As the 2017 season draws nearer by the day, it’s time to start taking a look at some of the top players to watch in the Big Ten Conference.

We continue our Ranking the Big Ten series today with the offensive guards, a group that returns a slew of veteran experience and versatile talent this season.

Previous Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT

Iowa senior Sean Welsh is regarded as the best returning offensive lineman on a unit that was awarded the Joe Moore Award for the Most Outstanding Offensive Line in college football last year.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound native of Springboro, Ohio, started all 12 games he played last year, including 11 starts at right guard.

Welsh's play was good enough to earn second-team All-American honors from USA Today and consensus third-team All-Big Ten honors.

His versatility has him projected as either a guard or center in the NFL, and he also started one game at tackle in 2016.

Just like every year, Wisconsin will have to replace some big names lost from its offensive line this season.

Once again, though, the Badgers have plenty of talent to reload, and junior Beau Benzschawel might be the best of the group.

A 6-6, 316, native of Grafton, Wis., Benzschawel has started 19 games over the past two seasons at both right guard and right tackle.

He locked up the starting right guard spot this spring and comes into 2017 listed as a preseason first-team All-Big Ten selection by Street & Smith's and Lindy’s.

While Benzschawel might be a little more decorated, junior Michael Deiter is without question the most experienced and versatile member of Wisconsin's offensive line this season.

The 6-6, 329, native of Curtice, Ohio, has started 27 consecutive games at either center or guard over the past two seasons.

What's crazy is that there's a chance Deiter could end up moving outside to left tackle if necessary. After an injury this spring, Deiter closed out spring ball working at tackle, and with UW's improved depth coming up the ranks at guard, he could stay there.

Of course, most NFL scouts project his best fit at the next level at center. Regardless of where he plays, Deiter is a good one.

Ben Bredeson arrived at Michigan last year as one of the most heralded members of a loaded 2016 recruiting class, coming in as the No. 2 offensive guard prospect in the country.

He certainly lived up to that hype, playing in all 13 games and starting the final eight at left guard.

The 6-5, 310, native of Hartland, Wis., was named a Freshman All-American for his efforts, and he was recently named preseason third-team All-Big Ten by Lindy's heading into 2017.

Maybe the biggest thing that held Northwestern back last season was the erratic play of its offensive line, which was criticized heavily by head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Junior right guard Tommy Boles is now the clear veteran leader of the unit entering 2017, and he plans to set the tone and revamp the group entirely.

The 6-6, 295, native of Grand Rapids, Mich., started all 13 games for the Wildcats last year, earning honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors.