The interior offensive line positions of guard and center usually receive little attention at the top of the NFL Draft as most pro clubs focus on the more demanding tackle position as a high priority. This spring might see some changes in that philosophy with the guard class the strongest area of an average group of offensive linemen.

The guard class usually becomes stronger as many college offensive tackles have to move inside as pros because they lack the physical skills necessary to play the outside in the NFL. Most college teams play their best linemen at left tackle, but many of those prospects have to move inside to start in the NFL.

This year's guard class will benefit from many of those moves -- Omar Smith, Chad Ward, Matt Light and Adam Haayer all project as fine pro guard prospects. Michigan's Steve Hutchinson is the one blue chip player and the prototypical prospect -- powerful, agile and the footwork to be a top pass protector. He could hear his name called in the first round in April.

Junior lineman Terrence Metcalf is a blue-chip prospect who will go early in the NFL Draft if he declares in January. He is one of the better athletes along the line in college football. We could see as many as six guards selected on the first day this spring if they show the ability to move inside during the critical postseason all-star games. Their performances could furnish the NFL Draft with the most guards selected early in the player process in over a decade.

More draft analysis

Guards

Steve Hutchinson was a four-year starter for Michigan. (Allsport)

1. Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
Senior, 6-4, 290
Rugged senior guard has been a mainstay on the Wolverines offensive line since his freshman season. He is a strong drive blocker and has the footwork to mirror in pass protection plus all the intangibles to succeed in the NFL.

2. Terrence Metcalf, Mississippi
Junior, 6-3, 300
Athletic junior lineman has been a top performer at left tackle for the Ole Miss offense and instrumental in the success of tailback Deuce McAllister. He combines bulk, quickness and agility to excel on the inside as a pro if he declares for the NFL Draft 2001.

3. Omar Smith, Kentucky
Senior, 6-3, 290
Mobile senior left tackle has developed quickly in the Wildcats pro-style passing game. He has excellent footwork to slide in pass protection but needs further development on his drive blocking technique.

4. Paul Zukauskas, Boston College
Senior, 6-5, 310
Tough senior guard is a powerful drive blocker at the point of attack. He has the physical skills to maul an opponent with the toughness to stay with the block the full play.

5. Mike Gandy, Notre Dame
Senior, 6-4, 310
Wide-body guard has graded out consistently high this season along the Irish line. He gets a strong surge at the point of attack and has the mobility to get outside or down field to make blocks.

6. Chad Ward, Washington
Senior, 6-4, 335
Massive senior tackle has been a key performer in the Huskies' rise to the top of the PAC 10. He uses his huge frame to the fullest in pass protection and can simply engulf a defender as a run blocker.

7. Matt Light, Purdue
Senior, 6-5, 295
Aggressive tackle has performed at a high level protecting QB Drew Brees' blindside. He has well-developed technique and uses his long reach and bulk well as a drive blocker.

8. Adam Haayer, Minnesota
Senior, 6-5, 295
Physical senior tackle has come on strong as a senior showing nice technique with the power to win most matchups. He lacks the top footwork necessary for the tackle position, but has the skills to become a solid pro guard.

9. Victor Leyva, Arizona State
Senior, 6-3, 300
Strong right tackle combines all the skills necessary to move inside as a pro lineman. He plays with leverage and uses a strong surge to Consistently control opponents.

10. Michael Keathley, Texas Christian
Senior, 6-3, 290
Sound technician has been instrumental in the success of tailback LaDainian Tomlinson. He is a savvy player who sustains his blocks and understands line play to get the most out of his skills.

Centers

Minnesota's Ben Hamilton is the top center prospect. (AP)

1. Ben Hamilton, Minnesota
Senior, 6-5, 280
Four-year starter has been the anchor on the Gophers line that has lead them to back-to-back bowl games. He combines strength, smarts and technique to grade out consistently high on a game-to-game basis.

2. Casey Rabach, Wisconsin
Senior, 6-4, 300
Strong, versatile senior has been part of one of the best lines in college over the past four seasons. He gets a strong surge as a drive blocker showing the ability to move a defender off the line and control him for the full play.

3. Robert Garza, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Senior, 6-2, 290
Explosive small-college pivotman has been a dominant performer at the lower level during his career. He combines fine technique with the strength and agility to control an opponent the full play.

4. Bruce Wiggins, Arizona
Senior, 6-2, 285
Rugged senior center has been a productive lineman for the Wildcats, relying on good technique and positioning to get the job done consistently. He has a non-stop motor that allows him to make additional blocks downfield.

5. Jeff McCurley, Pittsburgh
Senior, 6-4, 280
Tough, savvy senior has been the anchor on the Pitt line since his freshman season. He is a tough competitor who understands his assignments and uses sound technique and good strength to grade out well on a game-to-game basis.

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.