The 2009 NFL Draft class will be highlighted by one of the best group of offensive lineman in history. Usually teams are most likely to find the big play capability guys on the offensive or defensive side of the ball to grab the most attention. However, normally you may not hear much about the big guys up front until you see one of these guys get selected between some of the more popular picks. However, one thing you can bet on for the 2009 draft is that you will hear plenty of offensive lineman names as they will steal the show. A total of 3 offensive linemen have a legitimate chance to be selected as high as the top 10 selections while up to around 7 have very strong chances to be taken in the first round. Entering the NFL combines and workout session offensive line standout Andre Smith was regarded by most to be the best offensive lineman in the country, but things have quickly turned upside down for the junior from Alabama as he could fall to around the 3^rd or 4^th lineman selected. Take some interesting prop bet action on how the offensive linemen will be selected in the 2009 draft as we provide the most up to date rankings of the 2009 offensive line class.

1. Jason Smith (Baylor)
Jason Smith has benefited the most of perhaps any player in the NFL workouts and drills leading into this years NFL Draft. The 6’5 307 pound senior out of Baylor started 39 games while paving the way on the left side of the line. Smith openly stated entering the workout session that he was the best linemen in the draft and he has backed up the talk through early indications. Smith has extremely gifted footwork for an athlete of his size and has tremendous growing potential. The only downside he may have is his technique that may take at least half a season to smooth out. Still, Smith has enough potential to be fighting for a Pro Bowl spot by his sophomore campaign. Look for Smith to be a lock for the top 3 spots in the NFL draft while likely looking like a number 2 selection with the Rams.

2. Eugene Monroe (Virginia)
Eugene Monroe already has the build of an NFL offensive linemen and also contains great footwork as well. Monroe was highly regarded coming out of Virginia on the offensive line and has not disappointed during the off-season. Monroe has smooth footwork and has the ability to cover speedy defensive ends. The 6’5 315 pound two year starter out of Virginia will be a definite top 10 selection and could go as high as number 4 considering how Seattle chooses to seek the OT or WR need first. The downsides with Monroe that may be why he is not taken ahead of Smith is that he did have a knee that bothered him in college that may be a minor concern.

3. Andre Smith (Alabama)
Smith killed his reputation during the off-season he had build up through his years dominating the most talented defenses in college football through the SEC competition. Smith broke team rules and missed out on the Crimson Tide’s BCS Sugar Bowl. Add to the fact there were some Agent issues during the NFL combines and Smith’s stock dropped considerably. However, Smith is the biggest and strongest linemen on the board that has huge potential to be one of the best linemen in the league. However, work ethics and dedication may be an issue. Still, Smith likely never drops out of the top 15 even if his stock does not raise any before the draft.

4. Michael Oher (Mississippi)
Oher is another offensive lineman who has seen his stock fluctuates through the NFL combines. Oher was listed as high as being the number 1 selection for the offensive line group in many people’s first mock drafts, but has had rather poor showing to the NFL scouts. However, that is not to say one bit that Oher will not be a big time offensive lineman. At 320 pounds, the interesting aspect for Oher is that he could go as high as the top 10 or drop towards late first round. Oher has wonderful finesse ability to handle the smaller quick defensive lineman while also maintaining a lot of power at the same time. There has been talk about inconsistency, but the upside is too big to ignore and would be shocked if he is not gone by the top 15 with Andre Smith.

5. William Beatty (Connecticut)
William Beatty may not be getting the attention the big 4 are receiving since all of those players are Top 10 potential selections. However, Beatty will be a mid to late first round selection as well. Beatty really opened a lot of eyes with one of the better senior bowl weeks out of the offensive lineman. The former Huskies standout has a lot of lateral speed and quickness that make him an excellent pass blocker. As another big man with a lot of upside do not expect either the Detroit Lions or the Minnesota Vikings to both pass up Beatty as late first round selection as both those teams will be eyeing needs up front on offense.

6. Eben Britton (Arizona)
Eben Britton could be another candidate that could be picked up by Minnesota or Detroit. Britton is what we would like to call the best unpolished lineman on the board meaning he will need a lot of touch-up work, but the end result could be incredible. Britton has excellent size standing at 6’6 and 310 pounds. The Arizona Wildcat will possibly need a little team to develop to work out the inconsistencies, but could be a well above average lineman in the years to come.

7. Alex Mack (California)
Alex Mack is the only true center that is on the board, but is a very interesting athlete. Mack is the final legitimate candidate with the possibility of being selected in the first round. The former Golden Bear center has excellent power that makes a punch off the line. Mack appears to be a solid pass rusher while needing a bit more athleticism for moving in the run blocking scenarios. Expect Mack to flirt with one of the last picks in the first round which could shockingly total 7 offensive linemen.

8. Jamon Meredith (South Carolina)
Jamon Meredith was one of the only consistencies among the offensive line during his tenure at South Carolina. Meredith started 25 straight games for South Carolina which makes him a durable selection. The big downside for Meredith is he may be a few pounds lighter than what most teams would like taking the scales at 290 pounds. Meredith has been subject to not displaying enough power as well which does not help the cause, but has room to grow and develop the already well established talent. Meredith will be great back-up for a year or two that will likely grow into an everyday starter.

9. Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma)
Phil Loadholt is the biggest offensive lineman on the board tipping the scales at nearly 350 pounds which is bigger than the big Andre Smith of Alabama. Loadholt is extremely strong power blocker that will be great in short yardage and running situations. However, with the tremendous amount of power there is a lack for speed and agility. Loadholt will need to trim down or get lighter on his feet to stay in the game during pass blocking situations considering will likely struggle against the speedy NFL defensive lineman. However, the power and size can not be ignored as we expect Loadholt to be selected around the middle of the second round.

10. Max Unger (Oregon)
Max Unger is another center that has a lot of upside. Unger may not have the tremendous power to compare with Alex Mack, but makes up for it with gifted quickness for a big fellow. Mack’s speed is noticed when he pulls from the center position and picks up blocks along the offensive ends giving teams a lot options in rushing plays. Expect the Oregon center to be another 2^nd round selection that could become an every down player in a few years.

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