Marcus McNeill was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, and throwing shot put for the track team. As a football player, McNeill was a three-year starter who played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He posted 43 tackles and 9 sacks during his senior season in high school. Coming out of high school Marcus was considered to be one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation and was heavily recruited. He decided to attend the University of Auburn upon graduation. He made an instant impact for the Tigers, earning a starting spot in the spring on his way to being named to the freshman all-SEC team in 2002. Over the next couple years, McNeill emerged as one of the most dominating run blockers in college football. He would’ve been a high first round pick had he entered the 2005 NFL draft, However he opted to return to Auburn for his senior season. McNeill may not be drafted as high in 2006 due to the strength of the offensive tackle group in that class, however he still ranks as one of the top 3-5 tackle prospects available and should be a late first to early second round pick at worst on draft day.

Marcus McNeill is a strong, massive tackle with surprising athleticism for a player his size. He has the “mean streak” you like to see in an offensive lineman and is possibly the most dominating run blocker in college football. Marcus is quick out of his stance and has the ability to get to the second level and take out a linebacker in the running game. He has been a very durable player during his time at Auburn. He proved his toughness as a sophomore when he played through an injury to his lower back. McNeill is a better run blocker than he is a pass blocker but he is not a liability in pass protection. He has long arms which allow him to keep defenders away from his body; however he will struggle at times against speed rushers. He has just average balance and does have problems occasionally when he has to block in space. He has a good knee bend and gets good leverage against his opponents; however he needs to display good technique on a more consistent basis. Marcus McNeill could play left tackle in the NFL but he may be better suited to play on the right side. He won’t be as valuable in this draft as he would’ve been last year due to the fact that there are more pure left tackles in this years draft, however, Marcus McNeill has a great deal of upside and will still be among the top offensive linemen selected in the 2006 NFL draft.