NFL draft: Offensive linemen

THE CREAM ...

JAKE LONG, MICHIGAN

Jake Long started 13 games at left tackle for Michigan last season and was responsible for one sack. He was beaten only by Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston, another player projected to go in the top 10.

"I take it personally," Long said. "I wanted to make sure that I was perfect and not let up a sack, but Vernon is a great player and he had a good move on me and I let up."

By Long's count, Gholston's sack was only the second he gave up in college. Another amazing stat: Long was called for only two penalties (a false start and a hold) in 43 games.

Long, 6-7 and 313 pounds, can play either left or right tackle. However, he will be picked high enough and receive a big enough payday that there is little doubt he will end up protecting the quarterback's blind side.

The greatest strength in Long's game is his ability to run-block and a nasty streak that sounds similar to that of Vikings Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson, another Michigan product. But one scouting report does question Long's ability to get to the edge against speed rushers.

Issues such as these caused him to return to Michigan for his final season.

"Last year I didn't feel I was good enough to come out," he said "I wanted to improve on things, and those things I improved on. I feel I'm a smarter and better player than I was last year."

... AND THE CROP

1. RYAN CLADY, BOISE STATE

Lightly recruited as a defensive lineman out of high school, Clady became a force after being moved to left tackle. At 6-6, 309 he has excellent footwork and shows good technique, but he didn't begin playing high school football until his sophomore year and is still learning.

2. BRANDEN ALBERT, VIRGINIA

Considered the top guard in the draft, Albert is a massive 6-6, 309-pounder who combines quickness and strength. He wore down on occasion and did take some plays off but is sure to benefit from being on a weight training program in the NFL.

3. JEFF OTAH, PITTSBURGH

A former basketball player, the 6-6, 322-pounder did not take up football until he was a senior in high school, and he followed that by attending Valley Forge Military Academy's two-year college before two years at Pitt. Otah, no doubt, will need plenty of coaching at the NFL level but has big-time potential.

SLEEPER

STEVE JUSTICE, WAKE FOREST

Justice (6-3, 290) is ranked as the top center available by Pro Football Weekly's draft magazine and No. 2 by Lindy's but is considered the fifth-best center and a sixth-round pick by The Sporting News. The main drawback with Justice is his size and the fear of what NFL nose tackles will do to him. Remember, however, that Packers center Scott Wells is only 6-2 and 295 pounds.

PURPLE FEVER

The Vikings are set with their starting five but will add some depth (and perhaps future starters). Areas of concern: Left tackle Bryant McKinnie could be facing a suspension by the NFL after getting into off-the-field trouble in February, and veteran center Matt Birk's contract is set to expire after the season.