Chiefs selected Albert at No.15 overall a year, and Albert started 15 games as a rookie at left tackle.

Monroe (6-foot-5, 309 pounds) took over as Virginia’s left tackle after D’Brickashaw Ferguson was chosen with the No. 4 overall pick of the New York Jets in 2006.

“I would say at this point pass protection is one of my strengths,” Monroe said. “There are things I have to work on with the running game as well. I played right guard my freshman year in college and if I have to play the right side I’ll go right over there.”

Andre Smith, Alabama: One of the issues with Smith is his weight. He weighed in at a svelte 332 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame.

“My father, he always told me be the nicest player off the field but on the field be the meanest, most tenacious type guy that you ever could possibly be,” Smith said. “It’s a pride thing to go out there and dominate a guy for four quarters — set the tone from the first play, let him know how it’s going to be the remainder of the game.”

One of the knocks on Smith is that sometimes he gives the appearance he plays without passion. That is a critique Smith is looking to dispel.

“Why should I be the first tackle taken?” Smith asked. “Just my hard work on the field. The way I go out and compete every play, try to dominate my opponent every single play.”

Jason Smith, Baylor: He returned for his senior season after earning a science of education degree last May. He said his intent to not only show he is the best Smith in the draft, but the best offensive tackle, period.

“I take a lot of pride in physically assaulting somebody (on the field),” Smith said.

Jason Smith (6-5, 309) promised he would be at training camp on time with whichever team that drafts him. The only adjustment he said he must make is that he did not get into a three-point stance much at Baylor.

Michael Oher, Mississippi: Oher was the subject of Michael Lewis’ 2006 best-selling book, “The Blind Side: The Evolution of the Game.” Oddly, Oher said he has not yet read it.

Oher (pronounced OAR) is 6-foot-4, 309 pounds. Many draft experts have Oher rated a notch below Monroe and the two Smiths. But Oher is not buying it.

“I think there are a lot of great players in the group, a lot of athletic players, myself included,” Oher said. “I feel I’m the best at my position. I feel I’m a great left tackle.”

For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@press

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