2011 Top 10 Guards: Mankins Still Best Despite 2010 Holdout

1. Logan Mankins - Patriots

Even with a lengthy holdout, Mankins clearly didn't miss a beat, still earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He has a major impact on the Patriots offense, giving Brady some of the best protection in the league, and allowing the Patriots to have a effective running game behind Green-Ellis. Logan is athletic and quick off the ball and plays with the size and fighter mentality which dominates defenses.

2. Jahri Evans - Saints

Evans has a nice blend of great size and body control which makes him an elite blocker in the league. Along with his size, Jahri gets great leverage allowing him to blow D-Tackles off the line of scrimmage. This makes him one of the best run blockers in the entire league. He still has some work to do with pass blocking in space, but he is an excellent pass blocker for his size.

3. Chris Snee - Giants

Snee has consistently been among the best guards for a while now and has been a huge reason the Giants continue to boast quality running back after quality running back. Not the biggest lineman but has incredible quickness and technique. He is an blue-collar player and an absolute workhorse, making him one of the best run-blocking and pass-blocking guards.

4. Steve Hutchinson - Vikings

He's dropped a bit with his age, but at his best, he was one of the best guards year after year in his prime. A rare run blocker, he boasts great strength for the position. He also has become a smart experienced blocker who is also has kept a most of the athleticism from his prime. I'm sure Peterson and McNabb will be happy they have this old Viking leader.

5. Kris Diehlman - Chargers

A smart veteran with a wide body and excellent technique. He is an excellent and steering lineman where he needs them to go in blocks, and his technique and size make it hard to rush the passer from the inside. He keeps Rivers as one of the most protected passers in the league and was on San Diego for some of the great Tomlinson rushing years.

6. Carl Nicks - Saints

An incredibly massive offensive lineman who made big improvements this year. He has always had the size and strength, but his technique and body control certainly improved last year. His emergence gives New Orleans the best guard tandem in football. Not an elite pass blocker, but does the job well, and his run-blocking allows the Saints to rush almost any back effectively.

7. Ben Grubbs - Ravens

One of the best young guards in the league, Grubbs is an important factor that keeps Ray Rice's lanes open and Flacco away from interior rushers. An exceptional athlete for the position, Grubbs also has excellent size to anchor pass-rushers in place and overwhelm run stuffers off the line of scrimmage. Expect him to continue to improve, even after a slight lapse from an excellent 2009.

8. Brandon Moore - Jets

One of the most underrated players in this league, Moore has been overshadowed by big Pro Bowl names in his time in New York. However, he has been essential in keeping the Jets among the best rushing teams in football the last few years. He is known more as a run blocker, but his pass blocking has improved steadily over the years. He deserves more credit for his work.

9. Josh Sitton - Packers

A young rising star who makes up for limited athleticism with great size, strength, technique and tenacity. He improved greatly this year, helping a young and oft-injured team rally to a championship. He is small and stout with a low center of gravity but needs to work on dealing with bull rushers. Other than that, he is a blue-collar player who won't make technical mistakes.

10. Brian Waters - Chiefs

A smart and highly-respected veteran who has been essential to many strong running games in Kansas City (L.Johnson, J.Charles, etc.). Although he is nearing retirement, he still does a good job pulling and has a high motor. The athleticism has gone from above-average to average, but he has excellent size for the position. Still a free agent and will be a good pickup for someone.

Also Considered:

Eric Steinbach - Browns: great lineman; deserves to be top 10, just misses cut

Bobbie Williams - Bengals: excellent 2009 but play lessened slightly in 2010

Davin Joseph - Buccaneers: solid guard with many years left; will eventually get to Top 10

Todd Herremans - Eagles: had a great year leading to breakout years for McCoy and Vick

Mike Iupati - 49ers: young athletic freak, look for a breakout season

Ryan Lilja - Chiefs: great year in KC; Indianapolis regrets letting this guy go