2010 Interior Offensive Linemen

One of the most overlooked groups of prospects every year is the interior linemen. This can be attributed to the fact that linemen rarely get any publicity and most years there are not many first round quality players at these positions. This year is the exception. There are two sure fire first round picks in Mike Iupati and Maurkice Pouncey. The former is a standout from Idaho. A massive, road grader, he is destined for guard at the next level. He has a huge build with elite strength...combine that with a true 'mean streak' and good enough agility and movement, and you have yourself a first round guard prospect. He doesn't have the feet or balance to be a tackle at the next level and he did only play at Idaho, so his level of experience is in question. Despite this, he should find a home in the NFL as a fixture at left or right guard for someone for the next decade.

While Iupati is the rare first round guard, he isn't the best interior lineman in this draft. That title goes to Maurkice Pouncey out of Florida. Pouncey, a better prospect than Alex Mack was last year (drafted 21st overall), is as good as center prospects get. He is an elite run blocker in every sense.... powerful off the snap, extremely physical, gets to the second level quickly and effectively, very good on plays such as stretches, pulls, counters. He also is a proven pass blocker. He has good footwork, good hand placement, and moves exceptionally quickly for a man of his size. Coming out of Florida, he has a ton of experience playing talented opponents, and he is very battle tested and durable, as seen through his 39 career starts.
Pouncey, who is 6'5 305, has a great frame for a center and should be an immediate starter for whoever drafts him. He should be a top 20 pick, with his ceiling being #11 to Denver, which is extremely high for an interior lineman.

Another guy to keep your eye out for is Roger Saffold out of Indiana. A guard/possible tackle, Saffold had an amazing off season. He dominated the senior bowl before some solid work outs at the combine. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Saffold taken in early round 2 with the possibility of a team moving him out to tackle.
Here are my rankings:
1) Maurkice Pouncey, C Florida (Round 1)
2) Mike Iupati, OG Idaho (Round 1)
3) Roger Saffold, OG Indiana (Round 2)
4) JD Walton, C Baylor (Round 2-3)
5) Matt Tennant, C Boston College (Round 3)
6) Zane Beadles, OG Utah (Round 3)
7) Jon Asamoah, OG Illinois (Round 3)
8) John Jerry, OG Ole Miss (Round 3-4)
9) Mike Johnson, OG Alabama (Round 4)
10) Eric Olsen, C Notre Dame (Round 5)