The interior offensive line prospects do not receive the high NFL draft status or publicity of the offensive tackles, but are just as critical to the offenses' performance on game day. Many pro interior linemen actually played on the outside as collegians, but because of athletic and size limitations are moved inside in the NFL.

Playing left tackle in college helps many prospects develop better pass blocking skills which allows them to start earlier as pros at guard or center. This year we could see several highly rated tackles moved inside as pros if they fail to master the tackle position in an NFL training camp next summer.

The center position has been a weak spot throughout the '90s in the NFL Draft, and many current starting pro centers have been converted from other line positions. This year's crop is an average group which could lead to several conversions to the pivot.

More Draft analysis

Guards

USC's Travis Claridge is the top guard prospect. (Allsport)

1. Travis Claridge, Southern California
Senior, 6-5, 310
Tough veteran lineman has played several positions along the line with equal success. He will be the next top Trojan lineman to enter the NFL ranks with the ability to play either guard or tackle.

2. Cosey Coleman, Tennessee
Junior, 6-5, 310
Athletic junior guard has been a key performer on the Vols' potent offense. He has the foot speed to lead runners around the corner on sweeps and the physical skills to battle big defenders on the inside.

3. Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
Junior, 6-4, 300
Rugged junior guard has been a mainstay since his freshman season for the Wolverines. He grades out very high in all aspects of play every game and that consistency could lead him to turn pro this spring.

4. Manuia Savea, Arizona
Junior, 6-3, 290
Strong college tackle projects inside as a pro. He has good power and nice mobility which has allowed him to grade out high in both run and pass blocking.

5. Ryan Johanningmeier, Colorado
Senior, 6-7, 300
Huge versatile lineman has been one of the best blockers in the nation over the past three years. He gets good use of his long reach and bulk to grade out high in both run and pass blocking.

6. Matt Johnson, Brigham Young
Senior, 6-4, 310
Powerful guard has been a key performer in the Cougars' pro style attack. He has the footwork to pass protect well and is an accomplished drive blocker.

7. Cooper Carlisle, Florida
Senior, 6-5, 300
Big experienced lineman has developed nicely in the Gators' pro-style passing attack. His experience at tackle helped him advance in pass protection.

8. Richard Mercier, Miami (Fla.)
Senior, 6-3, 290
Rugged guard has been a steady performer in the Hurricanes' talented offense over his career. He is a strong drive blocker with the ability to get to the corner to lead sweeps.

Centers

1. John St. Clair, Virginia
Senior, 6-4, 300
Mobile senior pivotman has been a key blocker for talented tailback Thomas Jones. He combines bulk, agility and strength to rank as the top prospect at the position.

2. John Romero, California
Senior, 6-4, 320
Strong center has developed quickly during his limited playing time in the middle. He plays with sound positioning and leverage and has the footwork to make all the blocks from the inside.

3. Casey Rabach, Wisconsin
Junior, 6-4, 300
Powerful junior pivotman has been a key blocker for the record setting Ron Dayne. He is a strong drive blocker who sustains his block to the whistle.

4. Rob Riti, Missouri
Senior, 6-2, 290
Fireplug senior center combines quickness, fine technique with weight room strength to grade out consistently high in all areas of line play.

5. Mike McLaughlin, Stanford
Senior, 6-3, 300
Rugged senior has started every game the past four seasons. He uses good technique and understands blocking angles and assignments.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 9 years.

He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Coyle attends NFL mini-camps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.