2011 NFL Mock Draft: Order Tyron Smith and the Top 10 Tackles Will Be Taken

Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees: the quarterback is by far the most important position in the NFL.

Joe Thomas, Michael Roos, and Tyson Clabo: the left tackle is arguably the second most important position in the league. Why? Because it protects the guy at the most important position, of course.

Left tackle is always a highly sought after position in the first round of every draft. Up to six could be selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Not all of these offensive tackles can be taken in the first, but they will be the first 10 off the board:

10. Jason Pinkston

Stock Update: It may not be a stretch to say that Jason Pinkston has second-round talent. His injury history with his knees will prevent him from being selected that high though.

He must have not blown away scouts this offseason because he's being projected as mainly a right tackle with some even saying a move to guard would be his best bet.

Projection: 89th overall to the San Diego Chargers

9. Marcus Gilbert

Doug Benc/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert #76 of the Florida Gators takes a breather during a stoppage in play against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. Florida defeate

Stock Update: The 6'6", 330 pound Marcus Gilbert's stock has really shot up this off season.

He reportedly looked great in position drills in the combine and his pro day. He is being seen as a right tackle in the NFL.

Projection: 71st overall to the Dallas Cowboys

8. Joseph Barksdale

Stock Update: Drafts analysts have a lot of mixed feelings about Barksdale.

Some believe that he deserves first round consideration while others don't think of him any more than a mid-round prospect. At 6'5", 325 pounds, he has left tackle potential.  

Projection: 69th overall to the Arizona Cardinals

7. James Carpenter

Stock Update: James Carpenter is having a good offseason and has a chance to be taken in the bottom of the second round.

Some believed he would have to move to guard in the NFL because of a lack of athleticism. He now is back to being considered a possibility at right tackle.

Projection: 68th overall by the Buffalo Bills

6. Benjamin Ijalana

Stock Update: Benjamin Ijalana is the top tackle prospect who is only a right tackle in the NFL.

Some believed he was a better bet at guard, but that has since changed. He could realistically be selected at the bottom of the first round.

Projection: 33rd overall to the New England Patriots

5. Derek Sherrod

Stock Update: Sherrod once held a case to be the first offensive tackle taken off the board, but other tackles have impressed enough to pass him on draft boards.

He's still a very solid prospect and has drawn interest from multiple teams at the bottom of the first. He reportedly has looked great in drills this off season.

Projection: 26th overall to the Baltimore Ravens

4. Gabe Carimi

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

Stock Update: Gabe Carimi is a large man at 6'7", 314 pounds.  Most believe he'll be selected in the early 20s.

He'll probably have to start out at right tackle in the NFL and then eventually switch to left.

Projection: 23rd overall to the Philadelphia Eagles

3. Anthony Castonzo

Stock Update: Anthony Castonzo has reportedly looked amazing in drills this off season.

He's 6'7", 311 pounds and has franchise left tackle written all over him. He's a top 25 lock and could even go top 20.

Projection: 22nd overall to the Indianapolis Colts

2. Nate Solder

Stock Update: Nate Solder is like that European basketball player that gets drafted into the NBA, but stays overseas for one or two years to develop his game. He's a very raw prospect, but his potential is through the roof.

He's 6'8", can run a sub-5.0 40, and has drawn comparisons to Tony Boselli.

Projection: 19th overall to the New York Giants

1. Tyron Smith

Jeff Golden/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 7: Tyron Smith #70 of the USC Trojans stretches before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 7, 2009 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. USC won 14-9. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

Stock Update: Heading into the offseason, weight was Tyron Smith's biggest concern. He weighed in at 307 pounds at the NFL Combine which has dismissed those concerns.

He's very athletic and could be selected at high as number nine to the Dallas Cowboys.

Projection: 13th overall to the Detroit Lions

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him on Twitter.