"Men in the Trenches" Pre Draft

This draft will see a heavy dose of offensive linemen and defensive linemen drafted early. In Sully Sports mock draft 9 of our first 10 picks are along the offensive and defensive lines. While clearly predicting the future is difficult we are confident to say that the majority of first round picks will come from these men.

Offensive Tackles:
1. Luke Joekel
2. Eric Fisher
3. Lane Johnson
4. DJ Fluker
5. Menelik Watson

It has been 4 years since an offensive lineman was drafted #1 overall and only the 2nd offensive tackle taken #1 since 1998. To speak on how truly rare this is only 4 other offensive tackles were taken with the top 2 picks in that same time frame. This year we will see 3 taken in the top 10 which hasn't happened since 2009.

Offensive Guard:
1. Chance Warmack
2. Johnathan Cooper
3. Justin Pugh
4. Kyle Long
5. Larry Warford

Not since the 2001 draftees Leonard Davis (who was tried at tackle and selected #2) and Steve Hutchinson (selected #17) have we seen two guards being discussed as top 15 picks with three guards total showing first round talent. Chance Warmack and Johnathan Cooper are the real deal and Justin Pugh isn't to far behind.

Center:
1. Travis Frederick
2. Barrett Jones
3. Brian Schwenke
4. Khaled Holmes
5. Braxton Cave

This is one of the weaker drafts for centers that I can remember. These 5 are the only ones I can currently see being selected in the entire draft. Travis Frederick has good 2nd round value and Barrett Jones is a late 2nd round early 3rd type player. His value is in his versatility. Brian Schwenke is making a late push to enter the 3rd round. While Khaked Holmes and Braxton Cave will be third day selections.

Defensive End:
1. Ezekiel Ansah
2. Barkevious Mingo
3. Sam Montgomery
4. Bjeorn Werner
5. Tank Carradine

A lot of these defensive ends have question marks. Whether its Ansah's lack of experience, Mingo's ability against the run, Montgomery's character and work ethic, Werner's poor combine production or Carradine's torn ACL. All of these players have the ability to become excellent players but these issues could cause many of them to drop lower than their current talent value.

Defensive Tackle:
1. Sheriff Floyd
2. Star Loutelei
3. Sheldon Richardson
4. Slyvester Williams
5. John Jenkins (NT)

This is a very deep class this year. Viewing other analysts top DT are showing a varying set of top 5 or first round talent type players. These men are very athletic for their size and I can see as many as 8 or 9 selected in the first two rounds.