Denver Post draft expert Jeff Legwold provides his list of the top offensive linemen available in the NFL’s April 26-28 draft.
1. , T, USC, 6-foot-6½, 306 pounds. The best left tackle on this year’s draft board, so he will be the first offensive lineman taken. Versatile enough to block four kicks on special teams last season.
2. , T, Iowa, 6-6, 313. A few teams have Reiff above Kalil on the draft board. A former defensive lineman, Reiff is technically sound.
3. , G, Stanford, 6-5, 316. Stanford coach David Shaw sees a lot of Steve Wisniewski, a former all-pro, in De- Castro. Enough said.
4. , G-T, Georgia, 6-6, 345. Made 50 starts for the Bulldogs — 28 at left guard, 18 at left tackle and four at right guard. That versatility and his size make him a first-rounder.
5. , T, Ohio State, 6-7, 323. Some teams question his work ethic. Also, he was one of the Buckeyes suspended for selling memorabilia. But the NFL loves his size.
OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford; Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin; Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State; Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin; Bobby Massie, T, Mississippi; Kelechi Osemele, T-G, Iowa State; Jeff Allen, T, Illinois; Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida State.
BIGGEST QUESTION MARK
, Stanford. Could go anywhere in the first round, from No. 10 on down. Came out after his junior season, having made 37 starts. Teams are concerned that he will be overpowered by some pass rushers.
SLEEPER
of Wayne State (Mich.). Younger brother of Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine. Made 49 starts at left tackle. Jake’s former offensive line coach, Terry Heffeman, coached Joe at Wayne State. The 6-foot-5, 308-pounder also can be a long snapper, which improves his chances of sticking with an NFL team.
AREA TALENT
was the only University of Colorado player invited to the scouting combine. Several teams see Miller, a guard who set a school record with 47 starts, as a late second-day or early third-day draft pick. His best position might be right tackle.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
Peyton Manning is 36 and coming off neck surgery, so Denver needs to provide him with top-tier protection. That’s why the Broncos are giving offensive linemen, particularly guards and centers, long looks as potential draft picks.
Other teams with needs at offensive line: Arizona, Baltimore, Buffalo, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minnesota, New York Giants, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Washington.
