NFL Draft Preview: Offensive Line

I really like this group of offensive tackles. You can find a starting right tackle as low as #7 on this list. That’s likely early in the third round. There are also plenty of players lower who have the athleticism to develop into a starter if they improve their technique. This is one of the deepest position in the entire draft.

Oct 15, 2011; Pullman, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive guard David DeCastro (52) looks to make a block against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE

Guard isn’t usually a position that gets drafted very high, but Stanford’s DeCastro likely goes in the top 10. Glen could also go in round 1, with 2 others going in round 2. This is an especially good group of guards, at least at the top of the draft. It drops off a bit after the top 4, so don’t expect to see many go in rounds 2 or 3, but there’s good depth in the mid to late rounds.

Teams looking for a starting center in this years draft better be willing to trade up to Wisconsin C Peter Konz. He appears to be the only one of this class that is destined to be more than a backup in the NFL, though Jones and Brewster have enough talent that they might develop into a starting caliber player down the road.

The Seahawks need help on the offensive line again, in spite of taking 2 players in the top 3 rounds last season, and 4 players in the top half of the draft over the past 3 seasons. Until Carpenter shows he can fully return from his injury (likely not until 2013) the Seahawks need to continue to look to the future and draft offensive linemen.

DeCastro will be an interesting dilemma if he drops to #12, but I don’t think he will. Otherwise, don’t see the Seahawks taking an offensive linemen until somewhere in rounds 3-5. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Seahawks take a OT and a OG in this draft if they end up getting a couple extra picks by trading down.