Our choice for the best OL unit in the SEC is an easy one. It's the best unit in the nation, and perhaps one of the best SEC units of all time. Alabama, a team loaded with five 300-plus pound potential All-Americans, has the top OL unit in the conference.

It starts with C Barrett Jones. Last year's Outland Trophy winner can play all five spots on the line. He's settled in at C for his senior year, and he will make the calls and anchor the rest of the talented group.

G Chance Warmack is a bruising run blocker at 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds. T D.J. Fluker is a likely first-round pick in 2012, and one of the biggest OL in the conference at 6-foot-6, 335 pounds. T Cyrus Kouandjio is a former five-star recruit who is ready to step into the lineup. G Anthony Steen brings stability and experience to the RG spot.

This group has size, athleticism, versatility and a lot of experience. Alabama will use as many as three or four RBs in 2012, but they all should fine room to operate behind this unit.

Contenders:

Texas A&M: The Aggies have their fair share of inexperience and uncertainty at other spots, but they are set at OL. They have starting experience at each spot, and Ts Luke Joeckel and Jake Mathews, both NFL prospects, should make life much easier for first-year starting QB Johnny Manziel.

LSU: As always, the Tigers have a big and physical OL. Tackles Chris Faulk and Alex Hurst are the most notable names, but center P.J. Lonergan is one of the top players at his position nationally.

Arkansas: G Alvin Bailey and C Travis Swanson are both proven commodities with 26 starts each. T Brey Cook beat out Jason Peacock, last year's starter, at one spot, while David Hurd, a former walk on, will start on the other side.

Tennessee: The Vols have the most experienced OL in the conference. Can that lead to more production in the run game? The pass blocking was superb in 2011, with the unit only giving up 18 sacks all season. Running the ball was the problem. The Vols averaged just above 90 yards on the ground per game. 

For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.