1. Mike Johnson, Alabama - Johnson good size at 6' 6" and 300 pounds. While he has shown the ability to play both guard and tackle at Alabama, the position that he will play in the NFL is offensive guard. He is a very good run blocker and is a good athlete who moves his feet well. The All-SEC performer shows that he can play through pain and has somewhat of a nasty streak on the football field. Effort isn't an issue at all, as he will go hard every play.
2. Mike Iupati, Idaho – Iupati is 6' 6" and 330 pounds, and is a very powerful man. He's a good run blocker, but the Vandal needs to improve his pass blocking skills. Sometimes he will get his pad level too high coming out of his stance, so he needs to work at staying lower than the defensive lineman. But he is a guy that has so much strength that he can get away with it to some extent. If he can correct that aspect of his game and improve his technique, Iupati could be a dominant offensive guard at the next level.
3. Jon Asamoah, Illinois - Asamoah has been starting for Illinois since his freshman year and has helped return the Illini to contention (see Rose Bowl appearance in 2007). The 6' 5", 315-pound guard is very light on his feet and does a good job in both the passing game, as well as the running game.
4. Mitch Petrus, Arkansas – Petrus has played many position as a Razorback. He came to Arkansas as a tight end and was moved to fullback, before finally finding a home on the offensive line. As a sophomore, he blocked for Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) and Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) and last season Petrus paved the way for Michael Smith, playing in all 13 games and starting 12. With his background it comes as no surprise that he is a better than average athlete for an interior lineman or that he has the ability to pull to make plays on the perimeter. Petrus has good size at 6' 4" and 315 pounds, but still needs to get a little stronger to be a big factor in the running game.
5. Thomas Austin, Clemson – Austin has been playing on the offensive line since he was a freshman and is a good overall football player, who has the athleticism to play in space and the strength to take care of business in a phone booth. He has good size at 6' 4" and 310 pounds. Versatility will help this Tiger's stock, as Austin could play guard or center at the next level without missing a beat.
6. Shelley Smith, Colorado State – Smith is 6' 4" and 300 pounds, in addition to being a very good overall athlete. He is one of the most talented offensive linemen in the Mountain West Conference, with the ability to pull and adjust on the run. Smith combines good speed and great strength making him an effective blocker. He is a guy that is going to maul the defensive lineman, as well as use his athletic ability. At the next level, this Ram will fit best in a zone blocking system.
7.John Jerry, Mississippi – Jerry has started on the offensive line since day one at Mississippi. He possesses great size at 6' 6" and 335 pounds, and has played both offensive guard and right tackle. While Jerry could play right tackle at the next level, he will likely kick inside on Sundays and use his strength and power, his top two assets in the trenches. His ability to provide depth at tackle is a plus. Jerry's brother Peria was a first round pick of the Atlanta Falcons this past April.
8. Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts – Ducasse is from Haiti, where American football is not played. The fact that Ducasse never experienced the sport until coming to the United States in 2002 and has emerged as an NFL prospect is rather impressive. At 6' 5" and 330 pounds, the Minuteman uses his pure strength to man handle opponents. It is his best asset at this point, because he simply hasn’t played football that long. He is a good overall athlete and has played left tackle, but should be an offensive guard at the next level. As he plays the game more he will get better and could move up the draft chats because of that. 9. Sergio Render, Virginia Tech – Render has great strength at 6' 4" and 315 pounds, and is a physical player that will be looked to for leadership this season. He has been a three-year starter for the Hokies and is one of the most naturally gifted linemen to come through their program. He is so strong and talented that at times he relies on his raw ability rather than sound technique, which he will need to change if he is going to play on Sundays. In addition, the Hokie needs to be more consistent. He did not participate in spring drills following shoulder surgery, and has moved to left guard this season.
10. Reggie Stephens, Iowa State – Stephens hasn't missed a game since he started the last four games at right offensive guard as a freshman. He is a very consistent offensive lineman who does an excellent job in his technique. Stephens has good size at 6' 3" and 333 pounds, a strong player who uses his size well. He has good, but not great feet and has never played anything beside the offensive guard position at Iowa State. For more from Justin Van Fulpen be sure to check out our 2010 NFL Draft Central.
You can also listen to Justin every Thursday at 6:30 PM EST on the Draft Digest Show on All Access Football Radio.
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