2012 Interior Offensive Lineman rankings (pre Combine)

I will be doing a top 5 for each position. And these rankings are pre-Combine. I reserve the right to change my mind later this month.

Interior Offensive Linemen

1. David DeCastro (Stanford, Guard, 6’5″, 312lbs)
The second coming of Steve Hutchinson. A big part of the reason why Stanford’s running game was so potent. Has very quick feet and is excellent when pulling outside. Plays with a mean streak. Also very adept in the passing game and has excellent hands. Won’t time well at the Combine, but since when do offensive linemen need to win a foot race? Very durable player. Has the mental capacity to learn and excel in any offensive scheme. Should be a mid first round pick and could come off the board as early as 14th to the Dallas Cowboys.

2. Cordy Glenn (Georgia, Guard, 6’6″, 346lbs)
Played left tackle for the Bulldogs and had a very up and down season. Didn’t have a very good game against Boise State’s Shea McClellin, but for the most part he held his own against the elite pass rushers from South Carolina and LSU. His week at the Senior Bowl mirrored his season and he had some issues with the speed moves from the South’s elite linemen. However, he uses his large frame well and will hold his own against any power moves. Exceptional agility in space, especially for a guy his size. Should be a late first round pick.

3. Kelechi Osemele (Iowa State, Guard, 6’5″, 333lbs)
Lined up at left tackle for the Cyclones and started the Senior Bowl week at right tackle (where he was completely outmatched). However, looks to have great potential at guard. Has a powerful upper body and uses his hands well. Very long arms. Has a tendency to stop moving his feet and struggles with speed rushers. He is the epitome of a “boom-or-bust” prospect in my eyes and I love his potential. Most likely a second round pick.

4. Peter Konz (Wisconsin, Center, 6’5″, 315lbs)
Only center to make my top 5 interior linemen list. Has a nice frame and is a rock in pass protection. Very athletic and uses his mobility well in the running game. Exceptional blocker in space. Isn’t very explosive, but plays with intensity and aggression. Has had a history of nagging injuries, but nothing that has kept him out of more than a couple games at a time. However, he also showed some grit by playing the Rose Bowl with an ankle injury. Could be a late first round pick.

5. Kevin Zeitler (Wisconsin, Guard, 6’4″, 315lbs)
Helped pave the way for the very successful Wisconsin running game the past four seasons. Quick feet and agility when pulling in the run game. Uses elite athleticism to pick up late blitzers. Doesn’t have an outstanding burst and can be a little slow off the snap. Works hard on and off the field. Two time All-Academic Big Ten player. Mid second round pick.

Honorable Mention:
Ben Jones (Georgia, Center, 6’3″, 304lbs)
Philip Blake (Baylor, Center, 6’2″, 312lbs)
Michael Brewster (Ohio State, Center, 6’4″, 319lbs)
Rokevious Watkins (South Carolina, Guard, 6’4″, 340lbs)
Lucas Nix (Pittsburgh, Guard, 6’5″, 310lbs)

Other positional rankings…

Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Interior Linemen

Defense
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Outside Linebackers
Inside Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties