NFL Combine 2011: The 10 Most Surprising and Disappointing Offensive Linemen

The 2011 NFL Scouting Combine started today with weigh-ins for offensive linemen and tight ends as well as special teams players.

Weigh-ins are not used so much in determining how high or low a player will be drafted, but they are invaluable in evaluating the prospect as a whole. Many players are listed taller and heavier on college rosters, like Noel Devine of West Virginia. Weighing in at the Scouting Combine gives NFL decision makers a true look at what the player is made of.

Which players stood out today, and which left scouts scratching their heads?

All week, we will be bringing you coverage from the Scouting Combine, so stay tuned for more updates!

Orlando Franklin, OG, Miami (FL)

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes lays on the ground as teammate Orlando Franklin #74 looks on after being sacked by the Pittsburgh Panthers on September 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by J

Franklin was making noise as one of the top "hybrid" linemen in this class. At Miami, Franklin played guard but many see him as a tackle in the NFL; much like Branden Albert of the Kansas City Chiefs, who made the move from left guard at Virginia.

Franklin weighed in today, but it was also revealed he had surgery to repair a torn MCL six weeks ago. This bit of news could definitely affect Franklin's stock. The injury alone is nothing to worry about, but will he be ready to perform at his best in front of scouts?

Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Jordan Reed #11 and Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators celebrate a touchdown during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Im

Many are touting Pouncey as a late first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. His stock may have taken a hit today when he measured in at 6'5" and 303lbs, but with only 32.25" arms. This is much shorter than the NFL's preferred average of 33-34".

Great arm length is considered anything over 35", like Ryan Clady. Good length is 34-35", with average being 33-34" and below average at anything less than 33".

There were already doubters surrounding Pouncey. This will not help.

Ryan Bartholomew, OC, Syracuse

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STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Greg Paulus #2 of the Syracuse Orangemen shouts to his linemen Ryan Bartholomew #70, Nick Speller #74, and running back Delone Carter #3 during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver St

Centers can get away with being a little smaller than guards or tackles, but measuring in at only 6'1" does not help Bartholomew.

Being labeled as too small, which could happen at 6'1" and 302lbs, is not positive for a player who is already regarded as a late round prospect. This could knock the Orangeman completely out of the draft.

Danny Watkins, OG/OT, Baylor

Watkins had a brilliant Senior Bowl week, causing many to push him up their draft boards and even begin talking about him as an offensive tackle in the NFL. That talk should end today.

Watkins measured in at a respectable size for a guard, but he is too short (6'3") and too short-armed (33 6/8")  to play tackle in the NFL.

Watkins could still see himself drafted early in the second-round, but he will most assuredly play guard in the NFL. 

Stefen Wisniewski, OC, Penn State

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The Penn State Nittany Lions huddle up during the 95th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi against the USC Trojans at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Wisniewski is another player that many fans, analysts and scouts like. He is a tough player with NFL pedigree and is a throw-back to the glory days of the NFL. 

Unfortunately for Stefan, he is also sized like linemen of days gone by.

At only 6'3" and 303lbs, there are legitimate concerns about Wisniewski's ability to control nose tackle in a three-man front. Is he strong enough to control the "A" gap?

Tyron Smith, OT, USC

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass as Tyron Smith #70 blocks Jesse Feagin #98 of the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter of the college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial C

Enough with the bad news. No player looked better today than Smith.

The Trojan measured in at 6'5" and a chiseled 307lbs, with 36 3/8" arms (wow) and 11" hands. And he'll likely do at least 30 reps of 225lbs later this week.

I have long been a fan of Smith, and firmly believe he could be a top ten pick once the draft rolls around. After this week it will be common knowledge that he is this draft's best offensive tackle prospect.

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tyron Smith will receive the hype this week as the "freak" of the class, but Sherrod just might be the better overall athlete.

Sherrod came in at 6'5" and 321lbs today, but those 321lbs are rock solid. He is also expected to run as low as five seconds in the 40-yard dash later this week.

Keep Sherrod in mind when watching drills, and prepared to be impressed.

Marcus Cannon, OG/OT, TCU

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 28: Marcus Cannon #61, Kyle Dooley #72 and Alonzo Adams #81 of the TCU Horned Frogs raise the Mountain West Regular Season Championship trophy at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronal

Cannon is a powerful run blocker who many see as a right guard in the NFL. Others see him as a right tackle, where his power and strength will be a great asset in blocking larger defensive ends on the left side of the defensive line.

Coming in at 6'5" and a slimmed-down 358lbs (down from 375 during the season), Cannon looked ready to roll today. He is a legitimate second-round prospect at this point.

Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova

Ijalana is another of this year's offensive guard/tackle hybrid players. Having played primarily guard in college, many teams have him pegged as a player with the natural athleticism to move and play in space on the outside.

Time will tell if Ijalana has the agility to do so, but during his weigh-in today he looked the part of a left tackle. At 6'3 1/2" he would most likely have to play on the right side, or in a zone blocking scheme. The good news is that despite being a little short he has 36" arms.

If there was any bad news for Ijalana today it is that he will not be performing at the Combine due to recovery from a sports hernia injury.

Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Boston College Eagles congratulates teammate Montel Harris #2 after Harris scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Che

Like most of the elite offensive tackles in this group, Castonzo was impressive at weigh-ins today.

Standing 6'7" and weighing in at 311lbs, Castonzo is a lean and athletic tackle who fits perfectly in today's NFL. 

One thing to consider is that many have slated Castonzo as an option to play right tackle. This is something that does not seem likely, as he is simply too light and too athletic to waste on the right side.