2012 Offensive Lineman NFL Draft Sleepers

by Dustin J Quarrella on Feb 5, 2012 3:34 PM EST

Stories abound about undrafted free agents that go on to NFL stardom, or have critical roles contributing to their team's success. The New England Patriots current 53 man roster consists of 18 undrafted players that will take part in tonight's Super Bowl. Victor Cruz, the undrafted wide receiver out of UMass, has played a pivotal role in securing the New York Giants the franchise's fifth trip to the title game.

As important as it is to hit on first and second round picks, finding value late in the draft and among rookie free agents may be considered just as vital to maintaining long-term stability, depth, and success.

Drafting a few hidden gems in rounds 3 to 7, and signing "diamond in the rough" rookie free agents will be the lifeblood the Detroit Lions need in the 2012 NFL draft to ensure the organization builds upon the success of 2011.

Each player discussed in this article is projected either as a 3rd to 7th round selection, or rookie free agent.

2012 OFFENSIVE NFL DRAFT SLEEPERS

Mike Brewster - C - Ohio State - Projected 3rd or 4th round selection

Brewster started 48 straight games at Ohio State. Athletic, durable, and tough, what shouldn't be overlooked is the fact that Brewster returned to Ohio State despite the turmoil facing the program following the 2010 season. Intangibles are often overlooked, and Brewster truly developed into a leader at Ohio State. Initially recruited as a guard, Brewster possesses the ability to play guard, before eventually taking over for the aging Raiola.

Philip Blake - C - Baylor - Projected 4th round selection

Blake plays with an edge. Part of the high octane Baylor offense, Blake paved the way for the Baylor ground game. While he may struggle getting to the second level, he manages to consistently win the matchup with the nose tackle.

Scott Wedige - C - Northern Illinois - Projected 7th round/FA selection

I watched Northern Illinois play one time this year, so I'll admit I don't have a lot to go on. What I do have, however, are statistics. "Wedige anchored the Northern Illinois offensive line from his center position in his first season as a starter a year ago and helped lead the way to Chad Spann's record-breaking touchdown-scoring campaign. The Huskies offense led the MAC in total offense a year ago and NIU's per carry rushing average of 6.3 (by all rushers) led the country."

Rishawn Johnson - OG - California (PA) - Projected 5th round selection

I attended the East, West Shrine game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL a few weeks ago and had the opportunity to watch Rishawn Johnson play. This is big boy. There are reports off character concerns, but if those are manageable, I like what I saw.

Ryan Miller - OG - Colorado - Projected 6th round selection

Miller is a blue-collar worker. Everything I've researched on Miller leads me to believe he could be a real find. Despite his massive size, he stays low and plays through the whistle. Zone blocking schemed offenses may be hoping Miller remains a secret.

James Brown - OG/OT - Troy - Projected 3rd or 4th round selection

Mike Mayock raved about James Brown at the Senior Bowl, so we shouldn't anticipate Brown remaining a hidden gem for very long. Keep your ear to the grindstone on draft day, because whoever lands Brown may land a starting offensive lineman for years to come.

Nate Potter - OT - Boise State - Projected 3rd or 4th round selection

At this point Potter may not be as hidden as I'd like to believe. Scouting reports rave about Potter's consistency, intelligence, and technique. All indications suggest Potter has the potential to man the left side of an offensive line for years to come, with the question being what happens in the weight room. At 6'6, Potter can afford to add more to his 298-pound frame.

Jeff Adams - OT - Columbia - Projected 7th round/FA selection

I like smart football players. According to cbssports.com, "Team Most Valuable Offensive Lineman, earned second consecutive All-Ivy League first team accolade. Adams protected Brackett's blind side all season and is widely regarded as one of most athletic offensive linemen in the League." While we may not rave over a player earning Ivy League honors, Adam's athleticism intrigues me, especially considering the speed of edge rushers in today's game.

Note: OT Mitchell Schwartz, California, was my selection for the Lions in my recent article, "2012 NFL Draft Prognosticating."

Next up? Offensive skill position sleepers.

ROAR.

By: Dustin J Quarrella

Poll

Should the Detroit Lions address adding youth to the offensive line later in the draft, or should they do so early?

Early. Don't play games.

69 votes

3rd or 4th round. Offensive lineman are deep this year.

47 votes

Late. The secondary and linebacking units need to be addressed first.

10 votes

126 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

Tweet Comment 10 comments | 2 recs |

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Comments

I think we still need a stick with BPA option

but I put Early, as in there will be an O-line guy at BPA at that point.

Playoffs for Christmas!!

by StaffordSuperBowlMVP on Feb 5, 2012 3:56 PM EST reply actions

Early

No late round projects again.

by Loyal det on Feb 5, 2012 5:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Mayhew will stick to BPA.

I just hope it works out that the BPA is a Left Tackle prospect.

"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 5, 2012 8:00 PM EST reply actions

while it's against the pattern

I’m not convinced it’s written in stone he will only draft BPA. The BATFAN approach is still closer to the truth and I think that “fits a need” is getting more narrowly defined for the team.

Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul

by Ee Oulo on Feb 6, 2012 12:42 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah I meant BATFAN as well, and of course O-line would fall under a need.

Playoffs for Christmas!!

by StaffordSuperBowlMVP on Feb 7, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

I hear ya

I still think we’re more and more likely to see more guys drafted on positional need over individual talent… as we’d define them anyway. I suppose we can never truly get in Mayhews head to know how exactly he had guys ranked going in.

Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul

by Ee Oulo on Feb 10, 2012 1:21 AM EST up reply actions

I said early since "both" wasn't an option

I’d be happy if they took an OL early, late, and in the middle of the draft.

Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul

by Ee Oulo on Feb 6, 2012 12:40 AM EST reply actions

Trade down and conquer

I dunno this seems like the type of draft where there will be lots of hidden jems and finds all over the place from the 2nd and 3rd to the late middle rounds, trading away that first round pick for multiple picks in the later rounds may be the way to fill alot of these needs on the cheaper side. There’s no gaurantee either way that a 1st rounder won’t be great or a bust but I think unless they feel they have a ’can’t miss’ type guy at ther 1st pick why not trade down?

by Maxha on Feb 6, 2012 6:05 AM EST reply actions

I voted for a middle round guy, though BPA is still ideal

BPA all the way (unless it’s a QB, TE, or DT). Teams with long term success are teams that load up on studs and fill holes through free agency and trades.

I couldn't think of a better signature.

by atvman on Feb 9, 2012 12:10 PM EST reply actions

Successful starters on the O line come from everywhere in the draft

It is really amazing.

Just get the right people Mayhew. That is your job now. Finding better talent than you already have! The easy part is over, now the real work starts.

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by joshsun on Feb 9, 2012 10:36 PM EST reply actions