Editor's note: This is the second in a series of capsules previewing the NFL draft. Coming Thursday: Running backs and linebackers.
1. Alex Barron, 6 foot 7, 318 pounds, senior, Florida State -- Barron is a giant, but he has quickness. When he gets his hands locked inside a defensive lineman, the battle is over. Getting around Barron is no easy task, considering Barron has a 90-inch wingspan and runs a sub-5-second 40-yard dash. The only downside is Barron's tendency to not give 100 percent on every play -- something he can't do in the NFL. There's no doubt he's the most dominant offensive lineman in the draft.
Prediction: Houston Texans, 13th pick.
2. Khalif Barnes, 6 foot 5, 305 pounds, senior, Washington -- Barnes could have been the first offensive lineman taken had he not played just five games during an injury-plagued senior season. Barnes has great quickness both vertically and horizontally. He played on Washington's defensive line his freshman year before switching to offense. Barnes probably will be asked to put on 10 to 15 pounds in the NFL.
Prediction: New Orleans Saints, 16th pick.
3. Jammal Brown, 6 foot 6, 316 pounds, senior, Oklahoma -- Brown is the top athlete among offensive linemen in the draft. Last season, Brown won the Outland Trophy, presented to the nation's top offensive lineman. He's likened to a brick wall. Brown didn't allow a sack or a knockdown his senior season. He has the ability to be one of the league's premier offensive linemen if he continues to work hard. A player with his size and strength will be hard to overlook in the first round.
Prediction: San Diego Chargers, 28th pick.
Sleeper pick: Rob Hunt, 6 foot 4, 301 pounds, senior, North Dakota State -- Hunt is a true center who won the Rimington Award, presented to the nation's top Division I-AA center. He already has NFL quickness, meaning he'll be an asset to any team that runs the screen pass.
Prediction: Washington Redskins, 183rd pick.
Defensive Linemen
1. Marcus Spears, 6 foot 4, 307 pounds, senior, Louisiana State -- Spears is a freak for a player his size. He has a 34-inch vertical and catlike reflexes. Considered a natural athlete, Spears was heavily recruited out of high school to play basketball. What Spears lacks in quickness he makes up for in technique, often plowing through offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback. At LSU, Spears recorded 19 sacks and four interceptions. Any team that drafts him will be happy.
Prediction: San Diego Chargers, 12th pick.
2. Dan Cody, 6 foot 5, 245 pounds, senior, Oklahoma -- Cody might be a bit undersized, but he has more than enough heart. Cody is a coach's dream in that he gives 100 percent every down. One edge Cody has over other linemen is his speed, which allows him to fly around the outside. Playing in the Big 12 Conference helped Cody establish himself as a defensive end who can stop the run.
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings, 18th pick.
3. David Pollack, 6 foot 2, 265 pounds, senior, Georgia -- Pollack is being billed as the best athlete among defensive linemen in the draft. He never slows down, using his athletic ability to stop players dead in their tracks. Pollack finished his Georgia career with 36 sacks, seven forced fumbles and four interceptions. He first played defensive tackle, proving he has the toughness to hold his own in the middle of the line. Pollack would be the first defensive lineman taken in the draft if he were a little bigger. He'll be a steal late in the first round.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks, 23rd pick.
Sleeper pick: Tony Ficklin, 6 foot 2, 265 pounds, senior, San Jose State -- Ficklin made a name for himself at the NFL Combine, clocking a 4.7-second time in the 40-yard dash. He also marked a 39-inch vertical and bench-pressed 225 pounds 38 times. With a plethora of NFL teams moving to a 3-4 front, Ficklin figures to make an impact as a defensive end or a drop-back linebacker.
Prediction: Cleveland Browns, 217th pick.
-- Compiled by Matt Reinick
