NFL Draft 2012: Ranking the 12 Best Offensive and Defensive Linemen

They are the guys who may not get the accolades they deserve, but they're the ones who will do all the dirty work for the next decade or so—this year's draft class boasts a strong class of linemen on both sides of the ball.

Offensive and defensive linemen are two of the main focuses of this year's talent evaluation, with as many as 20 linemen possibly hearing their names being called in the first round. That's quite an impressive number considering there are also plenty of linebackers and receivers who could surface as potential "franchise" players.

Oh, and let's not forget those two quarterback jockeying at the top of the leaderboard to be the next John Elway or Randall Cunningham.

While runners, passers and receivers get the attention, the linemen are the ones who make it all possible with blocking and control from the point of attack. These linemen know a thing or two about that and are the best in the draft at what they do.

Here are the best offensive and defensive linemen coming out in 2012.

Matt Kalil

I am one of the few who thought Kalil and Jonathan Martin of Stanford were closer in potential than they are.

Now, I am certain Kalil is the best line prospect coming out in the draft.

The USC player is just one in a long line of great Trojan offensive linemen. The Minnesota Vikings, who pick third, have to hope he is the next Tony Boselli or Anthony Munoz.

Dontari Poe

Poe had an awesome combine and looks like he could be the best defensive tackle of the lot, ahead of Devon Still and Michael Brockers.

While Poe has been a player listed in the top 25 on many draft lists, you have to wonder whether one workout without pads is truly an indication of his overall performance.

I had Poe as a mid- to late- first rounder before, but now, he could be off the board by the eighth slot to Miami.

Jonathan Martin

He is still a Top 10 talent.

The problem is fast risers like Riley Reiff and Mike Adams may be "hot" right now and the defensive stars like Courtney Upshaw and Melvin Ingram are rising, which means his stock is dropping.

This does not mean he is not a solid selection. Remember, the draft is based on perception and need.

Melvin Ingram

He could be the steal of the first round. His height is a concern (6'1") but at 276 pounds and plenty of sheer power, he is attracting many suitors.

He worked out at both defensive end positions as well as linebacker, and even moved inside and played some defensive tackle.

I would not be surprised if Jacksonville pulled the first "surprise" of the day and took him at the seventh slot.

Riley Reiff

Reiff did not have the chance to show his ability at the Senior Bowl (he is a junior who declared for the draft), but he is on everyone's radar now.

Reiff may have moved ahead of Jonathan Martin with his performance at the combine but I really put them neck and neck, and both lag behind Matt Kalil.

Reiff is still a good selection for solid blocking. He will be off the board by the 10th spot.

Courtney Upshaw

Upshaw is going to be a beast in the NFL. As an edge rusher or as a linebacker on the outside or inside, he will make his presence known in a hurry.

His fast feet and his flexibility to play multiple positions make him ideal for a team needing a player for both speed rushing and coverage. A team like Dallas or Philadelphia will have a hard time not picking him if he is on the board in the middle of the first round.

Michael Brockers

Teams like him because of his upside and his "potential" after playing at LSU.

Honestly, it may take a year or two for him to get into the right rhythm in the NFL. Is he the next John Henderson or is he the next Tyson Alualu?

Teams need to decide if they want to take a year or two to get this guy ready to be a force in the NFL.

David DeCastro

A guard who was once thought of as top five selection, DeCastro is still solid and will be a great addition to a team's interior line.

I have always thought that guards are the type of players you can take in the middle of the first round or in the second round and still get great production. If he is John Hannah, then jump on him. If he is Chris Naeole, then wait on him and see what develops.

Also, Cordy Glenn of Georgia re-established himself as one of the better linemen in this draft. That will hurt DeCastro's draft position.

Quinton Coples

Coples is the enigma of the first round.

Where does he fit? Does he fall into line with Jacksonville at seven? Does Miami jump on him at eight?

He took plays off his senior year and while he had a good Senior Bowl and "looked" the part, there's still a big red flag surrounding his effort.

If he gives you everything each down, he can be a Robert Mathis type of player.

Cordy Glenn

I have said all along that he will be the best linemen coming out of the draft in the next five years. I am not wavering on that claim.

Glenn was impressive at the combine and what is more impressive is how he can move his 347 pounds around and be the grader that his team will need him to be.

I would love to see him in San Diego helping to re-establish that offensive line.

Michael Adams

Adams had a great Senior Bowl and an average combine workout.

But he is still a first round talent. Playing at Ohio State, he follows a great lineage of linemen who have played in the Big 10, and to me he looks like a Jon Jansen type who is quick off the snap and uses his leverage to make the most of the play.

He could be a nice fit in Green Bay at the end of the first round.

Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

I think Still is still a great talent and has been pushed back by younger players making their move up the draft boards.

He was the heart and soul of the Penn State defense this season. He was once thought of as a Top 10 talent, but that has changed. But don't think he isn't ready to step in and be the man teams need him to be, hovering over center at the point of attack.

Kansas City or maybe Pittsburgh could use his services.