Jared Gaither possibly available in supplemental draft?

[UMiamiBucFan]

From PFT (so take with grain of salt)

ANOTHER NAME IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT? by Michael David Smith

Jared Gaither, a starting offensive lineman at Maryland the last two years, has been declared academically ineligible for this fall's season, raising the question of whether he'll enter the NFL's July 12 supplemental draft.

The 6-foot-9, 350-pound Gaither, who has started at both right and left tackle, considered leaving school in January to declare for the April draft, but decided against it.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN.com reports that Gaither is three years out of high school and would be eligible for the supplemental draft. Schlabach also quotes an NFL scout saying Gaither would be the most desirable player available if he goes that route. DraftHeadquarters.com reports that Gaither can run the 40-yard dash in less than five seconds, so if he can arrange a workout in the next couple of weeks, he'll no doubt pique the interest of a number of NFL personnel people.

Gaither has several options available to him, including entering the supplemental draft, working out this year in anticipation of entering the regular draft next year or working hard in the classroom in an attempt to become eligible for Maryland's 2008 season. He apparently has not decided which is his best option.

Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver and Nebraska tackle Chris Patrick have already declared for the supplemental draft. Teams that take players in the supplemental draft lose picks in the next April draft. So, for instance, a team that selected Gaither with a third-round pick in next month's supplemental draft would not have a third-round pick in April of 2008.

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I think this is huge, and I would certainly not mind the Bucs spending a pick for him.

[maryjanewatson]

He's almost a lock to be a first rounder next year. I'd put in a #2 bid for him in a heartbeat. There's your franchise left tackle.

[UMiamiBucFan]

He's almost a lock to be a first rounder next year. I'd put in a #2 bid for him in a heartbeat. There's your franchise left tackle.

And remember, we have the 3rd pick in the 2nd round, so we'd only need the Raiders and Lions to pass on him.

[maryjanewatson]

Man, that would be awesome. I've been a fan of this kids for some time. He's a poor man's Ogden, which means he's still going to be better than most. If we can land him for a second rounder this year, we could sit him behind the Goat and have him take over in 2008 or 2009, and he'd still only be 23 or 24.

Gaither, Sears, Buenning, Joseph, and Trueblood...Tampa Bay's offensive line for the next 7-10 years.

Sorry, now I'm getting all worked up.

[UMiamiBucFan]

And seriously, a 6'9" 350lb man that can supposedly run a sub 5.0 40? Goodness.

[deltbucs]

I don't know much about him, but I hold both of your opinions in high regard when it comes to this stuff. Sounds good to me. Like MJW said, LT is the only piece missing from this new, young Oline that we're building.

[Clayton80future]

And seriously, a 6'9" 350lb man that can supposedly run a sub 5.0 40? Goodness.

Hopefully he'll be smart enough to run in the right direction. :anigrin:

[Monty'sCircus]

Where do I sign?

[UMiamiBucFan]

Hopefully he'll be smart enough to run in the right direction. :anigrin:

I agree, the academically ineligible thing worries me a bit. Offensive linemen need some decent brains to be able to play the position. I'd certainly want to put him through the paces mentally before spending a pick on him.

[dawgland]

here's extremely raw as a tackle and he's as smart as the brown things my dog leaves in the yard

he's got all the measurables but his work ethic is also questionable too

[Redcoat]

I'd use our #2 rd'r with no hesitation at all, the guy can play!

[Monty'sCircus]

Let's debate the average football players intelligence, this will be great!
How many attempted "sports management/broadcasting" "degrees" have either been attempted or acquired by football players

[Clayton80future]

Let's debate the average football players intelligence, this will be great!
How many attempted "sports management/broadcasting" "degrees" have either been attempted or acquired by football players

How hard is it to stay academically eligible? Not only does intelligence come into question, but work ethic as well. . .

[Chebington]

If you can't maintain a 2.0 GPA, I don't have much confidence in your abilities from the neck up.

But he sounds interesting. Worth a second rounder? Meh.

[maryjanewatson]

I didn't realize this many people had classes with Gaither.

I also didn't realize Vince Young's six on the wonderlic meant he has to give his ROY trophy back.

The kid has everything you need to dominate. If he had been in this draft, he'd have gone in the first round. With good workouts and interviews, he may have been in the mix to be the 2nd tackle tacken, after Joe Thomas. If we can get him for a 2nd rounder, at the age of 21, we do it.

[Fire ____!]

I didn't realize this many people had classes with Gaither.

I also didn't realize Vince Young's six on the wonderlic meant he has to give his ROY trophy back.

The kid has everything you need to dominate. If he had been in this draft, he'd have gone in the first round. With good workouts and interviews, he may have been in the mix to be the 2nd tackle tacken, after Joe Thomas. If we can get him for a 2nd rounder, at the age of 21, we do it.


Failing on 1 test and failing out of school are two totally different things. Before I call him dumb, I am going to assume he was never interested in college, just there for the eventual pay day.

[dawgland]

I didn't realize this many people had classes with Gaither.

I also didn't realize Vince Young's six on the wonderlic meant he has to give his ROY trophy back.

The kid has everything you need to dominate. If he had been in this draft, he'd have gone in the first round. With good workouts and interviews, he may have been in the mix to be the 2nd tackle tacken, after Joe Thomas. If we can get him for a 2nd rounder, at the age of 21, we do it.

according to the maryland website, he's enrolled in the college of letters and sciences


the dude can't pass the alphabet

[nensey_zy]

I have another problem with this guy. Players who are 6"9 are historically problematic in getting leverage. I would rather have this guy as a tackle eligible out in the flat.

[maryjanewatson]

I have another problem with this guy. Players who are 6"9 are historically problematic in getting leverage. I would rather have this guy as a tackle eligible out in the flat.

http://www.nflhs.com/images/PI/ol2_JonathanOgden2006-200.jpg

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/gallery1.5/albums/album121/2006_20060511_ASMT256723_UTI0924143.jpg

http://www.buccaneers.com/media/photos/misc/Trueblood12_23_06_1.jpg