Oklahoma State offensive tackle regarded as top 10 talent Aaron Wilson
INDIANAPOLIS - Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung has emerged as the crown prize when it comes to blockers available in this year's draft.
He's routinely linked to the Washington Redskins' fourth overall selection, the Kansas City Chiefs' fifth pick and the Oakland Raiders' eighth overall selection.
As valuable as quarterbacks are in this increasingly passing-driven league, so, too, are the men paid to protect the blindside of the most important players on the field: left tackles.
And Okung has the classic look of a left tackle as a polished pass protector who's lean and mean at 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds.
Okung is expected to be the highest-drafted Oklahoma State player since running back Barry Sanders was picked third overall two decades ago.
It certainly doesn't hurt Okung's soaring stock that he's humble, quiet, grounded and churchgoing.
“I don’t know, it’s not my decision to make," Okung said Thursday at the NFL scouting combine when asked about where he thought he might be drafted. "Not my place to talk about it. I’m very aware, whether it’s the seventh round or where I get drafted, it’s a huge blessing to be standing in front of you guys right now.”
Okung is the personification of low-key.
And character still counts.
By all accounts, Okung represents a blend of skills, size and character.
"My best way to do things is be honest,” said Okung. "Be up ront. Be up front with the coaches and the GM. If you’re their type of player, you’re their type of player.”
Okung was an All-American selection named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the year who started the past 47 games.
Just because Okung is a quiet, pleasant person doesn't mean he lacks a nasty streak.
"I’m going to try to hit you in the mouth more times than you hit me in the mouth,” Okung said. "That’s just the way I am.”
Growing up in Oklahoma City, Okung didn't watch many NFL games as kid.
That's because he was in church.
“No sir, I’m actually in church," Okung said. "I really kind of miss that stuff. I don’t get to watch too many games. It’s a game God led me to play. He wouldn’t have put me here if I couldn’t play."
And Okung isn't shying away from the heat generated by pass rushers with mayhem on their minds.
He doesn't lack for confidence, either, and there's not tendency to dwell on bad plays.
“I don’t recall any bad plays, if you catch my drift," Okung said. "I never really recall any bad plays. I just don't talk about 'em. Don't speak them into existence."
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Russell Okung epitomizes what the Redskins need the most ... A damned fine player, and a great human being! Which is probably the reason we won't get him in April! He'll either be drafted before the Redskins get to pick, or the 'Skins will choose a QB stud, that we will need, but not this year! This is the way it always goes on draft day ... We whine about how badly we need to address the O-line, and let the best lineman in the league by-pass us for some maybe star at another position! We'll never be able to replace Chris Samuels at this rate! The best will be gone!
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Feb 26, 2010
09:54 AM
There's no way the Raiders are taking Okung with their first pick. They're not that smart. Davis will take C.J. Spiller because he can run fast and becuase the Raiders don't need a running back.