It's true, quarterback is the most important position on the football field but how good can that player be without a good offensive line. Then it's no surprise one area that gets plenty of attention in the NFL Draft is the offensive line. We expect a quarterback, probably Georgia's Matt Stafford, will go first overall to the Detroit Lions but after Stafford, the next two players expected to be taken off the 2009 NFL Draft board will be offensive linemen.
[Sportsbook.com, the leader in NFL Draft handicapping, lists OT Andre Smith of Alabama at -250 moneyline format odds the favorite to be the second pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.]The St. Louis Rams have the second pick in the 2009 NFL Draft first round and are still trying to decide on the boards top two offensive tackle's, Andre Smith of Alabama or Jason Smith of Baylor. After cutting ties with aging All-Pro Orlando Pace in the offseason, it was a certainty the Rams would look to improve its line in the draft. And it's a matter of opinion who is the best. Virginia OT Eugene Monroe could be heading to the Kansas City Chiefs as the third pick in the draft while Andre or Jason Smith, if not selected second, would fall no farther than to Cincinnati with the sixth pick.
Michael Oher of Ole Miss is projected to be the fourth OT taken in the first round. The Detroit Lions, who own the 20th pick aquired from Dallas in a trade are praying Oher is available in that spot. The Lions have glaring needs all over but getting a top quarterback and tackle could put this troubled franchise on the road to recovery.
It's possible a fifth Offensive Tackle could go in the first round in University of Arizona OT Eben Britton . After trading All-Pro Jason Peters the Bills need to find a replacement.
