2011 NFL Draft: Interior Offensive Linemen the New England Patriots Could Target

Protection hasn't been a problem for the New England Patriots lately, and with stellar blocking from Logan Mankins and the gang, Tom Brady enjoyed his second MVP season in four years.

There have been some recent developments on the offensive line, with Mankins recently receiving a franchise tag. Matt Light's contract is also up, and although it is believed that the two sides want to reach an agreement on an extension, nothing is ever certain with the Patriots and their veteran players.

But one thing is certain: The Patriots No. 1 priority in 2011, as it always is, should be to protect Tom Brady. With an aging group, the time may be now to groom the linemen of the future.

Here are some of the interior linemen that would be good fits for the Patriots in the draft.

Check out Erik Frenz's football curator page at myspace.com/football. Follow Erik on Twitter at @e_frenz.

Orlando Franklin, Miami

Doug Benc/Getty Images

MIAMI - OCTOBER 25: Offensive lineman Orlando Franklin #74 of the Miami Hurricanes drops back to block while taking on the Wake Forest Demon Decons at Dolphin Stadium on October 25, 2008 in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated Wake Forest 16-10. (Photo by Dou

The Patriots have sometimes been criticized for their lack of interior strength. Of course, they have Logan Mankins, Captain Piss and Vinegar, but it never hurts to have a little extra muscle inside to allow Brady to really step into his throws.

Much like Mankins, Franklin doesn't just want to block his opponents, he wants to put them on their back.

He's very quick for his size, and is a solid pass blocker. Although he's a good second-level blocker, one knock against him is his lack of lateral agility. That may bump him down the Patriots' big board, because we all know how much they love to run those screens on the outside.

Scouts, Inc. ranks Franklin as the fifth offensive guard in the draft. The Patriots could possibly eke him out of the third or fourth round with one of their three picks in those two.

Mike Pouncey, Florida

Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators reacts after a play against the Oklahoma Sooners in the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)

We move just 350 miles north on I-75 to Florida for the brother of center Maurkice Pouncey, taken in the first round of 2010. Mike is similar to his brother in that he plays with that extra shot of aggression in him.

He's solid in both pass protection and run blocking, but one attribute the Patriots will certainly like about Pouncey is his overall awareness in passing situations. Scouts, Inc. says of Pouncey, "[he] keeps [his] head on a swivel to recognize pressures or defensive line movement. Stays disciplined against defensive line twists and does a nice job of handing off rushers."

Pouncey would quickly fit in with a veteran group of offensive linemen who are disciplined in the task of protecting Tom Brady.

Clint Boling, Georgia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 21: Clint Boling #60 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on November 21, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There's nothing outstanding about Boling, except his durability, having never missed a game due to injury.

He's a talented pass blocker, very quick on his feet with long arms to keep defenders at bay. His agility serves him well on screens. He doesn't, however, anchor very well against powerful defensive ends that can swim or club their way past him.

Why does Boling fit the bill? One word—versatility. He has played three different positions on the offensive line, starting most of his games at either tackle spot but moving to guard for some games. Scarnecchia will certainly find his strengths and utilize him for those, but don't expect them to reach any further than a third-round pick on Boling.

Danny Watkins, Baylor

The only drawback for Watkins is his age. At 27 years old, his NFL career isn't necessarily over before it's began, but the window shrinks significantly.

Watkins plays with an edge unlike most (even the two listed previously in this slideshow). He's a little rough around the edges, but he plays with a mean streak. He makes some good reads on blitzes and stunts, though. Under the tutelage of Dante Scarnecchia, he could learn to harness that aggressive energy and develop into a fine talent.

One drawback in his game is that he can sometimes have trouble anchoring against bull-rushing defensive linemen, but he moves well laterally and gets into good position when blocking at the second level.

Rodney Hudson, Florida State

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Rodney Hudson #62 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Scouts Inc. characterizes Hudson as a hard worker who is a leader both on and off the field. He is listed as a center, but spent much of his time at either guard spot leading up to his senior year.

His arms aren't the ideal length, about an inch shorter than they could be, but he is extremely sound in both passing and running situations. He has a high football IQ and makes solid reads on stunts and blitzes, giving help where needed.

He blocks well against all kinds of rushers, in all kinds of situations. What's not to love about Hudson?