On 12/17 :
Chewie wrote:4) Draft 6'9" beast Phil Loadholt, OT from Oklahoma in Rd2.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/03/bears_headed_back_to_oklahoma.html
Hakeem Nicks isn't the only highly touted prospect the Bears are going to investigate next week.
Ed Thompson of Scout.com reported that the Bears will put Oklahoma offensive tackle Phil Loadholt through a private workout, and we've confirmed that will take place next week. Offensive line coach Harry Hiestand is a good bet to attend. Southwest scout Chris Ballard was at Oklahoma's pro day last week and the Bears were known to have interest in the 6-8, 332-pounder coming out of the Senior Bowl. He played left tackle for two seasons for the Sooners but projects as a right tackle in the NFL.
Loadholt would instantly add some bulk to the line. While he was in Division I-A for only two seasons, scouts and coaches feel they have a good handle on his game from tape review because the potent Oklahoma offense averaged nearly 80 snaps per game. Loadholt was an all-state center in high school basketball in Colorado and that gives an indication to his athleticism and ability to move for a big man.
The Bears are not the only team doing more work on Loadholt. Atlanta, Cleveland and St. Louis have all had private meetings with him. The Minnesota Vikings, who sent coach Brad Childress and vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman to Norman, Okla., for the pro day are also scheduled to have another get-together with Loadholt.
nfldraftscout :
Compares To: MAX STARKS, Pittsburgh -- Might develop into a left tackle, but his lack of lateral range and explosion off the snap would make him a better fit on the right side or in the interior, as he is best when playing in a phone booth rather than working on an island. For a team that plays smash-mouth football, he could be an ideal fit, as you need a city to get around his massive frame. He just appears too stiff in his hips to trust him with protecting a quarterback's blind side at this stage of his game.
I recall Larry English was eating him alive in post season workouts so the comment on speed rushers giving him trouble sounds to be accurate.
