NFL Draft 2013: Tracking the Best Available OGs

Top-rated offensive guards are considered to be some of the safest picks in this year's draft, but are often drafted lower because teams are looking for players that have a bigger impact. Conventional wisdom says that a guard is not a player that makes a huge impact, and that they can be hidden by scheme and the other players on offense.

There is a very good group of offensive guards in the 2013 NFL draft. There are two elite prospects, several immediate starters and a half-dozen developmental prospects in this class that could all be drafted. This draft also features players that fit a lot of different schemes, and it isn’t heavy on maulers or fleet-footed zone blockers.

Although guards aren’t sexy picks, their value could be on the rise thanks to the rise of interior pass-rushers in the NFL—like J.J. Watt and Geno Atkins—that can take a more direct line to the quarterback and disrupt the passing game.

The following slides will be updated in real time and track the best available guards based on Matt Miller’s final rankings at the position.

7. Alvin Bailey

You can view Alvin Bailey‘s complete scouting report from Jon Dove by clicking here.

With the way Tyler Wilson was harassed last season, you wouldn’t expect one of Arkansas’ offensive linemen to be a draft-worthy prospect, but an offensive line is a unit. Alvin Bailey is a limited player, but he has some positives that are hard to ignore.

Bailey's limitations are what you would expect (via Dove):

"

Lacks Quick Feet

Poor Change of Direction

Limited Athleticism

"

Not exactly the kind of traits I'd be looking to add to my football team, but limited athletes can be disguised in the right scheme if they have other strengths.

Bailey's strengths per Dove:

"

Size and Build

Raw Strength

Effective at Second Level

"

If you don't have good athleticism, you better have size and strength. Bailey fits that mold and should be an option for a man-blocking team.

Overall, Bailey is the seventh-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted:

13. Sam Brenner

You can view Sam Brenner‘s complete scouting report from Brandon Alisoglu by clicking here.

There are a lot of offensive tackles that switch to offensive guard when they get to the NFL, but Brenner is a guy that played guard and only played tackle in a pinch at Utah. Brenner will be fighting for a roster spot as a guard, and likely for a time that values his ability to move around. Like Tony Bergstrom last season, Brenner is a better fit in the zone-blocking scheme.

Brenner's strengths per Alisoglu:

"

"Brenner put up 29 reps at his pro day, which would have placed 11th at the combine. He demonstrated versatility to draft scouts by moving from right guard to left tackle when injuries demanded the move.  

His toughness, versatility and determination will give him a fighting chance for a roster spot."

"

Brenner's weaknesses per Alisoglu:

"

"Brenner is a solid athlete, but nothing special. His 20-yard shuttle (4.76) proves that he can't play on the outside at the next level, and his short arms won't enable him to overcome that issue."

"

Brenner is quite clearly a developmental guard prospect that can provide great value late in the draft to a zone-blocking team.

Overall, Brenner is the 13th-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted:

14. Josh Kline

You can view ‘s complete scouting report from Russ Lande by clicking here.

Not everyone is high on Josh Kline, but he has prototypical size for the position. There are certainly elements of his game that translate well to the NFL level, but there are just as many concerns.

Kline's strength's per Lande:

"

"Kline has prototype size for the position in the NFL as he has the natural bulk and power that teams look for at the guard position. He shows good ability as an in-line blocker when he can keep his head up through contact. Kline gets into blocking position and set up quickly, and he looks to have good snap quickness. When he gets his hands on a defender he seems to get a good fit and can stay locked on his man. When he plays with a good, strong base he can neutralize players with power because of good leverage. Kline appears to be a good competitor as he doesn't quit on plays and will play through the whistle."

"

Kline seems to have the right size and athleticism to become a solid man-blocking guard, but he needs to improve drastically.

Kline's weaknesses per Lande:

"

"Kline does not appear to have very good footwork and it shows immediately on tape. He doesn't play with good balance and fails to stay on his feet. Kline is at best an average run blocker as he struggles to stay over his feet and maintain balance. He is constantly on the ground as he is always overextended over his pads and off balance. He is not reliable out in space as he looks to hurry himself and can lunge to contact and miss. He doesn't have good lateral quickness and struggles to keep his man in front of him. He does not possess the foot quickness to adjust side to side in pass protection or seal the hole on run plays as he often stops his feet on contact and gets caught reaching. At times he gets too high out of his stance and exposes his frame to the defender, allowing them get into his chest which hurts his ability to play up to his level of natural strength. He misses his punch frequently and whiffs on initial contact."

"

Overall, Kline is the 14th-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted:

2. Jonathan Cooper

You can view Jonathan Cooper’s complete scouting report from Eric Stoner by clicking here.

Jonathan Cooper is the zone-blocking version of Warmack and, for that reason, some teams may like him better. If teams feel like he can add weight and maintain his athleticism, there’s a chance that he could become scheme versatile. This may vault him in front of Warmack at the position.

Cooper's strength per Stoner:

"

Elite quickness and foot speed

Explosive out of his stance

Excellent at tracking defenders on the second level

"

You always like to see "elite quickness" and "explosive" in an evaluation and they aren't words that are often used when talking about offensive guards.

Cooper's weaknesses per Stoner:

"

Undersized

Will likely only appeal to zone-blocking teams

"

That's it? He's undersized? It's hard to believe 311 pounds is undersized, but some team like bigger bodies at offensive guard.

Overall, Cooper is the second-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Arizona Cardinals, Round 1, Pick 7

1. Chance Warmack

You can view Chance Warmack’s complete scouting report from Ryan Lownes by clicking here.

For a team that deploys a man-blocking scheme and wants a 10-year starter that could become one of the best guards in the NFL, Chance Warmack is their guy. There’s probably not a safer pick for a team that uses the man-blocking scheme than Warmack. Although the word “safe” is a dangerous word to use, he’s as close to it as any prospect will get.

Warmack's strengths per Lownes:

"

Mauling run blocker

Wide bodied with extremely long, 34.75" arms

Reliable pass protector

Excellent balance, anchors very well

"

There's a lot to like about Warmack if you are into the smash-mouth style of football. 

Warmack's negatives per Lownes:

"

Shorter than you would prefer at just 6'2"

Lacks versatility of others, is a guard prospect only

Skill set does not translate to workout setting

"

It’s rare for a guard prospect to get a top-10 overall ranking, but Warmack is one of the rare prospects at the position that Matt Miller thought deserved the grade. You have to nitpick to find holes in Warmack's game.

Overall, Warmack is the best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Tennessee Titans, Round 1, Pick 10

3. Justin Pugh

You can view Justin Pugh's complete scouting report from Ryan McCrystal by clicking here.

There are plenty of left tackles that shifted inside or to right tackle and had nice careers. First-round draft bust Robert Gallery turned into a very solid left guard after washing out as a tackle. Matt Miller has Pugh, who was a left tackle at Syracuse, ranked as a guard. It makes sense that Pugh would slide inside because of his 32” arms.

Pugh's strengths via McCystal:

"

Pugh's athleticism is modest for a left tackle, which is why he will likely shift to the right side or to guard in the pros, but it will be considered one of his strengths if he makes the move. 

His ability to block in space and reach the second level will intrigue many teams running the zone-blocking scheme or some form of the read-option. 

Pugh is also an impressive technician on the offensive line. He consistently frustrates more physically talented pass-rushers due to his fundamentals and precise technique.

"

Physical-gifted technicians with below-average measurables often turn into better professionals than their more athletically-gifted, but less skilled counterparts. At least it seems that way.

Pugh's weaknesses per McCystal:

"

Certain teams will be turned off by Pugh's lack of elite strength. He doesn't dominate in the run game and will struggle in one-on-one matchups with nose tackles if he shifts inside to guard. 

On the bright side, if this is Pugh's biggest area of concern, it's easily fixable. He has the frame to add some weight and should be able to improve his strength if it's deemed necessary by his coaches. 

"

If Pugh is shifted inside to guard, he may need to add a few pounds of muscle so he can handle big nose tackles, but he has the frame to do it. Pugh’s best fit initially is probably in a zone-blocking scheme where he can use his ability to get the second level. Right tackle could also be an option for Pugh.

Overall, Pugh is the third-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: New York Giants, Round 1, Pick 19

4. Larry Warford

You can view ‘s complete scouting report from Eric Stoner by clicking here.

The offensive line is affectionately known as the “big uglies,” and that term certainly applies to the 6’3”, 332-pound guard from the University of Kentucky. Larry Warford is a big man that is going to appeal more to team that uses a man-blocking scheme as opposed to a zone-blocking scheme.

Warford's strengths per Stoner:

"

Surprisingly mobile and good in space

Good bulk and adequate strength for the position

Well rounded

"

Warford is not a big mauler or particularly explosive in any area, but he can anchor in the passing game and is good on the move. That will appeal to some teams.

Warford's negatives per Stoner:

"

Short arms with a soft punch

Inflexible and leans into his blocks

Lacks quickness out of his stance

"

He's not a perfect prospect, but he's a balanced prospect that will appeal to some teams. 

Overall, Warford is the fourth-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Detroit Lions, Round 3, Pick 3

5. Brian Winters

You can view Brian Winters' complete scouting report from Ryan Riddle by clicking here.

Winters is more of a project than the guards that are ranked ahead of him, but he’s an intriguing talent because he was a former wrestler and he played tackle at Kent State. The NFL is filled with starters at guard that were former tackles and wrestlers that just needed more development.

Winters' strengths per Riddle: 

"

"Winters will not be physically abused by guys at the next level and does have the power and core strength to control and keep his body in front of the defender. In a small space, Winters does have the necessary foot quickness to dance with defenders.

He also shows a useful, yet controlled anger, which plays favorably into his toughness. Some of his more impressive skill sets are his aggressive cut-blocking abilities along with a strong vice-like grip which stymies defenders regularly."

"

As you would expect a former wrestler to be, Winters like to mix it up and thrives on the physicality of the game.

Winters' weaknesses per Riddle:

"

"Brian struggles to block in space or on the move. He gets swung around because he leans in too often and keeps his arms too tight into his body. His short arms and tendency to hold are also cause for concern. Having those shorter arms might contribute to him being more of a grabber rather than a puncher.

Winters lacks body control and change-of-direction, as evidenced in his tendency to miss blocks and fall on the ground often. This can also mean his overall ability to balance is of concern or, at the very least, under question."

"

Pretty much everything limitation is of the athletic variety, but there are few things that can Winters can be taught at the NFL to improve his game.

Overall, Winters is the fifth-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: New York Jets, Round 3, Pick 10

8. Hugh Thornton

You can view Hugh Thornton‘s complete scouting report from Jon Dove by clicking here.

Teams looking for a grinder to develop as an offensive guard need to look no further than Hugh Thornton. Although he projects to be a guard in the NFL, Thornton has 34” arms at 320 pounds, and he played left tackle in college.

Thornton's strengths per Dove:

"

Experience at Left Tackle

Awareness

 Effort

"

The potential is there for Thornton to become an above-average guard if he can improve his technique. It's not a cinch to change positions, but the skill certainly translate.

Thornton's weaknesses per Dove:

"

Limited Foot Speed

Outside Hand Placement

Lacks an Explosive First Step off the Ball

"

Hand placement can be improved, but Thornton is probably never going to be a fleet-footed zone-blocking guard. 

Overall, Thortnton is the eigth-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Indianapolis Colts, Round 3, Pick 24

9. Earl Watford

You can view Earl Watford‘s complete scouting report from Jon Dove by clicking here.

Watford is an intriguing developmental prospect that could play guard or right tackle in the NFL. Sometimes developing players is as important as drafting them, so Watford needs to go to a patient team.

Watford's strengths per Dove: 

"

Athleticism

Quickness

Motor

"

Watford certainly has the athleticism to become a very good guard or even a tackle depending on how he develops.

Watford's weaknesses per Dove:

"

Played Against Lower-Level Competition

Inconsistent Technique

"

He's a developmental project, but he's got the measurable athleticism that you want in a guard or tackle prospect.

Overall, Watford is the ninth-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Arizona Cardinals, Round 4, Pick 19

6. J.C. Tretter

You can view J.C. Tretter‘s complete scouting report from Sean O'Donnell by clicking here.

Zone-blocking teams will certainly be intrigued by former tight end J.C. Tretter as a lineman that could develop into a starter down the line.

Tretter's strengths per O'Donnell:

"

"Due to his background as an all-around athlete and tight end, he possesses a very athletic build and is very light on his feet. Even after bulking up for the tackle position, he maintained his balance, quickness and lateral mobility.

His high football I.Q. allows him to quickly recognize different defensive schemes and blitzes. He is then able to react quickly and throw multiple blocks in these situations. This is quite remarkable considering his lack of experience at the position."

"

Tretter played against inferior competition at Cornell and he needs to get stronger. If Tretter improves his pad level and overall technique, he could become a solid NFL guard with potential positional flexibility.

Tretter's weaknesses per O'Donnell:

"

"Despite his good size and frame, Tretter still needs to fill out more to play on an NFL offensive line. Until he does, he probably won't see much action.

His biggest weakness were he play offensive tackle is his arm length. At 32.5", their length is below average for an offensive tackle and would give Tretter problems with quicker pass-rushers at the next level. This will be the main reason for his potential move to guard in the NFL."

"

You have to like Tretter's skill-set, but he'll need to get bigger, stronger and more technically sound in the NFL to become a starter.

Overall, Tretter is the sixth-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Green Bay Packers, Round 4, Pick 25

12. Jeff Baca

You can view Jeff Baca‘s complete scouting report from Jon Dove by clicking here.

Jeff Baca played for former NFL head coach Jim L. Mora at UCLA and showed the kind of polish you would want from a guard prospect. Within a year or two, Baca can become a solid starter in a zone scheme.

Dove noted the following as Baca's strengths:

"

Quickness off the Line

Good Inside Hands

Balance

"

Dove noted the following as weaknesses in Baca's game:

"

Limited Strength

Lack of Scheme Versatility

"

Baca seems like an ideal late-round target for a team that uses a lot of zone-blocking. Baca could provide great value if he becomes a starter.

Overall, Baca is the 12th-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Minnesota Vikings, Round 6, Pick 29

11. Ryan Jensen

Gil Brandt called Ryan Jensen a possible third-round pick back in March (via Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post). What’s so intriguing about the 6’3”, 317-pound guard prospect out of Colorado State-Pueblo?

For starters, Jensen is versatile. He played tackle in college, but projects inside to guard with the ability to be a reserve center. Jensen was a 210-pound defensive end out of high school, but became a four-year starter at left tackle for CSU-Pueblo.

Per Legwold, he’s worked out for the Vikings, Bengals, Chargers, Seahawks, Dolphins, Ravens and Patriots. Clearly, he’s an interesting prospect, even if he’s a relative unknown to the online scouting community. Matt Miller clearly thinks that he’s work a pick and has him above several more well-known prospects on his board.

Overall, Jensen is the 11th-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: Baltimore Ravens, Round 6, Pick 35

10. Eric Herman

You can view Eric Herman‘s complete scouting report from Jon Dove by clicking here.

Ohio University isn’t exactly known for producing top-shelf draft prospects, but  Herman is an intriguing prospect. At 6’4” and 320 pounds, Herman certainly looks the part of an NFL guard.

Herman's strength's per Dove:

"

Size

Nasty Streak

Strength

"

Dove only noted one pad level as a weakness, but it's that's an important one. It can be improved and Herman other wise has solid technique per Dove.

Overall, Herman is the 10th-best offensive guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft class.

Drafted: New York Giants, Round 7, Pick 19