2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing the Overlooked Mid-Round Offensive Linemen

Although pro football has become a pass-happy game where quarterbacks, receivers and running backs are getting most of the attention, the offensive line remains the most important unit of an offense.

And the 2012 NFL Draft has some excellent talent.

Now, aside from expected first-rounders like Matt Kalil, David DeCastro and Riley Reiff, here are some overlooked mid-rounders who also deserve an opportunity in the pros.

Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin

As if we need any more evidence, Wisconsin Badgers football produces solid NFL players, but none more noteworthy than offensive linemen.

That being said, in this draft keep a close eye on guard Kevin Zeitler. An expected late second/early third-rounder, Zeitler was part of an offense that averaged 235.6 rushing yards per game in 2011.

He's quick in the interior line and displays great consistency at getting to the linebackers off chip-blocks. A team that needs to improve on the ground and is willing to use a more run-balanced attack provides Zeitler with room to flourish.

His 6'4", 315-pound frame is a bit bigger than most guards however, but as long as he maintains the quickness and awareness of blocking schemes, Zeitler will only benefit from being bigger and stronger.

Brandon Mosley, Auburn

Slightly small for an offensive tackle, Auburn's Brandon Mosley stands at 6'5" and weighs only 305 lbs but then again, since the Tigers are in the SEC, smaller and faster offensive lineman are quite common.

Last season Mosley helped Auburn averaged 182.3 rushing yards per game and because of his size, it makes Mosley a potential guard in addition to playing tackle. Considered a late third-rounder, Mosley will fit best in a system that is not pass-heavy but pass-balanced.

He will make for a perfect pulling tackle on rollouts, sprint-outs, and waggles. Not to mention his athleticism will be extremely vital on screens and draws. In the ground game, Mosley provides the luxury of running more misdirection plays and can quickly wall off bigger defenders to get them out of position.

Perhaps the best type of offense is the west-coast as it suits his acceleration and agility.

Brandon Brooks, Miami (Ohio)

Slated to be an early fourth-round selection, Miami, Ohio's Brandon Brooks has ideal size to be a tackle at 6'5", 350 pounds. However, he played mostly guard for the Redhawks. He has great strength and attitude when run-blocking, as well as experience in making 42 career starts.

For the Redhawks, though, Brooks was an even better pass-blocker as his size and length allowed him to wall off interior defensive lineman and linebackers.

Since he has inconsistency when coming out of his stance, Brooks will make for a reliable short-yardage lineman in a power offense. So in short, adding depth to a team that desperately needs improvement across the entire line.

Through developing a more consistent explosion off the snap, we will then see Brooks really become a complete pass and run-blocker as he has the versatility to play guard or tackle.

Tom Compton, South Dakota

Although South Dakota's Tom Compton appears a bit light for an offensive tackle at 314 pounds, that allows him to be much quicker and agile than advertised since he is 6'6".

With Compton leading the offensive line, the Coyotes offense averaged 158 rushing yards per game in 2011 and his ability to get to the second level played a big part in that. Right now, Compton is an expected late fifth-rounder, but can improve his stock with a strong combine and pro day.

The ideal offense for him is a balanced one because it utilizes Compton's reliable run-blocking downfield and his ability to shield dominant defensive ends with his length and anticipation.

Compton also would make for a great component to the wide-receiver screen passes and reverses. His quickness allows for this and simply gives an offense the option of using the horizontal passing and running game.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	22. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

John Rozum on Twitter.