The Big Uglies. The Trenches. This is where the true grit and determination of the NFL game can be emphasized. I will now rank my top 5 OL coming into this year's NFL Draft, their projected round, doppelganger and possible destinations. Let's get it on!
1. Russell Okung - T (OK State)
Okung comes into the NFL Draft as the A #1 OL prospect. He has the frame at 6'5" and 305 to be strong enough to move defensive ends off of the line to create holes and space as well the athleticism to help out downfield in the screen game. Most notably, Okung was one of the few players in 2008 to contain Brian Orakpo, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and most recently, Pro Bowler for the Washington Redskins (although that whole Pro Bowl distinction is worth as much as the Euro these days). One thing that may work against Okung is that he doesn't have the sheer aggression to play as hard as many coaches would like and sometimes is content on not going all out.
Reminds me of: Jake Long
Projected Round: Top 5
Most Likely Destination: Chiefs, Seahawks, 49ers, Redskins
2. Bryan Buluga - T (Iowa)
Another great OL prospect coming out of the Kirk Ferentz OL farm at the University of Iowa. No program has produced such highly touted NFL OL prospects (Steinbach, Gallery, Yanda) as Iowa and Buluga is the next great one. Buluga will be most likely planted on the left side of the line given his size at 6'6" and 314 lbs. The Iowa pedigree should suit Buluga just fine when he enters the NFL and starts hitting the big boys in the trenches. Buluga did have a slight Thyroid issue this past season and with the high emphasis on player health after the passing of Gaines Adams, teams might be wary. This may impact him going in the top 10 but he won't last long after that.
Reminds me of: Joe Thomas
Projection: Top 15
Most Likely Destination: Seahawks, Redskins, Bills
3. Mike Iupati - G (Idaho)
Guard may not be a sexy pick for the analysts but Iupati is the best one available in this draft. At 6'5" and 331 lbs Iupati has the ample size to be a great inside blocker and road grader that makes holes in the defensive lines. Many feel that Iupati can play some RT when he gets into the league, which speaks volumes in regards to his athleticism. The OT is predicated on quick footwork and being 331 lbs that may be a slight issue but not one that should keep him from the middle of the first round. Playing for Idaho and not facing real top flight competition like the Big 10 and Big 12 linemen may make Iupati's adjustment to the NFL's speed more difficult than others.
Reminds me of: Leonard Davis
Projection: 10-20 overall
Most likely destination: Steelers, Texans
4. Bruce Campbell - T (Maryland)
Campbell is the adonis of this year's draft. Scouts marvel at his physique, as if it is chiseled out of granite. At 6'7" and 310 lbs. he already had the size scouts drool over, then he went and wowed them even more at the combine. He will get far based on his size and that will garner him a selection possibly in the first round but he is somewhat raw, only starting 17 games. He also has a disorder where his brain has some abnormalities in it, which doesn't affect anything cognitively or athletically but the emphasis on health and well-being of players, along with the concussion dilemma will make some teams trepidatious. He could easily be the steal of the draft, or one of those guys who can't translate the measurables to the field.
Reminds me of: Logan Mankins
Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd
Most Likely Destination: Atlanta, Dallas, Green Bay
5. Maurkice Pouncey - C (Florida)
Pouncey has to be the most cerebral OL in this years draft. He made the calls that helped Tim Tebow excel at Florida over the past 3 seasons and has that nasty attitude you want of your centers. He has started 40 games over his career at at 6'5" and 315 lbs. he is the size you want for a center. His toughness can't be understated, when before a game this past season he had kidney stones, received treatment, and hours later was on the field for Florida. He has potential also at guard, which many teams may try him at. He is better suited at center however, and moving him to guard may cause him to lose some of the qualities that make him a great football player.
Reminds me of: Nick Mangold
Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd
Most Likely Destination: Philadelphia, Redskins, Chiefs
Keep an eye on: Jared Veldheer
Being a D2 prospect Veldheer was not hearlded and praised much during this past season but his showing at the combine has made teams take notice. At 6'8" and 315+ Veldheer will assuredly be a 2nd day draft pick (2nd-3rd round) and may become one of the better overall lineman selected this year. He did measure last in regards to arm length so some teams may knock him for that but that would be ludicrous.
Mr. Yoder I's One To Watch
Mike Johnson (G-Alabama)
Johnson is the latest of a productive group of Crimson Tide linemen to enter the draft. As a 1st team All-American, he certainly has the pedigree to be a success in the NFL. And, eventhough the overweight exploits of his former teammate Andre Smith might drop his draft stock, any team will be happy to have him in the 2nd or 3rd round. He's not the biggest, strongest, or fastest lineman in this year's draft, but he should be a solid pro for many years.
Mr. Yoder II's One to Watch
Anthony Davis- (T-Rutgers)
Once again, you guys are too far in the forest to see the trees. The guy to watch in this class is underclassmen Anthony Davis, the tackle from Rutgers. His early entry, much like many other underclassmen looking to strike it rich before the current CBA is ripped apart, makes this the richest pool of talent in years. And, whoever is lucky enough to draft Davis is sure to get a LT for years to come. The last two years he led a strong ground game at Rutgers, while showing the ability and athleticism to protect the quarterback. This guy is an All-Conference and All-American type of performer who will be a legit Pro Bowler for years to come.
So what do you think of our rankings? Are there any big uglies you think will make it big in the NFL? Let us know by posting a comment! Also don't forget to follow us on Twitter @RSS_Sports. Stay tuned for our continuing Draft coverage as well as our Championship Roundtable. Until then, it's bye for now!
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