This is the fifth article in a series previewing the top NFL prospects by position for the 2010 draft.

There is no Jonathan Ogden or Walter Jones in this year's draft class, and overall, NFL executives already have begun griping about how thin this year's ­offensive line class is, with no standout center in the senior class, few notable guards and only a handful of tackles. As has become the tradition, offensive linemen are expected to be drafted much higher than their talent warrants because of the difficulty of finding big men.

Oklahoma's Trent Williams and Oklahoma State's Russell Okung are expected to vie for being the first tackle drafted. Okung is not as talented as Williams but is a safer pick and could wind up coming off the board first.

Note: "e" indicates that the height, weight or 40-time is estimated.

SENIOR PROSPECTS

1. OLT Trent Williams, Oklahoma
6-4e, 310e, 5.15e

Williams' work habits have come under fire and will be more closely examined prior to the draft. He might not have ideal height or overall desired length for a left tackle, with relatively short arms. But he is very clearly athletic enough to handle the edge with great feet to match up against speedy edge rushers and cut off the corner. He has struggled some since moving to the left side on a very inexperienced and injury-riddled Oklahoma offensive line. ­Quietly has battled through some injuries, but when Williams is healthy, it is very easy to see that he possesses legitimate talent, with great strength and agility. He still projects as an early pick.

2. OLT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
6-6e, 300e, 5.3e

A four-year starter with outstanding length and very good strength, Okung is more suited to play on the right side than the left. Tends to lean and lunge and generate more movement as a run blocker, although he has enough talent to survive on the left side in the pros with consistent chip help. Okung has a somewhat linear build, tends to play a bit upright and is not a great foot athlete, all of which will give evaluators some pause and could keep him from ever becoming an elite pro. But he can sink his hips and bend well enough to play with some power and will play to the most of his ability given his strength of character.

3. OT Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts
6-5, 328, 5.33

A long-armed left tackle who stands out against lesser competition, Ducasse has a big, thick, well-distributed body and plays the game with a good football temperament and demeanor. Some evaluators still project him inside, and he might be best suited to play right tackle in the pros. But Ducasse has enough length and agility to be tried on the left side. He is still relatively raw with inconsistent technique and footwork, but most of his flaws are correctable; he is very tough and can continue to be molded. Old-school offensive line coaches could fall in love with him, as he shows the intensity and passion desired in the trenches, and he potentially could fit into the first round.

4. OLG-OLT Mike Iupati, Idaho
6-5¼, 330, 5.3e

The native of American Samoa has a language barrier that initially could be difficult to overcome and might require some private English lessons. A college left guard, Iupati has enough length and agility to handle playing on the edges if the protection is simplified and the game slows down enough for him. With the physical tools desired to play either tackle position and experience playing inside, he possesses intriguing versatility that easily could push him into the first round. Strong, athletic and powerful with 35-inch-plus arms, Iupati has shown the ability to dominate and could become an outstanding pro. His best football is still ahead of him.

5. OLT Charles Brown, USC
6-5¼, 295, 5.2e

Is blessed with terrific physical tools, with great feet, athletic ability and body length, but Brown has not been consistent enough protecting the edge and too often does not connect on the second and third levels. Will pass the eyeball test and work out very well, similar to Houston Texans OLT Duane Brown, and easily could warrant early-round interest for an OL coach eager to develop his talent. However, the converted tight end is still raw, lacks toughness and has not yet learned how to translate his ability to the field. He could take some time to be molded.

UNDERCLASSMEN

1. OLT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (Jr.)
6-5½e, 310e, 4.8e

Fully expected to declare for the draft following a thyroid condition that kept him out of three games and initially was feared to be more serious than it was, Bulaga plays with intensity and shows an ornery temperament as a run blocker. However, his technique in pass protection is still raw. He struggled to handle the power of Michigan DE Brandon Graham (against whom he gave up two sacks), has suspect anchor strength, plays short-armed, and is susceptible to counter moves, not showing ideal recovery quickness to protect the edges. Bulaga could be drafted highly on upside but is far from a finished product and will require patience.

2. C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida (Jr.)
6-4½, 315e, 5.25e

Entered the starting lineup as a true freshman and has steadily protected the middle for Gators QB Tim Tebow, Pouncey plays with terrific balance, is seldom on the ground and shows very good snap-and-step quickness. When he does go to the ground, he pops up very quickly and snaps back into position, grading out very consistently the past three seasons and seldom making mental mistakes or blowing assignments. He is very effective sealing and walling off blockers and can generate movement in the run game. In a draft short on centers, Pouncey shapes up as the best of the class and has performed very well alongside his brother, Mike.

3. OG Mike Pouncey, Florida (Jr.)
6-4½e, 320e, 5.3e

A converted defensive tackle with natural brute strength, Pouncey is stout at the point of attack, has a physical playing demeanor and works very well on the move. Possessing enough size and athletic ability to play outside in a pinch, Pouncey is a natural bender who works well in tandems on combo blocks, can work up to the second level and finish blocks. Few guards typically are drafted in the first round, but Pouncey has enough quickness, strength and nastiness to warrant strong consideration and is expected to make a decision with his brother, Maurkice, on whether to stay in school or enter the draft.

4. OLT Bruce Campbell, Maryland (Jr.)
6-6½e, 310e, 5.2e

Arguably has as much upside as any underclassman blocker but consistently has been slowed by injuries, including a relatively minor brain surgery as a sophomore in which fluid was drained in order to relieve pressure, and his medical evaluation could be concerning. However, he looks the part with a long-limbed frame and outstanding workout numbers that have made Maryland coaches call him "the offensive line version of Vernon Davis." With NBA bloodlines, Campbell easily can shuffle and mirror and has good agility, but he can be outleveraged in the run game. He is fully expected to declare for the draft but needs to prove he can stay healthy.

5. OLT Anthony Davis, Rutgers (Jr.)
6-5½e, 325e, 5.3e

One of the most heralded recruits ever landed by the Rutgers program, Davis has the mass, base strength, athletic ability and feet to play on the left side in the NFL. And he knows it, which has been one of his biggest problems in college and is expected to be in the pros. The immature 20-year-old has been suspended for violating team rules and allowing his weight to fluctuate too much, to the point where he was temporarily demoted during training camp prior to this season. Despite possessing natural talent, Davis' character is suspect and could knock him off many draft boards. He is expected to declare for the draft following the season but will come with a "buyer beware" tag.

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