I have the pleasure of writing this post, as well as upcoming posts, highlighting the top Offensive Line prospects for the upcoming draft.  Like ChiFan, I watch an unhealthy amount of college football.  And I am an outspoken supporter of drafting an OLineman in the first round in April. 

     I loved the mentality of the Bears last year, drafting OL in the first, and I hope that mentality carries over to next year.  If Chris Williams is able to play, and we draft an immediate starter in the first round, that would be a 40% upgrade to our Offensive Line.  We need that badly. 

     Regardless of how bad we need a QB better than Orton, no matter how bad we need better Wide Receivers, no matter how bad we need a compliment to Forte, no matter how bad we need pass rushers on defense (which I think Marinelli will use what we have and make that happen), no matter how bad we need to improve our secondary... IT ALL STARTS UP FRONT WITH THE BIG GUYS.  And anyone that thinks we are set at OL is crazy.  Kreutz and Tait have been playing ball since the 70's for Chrissake...

Enough of the jibber-jabber, let's take a look at the top Offensive Tackle prospects:

MIchael Oher, Ole Miss, 6'5", 320lbs

     Oher is an absolute beast.  People who have seen him play immediately notice his size.  But it doesn't take long to notice something else:  his footwork.  Michael Oher has amazing nimbleness for an Offensive Lineman, which often times enables him to reach the Linebackers before they can even get moving. 

     He has awesome run blocking abilities... which was the biggest part of Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis gaining over 1,000 yards in both 2006 and 2007.  Pass blocking:  also amazing due to his ability to move laterally very quickly. 

     And one other piece of info... he has never had an injury.  Ever.  I watched Oher over the last 2 years, and was never able to find a flaw. 

     The only thing I have been able to find that was said negatively about him was his strength needed to improve.  But the minute a professional strength coach in the NFL gets a hold of him, that won't even be a factor. 

Awards:3 time All-SEC, 2 time All American.

Highlights (pops anew)

Andre Smith, Alabama, 6'4", 345

     Another big fella.  Like Oher, Smith has exceptional footwork.  And he is very quick.  There have been tons of talk about his athletecism... I heard a story about him playing basketball and dunking all over folks, but haven't been able to find hard evidence of that. 

     Andre Smith, like Michael Oher, will be a keystone to someone's offensive line for years to come in the NFL.  He has great durability... has only had one minor injury in college: an ankle that kept him out of 1 game.

     The only thing of a concern about Smith: he was suspended for last year's Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.  I remember as quickly as it was announced, it disappeared from the media.  Speculation was that he made improper contact with an agent... a big no-no when you are still on a collegiate roster.  But I don't think it was ever determined exactly the infraction... regardless, it won't be an issue to the big league.  From what I have read, he is a great kid. 

     Andre only allowed one sack all this season, and only 7 over a 38 game career.  My math tells me that is less than 1 every 20 quarters of football.  With his size and strength, that will carry over to the NFL.

Awards:  SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, Outland Trophy, finalist for the Lombardi Award, 2007 Coach's All-SEC, Alabama's Offensive player of the year in his sophomore season.

Big Block (popsies)

Eugene Monroe, Virginia, 6'6", 315

     Going with the growing trend of offensive linemen in the NFL, and as mentioned with Oher and Smith, Eugene Monroe is a huge player with amazing agility and footwork.  He will be seen on someone's starting line-up for years to come. 

     Monroe has top-grade pass blocking abilities... gives up very few sacks, and has several "knock down blocks" per game.  I've seen Eugene in several games over the last couple of years, and he always stands out.  Initially for his size (specifically height), but he just moves so fluidly on the field. 

     A very gifted athelete, Monroe has all the tools necessary to be an elite Offensive Lineman in the NFL.  The only concerns I have heard on him is his strength in his legs, and the fact that he pulled out of the Senior Bowl.  Some say he was a bit banged up, but it would have been the last opportunity for him to show his stuff before the combine.

     All in all, Monroe will be another Offensive Tackle that will make an immediate impact for someone this upcoming season.

Awards:  2nd team All-America, Jacobs Blocking Trophy, All-ACC

Highlights (clickety pops)

Jason Smith, Baylor, 6'5", 305

     Jason Smith has had an interesting collegiate career.  He played tight end his freshman year, converted to OT, and had injury issues in 2007 that raised questions in people's minds about his ability to play at the next level.  Well, 2008 put to sleep all of those issues.  Smith started every game, and helped the Baylor Bears increase their rushing yards by 251% from 2007.

     Smith is a very intelligent person, and will pick up very quickly even the most complex blocking schemes in the NFL.  Having experience at TE, he has developed very good footwork at the OT position... he moves laterally very well and is quick to get to the ends in pass blocking.  Jason is also known to put in tons of extra practice and study time after hours.

     There are a couple of downsides to Jason, but nothing that will keep him from being a big contributor in the NFL.  He doesn't have a lot of experience at OT... having only started 19 games total.  Also, his weight is not yet where it would ideally be for some teams who have gigantic OLines.

     Smith is being said by many to be the best OLineman prospect in the upcoming draft.  I don't think so, but he has always been one to exceed others' expectations.

Awards: 3rd team All-American, 1st Team All-Big 12,

Interview (up pops the click)

As far as sleepers, honorable mentions, and OT's not on this list, I thought I'd leave that up to you guys and gals to bring to light. 

All 4 of these prospects will be able to make immediate impacts on their prosective teams, and I have a feeling 3 of them will still be on the board when we pick at 18.  I have read comments by a few of you that think all of the good linemen will be gone by the time we pick, but I disagree with that.  The top 15 or so picks will be chock full of big-name, non-OL players:  Stafford, Crabtree, Maclin, Sanchez, Wells, Moreno, Curry, Maualuga, Maybin, Laurenitis, etc.   Hopefully, we jump on an OLineman when we get the chance.

Offensive Guards and Centers to come soon...