Rodney Hudson was a mauler at FSU.

The second part of today’s Big Board is the interior linemen. Unlike the offensive tackles in this year’s draft, the 2011 class is not as deep at center and guard. There are certainly a few top-notch prospects that will deservedly be selected in the first round, but the drop-off after those players is a bit more pronounced than it was with the tackles.

The Bucs may be looking at spending a mid-to-late round pick on on an interior lineman. While I doubt they will spend a pick in the first few rounds on their offensive line (or their offense in general), they may be looking to acquire some additional depth along the line. Last year, Jeremy Zuttah and Ted Larsen came up huge for the Bucs down the stretch. Zuttah stepped in to play center and guard when need be and Ted Larsen finished the last half of the season beside Donald Penn on the left. Both look to return and have good years next season, but with injury concerns regarding Jeff Faine and Davin Joseph (who also needs a contract) the Bucs may be looking to add depth.

Here are the top interior linemen in the 2011 Draft:

1.) Mike Pouncey, Florida - Pouncey is the safest pick in the 2011 draft, amongst linemen. He has a twin brother who garnered national attention for his strong play in Pittsburgh as a rookie. That’s why it’s not hard to believe that if Mike has as much drive and work ethic as his twin, he should also be a very good NFL lineman. Pouncey started as a defensive tackle at UF before transitioning to right guard in 2008. Last year, after his brother left school early, Pouncey moved to center. He’s capable of playing all three of the interior line positions and has all the size and athleticism you could ask for in an NFL prospect. Pouncey is fundamentally sound most of the time but does tend to get a little lazy (slower off the line, pads get high) when he fatigues. Still, he is the best of the interior linemen in this year’s class.

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