Offensive Tackles Protecting the Quarterback

Protecting the quarterback is vital to NFL success.

With such a premium placed on keeping the quarterback out of harm's way, it is no surprise that teams have made it a priority to draft offensive tackles. Three offensive tackles -- Eric Fisher (No. 1, Kansas City) (left, with Commissioner Goodell), Luke Joeckel (No. 2, Jacksonville) and Lane Johnson (No. 4, Philadelphia) -- were selected within the top four picks of the 2013 NFL Draft. This group is the first trio of tackles since the advent of the common draft in 1967 to be selected among the first four picks in an NFL Draft.

Fisher became the fourth offensive lineman chosen first overall since the common draft was adopted in 1967.

"Quality football teams have foundations, and you build the foundations as you move along," says Chiefs general manager JOHN DORSEY. "Part of the philosophy that we have come in here with is to build that foundation with players like Eric. You start with the offensive line."

In all, there have been 13 offensive tackles selected in the first round of the past three NFL Drafts:

Player Team Draft Year (Pick)
Source:
Eric FisherKansas City2013 (1st overall)
Luke JoeckelJacksonville2013 (2nd overall)
Lane JohnsonPhiladelphia2013 (4th overall)
D.J. FlukerSan Diego2013 (11th overall)
Justin PughNY Giants2013 (19th overall)
Matt KalilMinnesota2012 (4th overall)
Riley ReiffDetroit2012 (23rd overall)
Tyron SmithDallas2011 (9th overall)
Nate SolderNew England2011 (17th overall)
Anthony CastonzoIndianapolis2011 (22nd overall)
James CarpenterSeattle2011 (25th overall)
Gabe CarimiChicago2011 (29th overall)
Derek SherrodGreen Bay2011 (32nd overall)

 

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Offensive Tackles Protecting the Quarterback