Six Big Ten defensive linemen have been selected in the draft’s first round over the past six years - a group that includes Michigan’s Brandon Graham and three Penn State players.

That number is expected to grow dramatically tonight when as many as five linemen from the conference could be selected in the first round. Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn, Ohio State’s Cam Heyward, Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt, Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan and Illinois’ Corey Liuget are all projected first-round picks.

On the offensive side, Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi is expected to be a mid-first round selection, continuing the conference’s run of producing first-round tackles.

Assuming Carimi’s first-round status comes to fruition, the Big Ten will have produced five first-round offensive tackles in the previous five years, a group that includes Michigan’s Jake Long and Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas, who were both top-three overall picks.

Despite some overall struggles, the Big Ten can still develop and deliver top-tier linemen on both sides of the football, and the conference’s reputation for smashmouth football is alive and well.

Source