Iowa features only sophomore left tackle Riley Reiff and senior right guard Julian Vandervelde returning with experience.

Reiff started in 11 of the Hawkeyes' 13 games and Vandervelde started in nine, saw action in 12, but suffered with consistency issues all season because of missing the summer with an injury.

Reiff was named to CollegeFootballNews.com's third team Freshman all-America and Sporting News' first team Big Ten all-Freshman. Vandervelde impressed in 2008 before last summer's injury.

So, we know both are capable, it's the other slots in the trenches that need to be filled by the right guys for Iowa to be successful again this fall. 

Junior Adam Gettis saw some action at left guard and sophomore James Ferentz will likely see plenty of time this season after off-field troubles kept him from playing last year. 

Gettis improved as the season went on after struggling in a start against Northern Iowa. But who didn't struggle in that game for the Hawks? If he continues to make progress in spring and summer practice the spot should be his.

Plenty of pressure is on the coach's son, as center is heavily relied upon in the Iowa offense. Ferentz may have seen playing time last year had he not suffered from a lapse in judgement.

From there, however, it's anybody's guess as to who will get the nod in the leftover gaps.   

What Seems Like a Long, Long, Time Ago

The last time the Hawkeyes' offensive line looked this young was 2007—not a good year for the Hawks, who went 6-6 and rightfully missed out on a seventh-straight bowl berth after losing to a Western Michigan team that was 3-7 at the time.  

Iowa's offensive line for 2007 featured two returning starters in Seth Olsen at right guard and Rafael Eubanks at center. Both would later be named as all-Big Ten honorable mentions as consolation, I guess. 

As for the rest of the offensive line, the Hawkeyes featured widely young and inexperienced players in the trenches after Iowa lost Mike Jones, Mike Elgin and Marshal Yanda to graduation in 2006.  

The result was 46 sacks allowed by the end of the year. That stat was good for 114th in the nation. Iowa had only given up 22 sacks the previous season.

Iowa did a lot of shuffling with the 2007 offensive line due to injuries and lacks of cohesion and experience. They were the doormat of offensive lines  in the Big Ten before finding themselves in 2008.

That inexperienced squad included a young Bryan Bulaga, Kyle Calloway, and Rafael Eubanks. Dace Richardson sat out much of 2007 due to injury. 

Back to the Future

Last season, Iowa gave up 29 sacks, which tied for 82nd in the country. That's by no means a pretty number. 

With a younger offensive line this season, it's reasonable to expect that number to increase. 

What does that mean for the Hawkeyes? Everybody else has to step it up. 

Quarterback Ricky Stanzi has to lead the team and make better decisions all around.

Receivers have to get open and catch the ball to take the pressure off the running game. 

Luckily for the incoming o-line uglies, they'll be protecting three very talented backs in Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher, and Jewel Hampton. 

On a positive note, the Hawkeyes return plenty of players with starting experience—largely in thanks to last season's injuries—to back up the offensive line. 

Also, here's to hoping this year's playmakers are smarter in the off-season than they were in 2007. That will go a long way in ensuring Iowa's success. 

Overall, though, this young o-line needs to mature very quickly and find that groove 2007's squad couldn't. 

Hopefully, they'll also put on some meat in the off-season, as Vandervelde and red-shirt sophomore Casey McMillan are the only ones in the discussion over 300 pounds. We'll get an update on that situation closer to spring practice.

Finally, as always, nobody gets injured. 

Knock on the wood nearest you.

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This pains me in ways I cannot explain (at least fully). But I will say this, Mathew Stafford is going to be a broken man before the Lions have any success, and the Rams are arguably in a worse spot.

Why draft a QB just to have him die on the field (figuretively)?

Ndamukong Suh will be the next great defender. If recent draft history indicates anything, it's that top defensive picks are less likely to bust than offensive picks. Let's face it, the Rams are a run first team.

For the love of all that is holy, trade for Michael Vick, draft Suh and maybe if you're feeling lucky, you can pick up a decent young QB in the second round, whether it be Tim Tebow or Colt McCoy or someone else. You'll have Vick and Suh. That's what you need.

Having followed this team since 1996, it's very painful to see a franchise grow to the highest of highs and sink down to the lowest of lows. I do not want an 0-16 season, and I don't want a 3-13 season to be called an improvement. I implore management to do the right thing. Yet I know they will not hear me.

It's my soul that cries now. What in bloody hell are you thinking, Bill? Yes, you Devaney, what are you thinking?

Vick is quoted as saying:

"I'm not saying it out of arrogance but out of confidence. I think I can be the difference maker on any team, especially a team like the St. Louis Rams, who need a lot of help and will get it based on their ownership and the general manager they have who is a great guy and I know from Atlanta. I just think bringing the right pieces in, putting the right players in the proper positions and giving them the opportunity to win, I think premier players could turn any team around. Yeah, I'm confident I could do that ".

Poor Steve Jackson will be facing eight man fronts all season; Bradford will probably injure himself more than once, and the season will end by Week 8, again.

But I digress, if Rams management truly wants to draft Bradford, get ready for the next Joey Harrington. Enjoy with fruitful obsession. I and all other fans will have to suffer even longer.

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Stocks have risen even more after strong performances from players like Sean Weatherspoon and Eric Berry at the NFL Combine.

However, Jermaine Gresham and Anthony Davis did not fare as well.

Here is the updated 2010 NFL Draft Big Board.

No. 1: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska 

Suh was actually No. 2 on my list last time, but after reviewing more of Suh's tape and seeing his strong performance at the combine, I had to jump on the band wagon and put him at No. 1.

The greatest part of Suh's game is his balance on both run stopping and pass rushing. He works just as hard at both skills, and he really appears to love doing both.

Suh should be an absolute force in the NFL, and if the Lions are lucky enough to get him at No. 2, they should jump all over that opportunity. 

No. 2: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee 

Berry was previously my No. 1 rated player, and he only falls to No. 2 because of the realization of how good Suh is.

Berry combines excellent size—6'0", 211 lbs.—with great speed—4.47 40 time. He excels at stopping the run, along with being a ball hawking safety in pass coverage.

I would still be very surprised to see Berry fall out of the top five. He has shown his brilliance at every level thus far, and he will continue the trend in the NFL.

No. 3: Russell Okung, T, Oklahoma State

Okung has shot up my list post-combine. I have been able to watch more tapes on the ex-Cowboy, along with his sensational performance at the combine.

Unlike Bruce Campbell, Okung is built like an offensive lineman. He has massive shoulders and an all-around thick body that looks impossible to move. He is just as strong in run blocking as he is pass blocking too.

Okung looks to be a franchise left tackle for the next 10 years. He looks to go somewhere in the top five, and he could potentially start his first game this year.

No. 4: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma 

McCoy is a great player, but I think he has gotten a little over-hyped by many scouts. I think many people want a McCoy versus Suh rivalry at the next level, and while McCoy is great, he is no Suh.

However, McCoy is still a terrific player. He is an excellent pass rushing defensive tackle who gets off the ball very quickly. He also plays at a very high intensity and seems to always be in the right place to make a play.

McCoy still looks to be a top five pick. Rumor has it that the Tampa Bay Bucs will do just about anything to get him. Even if that means trading up.

No. 5: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

When you can play, you can play, and Joe Haden can play. Despite having a poor combine performance, Haden still comes in at No. 5.

Haden proved to be by far the best corner in college football. He shut down just about every receiver he faced, and he hits like a safety in run support. Haden is not as slow as his combine made him seem. He clearly has great game speed and quickness, which is what really matters.

Haden was previously a lock as a top 10 pick, but some scouts think he may fall. If he does, he will become one of the best values in the draft. Still, I see Haden going in the top 10.

No. 6: Bryan Bulaga, T, Iowa

Bulaga is another player shooting up most draft boards. Teams have realized that this 20-year-old can play with the best of them, despite his "small" arm length.

Bulaga excels at run blocking at this point of his career. The Iowa system was very run first, so he got a lot of experience at it. He is still a good pass blocker, but he will improve even more with the right training.

Look for Bulaga to go in the top 10 now. Previously, some mock drafts had him falling to the late teens, but not anymore. He is clearly top 10 material and potential. 

No. 7: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

McClain's draft status is in question now. Previously, he was thought of as top 10 pick, but now, some scouts have McClain falling to the mid to late teens. However, he is still rated high on my board.

McClain uses his massive frame—6'4", 255 lbs—to tackle and cover. He is a very natural tackler, who still hits low and drives his opponent to the ground. McClain then excels at pass coverage because of his incredible athleticism and instincts. 

Teams will be hard pressed to pass on McClain, knowing how well Patrick Willis and John Beason have turned out. I see him going in the late single digits or early tens.

No. 8: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

The potential No. 1 overall pick falls to No. 8 for me because of the questions that still need to be answered. Is he healthy? How is his arm strength? Is he injury prone? These questions would make me very nervous as a GM.

Still, Bradford showed signs of brilliance at Oklahoma. He constantly made the right decisions, and he never seemed to get rattled. He also has ideal size and decent athleticism too.

From the looks of it, Bradford looks to be the No. 1 overall pick. He will have a chance to bring the Rams back to prominence, and with the help of Steven Jackson who knows where this could go.

No. 9: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

I am not sold on Dez Bryant, and I feel like he is getting too many free passes. This young man clearly has an ego problem that can ruin teams at the next level.

But, when on the field, Bryant can play. He has a great combination of size and speed, and he has some of the biggest hands ever for a wide receiver. Bryant's size, playing style, and (unfortunately) attitude reminds me of a young Terrell Owens.

Many mock drafts still have Bryant going in the top 10. I do not disagree; he has top 10 talent, but his attitude frightens me, which is why he is barely in my top 10.

No. 10: Brandon Graham, OLB/DE, Michigan

Graham has always been considered a top prospect to me—even when he was supposed to go in the third round. He continues to rise on many draft boards, but I still think he should go higher.

Graham has dominated at every level he has played at. He was a huge recruit coming out of high school, and he then dominated the Big 10 for four seasons. Graham then proved to all the skeptics how athletic and strong he is—4.72 40 time, 31 reps.

Look for a team to take a chance on Graham in the mid first round. He is a player a team may trade up to try and get, and they will not be disappointed in their investment. 

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for 11-20. Please comment too. 

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Alabama will be replacing nine out of 11 players on defense in 2010. While no one thinks the Alabama defense will simply fall off the charts, there is simply too much change to predict the translation to the field. It will take some games played to do that with any hope of accuracy.

The Alabama offense is another story all together. Most of the starters and play makers return for 2010. There is a lot of potential in this group.

What can Alabama fans expect?

In 2009 the Alabama offense was ranked 42nd in the nation. They were 92nd in passing offense, 22nd in scoring offense, and 12th in rushing offense. They were 36th in allowed sacks and 5th in the SEC.

There is certainly room for potential improvement there. Let us go back and see how this offense has progressed from the past. We will start in 2007 for obvious reasons.

In 2007 Alabama was ranked 75th in total offense, 60th in rushing offense, and 59th in passing offense. They were ranked 51st in allowed sacks and 7th in the SEC. This was certainly an offense that needed to improve.

In 2008 Alabama was ranked 97th in passing offense, 63rd in total offense and 30th in rushing offense. They were ranked 56th in allowed sacks and 7th in the SEC. This was also a unit that had room for improvement.

Rushing yardage:

2007: 1940 yds

2008: 2585 yds

2009: 3011 yds

This shows steady improvement. There was 625 yds of improvement between 2007 and 2008.

This would show a diminishing rate of improvement. There was a 48 ypg improvement in 2008 and a 30 ypg improvement in 2009. It would be reasonable to expect a 15 ypg improvement in 2010.  This would mean around 3200 yds of rushing in 2010.

While this is certainly not an exact science, it is reasonable to expect this improvement. This would place Alabama in the top ten in rushing for 2010 easily.

Passing yardage:

2007: 2919 yds. ,

2008: 1985 yds. 

2009: 2631 yds.

This is tied in with other statistics. In 2007 Alabama allowed 25 sacks, 2008 25 sacks, 2009 20 sacks. In 2007 there were 334 passing attempts, 2008 423 passing attempts, 2009 346 passing attempts. 

This shows that the commitment to the passing game declined with the improvement of the rushing offense. It also shows a big jump in effectiveness of the passing offense from 2008 to 2009.

There was nearly a doubling of gained yardage per pass attempt to 8.7 yds per attempt. This compares to 5 yds per attempt for the rushing offense. Clearly the place where most improvement could occur is in the passing game. 

Alabama ran 902 offensive plays in 2007, 962 in 2008, 947 in 2009. I think Alabama fans can assume the offensive tempo will remain steady at between 65 and 70 offensive plays per game.

Offensive balance for the Alabama coaching staff seems to be based on total yards not plays ran. I look for Alabama to improve about .2 yds. per offensive play in 2010 ( up from 5.96 yds per play to about 6.2 yds. per play).

This will likely still put them 4th in the SEC in yards gained per play, but would improve the total yards gained to around 6076 total yards of offense. This would likely be around 3200 yds rushing and 2876 yds passing. 

This would certainly move Alabama from 42nd in total offense into the top 20 for 2010. It will also make life easier for the defense in 2010. If your opponent does not have the ball, they can't score. 

Every improvement in offense will mean less plays that need to be made by the defense.

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Perhaps we will look back on this draft and see future pro bowlers and franchise tackles. Here's a look at a few guys who had up-and-down performances at the combine.

Risers

1.Bruce Campbell (Maryland)

40-Yard Dash (4.85)  Bench Press (34)  Vertical Jump (32.0)  3-Cone Drill (7.58)

20-Yard Shuttle (4.69)  Broad Jump (8'05")

Campbell came into the combine as one of the more electric tackle prospects and he did not disappoint. He was fast, strong, and smart throughout the day. He posted strong numbers across the board and could be the first tackle taken in April.

He keeps a low center of gravity, has a great initial pop off the line of scrimmage, and has the speed to pull effectively and cut off the outside rush. 

2.Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

40-Yard Dash (4.88)  Bench Press (23)  Vertical Jump (34.0)  20-Yard Shuttle (4.63)

Broad Jump (9'05")

Williams was another lineman with elite potential who showed up big at the combine. He was easily one of the fastest tackles there and, while he didn't look overly impressive at the bench, he showed excellent lower body strength at both jump stations. 

The former Sooner has all of the physical tangibles you look for in an NFL-ready lineman without the production. He doesn't have a deep history of injuries so durability isn't a primary concern. He can be an immediate contributor at the next level and has the potential to be the best rookie tackle by next year's end.

3.Marshall Newhouse (TCU)

40-Yard Dash (5.00)  Bench Press (25)  3-Cone Drill (7.40)  20-Yard Shuttle (4.60)

Broad Jump (7'10")

Newhouse was the decided captain of a strong TCU offensive line for nearly his entire career there. He has the speed to play tackle and the strength to play guard. He was one of the few linemen there that worked well in tight spaces, turning on his edges like a backfield defender.

Virtually unknown before the combine, the former Horned Frog has boosted his draft stock in ways that wouldn't be possible without events like the NFL combine. 

4.Mitch Petrus (Arkansas)

40-Yard Dash (5.29)  Bench Press (45)

Petrus was easily the strongest lineman at the combine, and for a guy with that much bulk, he sure moved fast. The former Razorback was recruited at tight end, raised at fullback, and, after three years on an offensive line that saw enormous success in the SEC, Petrus is ready to make his NFL debut.

The Arkansas native has great athleticism and physicality. He could stand to be a little faster off the snap, but once he's in motion, he's a bull. He showed up big at the combine and could see a quicker exit off the board in April.

5.Jared Veldheer (Hillsdale)

40-Yard Dash (5.09)  Bench Press (32)  Vertical Jump (33.0)  3-Cone Drill (7.40)

20-Yard Shuttle (4.51)  Broad Jump (9'01")

Veldheer has a refreshing attitude towards the game. He is an absolute team player at heart and he has the mean streak to boot. The former Colt is a well-balanced athlete who also made an impression at the bench. He's fast, quick, however you want to put it, and he has more upside than you'd expect. 

Veldheer is a victim of the common rule where players from small school go largely overlooked; the combine is one of the few places where those who would otherwise go unnoticed, get a chance to prove themselves.

Fallers

1.Eric Cook (New Mexico)

Bench Press (19)  Vertical Jump (25.0)  Broad Jump (7'10")

Cook came into the combine as a relatively unknown player and that's how he'll leave. There wasn't anything impressive about his numbers and nothing stood out in the position-specific drills. 

The former Lobo has his upside and his tape shows a lineman with good size and quick feet. He pulls well and has a fast kick step in pass protection. He'll still have a chance to show his stuff at New Mexico's pro day, but until then, he's still just another number.

2.Ciron Black (LSU)

40-Yard Dash (5.49)  Bench Press (23)  Vertical Jump (25.5)  Broad Jump (7'07")

Black was on his way to becoming the first Tiger taken in the 2010 draft until he showed up to Indianapolis. The former LSU lineman posted nothing special across the board and was uninterested in his interviews and position-specific drills. 

Black has the potential to be good; perhaps it was only the wear and tear of a stringent combine schedule that seems to excel at placing young players outside of their comfort zone. At LSU's pro day, though, we should see a better player with quicker feet and a better disposition.

3.Kyle Calloway (Iowa)

40-Yard Dash (5.51)  Bench Press (22)  Vertical Jump (23.5)  Broad Jump (7'08")

Calloway doesn't carry the same weight in the draft as his fellow teammate, Bryan Baluaga, does. He has better size and, arguably, quicker feet, but his technique still needs a large amount of work.

He doesn't utilize his hands at the line effectively and he struggles at keeping his composure against larger defenders in pass protection. He still has some upside, though, and will likely see an exit off the board sometime early on day two of the draft.

4.Kyle Jolly (North Carolina)

40-Yard Dash (5.43)  Bench Press (20)  Broad Jump (7'05")

Jolly was one of the few consistencies Tarheel fans saw in their team last year. The lineman has the size to play inside and the speed to be effective on the outside. It wasn't completely clear where Jolly might end up before the combine but, after his performance, he may not end up anywhere.

The Tarheel showed a sluggish side of him that we haven't seen since his sophomore season. One of the features that make Jolly special on the field was his fiery attitude and, without that, he's just another big ugly without a memorable name. 

5.Chris Scott (Tennessee)

40-Yard Dash (5.49)  Bench Press (19)  Broad Jump (7'06")

Scott may have had the worst time at the combine than any other lineman. His numbers were poor and there were several drills in which the former Volunteer had to repeat.

After ending his season under fire against Virginia Tech, Scott received another chance to shine in the East-West Shrine game and, while he may have made an impression there, he flopped at the combine. Scott had a shot at becoming the second Vol to be taken, Eric Berry is a unanimous top ten pick, but not he may not see a berth until very late. 

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WTOP Radio in Washington D.C. reported this morning that a number of Jet Airplanes at Dulles International Airport have been inaccessible because of a collapsed roof of their Jet Center due to the amount of snow the D.C. area received in February.

One of those Jets, you guessed it, Dan Snyder's.

So maybe, just maybe, the explanation for the calm at Redskin Park is because Danny Boy can't hop on his jet and whisk away to far off lands to sign that sexy free agent he is so known for doing.

Maybe next off-season, long after the repairs are completed to the roof, us Skins fans can put a big pad lock on the Jet Center to keep Mr. Snyder grounded for another year and let his General Manager do his job.

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As proof, the Iowa House and Senate passed joint resolutions to honor University of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and the 2010 Iowa Hawkeyes. The team was honored for being one of the most "entertaining, talented and successful teams in Hawkeye history."

Coach Ferentz accepted the honor in typical Ferentz fashion. 

"We are very, very appreciative of being recognized," he expressed to the legislators.

"I've moved around, been around to different parts of the country. I've been involved in other programs, coached in the National Football League. The one thing that has always struck me about being [in] Iowa is the support we receive is so unique, the interest and support is just absolutely phenomenal.

"It shows up in terms of the Kinnick crowds, when we go on the road, the great group that were down in Miami for the Orange Bowl. Those are things we are very, very appreciative of, and if we can pay back to the state in any way by performing well in the field, by having a team that people can be proud of, that’s really our goal."

The Hawkeyes went 11-2 last season, winning their first Bowl Championship Series game along the way. It was their biggest bowl victory since Iowa's 1959 win over California in the Rose Bowl.

During his speech, Ferentz took the opportunity to remind senators and representatives that it wasn't just the performance on the field that should be honored.

"As proud as we are of our team on the field, we are more proud of the kind of people they are and what they choose to do away from our building," reminded the coach.

It was a great point to make, considering that a few weeks ago Iowa Rep. Wayne Ford of Des Moines tried to initiate the Legislative Oversight Committee to conduct meetings with the Board of Regents to discuss the problem of student-athlete arrests.

In a letter to the Iowa Speaker of the House in February, Rep. Ford suggested the universities in Iowa still had a major problem with player arrests and that regents needed to "meet with the committee so we can discuss this problem and make sure they take action."

He used the recent guilty plea by Iowa player Adrian Clayborn in an assault case for his reasoning to conduct the meetings.

"I only wish Adrian Clayborn well in life.  But as a Legislator, I believe we have a responsibility to train our students to not only be winning athletes but also good citizens," declared Rep. Ford.

The representative's opinion is ironic, considering he is a self-admitted juvenile delinquent who got a second chance in life because of football. Not to mention, the Clayborn case is rumored to have racial undertones involved, issues Rep. Ford has experience with as the founder or Urban Dreams.

Those factors aside, if Rep. Ford had an issue with the University's handling of the Clayborn incident, or the coach's discipline of a player, he missed a prime opportunity to address it head-on.

Iowa Senator Michael Gronstal and Iowa Representative Kevin McCarthy asked for and received unanimous consent to take up consideration of Senate Resolution 108 and House Resolution 122, resolutions to congratulate the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Clayborn's name is referenced multiple times in both resolutions in a congratulatory tone. 

If Rep. Ford had an issue with the fact that Clayborn was allowed to play in the Orange Bowl, why did he not oppose the passing of this resolution?  He could have used the opportunity to have his opinion heard by the coach in person and on the floor of the Iowa Senate. 

Legislative records suggest he was in attendance that day, as his voting record shows he voted in opposition of a bill the same day the resolution passed.

Did Rep. Ford have a change of heart? Or did he keep quiet, knowing that badmouthing a beloved head coach would hinder his re-election chances?

Whatever the case may be, Ferentz's speech concluded with a standing ovation from all Iowa senators and representatives in attendance, showing their respect for the outstanding performance of the 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes.

For once, the politicians got it right.

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