Brett Toth

The success of former Army standout left tackle (and soldier) Alejandro Villanueva - a 2017 Pro Bowler for the Pittsburgh Steelers after initially signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent - has re-opened the eyes of scouts to players from the service academies. Toth, a three-year starting tackle at Army, could be one of the first to capitalize on Villanueva's success, already earning significantly more interest than his predecessor by playing in the East West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl. Toth is the first Black Knight player ever invited to the latter. Toth was an all-state player as a senior in high school and drew some interest from local programs like Clemson and South Carolina. Each, however, wanted him to walk-on. With both his father (Navy) and grandfather (Air Force) serving their country, Toth opted to live up to their legacy and sign with the Black Knights, measuring in at 6-5, 270 pounds at the time. Like most joining the service, Toth lost weight in basic training before gaining strength. He had dropped 40 pounds, in fact, by Army's first game in his freshman season and therefore, not surprisingly, he saw limited time in 2014, playing only against Buffalo. Toth played in four games as a sophomore, including earning starts against Fordham and Connecticut. He started nine of 11 games as a junior before taking his game to another level in 2017, starting every game for a Black Knights squad that finished 10-3 on the season with memorable wins over Temple, Duke, fellow service academies Air Force and Navy, as well as San Diego State in the Armed Forces Bowl. Now a strapping 6-6, 303 pounds, Toth has grown into a legitimate NFL prospect with experience at both tackle spots, including eye-opening performances against top competition at the all-star games. Current Army regulations dictate that he serve two years following his graduation (May, 2018), making him more of a long-term investment than some teams might be willing to take despite Toth's talent and the nobility of his absence. BACKGROUND Signed with Army despite interest from other, more prominent programs, including some in the SEC and ACC. Played football, basketball and competed in track and field at West Ashley High School ... earned three varsity letters as a tight end ... served as football team captain ... all-conference and all-state choice on the football field.

in our view

With impressive performances at both all-star games, Toth proved that he is a legitimate NFL-caliber offensive lineman worth of mid-round consideration. The fact that he still has a two year commitment to serve, however, could leave teams hesitant to invest a draft pick.

strengths

Possesses a naturally large frame with broad shoulders, a tapered middle and a powerful base, including thick limbs. Toth shows good initial quickness to flank defenders in the running game, slipping upfield to turn and seal off opponents on reach blocks. His light feet and balance show when climbing and re-directing at the second level. He possesses at least adequate arm length to catch defenders and shows good strength and accuracy with his hands, latching onto opponents and working hard to sustain blocks. Toth's agility, balance and technique in pass protection impressed scouts at the all-star games, as he was not often asked to pass block at Army (which completed a total of 20 passes in 2017)... He eases out of his stance, gaining depth on his kick-slide and maintaining the integrity of the arc, not panicking and turning his hips to run after defenders and leaving himself off-balance. Toth plays with good knee bend to anchor and is quick enough to ride defenders outside, showing the core strength and finishing demeanor to knock opponents to the turn when he feels them off-balance. Rob Rang 1/27/2018

compares to

Ben Garland, Falcons - The 6-5, 304 pound Garland also served his country, playing in a similar run-based offense at Air Force before signing with Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Four seasons later, he started the first three games of his career for the Falcons, winning with the combination of agility, technique and grit which evaluators have noted with Toth.

weaknesses

Despite his height, Toth possesses just adequate length for an NFL tackle with 33" arms. He is more smooth than sudden in his kick-slide, lacking the second gear to catch up to explosive pass rushers who time the snap and has a very small sample size in pass protection overall due to Army's run-oriented triple-option offense. He is naturally big and strong but may struggle to maintain his girth and functional football strength during his two years serving the Army following graduation, potentially needing even more time upon his return to his NFL team to regain his form... Rob Rang 1/27/2018

Played football, basketball and competed in track and field at West Ashley High School

earned three varsity letters as a tight end

served as football team captain

all-conference and all-state choice on the football field.

Given name is Brett Marshall Toth

played at the U.S. Military Academy Prep School in 2013

major is undeclared.