NFL – 2010 draft watch: Top Offensive Linemen

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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