Our Big Ten postseason player rankings creep closer toward the top 5. Every player left on the list is either the league's best or second best at his position, in our estimation. As a reminder, these rankings are based solely on performance during the 2012 season.
Let's keep it on the line for the next selection, who wears two "7s" across his chest for the Michigan Wolverines but checks in at ...
No. 7: Taylor Lewan, LT, Michigan, junior, 6-foot-8, 309 pounds
Preseason ranking: No. 10
2012 numbers: Started all 13 games at left tackle for the second straight season; earned the Big Ten's Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award, first-team AP All-America honors and consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors; anchored a line that surrendered only 18 sacks (tied for 28th nationally).
Why he's here: In a season where little went as expected for Big Ten offensive lines or individual linemen, Lewan delivered the goods for Michigan. He cemented himself as one of the nation's top tackles, earning first- or second-team All-America honors from numerous outlets and being named the Big Ten's top offensive lineman. He has been a mainstay for Michigan, making his 28th consecutive start in the Outback Bowl against South Carolina.
Michigan's offense endured its ups and downs in 2012, and the line struggled with run-blocking for anyone not named Denard Robinson. But Lewan held his own against the league's top defensive linemen and limited South Carolina superhuman Jadeveon Clowney in the bowl game. He did little to hurt his draft stock as a likely first-round pick.
And that's the best part. Despite the lofty projections, Lewan surprised many by deciding to remain at Michigan for his senior season. He'll provide leadership for a line enduring some significant personnel turnover. He'll also aim to become the first Michigan player to win the Outland Trophy.
The countdown
No. 25: Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
No. 24: Michael Carter, CB, Minnesota
No. 23: Kain Colter, QB, Northwestern
No. 22: Spencer Long, G, Nebraska
No. 21: Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
No. 20: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
No. 19: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
No. 18: Mike Taylor, LB, Wisconsin
No. 17: Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan
No. 16: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
No. 15: Max Bullough, LB, Michigan State
No. 14: Matt McGloin, QB, Penn State
No. 13: Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
No. 12: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
No. 11: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
No. 10: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
No. 9: Venric Mark, RB, Northwestern
No. 8: Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State