For many NFL teams, being able to build through the trenches is essential to establishing a potentially Super Bowl caliber offense. The best way to do it? Through the NFL draft. Tonight, teams will make key decisions on the top college athletes and try and find the best prospects to fit their respective squads. One prospect in particular out of Penn State, Vega Ioane, is expected to be the program's only player selected in the first round. If so, he would be joining elite company amongst Penn State O-lineman.
Vega Ioane is one of the most physically imposing guards entering this year's NFL draft, with a fantastic pedigree that many agree will carry over to the NFL ranks. The 6-4, 320 is a mauler against the run and has the size and length to hold up well in the passing game. In fact, last year, Ioane did not allow a single sack and only gave up 4 pressures. He graded out at an 87 pass blocking and 78.6 run blocking grade on PFF to boot.
As a result, Ioane has been mocked in several drafts inside the first round, with many saying he could be a popular choice for either the Baltimore Ravens at 14 or the Los Angeles Chargers at 22. However, at the guard position, Ioane is a rare specimen, at least for Penn State. Should Ioane go in the first, he would be only the fourth Penn State guard to hold that prestigious honor. All of the three before him have had some of the best careers a O-lineman could possibly have.
Mike Munchak and Sean Farrell were the first two to get selected in the 1982 draft, at 8th and 17th respectively. Munchak ultimately became a Hall of Famer, was named to the NFL's 1980's All-Decade team, and made nine Pro Bowls. Farrell did not have as much success in the NFL ranks, but did make the All-Rookie Team his first year in the league.
Jeff Hartings was the latest, getting drafted 23rd overall in the 1996 draft. He ultimately ended up winning the Super Bowl in 2005 with the Pittsburgh Steelers after changing positions.
Ioane could become the latest in a legendary, but small group of Penn State guards to be drafted in the first round. However, once he gets to the NFL, he has a lofty standard to maintain.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State guard could join elite company in tonight's draft