McCants appears on radar screen

As the draft season progresses, previously unknown prospects suddenly become favorites of football fans filling out mock drafts for their teams. A player who falls into that category for me is Alabama-Birmingham offensive tackle Matt McCants.

I hadn't heard of McCants until this morning, when I read about him on Sports Illustrated's Web site. The University of Alabama-Birmingham held its Pro Day this morning, and McCants was impressive during position drills.

"I think I showed the scouts that I have some ability, some athleticism," McCants told the Birmingham News.

The 6-5, 308-pound McCants started 42 games for the Blazers, most of them at left tackle. He earned first-team All-Conference USA honors, and is considered one of the best offensive players in the University of Alabama-Birmingham's history.

Last October, National Football Post's Matt Bowen wrote the following in a scouting report on McCants:

McCants possesses a great looking frame that has the ability to get bigger and mature physically. Athletically, all the tools are there for this kid to play left tackle in the NFL, he just needs some time to make the jump in competition and mature physically.


After learning about him today, I think McCants should draw serious consideration from San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith in the mid-rounds. McCants appears to be an offensive tackle who could develop into a very good blindside protector. Pretty soon Smith will most likely sign Jared Gaither to be the team's left tackle for the next few years, so the position probably won't be among San Diego's greatest needs on Draft Day. But given Gaither's inconsistent history, it may be a good idea to have a young talent such as McCants developing behind him. It won't be a disappointment to me if the Chargers select McCants in the third or fourth round.