Gabe Carimi Scouting Report

University of Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Gabe Carimi is a highly-regarded prospect that is talented and plays with a mean streak. However, he may not be a true left tackle in the NFL which could ultimately hurt his overall stock. In all likelihood, he will be drafted as a right tackle with the potential to move to the left side later in his career.

Carimi has great size and will be blocking in the league for years to come. This is true because he is simply a tenacious blocker who still has room to improve. He plays with a lot of toughness and possesses enough strength to hold his position. Carimi plays to the whistle and really excels in run-blocking.

At the next level, a lot of his problems in pass protection can be worked on. The main issue is his footwork. He's not quick, he leans forward too much at the waist and needs to learn to keep his feet underneath him at all times. Right now, he's a big liability at left tackle but could eventually be a career pro at either spot if he's given the right coaching. This is an optimistic point of view as many will see him as a pure right tackle in the NFL.

He attacks defenders with his hands and gets off the line well. Since he's so aggressive, some of these fundamental issues did not matter as much at the college level. But against elite pass-rushers, it remains to be seen if he has any answer to their quickness off the edge.

Carimi is a solid prospect who can likely play in his first NFL season.

Gabe Carimi projects as a mid- to late-first round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.