NFL Draft 2021: Top 5 LA Rams prospects from Independent colleges

Offensive tackle

With the second focus feature of Independent colleges, we now turn to the offensive tackle of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish named Liam Eichenberg (6.27-grade per NFL.com). He is a solid and coveted offensive lineman and projects well to a role in the NFL.

At some point, the Rams need to look at a succession plan for both offensive tackles.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Eichenberg is being projected as a right tackle at the NFL level because the professional eyeballs of the NFL scouts say his minor foot-speed issues can be better masked at that position.  I guess they are telling us you need to have quick feet to play left tackle, but you still gotta either move or get around this mountainous man.

And that’s a tall order.

He’s truly an elite run blocker that can open gaps. He just simply pushes guys around out there. It jumps off his tape. A human bulldozer? Yes, that would be nice to have.

And in pass protection, here’s an interesting little factoid: Eichenberg didn’t allow a single sack in 2019 or 2020. The scouts say one drawback in his game is that he lacks arm length, so that must mean he’s playing with some sound technique to hold opposing defenses off his quarterback.

In a pinch, he could slide over to play left tackle or even guard. Flexibility on the o-line is always a good thing.

He’s one of three offensive linemen to start every game for Notre Dame. And as the old football adage goes, your ability is your availability.

Doesn’t that sound like just the ideal prescription for a player the Rams might covet?