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Player Profile - 3.28.09

Pros: Loadholt is 6’8, around 335pounds—with that huge frame and overall toughness, he does not shy away from anyone and goes for the pancake every chance he gets. With his huge side kick and long arms, he does a very good job in pass protection against most of the competition he faces. The mountain of a man shows good athleticism for a man of his size. After spending two years playing JUCO, he did not struggle making the transition to the Big XII, turning in two strong years at Norman.

Cons: Loadholt is not very quick and is often beaten by speed rushers he can’t push around. He did not have a strong week at the Senior Bowl practices, as he was constantly outplayed by good defensive ends that were able to get to the edge. Despite his Second Team All-Big XII year as a left tackle, he will likely be moved to the right side on Sundays due to his inability to handle speed rushers. He also does not appear to have a high football IQ and can lose concentration, which often results in penalties. He also has some off-the-field issues, which will cause some concern for NFL teams.

Scouts Take: Loadholt has first-round size and strength but will likely fall to late in the second round, or even to day two because of his struggles against good pass rushers and his immature mindset. He has the potential to succeed as on the right side if he can learn to calm down and stick to his assignments during the game. He could really benefit from good coaching and playing with experienced linemen that can show him what it takes to play at the NFL level. His value is decreased if teams view him purely as right tackle, but he has a ton of upside and could be a second day steal.

School Bio

1.27.09 – Loadholt unfortunately did not surprise us by turning around a week that saw him beaten way too easily around the edge against speed rushers. He couldn't move with Robert Ayers among others, and left his QB running for his life more than once. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

1.23.09 - Phil Loadholt was very inconsistent in one-on-one pass blocking drills. The problem is his footwork and lack of lateral mobility. When he gets his hands on pass rusher, it’s game over. The size and length (excellent wingspan) are there for him to play left tackle, but in all likelihood his lack of footwork will prevent him from playing the marquee position. He will shift to the right side on Sundays. Against some of the lesser talent, Loadholt was able to block them, but when he had to block the premier pass rushers on the North, he couldn’t handle them – yet another sign he belongs on the right side. - The NFL Draft Bible On Location At The Senior Bowl

1.21.09 – Phil Loadholt looked much better guiding speedy rushers past the quarterback and exerting his strength when he could get his hands on his opponent, but he made Tim Jamison look like a first rounder when he couldn't handle his inside move or his outside rush in the pit. Connor Barwin was even more impressive owning Loadholt on back to back pit reps. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

1.20.09 – Phil Loadholt once again won battles when he was able to get his hands on his opponent and take the game to them. Loadholt got too upright in his stance more than once and let the defender come to him, generally leaving him one beat behind whatever the defender was doing to defeat him. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

1.19.09 – Phil Loadholt showed a strong punch, but one that would make him lose balance. Lost several battles in the pit. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

1/20/09 – Has played both left and right tackle during the first two practices. Has played on the left side in college, but many NFL scouts see him as being just a right tackle prospect for the next level. He does a good job when he locks onto defenders, but struggles with quicker, more athletic pass rushers on the left side. Gets way to erect off the snap, gives up too much of his big frame and than does not have the ability to re-direct if he misses on his initial punch. Carries more of a fourth-round grade as of today, but if the run on OT's starts as early as expected than it could impact his final grade in a positive way. - The NFL Draft Bible On Location At The Senior Bowl

Scout's Take - 8.15.08

Pros: At 6’8 and well over 330 pounds, it is obvious Loadholt’s biggest strength is his sheer size. He is also very athletic for a mountain of a man. The residuals of the former high school basketball star are still there, which makes his potential to protect the quarterback’s blind side very intriguing to NFL scouts. In his first season as a Sooner, Loadholt started in all 14 games and was very productive. He was given an overall grade of 79 percent for his junior season by the Sooners’ coaching staff, and his 75 percent grade as a run-blocker was tops on the team. In 704 snaps, Loadholt produced 104 knockdowns, with a season high 15 coming against Texas A & M. The upside is there for him to be an impact blocker both in the running and passing games.

Cons: Despite his high grades, Loadholt needs some work before he is to be deemed NFL-ready. The left tackle needs work on his footwork, which would allow him to improve his play against speed rushers coming off the edge. Recently, Loadholt has been arrested as police suspected a DUI. The matter is pending and is something the NFL will keep an eye on. Prior to this there were no character issues regarding Loadholt; in fact he was a Student Support Service Award recipient while at Junior College where he also made the Student Excellent List.

Overall: Born in Hawaii, Loadholt has made his way around the country throughout his young life, including a stop at Garden City Junior College prior to his arrival in Norman. The Second Team All-Big 12 performer adjusted rather easily to playing Division I football, but was wise to return for his senior year to work on his technique. He is a likely day one pick who could work his way into the first round if he can clear up any off the field questions teams might have while increasing his level of play another notch.

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department