hagan714

Offensive guards generally don't go high in the draft. Last year, just one guard was taken in each of the first three rounds. The bulk of prospects were selected in rounds five through seven.
This year, there are a handful of prospects who could surface as late first-round to early day-one selections. Expect 10 to 12 players to come off the board between the fourth and six rounds.

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

1. Ben Grubbs - 6026, 311, 5.20, Auburn (LG)

Grubbs has quick feet and is good at locating second-level defenders to block. He has long arms and big, quick hands, and it's a major plus for him to play left guard since he is left-handed. Very athletic, agile and quick. The best pure Guard in the Draft. Possesses very good footwork. Pulls and gets into secondary blocks extremely well. A good lead blocker who does best work on the move. An aggressive and competitive player who works hard to finish his assignments. Seems to enjoy the game.

Lacks a good anchor in pass protection… but has the speed to recover. Needs to get a little stronger. Can play in any blocking scheme, but a zone blocking scheme may be best suit.

This hard-working, All-SEC lineman has gone from a 250-pound defensive lineman to a dominating, 6-3, 318-pound blocker.

2. Justin Blalock, OG, 6032, 320, 5.10, Texas

Two-time All-American was once thought to be a sure-fire, first-round prospect. But he was not a great finisher as a senior, and his body type (6-foot-4, 329 pounds) is geared more to him playing inside. Mauling run blocker who explodes into his blocks and pushes the pocket. Great drive blocker. Knocks down defenders and creates huge holes.Can reach second level and appears comfortable on short pulls, but is not especially good blocking in space. Plays with a wide base and great anchor in pass protection and gets in position quickly to seals.

He has a broad upper body with thick legs but lunges and is on the ground too much. Appears to lack good awareness while on the move. Some worry that he lacks ideal arm size (33 inches) to stave off defenders at tackle might prohibit him from dealing with faster edge rushers if stationed out at right tackle.

Blalock needs to trim back to the 320-to-325 pound range, tighten up around the middle and keep himself from getting top heavy. He has better footwork at the lower weight and, in the right system, could be put back out at right tackle.

3. Arron Sears - 6-3, 319, 5.32, Tennessee (OT/OG)

Sears can dominate the line of scrimmage thanks to his good upper body strength and good use of his hands. He is extremely versatile and explosive run blocker that generates good power at point of attack; good drive blocker. Has good technique; playing with good pad level and blocking base and takes good angles. Anchors well and can maul defender in pass protection. Keeping feet moving throughout action and with a very good hand punch and long arms he can wall off a defender. Gives a good effort and shows very good field awareness.

He lacks ideal quickness and athleticism to start at left tackle. Lunges when blocking in space. Slow adjusting to countermoves. He could get stronger in the lower body and needs to be conscious of his weight.

Lacks lateral mobility and feet of a left tackle at the next level, but the technique, smarts and stability will make a terrific Guard or an adequate Right Tackle. Coachable.

4. Josh Beckman - 6015, 313, 5.39, Boston College

Josh is a smart, athletic and technically sound pass protector. He has good size and bulk with a strong lower body and plays with good leverage. A powerful and nasty run blocker that delivers a wallop at point of attack. Tenacious player that possesses good awareness, and agility and can block on the move. Gives a good effort on every play.

Athleticism and quickness are not special. He seems stiff. His range and mobility are limited and will have some trouble with quick and speedy defenders. Plays a little high and will lunge when blocking in space. Arms are shorter than ideal. Doesn’t always finish his blocks. Footwork needs refinement.

Could play Center or Guard at the next level. Would fit well in a “run oriented” zone blocking scheme. Loves the game and is committed to it. An excellent all-around player who doesn't necessarily stand out in any one area but does everything well. The type of guy who may never be an All-Pro but is the classic B.C. lineman who'll play and start in the league for a long time.

5. Andy Alleman - 6040, 305, 5.07 Akron

Akron may be the most athletic guard in the country. Alleman is very explosive off the line of scrimmage and he is as tough as they come. Possessing very good quickness and balance, Alleman sets up well and can move laterally and redirect in pass protection. He positions well and is very effective zone blocking. Plays with a mean streak. Gets good movement and can really push the pile in the run game. Pulls and can get to the second level very well. A terrific, aggressive athletic with good strength and great stamina. He plays as good in the 4th quarter as he does in the 1st quarter.
A little raw. He might need to add a little weight but can play in any blocking system.

His best days are ahead of him and do not forget he was a defensive end at Pitt before he transferred to Akron and has played offensive guard for only 2 seasons. He is an under-hyped guy who people are missing the boat on. After the combine and the workout Friday, Alleman could be the No. 1 guard in the country

He had the best 10 yard run - 1.71, best broad jump, and best vertical of the top 10 guards, in the bench press (30 repetitions of 225 pounds), broad jump (8-feet-10), pro agility short shuttle (4.38 seconds) and three-cone ``L'' drill (7.44 seconds), which also is the fastest time in the country for an offensive lineman. according to Combine information. Throw the 40 times out the window because offensive linemen played in the box (within 10 yards from their position).