Player name: Tyrell Crosby
H/W: 6’5 309
Position: Offensive Tackle
School / Class: Oregon / Senior
Measureables: 5.23 40, 17 bench press reps, 30” vertical, 8’09” broad jump, 7.89 3 cone drill
The Tape
Strengths
- Versatility - Crosby has experience at both tackle positions, alternating between the two due to various factors until finally solidifying as the lockdown starter at left his senior year. It appears that he will compete at right tackle in Detroit as the Lions already have former first round pick Taylor Decker at left. He may also get reps at guard as well because of his frame and lack of elite tackle athleticism.
- Run Blocking - He’s an elite level run blocker. Locks onto the target defender and does not let go. Rarely beaten in the run game. I’ve noticed that Crosby could be an ideal fit at guard due to his strength and above average pulling ability. He’s not the most fleet of foot but in a short burst pull situation, he’s pretty good. I just don’t like him pulling in long stretch plays. A mean road grader in the run game that drives the defender several yards.
- Strength / Length - He is a massive human being. A big body that can make the defender disappear into his frame. Has long enough arms to stick at tackle. The length of a tackle’s arms is probably the most important thing in order to keep defenders at bay in pass protection. Strength is a major plus. Possesses strong hands to latch on defenders and not let go.
Weaknesses
- Athleticism - While he has improved his lateral agility over the years, it’s still below average. Like I mentioned earlier, he’s a decent puller but for only short distances. In pass pro, if he doesn’t engage on initial contact, it gets bad in a hurry. He just doesn’t have the quickness to make up for getting beat by speed rushers. During the Combine, he did show improved footwork and agility in the chasing the rabbit drill against a fellow lineman. As a result of a lack of athleticism, he has some difficulty in mirroring the defender to keep him away from the QB.
- Scheme - I’m not saying that Oregon ran the Georgia Tech triple option offense but Crosby’s pass protection ability is very underdeveloped. It’s like he solely relied on his talent level to get by. He’s just not a franchise left tackle caliber of player. For the few times that the Ducks did run conventional pass plays (straight dropbacks), he fared relatively well. There were too few opportunities for him. I wonder how long it will take him to get bad habits coached out of him. Very inconsistent in reaching and engaging second level targets like linebackers and defensive backs.
Final Summary
It’s amazing what a franchise level QB can do for your offense. When Justin Herbert was out, it was ugly. Crosby suffered a bit from coaching changes, injuries, and just pure bad luck. He was a top 5 tackle on my big board and is a steal for the Lions in the fifth round. It’s a shame that Mario Cristobal only got two years to work with him. Crosby leaves Eugene as the best tackle in school history. It will be interesting how quickly he picks up the playbook and learns the system. the Lions have an underrated offensive line that will provide stiff competition for Crosby to make the active 46 on game days. In 2019, he should challenge Ricky Wagner for the starting job at right tackle. The biggest competition he has is Corey Robinson and Dan Skipper for a backup job. I like his chances to beat them out.
Fun Graphs