Remember the great Statue of Liberty play that sealed Boise State's 2007 Fiesta Bowl upset of Oklahoma? Of course you do. But you may not realize that the key block was thrown by left tackle Ryan Clady, whom the Broncos chose with the 12th pick in today's draft.Offensive tackles don't get a lot of attention, but Clady was by far the most talented player on that Boise State team. He's big -- 6-foot-6, 316 pounds -- but when I saw him at the scouting combine I was struck by how he looks like he could stand to gain some weight. He could play comfortably at 335 pounds or so, and if he bulks up that high he can become an overpowering drive blocker in addition to his natural talents as a pass blocker.
The question, of course, is whether Clady has played enough against top-notch competition to get him ready for the NFL. Although Clady isn't quite as NFL-ready as Jake Long, I absolutely believe he'll be a starter as a rookie, and one of the top offensive linemen in the league some day.
Previously on FanHouse:
Denver Post Argues Mike Shanahan Should Put Guts Before Brains On Draft Day
FanHouse Mock Draft: Denver Broncos Select OL Chris Williams No. 12
Should The Broncos Take a Running Back Early in the Draft?
Woody Paige Knows Exactly What the Broncos Should Do This Offseason
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