Top 10 Offensive Linemen in 2013 NFL Draft

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Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

They don?t get the same glory of the quarterbacks they protect, but the offensive line is the most important unit in the NFL.

Having a great quarterback or running back is rendered moot if you don?t have a quality offensive line to protect the quarterback to give him time to throw to his receivers and tight ends, just ask Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler about that. What good is having a top running back if he is getting hit in the backfield every time he gets the ball? Being strong in those areas is like having a Ferrari body and putting a Ford engine under the hood.

Only one offensive lineman was taken in the first 22 picks in the 2012 draft and four in the first round, but this year may see as many as seven taken in the first round. The left tackle position is the most important position to solidify after quarterback and Texas A&M?s Luke Joeckel could be the first left tackle to be the number one pick since Jake Long went first overall to the Miami Dolphins in 2008.

This draft class has two of the better guard prospects in recent memory, a center that is a three-time national champion who can play three different positions and back-to-back champion Alabama could see three linemen selected in the first round.

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Source: http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/01/17/top-10-offensive-linemen-in-2013-nfl-draft/

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