Offensive Line Prospect Rankings

First off, I want to apologize for a lack of posts lately. Like the majority of sports nuts around the nation, I have been absorbed with the crumbling of my NCAA hoops bracket as Cinderella's like VCU, Richmond, and Marquette sent some of the tourney's favorites home early. But any who, lets get back to the Draft shall we? Today I'm going to give you all a peek of this years top offensive linemen. These guys aren't likely to be spotted on the front pages of newspapers anytime soon, but without a strong O-line an NFL offense is going nowhere! 

1. Tyron Smith, OT. USC 

I opted out of the traditional game time photo with Smith strictly to show you all what an absolute freak the guy is. I mean just take a look at him.. and you thought offensive linemen were "fat". He's quick, he's strong, and his length makes him nearly impossible to get around quickly. Tyron should definitely be the first linemen off the board and would be a still if he falls out of the top 10 picks overall (which many experts are predicting he will). Although his ripped frame may come in handy on the beach, he could benefit from bulking up a little to be able to handle NFL sized D-linemen. 

2. Anthony Castonzo, OT. Boston College 

Castonzo plays a lot like Tyron Smith, using his speed to pave gaping holes for runners and making him an ideal offensive tackle. His exceptionally quick feet allow him to stay in front of his man and protect the pocket very well. Castonzo started all four years at BC, so he is battle tested, and experience is not an issue for him. Also, the man is brilliant, and he was even nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship, and plans to conduct cancer research once he's done with football. What's not to like? 

3. Mike Pouncey, OG/C. Florida 

Pouncey looks to follow in the footsteps of his TWIN BROTHER Maurkice and tear it up the NFL. Maurkice started all 16 games this past season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was even selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie! Mike obviously has very similar physical qualities of his brother, and he plays the game very similarly as well. Mike has the exact size to play guard in the NFL but also has the ability to play center making him very versatile.  

4. Gabe Carimi, OT. Wisconsin

At 330 Carimi gives you the size that you would expect in an NFL tackle, and that many of this years top prospects are lacking. Carimi was a four year starter and team-captain at Wisconsin and helped power one of the most explosive Badger offense in years. He may not be as mobile as the likes of Smith, Castonzo, or Nate Solder, but if he can learn to use his strength and play lower he will turn into one heck of a player. 

5. Nate Solder, OT. Colorado 

Solder came into Colorado his freshmen year at 245 lbs, 6 foot 9 and as a tight end. After putting on a couple pounds (and by a couple I mean about 70), and switching to tackle, Solder finds himself in great shape to become a first round pick. Like Tyron Smith, he will likely need to bulk up even more but hey thats what trainers and off-season workouts are for. His fast feet and uncommon length allowed him to be an all Big 12 selection in both 2009 and 2010. 

So, I kind of feel bad for just lumping the guards, tackles, and centers into just one group so to make up for that I'll finish out a top ten of O-line prospects... 

6. Derek Sherrod, OT. Mississippi State

7. Clint Boling, OT/OG. Georgia 

8. Danny Watkins, OG. Baylor 

9. Marcus Cannon, OG/OT. TCU 

10. Rodney Hudson, OG/C. Florida State