2012 NFL Mock Draft: Viewing Ben Jones and the Best Mid-Round Offensive Linemen

It's obvious that the premier offensive lineman -- Matt Kalil, Reilly Reiff and David DeCastro -- will own the spotlight in the 2012 NFL draft.

And with the offensive line being the most important unit on any team, we can also expect franchises to put much emphasis on the O-Line after the early rounds. 

So, let's take a look at the best hogs that should be available in the middle rounds.

Ben Jones, Georgia

Arguably the most explosive offensive lineman in the draft, Georgia's Ben Jones is slated to be a late second or early third-rounder.

It would be easy to overlook Jones, Georgia hasn't produced much offensive line talent in recent years. However, Georgia averaged 164 rushing yards per game in 2011 despite facing a brutal schedule of elite defenses.

Having experience facing the top 20 defenses of LSU, Michigan State, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Florida and Boise State, Jones' control of the trenches is second-to-none.

Sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray was sacked only 32 times in 2011, which roughly equates to just one sack every 13 drop backs. That's a great average considering the Bulldogs' tough schedule.

As for Jones in the pros -- he's proven to be a durable, reliable and consistent performer, having started 48 games at Georgia. He's great at chip-blocking to the linebackers and has the strength to take on bigger defensive lineman.

If Jones can develop quicker lateral movement and become more nimble, he could easily be an opening day starter.

Matt McCants: Tackle, UAB

UAB is certainly not a college football powerhouse, however, versatile Blazer offensive lineman Matt McCants is one complete player.

McCants checks in at 6'6", 295 pounds, but has the skill set to play anywhere along the offensive line.

Mostly playing at left tackle, McCants also spent time at right tackle and guard at UAB. He must have a high football IQ to display those kind of dynamics.

Playing multiple positions, McCants had to recognize all stunts and blitzes and know every defensive lineman from every opponent in order to be properly prepared. And because the Blazers allowed just 18 sacks in 2011, it's clear that McCants got the job done wherever he lined up.

Although he is a much better pass-blocker, there is potential for McCants to really develop in the trenches. At the moment, a zone-blocking scheme is the best fit considering his lack of lateral quickness.

Through development, McCants could play anywhere along the line and burst onto the scene thanks to his superior pass protection foundation.

Brandon Mosley, Auburn

Much like Ben Jones of Georgia, Auburn's Brandon Mosley had to deal with a gauntlet schedule of defenses in 2011.

Mosley has good size for an NFL tackle (6'6", 310 pounds) and possesses impressive agility, quickness and hand technique.

Auburn had the No. 32 ranked rushing offense in 2011, averaging 182 rush yards per game. That's an impressive mark in the SEC, and Mosley's ability to reach and wall off linebackers or isolate a defensive end proved legit.

If Mosley wants to take his game to the next level, he needs to gain more experience as a pass protector on roll-outs and waggles. He also needs to learn how to use his athleticism for inside traps and counters to create running lanes on misdirection plays.

Brandon Brooks, Miami (Ohio)

Brandon Brooks of Miami, Ohio has a great amount of experience starting at both tackle and guard.

He's not quite the right size (6'5", 350 pounds) to play tackle in the NFL, however, he has the strength and frame to develop into a true NFL guard.

The Redhawks ranked No. 14 in passing offense, averaging almost 300 yards per game. So, Brooks was constantly working his feet against inside rushers and performed quite well. Brooks' ability to maintain body control while not attacking a defender until they become vulnerable is arguably his most impressive attribute.

In other words, Brooks is excellent at being patient. An offensive lineman can't reach out to block a rusher or would-be tackler too soon, otherwise they'll miss their block.

At times, Brooks can get into funks of laziness and poor technique that lead to penalties. However, those are things NFL coaches can fix. Brooks has too much experience and proven consistency at a high level to not make the transition. 

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

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

John Rozum on Twitter.