The offensive tackle spot has been one of the key positions annually in the NFL Draft. NFL clubs covet big, athletic tackles who have the agility to mirror pass rushers in pass protection and the power to move a 300-pound defender off the line of scrimmage as drive blockers.

Last spring, three tackles were selected in the first round, eight in the top two rounds and 10 chosen among the top 100 picks. This spring should produce similar results when the first day of the NFL Draft is over on April 21.

Marques Sullivan has experience at both tackle positions. (Allsport)

Though this class lacks a player in the category of Tony Boselli, Jonathan Ogden or Orlando Pace, there are a fine group of prospects with the ability to make a difference on NFL clubs early in their careers.

Leonard Davis of Texas carries the top grade entering the critical all-star action. He is a powerful athlete who has developed quickly on the outside.

The Big Ten has a fine tackle class that includes Jeff Backus, Marques Sullivan and Kareem McKenzie. All have performed well on the left side in recent seasons.

Juniors could have a significant impact on this class, especially if Kenyatta Walker declares in January as an underclassman. Tackle Kendrick Rogers of Alabama A&M is the highest-rated small-college lineman this season. He has well-developed skills on the outside and ranks higher than last year's highest-rated small-college lineman, Michael Thompson.

More draft analysis

Offensive Tackles

1. Leonard Davis, Texas
Senior, 6-5, 335
Massive senior tackle has been a dominant drive blocker over his limited career on the offensive side of the ball. He has a wide base, long reach and good footwork to master all the assignments on the outside.

2. Marques Sullivan, Illinois
Senior, 6-4, 320
Strong left tackle has played both tackle spots over his career in the Big 10. He has nice footwork in pass protection but must learn to use his reach better to stop pass rushers' initial move.

Michigan's Jeff Backus will be a solid NFL tackle. (Allsport)

3. Jeff Backus, Michigan
Senior, 6-5, 300
Rugged left tackle follows a nice tradition of Wolverine offensive tackles who have gone on to play in the NFL. He is a sound technician with the balance and footwork to become a fine pro tackle.

4. Kareem McKenzie, Penn State
Senior, 6-6, 320
Big, agile tackle has played on the left side since his freshman season in the Big 10. He has fine body control and balance with the reach and ability to slide to the outside in pass protection. He is not having a big final season.

5. Kenyatta Walker, Florida
Junior, 6-5, 300
Athletic junior tackle has developed quickly in the Gators' pro style offense. He has the footwork to be a natural pass protector, showing the ability to slide and readjust to rushers moves.

6. Chris Brown, Georgia Tech
Senior, 6-5, 315
Agile left tackle has been a key blocker in Tech's powerful ground game over his career. He is quick on the snap and gets consistently sound positioning on his blocking assignments.

7. Brandon Winey, Louisiana State
Senior, 6-6, 300
Big, athletic tackle has come on strong as a senior playing on the right side. He has a huge reach, which he has learned to use well to force pass rushers wide. He has the mobility to get outside and lead runners around the corner.

8. Jarvis Borum, North Carolina State
Senior, 6-8, 330
Massive left tackle has made major strides as a senior, showing much improved conditioning and better technique. He has shown progress in technique and has learned to get better use of his incredible reach, especially in pass protection.

9. Ryan Diem, Northern Illinois
Senior, 6-6, 330
Strong senior tackle has been a dominant drive blocker in the MAC over his career. He has the strength to maul an opponent at the point of attack with the tenacity and toughness to finish the block.

10. Kendrick Rogers, Alabama A&M
Senior, 6-5, 300
Athletic small-college lineman has been a dominant blocker at the lower level of competition. He has the agility to slide in pass protection and gets good use of his big wingspan to stop secondary moves.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 10 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 minicamps 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.