Interior offensive linemen

By Tom Curran
NBCSports.comPosted: Apr.19, 2007, 10:20 am EDT

Tom Curran is previewing the top prospects at each position as the NFL Draft (April 28-29) approaches. Today, NBCSports.com's NFL Insider lists his top interior offensive linemen.

The interior linemen in the 2007 draft are highlighted by two players: Auburn guard Ben Grubbs and USC center Ryan Kalil. Both should be excellent pros. Instead of listing 40 times, which unless they're chasing a corner who just made a pick, wouldn't really apply, we'll use the three-cone drill and 10-yard dash times for these interior linemen because those measure quickness over shorter spans.

1. Ben Grubbs, Auburn, G, 6-3, 311 pounds

Combine
3-Cone: 7.99; 225-Pound Bench: 29; 10-yard: 1.79

Strengths
A technically sound player who explodes off the line and is adept at both run blocking and pass blocking because of his terrific balance and attention to detail.

Weaknesses
He's not exactly a mauler, which is what some teams like to see from its guards.

Made a Name... Blocking in front of a succession of good NFL backs at left guard for the Tigers while starting 38 straight games.

Tony Pauline says... "An athletic blocker, Grubbs is the best pulling guard in this draft. Would be an excellent fit for a zone blocking system or something similar to what is run by the Denver Broncos. He does not play a strong game nor is Grubbs a mauler who drives opponents off the line or open holes for the running game. May be a good fit for the Kansas City Chiefs, who just lost Will Shields to retirement."

Landing Spots: Falcons, Chiefs, Raiders, Colts, Ravens. Grubbs is going to be taken in the second half of the first round unless something goes awry.

2. Ryan Kalil, USC, C, 6-3, 299 pounds

Combine
3-Cone: 7.50; 225-Pound Bench: 34; 10-yard: 1.77

Strengths
Easily the best center in the draft. Has extremely good quickness and explosion and is smart and technically adept. Has a veteran's understanding of angles and positioning.

Weaknesses
Has to maintain his weight especially when faced with 330-plus pound nose tackles in 3-4 schemes in the pros.

Made a Name... At the Senior Bowl and Combine by blowing away everyone with his agility and speed. Also by playing at a high level in a successful program at USC.

Tony Pauline says... "Hands down Kalil is the best of a bad bunch of centers. He is a terrific combination of intensity, intelligence and explosion. Lacks great size on the inside and not a dominant blocker who opens up the middle of the field. Has the tools to be a solid pro yet will be over drafted and could slide into the late part of round one due to the lack of talent at center."

Landing Spots: Raiders, Chiefs, Steelers. The need for a smart, stable guy in the middle of the line may make Kalil a mid to late first-round pick.

Justin Blalock's smarts, versatility and lack of injuries have impressed scouts.
3. Justin Blalock, Texas, G, 6-3, 320 pounds

Combine
3-Cone: 7.75; 225-Pound Bench: 40; 10-yard: 1.77

Strengths
Intelligent, hard-working, good quickness to get out in front while pulling and has the size to play at a high level inside. Has shown versatility to play tackle.

Weaknesses
Lumbers a bit away from the line and will need to work on his playing intensity at the pro level.

Made a Name... Starting 51 consecutive games for the Longhorns.

Tony Pauline says... "Solid line prospect with the versatility to be used at guard or right tackle. Can dominate opponents at the point of attack and drives them off the ball. Shows better than average feet in pass protection. Not a fluid or nifty lineman who has the ability to block in motion. Scored a 40 on the Wonderlick and could be drafted earlier than people think.

Landing Spots: Seahawks, Cardinals, Rams, Lions, Redskins, Cowboys. Blalock will likely be coming off the board at the tail end of the first round or by the middle of the second.

4. Arron Sears, Tennessee, G, 6-3, 319 pounds

Combine
3-Cone: none; 225-Pound Bench: 21; 10-yard: none

Strengths
Has played all over the line but his huge size makes him ideally suited for guard. Uses his hands well and shows good ability to diagnose blitzes and redirect pass rushers.

Weaknesses
Not the most nimble guy out there and lunges too often in space. Not a good showing at the Combine, where he was laid low after injuring his right knee at the Senior Bowl.

Made a Name... Playing every offensive line position for the Vols, including the whole season at left tackle as a senior.

Tony Pauline says... "Another versatile lineman who can play guard or left tackle in a pinch. Fundamentally sound and plays a smart brand of football. Not dominant yet does enough to take defenders from the action. Were he two inches taller he'd likely be a first-round pick."

Landing Spots: Seahawks, Cardinals, Rams, Lions, Redskins, Cowboys. Sears is a second round prospect.

5. Josh Beekman, Boston College, G, 6-1, 313 pounds

Combine
3-Cone: 8.24; 225-Pound Bench: 24; 10-yard: 1.72

Strengths
Comes from a program known for producing top-flight offensive linemen. Plays with excellent intensity and smarts and is technically proficient.

Weaknesses
A snail. He needs to get quicker or he'll be exploited at the pro level.

Made a Name... As an AP First Team All-America while starting 10 games at right guard and three at center for BC.

Tony Pauline says... "Once again; a blocker who can play several positions, which gives him added value. Beekman was a dominant guard at Boston College, who regularly played center during portions of games last season. Explosive and has a nasty streak. Does not have the great height and cannot block on the move, which is a bad combination.

Landing Spots: Seahawks, Cardinals, Rams, Lions, Cowboys. A safe pick but not one that has to be chased in the first two rounds.