After blocking for Mason Rudolph in college, Zachary Crabtree is part of the Los Angeles Chargers’ roster and will look to earn a role with the team this summer.
Though he went undrafted, Crabtree was given a draftable grade by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein who notes his timing and lower body mass as some of his biggest strengths.
At 6’7″ and 310 pounds, he has great size and a solid frame.
He was a player who progressed in each of his four years at Oklahoma State, becoming a full-time starter as a sophomore. He was named to the All-Big 12 Conference second team during his junior season before making the All-Conference first team last year.
Crabtree was one of four undrafted rookies the team signed following the draft. He projects as a right tackle at the professional level, a spot where the Chargers could have an open battle.
One of the top offensive tackles in the state of Texas in 2013, Crabtree committed to Oklahoma State and became a reliable starter for the school, missing just one game due to injury. But whether or not he has the strength, foot speed and athleticism to succeed in the NFL are all questions he’ll need to answer.
Below is some video on Crabtree, which was the only game film available on him. He’s not identified in the clip, but look for No. 60 in white. Pay close attention around the 2:00 mark as Crabtree just lets his guy go right by him to hit the quarterback and force a fumble.
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My Take
There’s not much to say here. I thought I’d like the guy more than I did, but watching his game film revealed several holes. He’s not strong enough against the run and doesn’t anchor well in pass protection. He looks like he’ll be eaten alive by professional pass rushers.
There is going to be a chance that someone beats out Joe Barksdale this summer for the right tackle position, but don’t expect that to be Crabtree.
He comes from a top program and played with a great quarterback in Mason Rudolph, but there seem to be too many shortcomings for him to continue his playing career.
A spot on the practice squad is the best he can hope for, but I don’t think he’ll make it through roster cuts.