2012 NFL Mock Draft: 3 Linemen Who Can Make a Difference Early

We are enamored with the Aaron Rodgerses, Calvin Johnsons and Tom Bradys in the NFL's current offensive renaissance. 

However, we are never treated to their excellence without stellar play from their team's offensive lines. 

Keep your quarterback upright and open some running holes, and you've got the start to being a successful team.

Football games are STILL won in the trenches.

Remember that.  

Matt Kalil, OT USC

Matt Kalil is the 2012 draft class's top offensive lineman, for many reasons. 

He most likely would have been the first O-lineman off the board had he entered last year's draft, he's got the NFL bloodlines (father played in NFL, brother currently playing) and he's extremely athletic with great footwork. 

Add in that he's been very consistent for a second straight season, and you'll understand why Kalil is an elite tackle prospect. 

He's 6'7'' and a shade under 300 pounds. 

Whichever team drafts him gets its franchise left tackle, who is equally as dominant run blocking as he is protecting the quarterback. 

Instant starter. 

David DeCastro, OG Stanford

Andrew Luck has been tremendous during his time at Stanford, and while he's labeled as the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning by some because of his skills and football IQ, he can thank his offensive line for his success, too. 

DeCastro is the top guard in the 2012 class, and his stock is rising so much that he could be a top 15 choice. 

Much like Luck, DeCastro wins on nearly every down because of his intelligence. 

(Weird. These Stanford kids are smart.) 

However, DeCastro isn't just a technician. He has a mean streak and never shies away from driving a linebacker down the field at the end of a play. 

A heady guard with a nasty attitude while blocking. 

What's better?

Riley Reiff, OT Iowa

Another big, punishing offensive lineman prospect from the Big Ten. 

Why am I not surprised? 

Reiff doesn't really have any faults as a tackle. 

He has the size at 6'6'', 300 pounds. 

He is battle tested. 

Reiff wasn't totally dominated against J.J. Watt and Ryan Kerrigan, both first-round picks in the 2011 draft during his time at Iowa. 

He's not a Jake Long-type prospect, but a solid all-around guy that can start at tackle from day one. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller
2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery	18. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd
3. Carolina Panthers: Matt Kalil	19. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
4. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	20. Cleveland Browns: Nick Toon
5. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne	22. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower
7. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict	23. Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Minnifield
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon	24. San Diego Chargers: David DeCastro
9. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley	25. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy
10. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	26. San Francisco 49ers: Devon Still
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff	27. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
12. Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn
14. Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown	30. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Denard
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick	31. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
16. New York Jets: Alameda Ta'Amu	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins