2013 College Football Picks: Top 5 Offensive Linemen – Taylor Lewan Nation’s Best OL

2013 College Football Picks: Top 5 Offensive Linemen – Taylor Lewan Nation’s Best OL: Offensive linemen are often the unsung heroes of football teams, but last year’s NFL Draft was a nice reminder of how important the big guys up front really are. A strong offensive line can give an average quarterback enough time to look like a star and give a mediocre running back enough holes to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. On the flip side, a great quarterback can look average when defenders are constantly in their face, and any ground game can become stagnant when the defense is living in the backfield. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the top offensive linemen and the frontrunners for the Outland Trophy heading into the 2013 college football season.

1.      Taylor Lewan, Tackle, Michigan Wolverines

Lewan would have probably been a top-10 pick in last year’s NFL Draft, but he returns for his senior season as the anchor of the Michigan offensive line. While the scouts have already spotted the potential Lewan possesses, he will really get a chance to show his all-around ability this year as the departure of scrambling quarterback Denard Robinson will open the door for a more traditional offense. In addition to his excellent pass blocking skills at the left tackle spot, look for Lewan to open some big holes for highly-touted freshman back Derrick Green all season long.

2.      Jake Matthews, Tackle, Texas A&M Aggies

With last year’s No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel manning the left side, Matthews has been anchoring the right side of the Aggies line the last few seasons. Already a first-round prospect, Matthews should only boost his stock when he slides back to left tackle this season and gives Johnny Manziel plenty of time to work his magic. It’s not often a team can lose a left tackle of Joeckel’s caliber and not really take a step back at the position the following season. Thanks to Matthews, Texas A&M can enjoy the luxury.

3.      Gabe Ikard, Center, Oklahoma Sooners

He has been a steady force in the middle of the Oklahoma line, earning All-Big 12 honors in each of the past two years. Ikard has been a big reason why the immobile Landry Jones was able to stay upright for more than 500-plus throws the last couple of seasons, and he will provide the same stability as the Sooners break in a new signal caller in 2013. In fact, don’t be surprised if he ends up as the de facto leader of the offense early in the year. The combination of his leadership and all-around blocking ability make him the top center in the country heading into the season and one of the best offensive linemen in general.

4.      Cyril Richardson, Guard, Baylor Bears

With players like Robert Griffin III, Lache Seastrunk and Terrence Williams making big plays over the past couple of years, it is easy for the guys up front to get overlooked. That being said, Richardson has quietly been one of the most dominant linemen in the country. He takes care of his blocking assignment every snap and usually takes whoever he blocks completely out of the play. You can’t ask much more from a lineman than that.

5.      David Yankey, Guard, Stanford Cardinal

As the Cardinal ran the ball down the throat of opponents in punishing fashion time after time last year, Yankey ably manned the left tackle spot. This season, he will get to shift back to his original position of left guard where he will be able to take full advantage of his physicality and strength. Meanwhile, the footwork and technique he learned in his time at the tackle spot will open make Yankey that much more dangerous as he moves back inside. Stanford is still going to pound away on the ground on offense, and Yankey will be paving the way.

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