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NFL.com
Best Offenfive Linemen
OT | OG
| C
by Gil Brandt
Special to NFL.com
Remember the age-old question "Where's
the beef?" The answer is in the 2002 NFL Draft. This year's class will
give some teams a chance to pick the kind of cornerstone offensive lineman
that can keep a ground game afloat for years. Heading up this year's class
are Texas RT Mike Williams and Miami LT Bryant McKinnie.
TACKLES
MARC COLOMBO, BOSTON COLLEGE
Height: 6-8
|
Weight: 295
|
Birthdate: Oct. 8, 1978
|
ANALYSIS |
This Boston native and
die-hard Boston fanatic is part of a football family that includes cousin
Steven Marciano, a former BC player. His skills are equally impressive
as he captained an offensive line that enabled running back William Green
to gain 1,559 yards in 2001, averaging nearly six yards per carry. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Colombo has the
look of a starting left tackle in the NFL. Light on his feet, with an understanding
of the nuances of the position, Colombo does a great job keeping defensive
ends at bay in pass-blocking situations. Keep in mind, he opened the year
at right tackle before shifting to the left side in the season's third
game."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN
"Strong, tough, aggressive and he
can pass-protect."
— Mike Detillier, M&D
Draft Report |
MOMENTUM |
Colombo will bring a
lot to an NFL team. As a versatile athlete growing up, Colombo excelled
in baseball and basketball, so he can be counted on to be a disciplined
team player. In addition, a tackle his size should get plenty of attention
before the draft. |
LEVI JONES, ARIZONA STATE
Height: 6-5
|
Weight: 320
|
Birthdate: Aug. 24, 1979
|
ANALYSIS |
Jones is a former walk-on
who originally came to ASU on an academic scholarship. Jones teamed with
fellow Sun Devil and 2002 NFL draft prospect Scott Peters. As a 2001 Football
News second-team All-American, Jones has not only shown the skills
to play, but has been recognized for them. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Jones is an exceptional
pass blocker and super in running situations. He's very athletic with good
size, speed and power. Some see him playing guard in the NFL, but most
think he has the potential to be an excellent tackle."
— HoustonProFootball.com
"Has ideal size and plays with strength.
Has the tools to play left tackle. Can move and get to linebackers. Is
a former defensive lineman and guard who still is learning his position.
Needs to be more consistent."
— Dan Pompei, The Sporting
News |
MOMENTUM |
Jones may not be a top
10 pick, but there's little doubt that he will have a strong NFL career. |
BRYANT McKINNIE, MIAMI (FL)
Height: 6-7
|
Weight: 325
|
Birthdate: Sept. 23, 1979
|
ANALYSIS |
McKinnie has emerged
over the past two seasons to be one of the best offensive linemen in college
football. His tremendous size and skill helped him win the Outland Trophy
for best lineman in the country. A consensus first-team All-American, McKinnie
was a huge part of the Hurricanes' National Championship season, keying
an offense that averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"(McKinnie) combines
superior size and athleticism with a defensive mentality; has shown he
can get the job done against topnotch pass rushers."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN
"Bryant McKinnie is like one huge
mystery. He reaches out, grabs the defensive lineman and they're done.
But you don't realize exactly how he does it."
— Former UM teammate Sherko Haji-Rasouli |
MOMENTUM |
Many general managers
believe offensive tackles like McKinnie are well worth the draft pick.
If McKinnie were to stay healthy throughout his career, he should end up
becoming the type of franchise player Orlando Pace or Jonathan Ogden have
become to their teams. |
MIKE PEARSON, FLORIDA
Height: 6-7
|
Weight: 292
|
Birthdate: Aug. 22, 1980
|
ANALYSIS |
In Gator country, they
don't come any bigger than Mike Pearson. At 6-foot-7, Pearson is taller
than his former teammate, current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Kenyatta Walker,
and he is just as heralded. As a part of the Gators, Pearson helped the
team run all the way to the Orange Bowl in 2001. The Gators averaged 4.2
yards per carry in 2001, thanks to an offensive line anchored by Pearson. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Pearson is a
solid offensive player. He has played several positions on the line in
his career and this points out his versatility and talent. He is solid
in pass protection and does an excellent job of sliding out and picking
up speed rushers. He is strong at the point, plays with good technique,
and has a solid understanding of the game."
— Football Corner
"A phenomenal talent at offensive
tackle that would easily be the No. 1 player at his position most years.
Excellent size and overall athleticism, and is a fine blocker in both the
passing and running game. The fact that Pearson, as a sophomore, kept 2001
first-round choice Kenyatta Walker playing right tackle in an offense built
around the pass as much as the Gators' is simply a testament to this kid's
ability."
— Rob "Boomer" Rang |
MOMENTUM |
If Pearson can follow
in the footsteps of other UF tackles, including Walker, he can be a solid
addition in the NFL. Very rarely is someone both underaged and experienced,
but Pearson is both of those, and he will definitely raise some eyebrows
in April. |
MIKE WILLIAMS, TEXAS
Height: 6-6
|
Weight: 365
|
Birthdate: Jan. 11, 1980
|
ANALYSIS |
Williams enters the
draft as a shoo-in to be an NFL impact player. Several coaches and GMs
saw his incredible displays of power during the 2001 season, as he helped
the Longhorns go 11-2. Williams anchored an offensive line that helped
churn out 4.1 yards per rush in 2001. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Mike Williams
is a guy who has real good size. He's an excellent athlete, an excellent
pass-blocker, and he can run-block. He gives you the total package."
— Houston Texans GM Charley Casserly
"Unbelievable specimen. Uses his
freakish size and strength and dominates oncoming defenders. Great lateral
movement to take defensive ends off track. Excels in pass protection. Dominant
at run blocking."
— Chris Steuber, Firstdowninc.com |
MOMENTUM |
After playing in several
big games throughout his career, there's no question Williams is ready
for the NFL. He follows in the footsteps of former teammate and former
No. 2 overall draft pick Leonard Davis of Arizona. |
GUARDS
TONIU FONOTI, NEBRASKA
Height: 6-3
|
Weight: 330
|
Birthdate: Nov. 26, 1981
|
ANALYSIS |
A native of Hauula,
Hawaii, Fonoti was the heart and soul of the Cornhuskers' offensive line.
A first-team All-American and Outland Trophy finalist, Fonoti brought opposing
defenses to their knees, enabling backfield players like Eric Crouch to
run wild on opposing defenses. Fonoti also became the fifth 'Husker to
record more than 300 pancake blocks in a career. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Fonoti is a rare
impact interior lineman. His size and skill make him an instant starter.
Fonoti has the mass that many NFL front office officials drool over, and
by just referring to that size could make him a late first round selection.
He will most likely be the first offensive guard selected in the entire
draft."
— Chris Steuber, Firstdowninc.com
"A powerful pancake blocker with
unbelievable strength. Fonoti has an ability to manhandle people as a run
blocker, and the size and feet to be a tackle."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN |
MOMENTUM |
His amazing mass and
strength makes him a top candidate for any guard position in the NFL. The
only question is if he has enough experience against solid defensive linemen,
and if he can hang in a pro-style pass-blocking scheme. |
ANDRE GURODE, COLORADO
Height: 6-3
|
Weight: 315
|
Birthdate: March 6, 1978
|
ANALYSIS |
Colorado's starting
right guard is one of the nation's best linemen. Was a key component in
bowling over the Cornhuskers in Colorado's 62-36 victory over Nebraska
in 2001. Colorado had 380 rushing yards in that contest. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"In my opinion,
there is not a better lineman in (the Big XII conference) than Andre Gurode."
— Colorado offensive line coach
Steve Marshall
"A wide body who can play guard
or center. ... He is sold all the way around. People are impressed with
his frame, and he has very long arms to go with his wide base."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN |
MOMENTUM |
Another Big 12 lineman
entering the draft. Like other Big 12 linemen, Gurode has not lined up
against stout competition. Unlike some of his counterparts, Gurode has
played in several big games. The Buffs played Fresno State, Nebraska and
Oregon in 2001 en route to a strong 10-3 season. |
KENDALL SIMMONS, AUBURN
Height: 6-2
|
Weight: 310
|
Birthdate: March 11, 1979
|
ANALYSIS |
After starting his collegiate
career as a guard, Simmons developed into a solid left tackle for Auburn.
Despite ankle surgery before his junior year, Simmons was a staple on the
Tigers' offensive line for years. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Kendall Simmons
is one of the best in the country and must stay healthy for the line to
be effective."
— CollegeFootballNews.com
"Kendall Simmons is one of the best
linemen I've been around. He had both ankles operated on after the first
season we were here. That's devastating to an offensive lineman, but he's
overcome that. I recruited him when we were at Ole Miss, but he came to
Auburn. He's much stronger now, and ready to go."
— Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville |
MOMENTUM |
Simmons has been battle-tested,
not only by playing in the SEC against defenders like Alex Brown of Florida
and Kalimba Edwards of South Carolina, but also went head-to-head with
Julius Peppers of North Carolina. If a team is looking for an experienced,
trustworthy lineman, Simmons is a top candidate. |
FRED WEARY, TENNESSEE
Height: 6-4
|
Weight: 301
|
Birthdate: Sept. 30, 1977
|
ANALYSIS |
Weary started all 12
games for the Vols in 2001. He combines excellent size, strength and skill
to dominate his opponents. As a team captain, Weary was the leader of an
offensive line that helped Travis Stephens set the Volunteers' single-season
rushing record. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Is versatile
and can play center in a pinch. Can move well for a big guy. Is athletic.
Will get out and hit the moving target and is the type of guard who excels
at pulling and trapping. He is skilled in pass protection as his man almost
never gets to the quarterback. He can slide well. Shows adequate change-of-direction
skills and the ability to mirror double moves. He uses really good leverage
and he comes off the snap low and hard."
— TSN
"(Weary) has a ton of talent. He
is big and thick with a well-developed upper and lower body."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN |
MOMENTUM |
Despite having surgery
in 2000, Weary's play at guard was strong in 2001. His experience blocking
for running backs Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and Travis Stephens speaks
volumes about Weary's consistent, hard-nosed play. |
CENTERS
LeCHARLES BENTLEY, OHIO STATE
Height: 6-1
|
Weight: 290
|
Birthdate: Nov. 7, 1979
|
ANALYSIS |
An All-America and Outland
Trophy candidate, Bentley was a major factor for the Buckeyes in 2001.
In fact, Bentley took home the Dave Rimington Trophy, given to college
football's top center. Bentley spent three years as the starter for the
team on the offensive line, playing guard and tackle as well as center.
Showed what he's made of in 2000 when he played through a painful back
injury. The team gained 2,157 yards in 2001 with Bentley leading the O-Line. |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Bentley can play
center, guard or tackle at a high level, which is quite an accomplishment
considering many thought he'd be too small to really excel in the rough-and-tumble
Big 10. Bentley also has a wonderful work ethic. He's made ahead-of-schedule
returns from two injuries the past two years, and coaches credit his dedication
in the weight room and at the trainer's table to his early comebacks."
— HoustonProFootball.com
"An excellent player with great
feet. While he has a strong lower body, the powerhouse defensive tackles
who weigh 320 pounds could give him some trouble. He may require a little
bit of help."
— Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN |
MOMENTUM |
If he's anything like
fellow Ohio State alumnus Orlando Pace, he'll be a cornerstone in the NFL.
His huge size compares to the general prototype of an NFL center, so he
should fit right in. Playing in the Big Ten has also given Bentley the
experience of playing in big games. |
MELVIN FOWLER, MARYLAND
Height: 6-3
|
Weight: 295
|
Birthdate: March 31, 1979
|
ANALYSIS |
How's this for good:
Fowler has started every college game he's played in. Initially a defensive
lineman, Fowler made the switch to center in 1998. Fowler is an explosive
player who attacks the line of scrimmage and an "Iron Terp" -- meaning
that he ranked in the top three on the team in every strength discipline
(strength index, bench, squat, clean, vertical jump and 40 time). |
WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING |
"Is a consistent
player who is fundamentally sound. Isn't exceptionally strong or athletic,
but makes up for it with good technique. Finds a way to get guys blocked."
— Dan Pompei, The Sporting
News
"Is an athletic center with good
footwork. Has good quickness, and moves well laterally. Can reach and block
linebackers. Does an above-average job of blocking in the open field. Is
good at recognizing and pickup stunts and blitzes. Plays with adequate
power, and stays on his feet. Shows good instincts, and does a nice job
with line audibles. Shows good awareness, is technically sound and is a
hard worker. Has outstanding intangibles, and is coachable."
— TSN |
MOMENTUM |
Fowler matches up size-wise
almost exactly to Dolphins center Tim Ruddy. Fowler describes himself as
"relentless," which is a fantastic quality to have as a center in the NFL. |
OTHER
TACKLES |
NAME |
COLLEGE |
HEIGHT |
WEIGHT |
Matt Anderle |
Minnesota |
6-6 |
315 |
Thomas Barnett |
Kansas St. |
6-4 |
295 |
Reggie Coleman |
Tennessee |
6-4 |
315 |
Michael Collins |
Wake Forest |
6-5 |
315 |
Konrad Dean |
Akron |
6-3 |
297 |
Giovanni DeLoatch |
Syracuse |
6-5 |
307 |
Joaquin Gonzalez |
Miami (FL) |
6-4 |
290 |
Jeff Hatch |
Penn |
6-7 |
300 |
Artis Hicks |
Memphis |
6-4 |
315 |
Matt Hill |
Boise St. |
6-5 |
295 |
Gary Hobbs |
Jacksonville St. (Ala.) |
6-6 |
315 |
Marcel Howard |
Iowa St. |
6-5 |
313 |
Greg Jerman |
Baylor |
6-5 |
295 |
Doug Kaufusi |
Utah |
6-6 |
308 |
Kevin Kemp |
Northeastern St. (Okla.) |
6-4 |
360 |
Matt Knutson |
North Dakota |
6-6 |
325 |
Chester Pitts |
San Diego St. |
6-4 |
310 |
Victor Rogers |
Colorado |
6-6 |
330 |
Julian Ross |
Rutgers |
6-3 |
290 |
Kevin Shaffer |
Tulsa |
6-5 |
290 |
Joseph Slaten |
S. Methodist |
6-6 |
311 |
Akil Smith |
Clemson |
6-4 |
290 |
Langston Walker |
California |
6-7 |
340 |
Tyson Walter |
Ohio St. |
6-4 |
300 |
Dave Volk |
Nebraska |
6-4 |
300 |
Kurt Vollers |
Notre Dame |
6-6 |
310 |
OTHER
GUARDS |
NAME |
COLLEGE |
HEIGHT |
WEIGHT |
Kevin Barry |
Arizona |
6-3 |
325 |
Martin Bibla |
Miami (FL) |
6-3 |
290 |
Alonzo Cunningham |
Iowa |
6-4 |
310 |
Howard Duncan |
Oklahoma |
6-3 |
291 |
Steve Edwards |
Central Florida |
6-4 |
345 |
Jonathan Goodwin |
Michigan |
6-3 |
295 |
Eric Heitman |
Stanford |
6-3 |
295 |
Jermese Jones |
Virginia |
6-5 |
335 |
Antwan Kirk-Hughes |
Texas |
6-3 |
310 |
Kyle Kosier |
Arizona St. |
6-4 |
290 |
Jay Kulaga |
Illinois |
6-5 |
306 |
Broderick Lancaster |
Colorado St. |
6-3 |
315 |
Terrence Metcalf |
Mississippi |
6-3 |
315 |
Qasim Mitchell |
N.C. A&T |
6-5 |
353 |
Shannon Money |
Arkansas |
6-3 |
310 |
Sean O'Connor |
Syracuse |
6-3 |
295 |
Melvin Paige |
South Carolina |
6-4 |
310 |
Dwayne Pierce |
Louisiana St. |
6-1 |
330 |
Mike Pucillo |
Auburn |
6-3 |
315 |
Frank Romero |
Oklahoma |
6-3 |
290 |
Wayne Smith |
Applachian St. |
6-1 |
300 |
Ed Ta'Amu |
Utah |
6-1 |
320 |
Joel Tautuaa |
San Jose St. |
6-3 |
365 |
Teag Whiting |
Brigham Young |
6-2 |
296 |
Richard Williams |
Gardner-Webb |
6-3 |
345 |
OTHER
CENTERS |
NAME |
COLLEGE |
HEIGHT |
WEIGHT |
P.J. Alexander |
Syracuse |
6-4 |
295 |
Jason Ball |
New Hampshire |
6-2 |
310 |
Kyle Benn |
Washington |
6-2 |
300 |
Luke Butkus |
Illinois |
6-3 |
285 |
Andy Eby |
Kansas St. |
6-3 |
275 |
Chris Gibson |
Oregon St. |
6-3 |
282 |
Benedict Ibisi |
Tennessee St. |
6-0 |
288 |
Larrell Johnson |
South Carolina |
6-1 |
300 |
Brad Knell |
West Virginia |
6-4 |
290 |
Brandon Ludwig |
Cal |
6-3 |
290 |
Curt McGill |
Georgia |
6-3 |
280 |
Seth McKinney |
Texas A&M |
6-3 |
295 |
Craig Osika |
Indiana |
6-3 |
285 |
Scott Peters |
Arizona St. |
6-2 |
300 |
Zach Quaccia |
Stanford |
6-4 |
316 |
Kenny Sandlin |
Arkansas |
6-2 |
318 |
Jason Scukanec |
BYU |
6-2 |
286 |
Terence Wagner |
Cal St.-Sacramento |
6-2 |
285 |
Jared Woodson |
Virginia |
6-5 |
290 |
Zac Zedalis |
Florida |
6-2 |
290 |
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