Underclassmen Watch: Offensive Line

DECLARED

Bryan Bulaga, Iowa, JR – Bulaga was rated as the top tackle by many draft experts before the year began, but after some injuries and inconsistent play, he’s slowly dropped in stock. Bulaga is a nice pass protector who has improved his run blocking each year in college. While other junior tackles Campbell and Davis will rely more on their upside than consistency and collegiate production as the basis of their stock, Bulaga seems to be the most NFL-ready. He rebounded well late in the season by stringing together a couple nice games down the stretch, including a dominant performance against Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan, another projected 1st round selection. PROJ ROUND: 1st

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland, JR – Campbell stands at 6’7 and 310 pounds and has the high-end athleticism NFL coaches love to see from their left tackle. He’s a bit rough around the edges and could have used another year of school, but should still carry a first round grade into a weaker crop of offensive tackles. PROJ ROUND: 1st

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers, JR – Davis was a top recruit coming out of high school and began his career inside at guard for Rutgers. Once the left tackle slot had a vacancy, Davis filled in nicely and found himself a home out there. Davis has a very high ceiling and has the size and athleticism to be one of the best all-around left tackles in the NFL. As a defender, it’s hard to beat him once he locks on, but it is possible to get around him with some speed at this point in his career. It’s a good decision for him to come out in a crop with few first grades at tackle. PROJ ROUND: 1st

Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida, JR – After playing, making statements to the media, and going through this process together, the Pouncey twins decided to split in their decisions. Center Maurkice Pouncey, the higher rated of the two, will declare for the draft. Maurkice must have received assurance that he’ll be drafted in at worst the second round, which he said he wanted before deciding to forgo his senior season. Many consider Maurkice to be the top center in the draft, which may have pushed him into leaving early. With Maurkice moving on, his brother, Mike, will most likely shift over one position to the left and take over his spot as a starting center. PROJ ROUND: 2nd

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