Offensive Lineman: By the Ranks

This is a year with a surprisingly deep group of offensive lineman in the early stages of the draft. With the term "top heavy" being very overused these days, there is simply no other way to describe this years group of lineman on the offensive side of the ball. We may see six, possibly seven offensive lineman go in round one when all is said and done this year, which is just ridiculous. Here's a look at the top crop of 2008 offensive lineman:

1. OT Jake Long, Michigan

Jake Long has been the stand-alone offensive tackle for quite some time now, and with the recent contract talks involving him and the Miami Dolphins for the first overall pick, he is more and more becoming the consensus stand-alone player in the draft let alone lineman in terms of draft status. At this point Jake Long is a mix of both the top two offensive tackles in last years draft, better then Levi Brown, but not at the level of Joe Thomas.


2. OG Brandon Albert, Virginia

The "other" lineman on the Virginia team that is also highly touted going into the NFL Draft. Brandon Albert is far and away the best offensive guard in this years draft and also translates well to play offensive tackle in the NFL. He is by far the best "finisher" out of the 08' crop of lineman and has a real mean streak to him which many coaches love in an offensive lineman. He probably won't crack the top 15 picks of the draft, but Albert is definitely one of the best 15 players in the draft.


3. OT Ryan Clady, Boise St.

Clady was a large factor in the Boise St Broncos team that shocked the world in the Fiesta Bowl a year ago, and he didn't fail to impress with an equally productive senior campaign. The man who may be the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft however, is the type of player that could go to Kansas City at #5, or could find himself in Chicago at #14, it is just unclear as of now. Clady seems to be the second option at offensive tackle in this draft, and very well may be, but teams in the early stages could opt to go the route of the "high risk, high reward" pick of Pittsburgh's Jeffrey Otah. Clady is more of a pass blocking specialist, but possesses very good run blocking ability as well and is athletic enough to neutralize the speed rushers in the NFL.


4. OT Jeffrey Otah, Pittsburgh

The Nigeria native Jeff Otah is probably the best lineman in terms of potential heading into the big day, but with that said, he will need plenty of work. He is very raw and overall has always had some trouble with the quicker lineman in college. Yet on the other hand, he is massive (6'5, 323 lbs.), and very strong. Like Ryan Clady, Jeff Otah will be the type of player who could go anywhere from #5 to #14 and overall, it just depends who teams like better between the two as to where they will go.


5. OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

Chris Williams only obtained his 1st Round grade a couple months before the draft, but he has shown through workouts and the combine, that he is definitely worth the hype. He is a safer pick then a guy like Jeff Otah, but doesn't have the athleticism a guy like Ryan Clady has. He had a very good senior season however, and is versatile. Just looks the part of a franchise left tackle when on the field, towering over most defensive ends, standing at 6'6 7/8. An interesting thing to note is that Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler (former Vanderbilt QB) has openly said that he would welcome the opportunity to be protected by his former teammate.


6. OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College

Cherilus has been a well known commodity for quite some time, but he is more known as the best pure right tackle in this draft. He has been the full time anchor of the right side for Boston College since his freshman year. He disappointed at times in his senior year however, but mainly due to the fact that the team played him at left tackle for a good while, further projecting him to be a right tackle in the NFL. Cherilus is a very durable lineman starting 37 consecutive games at BC, and possesses great strength for a very powerful run blocker. Had some off the field concerns but nothing in recent memory. The prototypical right tackle that teams needing a player at the position this year will possibly look to.


7. OT Sam Baker, USC

The son of AFL commissioner David Baker, had been hyped up to extreme extents going into his senior season. Even though he had a solid season, Baker had suffered from his struggles in run blocking on occasion and has less then expected strength for a tackle. However, he may be the best pure pass blocker in the draft as he has been protecting guys like Matt Leinart and John David Booty his whole career. A pure left tackle that was once considered to be a top 10 pick is one of the top finesse blockers in this draft and has plenty of experience against top competition, to go along with his fine character and football IQ.


8. OT Carl Nicks, Nebraska

Nicks has plenty of versatility which will help him in the NFL and even though he is raw with little experience, he should still pan out as a solid (late) 2nd round, (early) 3rd round type lineman. Has his faults in footwork and really isn't a finisher in the run game, but has a lot of potential which he proved during his final year in Nebraska. Good quickness and will get to the second level better then a large portion of tackles in this draft. Good character player, who is also married with a three year old daughter. Solid potential that could play numerous positions depending on where he is selected.


9. OG Roy Schuening, Oregon St.

Schuening is one of the top guards in this years draft and has unfortunately fallen of some since the combine as he hasn't really impressed in all of the pre draft activities (combine, senior bowl, workouts). Very strong and very physical, a dominator in the run game, but has his faults in pass protection getting knocked back due to poor leverage. Outside of Brandon Albert, Schuening is the best finisher in the draft. A leader on the line who has very high football intelligence. If he is coached properly, he can be a very good NFL guard.

10. OT Oniel Cousins, UTEP

Cousins is one of the most versatile tackles in the draft, as he can play anywhere on the line and still do a very good job, with his niche being on the outside playing tackle. Has the swagger of a franchise left tackle to him, and very long arms, with above average mobility. Seems too nice at times though, and won't be an intimidating run blocker like Albert or Otah. In terms of potential, he is only getting better and could help a team if given time to develop.


Honorable Mentions:

-OG Donald Thomas, Connecticut
-OC Doug Legursky, Marshall
-OC Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green
-OC Steve Justice, Wake Forest
-OC Mike Pollak, Arizona St.

Pre-Draft Sleepers

If the NFL draft has taught us one thing, it is that there is a hidden gem or two found under a rock every single season. This season will bare watching to see who this years diamond in the rough will be, and here is the 411 on a few guys (by position) who should be noted with the draft so close:

1. QB Thomas-Clinton (T.C.) Ostrander, Stanford

Ostrander is my personal favorite of any 7th round-Free Agent type player in this draft. He possesses many abilities and has an accurate delivery, along with good mechanics, and can make every throw necessary. Prototypical QB measurables, as he stands at 6'3 and 227 lbs. You won't realize what a gem Ostrander can be by looking at his stats however, as he posted a mere 1,422 yards passing and 7 TD's in 8 starts as a senior. He spent most of his career backing up Trent Edwards and has only 12 career starts, so experience is in question, but he is the type of player that can either be nothing more then his grade (Late Round-FA), or he could be a total steal.


2. WR Ernie Wheelwright, Minnesota

Wheelwright has plenty of experience as he was a four year starter on the Golden Gophers, and actually ranks 3rd in Gophers history in career receptions & receiving yards and 2nd in receiving touchdowns. He doesn't have either the speed/burst, the route running ability, or even the consistency in his favor, however, he possesses great ball skills, timing his jumps well, extremely durable, a dominant Red-Zone receiver, and even with just marginal speed, can get deep.


3. WR Edward Williams, Lane

Lane University's second big time WR prospect in as many years (last year with Jacoby Jones - Texans, 3rd round) and he has similarities to his predecessor as well. Large frame, and is extremely aggressive and out muscles even the strongest of DB's for the football. Williams also has very long arms, a solid route running ability to hang his hat on, and most of all, is not afraid to work the middle and take a hit if need be. Doesn't run away from defenders well, and didn't play against the best of competition, but Edward Williams garners attention nonetheless.


4. OL Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bentley

Bernadeau has been on my list for quite some time. The division II - All American has had plenty of success this past season and for the most part, dominated the low grade of competition. He seems too nice however, and when he isn't at his best, you might as well take him out. He disappears too often, but the athleticism, and the versatility make him a solid consideration at then late stages of the draft.


5. DE Eric Foster, Rutgers

Probably the most underrated 3-4 DE in this draft, as he is coming off of a solid season which he anchored the Rutgers defense all the way to the International Bowl this year. Notching a total of 115 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks over the last two season, Foster has shown what he can do. However, Foster seems to fit the bill as a tweener that isn't big enough to play inside, but lacks the speed to play outside. Overall, he warrants consideration and shouldn't go undrafted, but would make for excellent value after round 5.


6. LB David Voborra, Idaho

Voborra has such immense stats over the course of the past two season combining for a total of 270 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 INT's. However, he seems to not be strong enough to fit the style of the NFL linebacker. He is a little undersized and lacks real bulk for an outside linebacker, and has little speed above all else. Yet, he seems to always be making plays as he is more smart then athletic. Could be a real steal if taken in rounds 6 or 7.


7. CB Jack Williams, Kent St.

Not as much of a sleeper at this point, but still is not given as much respect as I feel he should be. Jack Williams has become known as a very speedy and quick CB and this analysis is very true, however, he is also one of the best leapers out of this group of CB's along with having very good hands; yet his best quality comes in his tackling ability. Williams made over 60 tackles in all 3 of his seasons as a full time starter along with 93 in his senior season. May not be ranked as high as his former teammate Usama Young, but likely will be a better player.