Left Tackle Arm Lengths

[Ole Miss Texan]

Finally found some arm lengths that we've all been wondering about. Names with link also provide link. Measurements are towards the bottom of the link listed under 'Agility Tests'.

Top Ten Offensive Tackles ranked by arm length:

T-1.Godser Cherilus 35"

T-1.Carl Nicks 35"

T-3.Jeff Otah 34 5/8"

T-3.Anthony Collins 34"

5. Branden Albert 33 5/8"

6. Duane Brown 33 2/8"

T-7.Ryan Clady 33 1/8"

T-7.Sam Baker 33 1/8"

T-9.Chris Williams 32 7/8"

T-9.Jake Long 32 7/8"



For Comparison: (Thanks to Hoth-Boy, Lucky)

1. Alex Barron 37 6/8"

2. D'Brickashaw Ferguson 35 4/8"

3. Marcus McNeill 35 3/8"

4. Levi Brown 34 3/8"

5. Joe Thomas 32 4/8" and 33 2/8"

6. Robert Gallery 31"

[Lucky]

Where can you find the arm measurements of Tackles from previous drafts? A comparison could help determine just how important arm length is.

Found Joe Thomas' draft profile. Arm length is 32½"

[Errant Hothy]

Good article from last year with arm lengths for Joe Thomas and Levi Brown
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...yhoo&type=lgns

TALE OF THE TAPE
Thomas
Height 6-7
Weight 311
40 time 4.92
Short shuttle 4.85
3-cone 7.88
Vertical 33"
Broad jump 9'2"
Arm 32½"
Hand 9¾"
225lb bench 28 reps

Brown
Height 6-5
Weight 328
40 time 5.32
Short shuttle 4.82
3-cone 7.81
Vertical 28.5"
Broad jump 8'7"
Arm 34 3/8"
Hand 10¼"
225lb bench 31 reps

[Ole Miss Texan]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Where can you find the arm measurements of Tackles from previous drafts? A comparison could help determine just how important arm length is.

I am not sure, I've been trying to find those lengths- mainly guys like Ogden, Ferguson, Thomas, Gallery, McNeil, etc. I'll continue looking- I have found some posted but can't verify through links so I didn't want to post them. The NFL players profile from the above links don't have them for the pros, only the draft prospects, unfortunately.

I'll post them in the above post when/if I find them, or if someone else finds that information.

[Lucky]

Wiki has D'Brickashaw Ferguson's arm length at 35 1/2"

Wiki has Marcus McNeil at 35 3/8"

ESPN has Joe Thomas with 33 1/4" arm length

This Buc's fan site lists Robert Gallery with 31" arms, Alex Barron with 37" arms

[nunusguy]

If I'm not mistaken, 33" is generally regarded to be "Break-Even" ?
So look at some of those prospects, most notably Joe Thomas, who are
under. This has always been the biggest knock against our guy Eric Winston
to play LT I believe, but his length is in the 32-33 range so comparable to Williams and others.
I dunno, how important is this ? It seems to be more relavant for some guys than others ? Kinda misleading.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I dunno, how important is this ?

I don't know, either. I think it boils down to "Can you play?' If you can play and have long arms, it's a bonus. If you can't play, they're a waste. I think Robert Gallery couldn't adjust to NFL rushers, and Joe Thomas has.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Here is an episode of Sports Science. It talks about how much time a QB needs to throw the ball, and how quick the DE needs to get to the QB. It shows the effects of the LT making the DE adjust and Arm Length is (1) 'tool' they can use to slow the DE and make him take a wider arc to the QB. Proper technique is always the most important feature in the LT.

Sports Science: Ben Roethlisberger

[nunusguy]

Good stuff OLM but, and I don't mean to sound ungrateful for your contribution by way of this link you provided with Big Ben & Castile which I enjoyed, but Ben asked for his OLineman to force the rusher 6 - 12 inches wider, while the difference between these OLinemans arm length is often only in fractions of an inch and maybe 11/2 - 2 inches at the most ?

[Ole Miss Texan]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Good stuff OLM but, and I don't mean to sound ungrateful for your contribution by way of this link you provided with Big Ben & Castile which I enjoyed, but Ben asked for his OLineman to force the rusher 6 - 12 inches wider, while the difference between these OLinemans arm length is often only in fractions of an inch and maybe 11/2 - 2 inches at the most ?

That's why I think athleticism, technique, and lateral movement/agility play such a large part in the success of the position and QB/offense in general. Arm length is just that little bit extra that helps be able to slow down or push the DE just that much further. Admittingly, 1/4" doesn't sound like much and might not really play a that big difference. Interesting thing to do though is to put your hand out flat on your desk with the tip of your finger touching the edge of your drink. Now move your hand 1" closer to the drink (mimicking 1" longer arms) and push with your fingers against the drink- sounds really silly but it kind of gives you an idea of what just a little extra gives you. (obviously we're talking about 5 fingers against a 280lb athlete- not nearly the same). But also that arm length is only one arm. The other arm (assuming they are the same length) is the same length. So a LT with a 1" longer arm really has a 2" longer wing span (ceteris paribus) to cover players going outside or inside (linebacker blitz?) Again, maybe not a huge huge factor but definitely can help in disrupting play.

As far as the 6-12 inches go, that is not going to come from just arm length. It should come from the LT moving in the way of the DE which forces the DE to either slow down while running "through" the LT or take a longer time running around the LT. Then once the LT is "in the way" they can use their arms to push the DE that much further away from the QB giving 'Ben' extra time to throw the pass and/or let the WR get open.

Heck, I'm far from an OL expert but that's just my assumptions. I'd love to hear someone's thoughts who knows a lot about offensive line play. We'd all take Chris Williams (shorter arms) over Carl Nicks (longer arms) any day of the week.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

Interesting thing to do though is to put your hand out flat on your desk with the tip of your finger touching the edge of your drink. Now move your hand 1" closer to the drink (mimicking 1" longer arms) and push with your fingers against the drink- sounds really silly but it kind of gives you an idea of what just a little extra gives you.

like this

or

arm length over-rated look no hands at all