Welcome to draft season! This is the sixth of 11 positional breakdowns leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30). Here are my top 10 interior offensive linemen:
— 1. Tyler Linderbaum (Jr., Iowa, 6-foot-2, 296 pounds)
The Rimington Trophy winner (nation's top center) and unanimous All-American is one of the 10 best players in this draft class. Linderbaum was a multisport athlete in high school who earned multiple letters in wrestling, track, baseball, football and golf. Projected: Round 1
— 2. Zion Johnson (Sr., Boston College, 6-2, 312)
This two-time team captain has thrived at both tackle positions and left guard, but he projects as an impact interior lineman in the NFL — Johnson even practiced at center during Senior Bowl week and looked good despite never playing the position before. Projected: Round 1
— 3. Kenyon Green (Jr., Texas A&M, 6-3, 323)
This former five-star recruit can play either guard or tackle at a high level — Green made starts at every single offensive line position except center this season. He's a two-time consensus All-American who wins with brute physicality, athleticism and balance. Projected: Rounds 1-2
— 4. Darian Kinnard (Sr., Kentucky, 6-5, 322)
Kinnard is a mauler who happens to be a gifted athlete as well. You won't find many people his size who move and change direction like him. His physical tools and bully mentality translates to any scheme and he offers tackle versatility (37 starts at right tackle for the Wildcats), but he has some sloppy tendencies (footwork and penalties). Projected: Round 2
— 5. Jamaree Salyer (Sr., Georgia, 6-3, 321)
Salyer was a solid tackle for the national champion Bulldogs after being the top-ranked guard in the 2018 recruiting class. His athletic traits and size suggest a move back inside will help maximize his potential in the NFL. Projected: Round 2
— 6. Cam Jurgens (Jr., Nebraska, 6-2, 303)
Jurgens was actually a top-10 tight end in the 2018 recruiting class before switching to center his freshman season. He's a heatseeking missile in the screen game. Jurgens wins with athleticism and competitive toughness. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 7. Cole Strange (Sr., Chattanooga, 6-4, 307)
Strange is a little light in his frame, but few move as well as he does, or play with the edge he has. He's ideally suited to play center in an outside zone scheme, but will provide guard versatility. He's likely to become the first Chattanooga player to be drafted in the top five rounds since Terrell Owens in 1996. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 8. Dylan Parham (Sr., Memphis, 6-2, 311)
Parham is a four-year starter with 51 starts at both guard spots and right tackle. He's slightly undersized, but his mobility, core strength and competitive toughness make him a solid investment. A possible transition to center may be the long-term solution. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 9. Sean Rhyan (Jr., UCLA, 6-4, 321)
Rhyan is a natural athlete with a rugby background who could thrive at guard in the NFL, and he possesses tackle versatility. He only allowed two sacks in 31 career starts at left tackle. Projected: Rounds 3-4
— 10. Ben Brown (Sr., Ole Miss, 6-5, 312)
Brown has double-digit starts at both right guard and center. You can't teach his elite athleticism or strength, but his technique will need to be refined in the NFL to unlock his immense potential. Projected: Rounds 4-6
— BONUS. Zach Tom (Sr., Wake Forest, 6-4, 304)
Tom is a four-year starter who played the last two seasons at left tackle after beginning his career at center (an impressive transition). He's a solid pass blocker with smooth movement skills who would be better utilized on the interior in the NFL because of his sub-optimal size. Projected: Rounds 4-5
— BONUS. Marquis Hayes (Sr., Oklahoma, 6-4, 318)
Hayes is a finisher as a pass or run blocker and can anchor as well as anyone in this group. Versatility is a question since he spent the entirety of his collegiate career at left guard. Projected: Rounds 3-4
— BONUS. Luke Fortner (Sr., Kentucky, 6-4, 307)
Fortner was selected first team All-SEC last year at center after making 36 straight starts the past three seasons (he also played both guard positions). He's an academic All-American who is currently working on his third degree (his second master's). Projected: Round 3
— BONUS. Ed Ingram (Sr., LSU, 6-3, 307)
Ingram showcases stunning strength at times, but his aggressive nature leads to balance issues occasionally (this can be coached up in the NFL). Projected: Rounds 3-4
— BONUS. Dohnovan West (Jr., Arizona State, 6-3, 296)
Size is an issue, but West is an impact blocker in both the pass and run games with smooth mobility. His discipline is impressive as well (zero holding penalties in his career). Projected: Rounds 4-6
— BONUS. Alec Lindstrom (Sr., Boston College, 6-3, 296)
Lindstrom's father, brother and uncle have all played or are playing in the NFL — brother Chris was drafted in the first round by the Falcons in 2019. Alec lacks ideal size or strength, but he makes up for it with impressive instincts and processing ability. Projected: Rounds 4-7
