Back to the best-of lists, this time with our focus on the top defensive linemen in the conference. Last year's bumper crop included early NFL draft picks Alan Branch and Anthony Spencer. There's no one quite as good this year, but there's plenty of underclassmen pushing for pub.

1. Ken Iwebema, Iowa: Iwebema had a disappointing 2006, when he was troubled by a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery. So far this fall reports have been positive, and that's good news for Iowa. He's the best pass rusher in the conference when healthy - he had 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a sophomore - and is pretty good on special teams, too. He blocked two kicks in a game against Illinois two years ago.

2. Vernon Gholston, Ohio State: A former linebacker, Gholston made tremendous strides last season after sitting out all of 2005. His 8 1/2 sacks are second most among returning players, but with Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson gone at defensive tackle Gholston will draw more double teams this year.

3. Terrance Taylor, Michigan: Finally some love for the defensive tackle position. Sure, Taylor's a little undersized at 6-foot, but he moves his 310-pound body with such force and leverage he's a future NFL noseguard. Flat out engulfs the run.

4. Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin: Shaughnessy was dominant as a freshman before injuring his knee against Iowa. His numbers were a little disappointing last year (just four of his eight sacks came in conference games), but he and Nick Hayden are the best end-tackle tandem in the Big Ten.

5. Lawrence Wilson, Ohio State: Going by last year's numbers, Wilson doesn't belong anywhere near the top five, but he's the most physically gifted player on this list. The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder should have a breakout 2007 across from Gholston. I'll go out on a limb and say he leads the conference in sacks.