NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma by Jody Jamieson 23/2/2009
Loadholt started his career at Garden City Community College where he was an absolute standout at the junior college level. It wasn’t long before he was on the Oklahoma Sooners radar and they were quick to transfer him to their programme after his sophomore year. Loadholt played left tackle with OU and the Sooners had one of the most dominant offensive lines over the past two years as the team finished with Top 10 AP rankings both years.
Loadholt played his college career as a left tackle, but he just doesn’t fit there in the pros. Scouts will have seen enough film of him to know that he just doesn’t have the feet to protect the quarterbacks blindside. He does however project superbly well to play on the right side and could become one of the toughest run blockers in the business. Plus he looks far more comfortable moving to his right than he does to his left for some reason, which will help him in pass protection. A rare combination of size and strength, he projects well to be a stud in the running game on Sundays and could sneak into the first round. I have a second round grade on him, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he’ll be the best available tackle on the board during the last 7 or 8 picks in the first round. I do think a great fit would be in Indianapolis, but they have more pressing needs than a right tackle in round number 1.
What we like about Loadholt
Good run blocker who seals the edge really well and drives hard. Relentless in the running game and is one of the stronger tackles in the draft class. He has long arms on a massive frame and has really strong hands. Plays hard and finishes well. Solid enough pass protector who can’t be beaten with power and deals with moves fairly well by engaging quickly. Good in space and makes good decisions. Solid player who still has some improving that can be done with good coaching.
Question marks about Loadholt
Poor footwork will put paid to any chance of playing left tackle in the pros. Has a really laboured kick slide and doesn’t move well laterally. Can deal with speed rushers by pushing them into the backfield, but definitely looks uncomfortable dealing with speed. Finds himself far too upright at times and needs to work on his leverage. Let’s his head drop when things aren’t going well, which is something he can’t do in the pros.
Highlight of his college career
Loadholt was a 2 time NJCAA All-American at Garden City, but was voted a third team All-American in his Senior year with the Sooners. Loadholt, along with guard Duke Robinson, solidified the quarterbacks blindside at OU and kept Sam Bradford clean all the way through his Heisman winning season.
Other snippets
6′ 8″ tall and weighed in at 332 lbs at the Combine. Ran a 5.54 40 and beched 225 lbs 24 times. He did have the longest arms at the combine though, with a measurement of 36 1/2 inches. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Loadholt turned 23 during Senior Bowl week. The Eagles might take him at 28 to replace Jon Runyan. Loadholt actually reminds me a lot of Runyan and it would be a seamless transition. Otherwise he could fit in Cleveland, Green Bay or Denver in the second round.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Loadholt played his college career as a left tackle, but he just doesn’t fit there in the pros. Scouts will have seen enough film of him to know that he just doesn’t have the feet to protect the quarterbacks blindside. He does however project superbly well to play on the right side and could become one of the toughest run blockers in the business. Plus he looks far more comfortable moving to his right than he does to his left for some reason, which will help him in pass protection. A rare combination of size and strength, he projects well to be a stud in the running game on Sundays and could sneak into the first round. I have a second round grade on him, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he’ll be the best available tackle on the board during the last 7 or 8 picks in the first round. I do think a great fit would be in Indianapolis, but they have more pressing needs than a right tackle in round number 1. 
