Joe Staley attended Rockford High School in Rockford, Michigan where he played football and ran track. He set three school records and was an all-state track performer. He played tight end on the football team, catching 24 passes for 559 yards and 7 touchdowns as a senior. He was considered to be one of the top 50 prospects in the state and he accepted a scholarship to play at Central Michigan. He saw action in 11 games as a true freshman, catching 11 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. He was switched to right tackle prior to his sophomore season. He earned a starting position and went on to start all 11 games that season. He shifted to left tackle as a junior where he started all 11 games and didn’t allow a single sack all season. He continued to start at left tackle as a senior, allowing just one sack on the season. He was named first team all-MAC for his play as a senior.

Joe Staley has been the starting left tackle at Central Michigan for the past two seasons, having played tight end as a freshman and right tackle as a sophomore. During that time he has proven to be a very durable player. He is an intelligent player and a hard worker with a non-stop motor. Staley is a tremendous athlete at the tackle position. He has an outstanding combination of speed (reportedly ran a 4.70 40 at pro day last year) and athleticism. He has long arms which help him keep defenders away from his body. He has the quick feet to play left tackle at the next level and he is a very good pass blocker who has only given up 1 sack since moving to left tackle two years ago. He has the ability to get to the second level and take out a linebacker in the running game. Staley hasn’t developed into a dominating run blocker up to this point. He is a converted tight end and though he has packed on approximately 70 pounds the past three years, he could add more bulk and increase his strength. Another question when it comes to Staley will be the fact that he hasn’t played against top competition on a consistent basis. Joe Staley has only been playing the tackle position for three years. He is still a bit raw, but he may be the most athletic offensive line prospect available this year. He has a tremendous amount of upside and could develop into a very good left tackle very soon. He will be a first day pick and he could be selected as high as the first round in the 2007 NFL draft.