Interior OL are making a comeback

[WhiZa]

Not sure why, but ever since Leonard Davis was selected #2 overall in the 2001 NFL draft no inside OL was selected before pick #21 for the next 9 years. The NFL seemed to undervalue the position during that time. Now based on public draft boards David DeCastro looks like a top 10 pick and Cordy Glenn could go in the top 15. This doesn't happen often in the NFL. Is the NFL valuing interior OL more now or is this draft class just that good?

2001 Leonard Davis #2
2002 Kendall Simmons #30
2003 Jeff Faine #21
2004 Chris Snee #34
2005 Chris Spencer #26
2006 Davin Joseph #23
2007 Ben Grubbs #29
2008 Chilo Rachal #39
2009 Alex Mack #21
2010 Mike Iupati #17 and Maurkice Pouncey #18
2011 Mike Pouncey #15

 

[DaBruinz]

Well, there is a major flaw with this idea. Leonard Davis (like Robert Gallery later) was not drafted to be an INTERIOR O-lineman. The Cardinals had every intention of playing him at LT. The problem was that Davis couldn't handle LT OR RT and was moved to RG.

Don't expect DeCastro to be taken in the top 10 or Glenn in the Top 15.

 

[manxman2601]

There's quite a bit of talk about Glenn being a good match for both the Bills and Cardinals. But they'd be picking him that high as an LT rather than OG.

 

[WhiZa]

Well, there is a major flaw with this idea. Leonard Davis (like Robert Gallery later) was not drafted to be an INTERIOR O-lineman. The Cardinals had every intention of playing him at LT. The problem was that Davis couldn't handle LT OR RT and was moved to RG.

Don't expect DeCastro to be taken in the top 10 or Glenn in the Top 15.

Taking Davis out of the picture DeCastro will be highest guard taken in over 10 years. That's a significant achievement considering the talent that has gone through the NFL since then.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Taking Davis out of the picture DeCastro will be highest guard taken in over 10 years. That's a significant achievement considering the talent that has gone through the NFL since then.

DeCastro is a beast and one of the few regarded can't miss prospects in this draft. Many call him the best guard since Hutchinson and if you weigh the potential impact long term he's a no brainer.