Here's a photo gallery of some interior OL prospects who may be of interest to the Pats in 2011 (juniors with an *). Barrett Jones is the guy everyone knows, but there are some very good and interesting prospects, several of whom have a combination of versatility, smarts and toughness that should appeal to the Pats.
1. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. 6'4" 312#.
Outland Trophy winner at LT in 2011, switching to center in 2012. 5 position prospect. Tough, smart, durable, versatile blue collar guy.
2. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina. 6'3" 310#.
Started the 2010 season at center before being moved back to LG. According to Tony Pauline "d\scouts grade Cooper much higher than any of the guards selected in the first round of the 2012 draft. He's large, athletic and controls defenders at the line of scrimmage or easily annihilates opponents blocking in motion."
Best 2013 NFL Draft prospects include USC's Matt Barkley, Robert Woods, T.J. McDonald - Tony Pauline - SI.com
3. Khaled Holmes, OC, USC. 6'3" 310#.
3 year starter. Started as LG in 2010, converted to center in 2011. High character guy, smart and articulate. Will be the clear leader of the USC OL in 2012.
Khaled Holmes is the center of attention - Rivals.com Video
4. Gabe Ikard*, OG/C, Oklahoma. 6'4" 295#.
All Big-12 first team in 2011 and second team Academic All-American. Has played both LG and OC, playing well when starting OC Ben Habern was injured. Athletic and very smart, with strong academic credentials (4.0 GPA as a pre-med zoology major). Tough, mature and versatile. According to Bob Stoops, "Gabe can do everything".
SoonerNation: Oklahoma Sooners' Gabe Ikard puts in extra work - ESPN
5. Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech. 6'3" 305#.
Athletic, smart player.
Uzzi's family celebrates Tech commencement *| ajc.com
6. Travis Swanson*, OC, Arkansas. 6'5" 305#.
Was Ryan Mallett's starting center as a redshirt freshman in 2010.
7. Cyril Richardson*, OG, Baylor. 6'4" 328#.
Took over at LT after Danny Watkins graduated, but is being moved back to LG in 2012. Not sure his footwork is up to Scar's standard.
8. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama. 6'3" 320#.
Powerful road grader. May not fit Pats' style.
9. Braxston Cave, OC, Notre Dame. 6'3" 303#.
5th year senior coming off a knee injury.
10. Mario Benavides, OC, Louisville. 6'4" 302#.
Durable, experienced starter who plays with a nasty streak.