Without a salary cap, the 2010 crop of free agents looks bleak, but there could be more players available for trades, and more players will be released. Here is a list of the top ten offensive tackles scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at the start of free agency.
- Chad Clifton - Before injuries in 2008, Clifton was considered one of the best pass blockers in the NFL. Has some toughness and solid technique. Does not make too many mistakes.
- Mike Gandy - Gandy is not very strong or powerful, but he has solid technique and footwork. Could move to left guard, where he played in Buffalo. Gandy does not seem strong enough to be a pass rusher.
- Mark Tauscher - Like his teammate Chad Clifton, Tauscher is a solid pass protector, but like Clifton he has dealt with some injuries. Not a very good run blocker, which will keep a lot of teams away.
- Tony Pashos - A solid run blocker, probably could not hold his own as a left tackle, but is a steady right tackle. Pashos struggles against crafty defensive ends, and is prone to making mistakes.
- Jeremey Bridges - Would be a solid third tackle for a team, with the versatility to play four spots on the line. Replaced Mike Gandy well down the stretch in 2009, and the Cardinals may reward him.
- Levi Jones - Very injury prone, but has a ton of toughness. Does not have a lot of power, but has good technique and has some athletic ability. Jones does a very nice job working against speed rushers.
- Barry Sims - Has some limited versatility. Sims was not able to develop in Oakland, and was pretty much sent out to die when he served as the Raiders left tackle. The 49ers are in no hurry to re-sign him.
- Damion McIntosh - Is very big, but he does not play with much power, instead he plays like a finesse big man. McIntosh has the body to be a dominate right tackle, but he may just end up being a reserve.
- Jon Runyan - A solid pass blocker who can sometimes struggle with speed. Plays through injuries and does not commit a lot of penalties. Can move around and run block, but not as well as he did earlier in his career.
- Brandon Gorin - Not physical or strong and is inconsistent. Had his chances to start in New England, but he could not pull it off. Is best suited as a solid third tackle, or a luxury fourth tackle.
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