We've covered the skill positions, here's my top-five list of the Big Ten's best offensive linemen. I'm headed to Chicago later this afternoon for the conference's media days and will have reports from there tomorrow.

1. Jake Long, Michigan: By now I'm starting to sound like a homer, right? Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Mario Manningham and now Jake Long. Well, Long is the best NFL prospect of the bunch, an Outland Trophy candidate who's scary good with Tayshaun arms and a pro wrestler's build. He's as dominating as they come.

2. Kirk Barton, Ohio State: The Buckeyes have one of the best tackle tandems in the country in Barton and Alex Boone (see below). Barton's a two-year starter at right tackle. Good thing because they're inexperienced at quarterback.

3. Jordan Grimes, Purdue: He overshadows a tackle who just missed my list in Sean Sester, but Grimes is as big a reason as any why the Boilermakers had two 650-yard rushers last year. He's an ox in the trenches and more nimble then you'd think.

4. Alex Boone, Ohio State: The Buckeyes lost plenty on offense, but for my money they have the best line in the Big Ten. I don't expect a big drop in performance and Boone is a big reason why. He fessed up to an alcohol addiction last year and had a great season interrupted by injury. There's a reason he wears Orlando Pace's old number.

5. Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin: With apologies to Michigan's Adam Kraus, Urbik is the second best guard in the Big Ten behind Grimes. He started as a freshman at tackle, moved inside last year, and spearheaded P.J. Hill's 1,500-yard season.