Offensive Line Part 2: Tackles

 Although all positions along the offensive line are of the utmost importance, it could be argued that the offensive tackle is the most important. The Offensive tackle, more often than not, is taking on the opponent's best pass rusher. One the tackles is also responsible for the quarterback`s blind side, depending on the dominant throwing arm of the quarterback. The Philadelphia Stars must target tackles that are long and athletic and that can get depth in pass sets as the edge rushers rush vertically. They also need to be quick and aggressive to set and seal the edge in the run game. 


Matt Waletzko out of North Dakota, no not North Dakota State, University of North Dakota, is long, tall and strong athlete with the size to play professionally. Waletzko has played well against the better competition this past year and has carved out a nice career for himself, which included a second team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference campaign in `20. Waletzko could see himself undrafted due to concerns about level of competition and the overall tackle depth, which could be his path to Stars roster. Waletzko is a perfect fit for a USFL franchise, NFL size, but he just needs more reps against consistently elite pass rushers to develop fundamentals and technique, which he will be able to do in the USFL. 


On the opposite side, bookending the Stars starting offensive line will be current Buffalo Bill and Spring League alumni Evin Ksiezarczyk. Ksiezarczk, is a Buffalo native and played collegiately at University of Buffalo, where he had a decorated career with multiple All-MAC selections.  Ksiezarczyk started his pro career with the Atlanta Falcons, as an undrafted free agent, from there he was with the Minnesota Vikings briefly, and now to his hometown Buffalo Bills, with a stop in between to play in the Spring League to play for the generals' organization. Ksiezarczyk has the downhill ability to set the edge and play on the second level in the run game. Ksiezarczyk also has experience against the best pass rushers in football, so he can be counted on to secure the blindside if needed. Finally, Ksiezarczk brings much needed veteran pro football experience which will be needed on what could be a very young offensive line.


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