2012 NFL Mock Draft: 2 Underrated Offensive Linemen with Star Potential

You want your team to grab a franchise offensive linemen in the draft but think they'll address a different position in the first round? 

No need to worry, NFL fanatic.

These two offensive linemen have legitimate potential to become stars at the next level and will likely be available after the first 32 names are called on April 26th. 

Brandon Brooks, G, Miami (Ohio)

Brooks is a 6'5'', 346-pound mammoth offensive lineman, who after not being invited to the combine, is certainly gliding under the radar. 

However, he won't be overlooked come draft time. 

I admittedly have not seen a ton of his tape, but I know his pro day workout drew rave reviews  earlier this week and can cite one credible draft outlet's scouting report. 

Sportsxchange.com had this to say about the Redhawks' star trenchman: 

"

Has good natural strength and raw power with the ability to be a mauler in the run game. Plays with a firm base with a stout anchor, holding his ground at the point of attack. Keeps his pad level low and flashes consistent leverage. Stays balanced and patient in his stance. Has overpowering upper body strength to overwhelm and eliminate defenders from the play. Jolts with his hands and shows a strong initial push. Quick off the snap and moves well for his size. Offers versatility with experience at left tackle and both guard spots.

"

He'll be a likely option in the third or fourth round for a team looking for a versatile offensive lineman that seems to be NFL-ready. Seems like he has some Carl Nicks to him, doesn't he? 

Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State

Silatolu is 6'3 5/8'' and weighs 320 pounds. Although he played at the FCS level in college, he wasn't missed by NFL scouts this season. 

He was at the combine in Indianapolis, but didn't necessarily stand out. 

Here's BuffaloBillsDraft.com's scouting report of this sleeper prospect: 

"

Silatolu is a devastating open field blocker…locates well on the move and buries his man into the ground…aggressive blocker who plays with a mean streak, loves to finish his blocks…deliver the blow to the defenders…has a strong punch…Will get out in front of screen passes and outside runs to lead block…strong build that is well distributed…good footwork which allows him to stay balanced…anchors well v. the bull rush from the DE

"

Sounds like a real road-grader that will produce major holes in the running game for the next decade in the NFL. 

He could be picked as early as Round 2, but should fall into the third or fourth round. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft (March 1, Post-Combine Update)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins (trade with St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame  

8. Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

10. Buffalo Bills: Nick Perry, DE, Southern California 

11. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina 

20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama 

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State 

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor 

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

28. Green Bay Packers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech 

31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

32. New York Giants, Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

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