Joeckel has demonstrated the combination of size and athleticism in starting the past two seasons at the all-important left tackle position that he could ultimately beat out linemate Jake Matthews when he elects to make himself eligible to the NFL.
Joeckel (pronounced JOKE-ell) was a highly regarded prep prospect who signed with the Aggies over the likes of Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and many others.
He won the starting left tackle position as a true freshman and has started all 26 games since, earning a spot on the Big 12's All-Freshman team in 2010 and First Team honors by the Associated Press this past season (coaches voted him to the second team).
Joeckel eases back off the snap, showing the light feet, lateral agility and flexibility to handle speed and/or power as a pass blocker. He plays on the balls of his feet with his knees bent, hips down and arms extended in textbook form.
Joeckel isn't a mauler in the running game, relying more on his technique and athleticism to seal off defenders rather than simply drive them off the ball but he's a reliable performer in this regard, as well.
Joeckel isn't a finished product, but he demonstrates such a combination of size and fluidity already that it isn't tough to imagine a similar ascent up draft boards as we've seen in recent years from
the likes of Matt Kalil (Southern Cal) and even All-Pro Joe Thomas (Wisconsin), the No. 4 and No. 3 picks of the 2012 and 2007 NFL drafts, respectively.
--Rob Rang
http://www.cbssports...40/luke-joeckel
We're going to be drafting in the top 5 this year, maybe the top 3. Luke Joeckel is the #1 prospect in the country and should hold that title until April.
I love Hankins and Star but I really like our veteran D-line, and there are no corners or receivers that warrant a top 5 pick.
Gross is done. Bell and Silatolu have potential. And thank God we still have Kalil. We need to to protect our Cam, that should be the #1 priority.
