Oct 8, 2011; Waco, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones offensive linesman Kelechi Osemele (72) blocks Baylor Bears defensive end Tevin Elliott (18) during their game at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Kelechi Osemele, OT, Iowa State
Height: 6’5
Weight: 333
40 Yrd Dash: 5.36
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 32
Vertical Jump: 26
Broad Jump: 104
3-Cone Drill: 7.91

Back in March, the Lions brought in Kelechi Osemele to see him up close.  Osemele is a big human being.  Above you can see his size.  Adding to that, Osemele has a 85½ inch wingspan, the longest at the combine.  He also has huge hands which help him deliver a powerful first punch.  Even with his large body, Osemele is still a great athlete.  At the combine, his bench was the tied for third-most out of all offensive lineman.  The measurables alone make Kelechi Osemele an intriguing prospect.

Last year, Osemele played left tackle for Paul Rhoads and the Cyclones.  However, a lot of “experts” critique his footwork when it comes to pass protection.  Speedy defensive ends did give Osemele a little trouble which caused too many false starts.

Because Osemele lacks elite footwork, most don’t see him playing left tackle in the NFL.  Instead, Osemele is probably going to end up as a guard or right tackle.  This may be in Osemele’s favor as more times will like his versatility to play two positions in case of injuries.  I like the thought of Osemele at guard especially on running plays.  When he wants to be, Osemele can be an absolute mauler while opening up running lanes.

Last year, Osemele was thought to be a first-round pick.  Now, he is projected as a mid-second round selection.  It isn’t that Osemele’s stock has plummeted, but how he meets team needs and all that.  WalterFootball.com ranks Osemele fourth amongst the guards.

Osemele was first team All-Big 12 last year and was named to Sports Illustrated’s first team All-American list.  Osemele also is very intelligent as he was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times.  He played a large (literally and figuratively) role in the rebuilding of the Iowa State program (two bowl game appearances during his time).  He is durable as he started 43-games in a row (although he did have some injury problems last year).

I think Osemele would be a great fit for the Lions if he falls to them in the second round.

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Cliff Avril has benefited from good timing the moment he came to the Lions as a third-round draft pick in 2008, but it has not been a one-sided proposition.

The Lions have gotten a payoff from Avril being in the right place at the right time — often in the vicinity of the opposing quarterback.

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