The rest of the offensive line pool beyond the tackles does not have very much to get excited about. Brandon Albert from Virginia is the only not OT prospect who has a first round grade. Beyond him, only a handful of players have even a first day grade. There is no doubt, tackle is the money-maker on the offensive line, but teams like Minnesota and San Diego, who run the ball so effectively, get strong play from their interior to run between the tackles. In addition, these interior players often have a better chance of having success right away. Top pick D'Brickashaw Ferguson of the Jets still has not settled in as a LT in the NFL, but C Nic Mangold, who was taken at the bottom of the first round, is arguably the best player on the Jets line right now. The 2008 class, while it may lack great depth or outstanding blue-chippers at the top, certainly has players capable of helping teams upfront right away.
Guards
1. Brandon Albert 6-6 309 Virginia
Albert's stock has risen considerably this season and now represents the only first round prospect along the interior. He uses his gargantuan frame and extremely long arms to keep defenders at bay. The problem is he lacks explosion and punch when making contact and isn't going to blow anyone off the line. For a man his size, Albert possesses excellent footwork and quickness in space. His mean streak and demeanor do not necessarily translate into physicality, but he is tough and versatile. Albert gets to the second level well and flashes the ability to hit moving targets when pulling around the corner. Much like former Cav D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Albert is a much better pass blocker than run blocker at this point. He does utilize outstanding technique and it can get him off balance at times. In addition, Albert seems to take plays off if he isn't play side and can't necessarily be counted on to hustle down field to throw a second or third block. Some experience at tackle gives him added versatility and appeal for teams. Albert will likely be the first interior lineman selected and a team like Pittsburgh could take him late in the first round.
2. Chilo Rachal 6-4 313 USC
Rachal possesses a significantly different skill set than Albert. The former USC Trojan is a powerful drive blocker who can get good push up front. While he is not as athletic as Albert, Rachal can turn the corner and will engulf smaller defenders like linebackers and safeties on sweeps and traps. As a pass blocker, Rachal has a solid anchor and will not get pushed back into the pocket by power rushers inside. He uses his smarts and awareness to pick up stunts and blitzes. On the other hand, he lacks ideal athleticism and will struggle against double moves particularly when nimble rush ends come inside. Utilizes solid technique overall, but does not cut-block effectively. In addition, if his defender is not where he "should" be, rather than getting in position, Rachal has a tendency to lunge and get off balance. Rachal will not be right in all offensive systems and could have used another year of polishing at USC. However, he is one of the few top-level prospects at the position and will come likely come off the board in the second round.
3. Roy Schuening 6-4 317 Oregon State
The most experienced player on this list, Schuening was a four year starter at Oregon State, playing a school record 50 consecutive games. He even started at tackle due to injuries, giving him added versatility on the next level. Schuening won't impress with great athleticism, but he is a fighter inside who uses great technique and desire, outworking defenders. Great footwork and strong anchor keeps him from getting run over or run by in pass protection.He has outstanding leadership qualities and attitude, and is the kind of tough player ever NFL team wants. The former Beaver has decent range despite not having great quickness. However, he struggles to hit moving targets on the second level when pulling. Schuening is not a violent hitter or explosive off the ball, although he is rarely out of position and uses his frame effectively to wall defenders. Although he lacks ideal physical tools, Schuening's record against top-level competition speaks for itself. He could come off the board as early as the third round.
4. Eric Young 6-4 305 Tennessee
Young played out of position at tackle more of his college career and as a result, scouts aren't sure just what they will get from the former Volunteer. In addition, Young tore his quadriceps muscle after 8 games and was lost for the season. If he checks out medically, he will still have some upside. Young's best attribute is his excellent upper body strength and initial burst. His time at tackle has given him above average pass protection skills for a guard as he slides well laterally and uses his hands well. Young does not have great athletic ability overall and struggles in space. That could mean problems being effective on the second level when pulling. Questions about durability and his true position are large concerns at this point for Eric Young. The bottom line is, we just don't really know what we'll get from him, or where he belongs. If his legs check out and he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a solid starter at guard in the NFL. For that reason, he could go late third, but more than likely will fall to the fourth.
5. Michael McGlynn 6-5 315 Pittsburgh
McGlynn also played tackle most of his career at Pitt, although he played several games at guard his senior season. Deficiencies on the edge mean a position shift could be in McGlynn's future. He was excellent against bull rushers on the corners and plays with a solid anchor in pass sets. However, he does not have overwhelming strength or power, and lacks initial pop. The former Pitt Panthers has a great motor and will fight until the whistle. He has the ability to lock onto defenders and hold his ground. He does not take many false steps and has adequate, but not excellent initial quickness off the line. As a run blocker, McGlynn takes solid angles but his ability to make blocks in space is a question mark. He also has the ability to generate a good push playing with solid leverage rather than relying on brute strength. Unlike Young, McGlynn has been extremely durable and has a great attitude and motor. He also he versatility being able to play either guard slot or right tackle. Expect McGlynn to fall in the fourth round area.
Centers
1. Mike Pollak 6-4 299 Arizona State
Pollak's athleticism ranks as high as any in this draft at any line position. ASU moved him all over the field, pulling him to utilize his quickness and agility. For a center, that means even more because he must snap the ball and then move. As a second level blocker, Pollak is just as effective as he is up front, consistently getting his man in space. He does not possess outstanding strength and could struggle in a power running system where he is consistently asked to take on 340 pound nose tackles. Despite that, he does display excellent initial punch and push in the run game. In pass protection, Pollak does a effective job playing with balance and good knee-bend. He has the intelligence to get schemes right and recognize blitzes. He will really fit in well in a zone blocking system and is a top 50 player based on his athleticism and intangibles. That means a second round talent, but don't be surprised if he falls to the late second or even third round.
2. Steven Justice 6-3 289 Wake Forest
Justice and Pollak are very similar players and it wouldn't be surprising if teams had Justice ranked ahead of Pollak. Much like Pollak, Justice's biggest strength is his quickness and ability to work down the line. He gets in position efficiently and uses solid technique to wall defenders. Justice has the awareness to make pre-snap reads and adjustments. Justice will lock on and sustain blocks until the whistle and is always looking to get to the second level to knock people out. The biggest difference between Justice and Pollak is that Justice sometimes struggles getting his arms extended, particularly in combo blocks. Justice has struggled with consistency at times. He also lacks the strength to take on nose tackles. He started 39 consecutive games at Wake and played against some excellent defensive lines in the ACC. Like Pollak, Justice is best suited for a zone scheme and has enough ability to start with time. Justice projects as a third round pick, but a team who values him ahead of Pollak in need of a center, may take him in the late second.
3. John Sullivan 6-3 301 Notre Dame
This Golden Domer has some of the qualities guys like Justice and Pollak lack. Sullivan plays with excellent leverage and rarely gets pushed back once locked on. In addition, Sullivan has better size and strength. He has a strong anchor, giving him a better chance against power rushers inside and plays with incredible passion. Unfortunately for Sullivan, he does not have the kind of mobility as the guys ahead of him. He plays off-balance at time and will lunge a little too much. Interestingly, he is an effective cut blocker, but scouts believe he falls in love with the cut and gets lazy at times. A disappointing senior season has not kept Sullivan out of the top three center prospects, which speaks both to his abilities and the depth of the position in 2008. Sullivans strength and passion compared to the undersized center ahead of him, will make him attractive to many teams because of his ability to play in multiple offensive systems. Sullivan is a late third round early fourth round talent and he will likely go somewhere in the mid-rounds.
4. Cody Wallace 6-4 296 Texas A&M
If you were to go teach the center position, Wallace would not be the guy to look at. However, Wallace has great football knowledge and awareness and always seems to be in position. He also plays with a nasty attitude and loves to fight in the trenches. He does take false steps and can play out of control at times, lunging at defenders. His play at A&M was erratic, but no one ever questioned his desire or intensity. Wallace possesses tremendous upper body strength and once he latches on, he has the ability to sustain to the whistle. While not superiorly built in terms of size, Wallace plays with a wide, strong base and can match-up with bigger, physical players inside. Recognizes the blitz well, but Wallace lacks the athletic ability to get in proper position against quicker players and that is when he gets in trouble lunging. There is simply no denying his 36 straight starts playing in the physical Big 12 Conference against some of the best defenses in the nation. Wallace has some starting potential, but has limited upside. That makes him a late fourth round or fifth round pick.
5. Kory Lichtensteiger 6-2 298 Bowling Green
While the term "overachiever" seems overused and poorly defined, we can loosely apply it to this 4 year starter. Lichtensteiger plays with an attitude, working hard and not giving up on plays. He has solid intangibles and uses his technique to mask his lack of athletic ability. He has good punch,but not tremendous strength overall. By taking good angles, he can mask his lack of range athletically, but Lichtensteiger gets into position efficiently and can get to the second level. While he has strength, he isn't going to re-direct defenders with consistently. His balance and anchor helps him against bull rushers, but he will struggle inside against the kind of massive d-tackles in the NFL. Lichtensteiger has some athletic limitations, but he understands them and has excellent knowledge and awareness. What you see is what you get to some degree as his upside is limited. However, he has experience at guard and center and that versatility will give him better value for teams looking to add overall depth along the line. He probably comes off the board in the fifth round.
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