NFL Draft – OG Rankings
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6.) Jon Halapio, Florida (6’3, 323): He’s one of the strongest guard prospects in the draft, but doesn’t move very well. He’s great in a phone booth but struggles when asked to move much laterally. Halapio also has a lengthy injury history which could scare some teams off. If healthy, Halapio is one of the better run blocking guards in the draft; He moves DTs off the LOS with ease and shows enough bend and agility to be effective in pass pro. Could be a steal in the mid-rounds if he can stay on the field. Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
7.) Brandon Thomas, Clemson (6’3, 317): Similar to Zach Martin in that he has ideal guard size but has proven he can play tackle in a pinch. Thomas suffered an ACL injury during a private workout which may drop his draft stock a little. He was considered a 2nd-3rd round pick pre-injury. Thomas projects as a starting guard or swing tackle and will be a good value pick if he drops past the 3rd round. Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
8.) Trai Turner, LSU (6’3, 310): A raw guard prospect who should have stayed in school for one more season, but has an intriguing skill-set. Turner probably locked up a spot in the mid-rounds with the best 40-time of all the guards (4.93) at the combine. He was a road-grading run blocker at LSU, but his pass protection needs a lot of work. Turner is a bit of an unknown, but has a lot of potential. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
9.) Charles Leno, Boise St (6’4, 303): Was a solid left tackle at Boise St, but Leno might be too small to play tackle in the NFL. He projects well as a guard, but has no experience playing the position so it may take Leno a year or so to get comfortable with the position switch. He has long arms, moves well, and has starter potential at guard. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
10.) John Urschel, Penn St (6’3, 313): Lacks ideal athleticism, but is ridiculously smart and plays with nearly flawless technique. He was a team captain in college and is the type of smart, scrappy player that will be around for a long time in the league if he wants to. Urschel could be solid at either guard or center. Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
11.) Brandon Linder, Miami (6’6, 311): Smart player with good size, but he’s limited athletically. Linder is polished enough to contribute as a rookie but doesn’t have a ton of upside. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
12.) Spencer Long, Nebraska (6’5, 320): Would be higher if not for an ACL injury late last season. Long, a former walk-on, is a two-time academic All-American who has been a solid run-blocker for the Huskers since he earned a starting spot in 2012. His pass blocking needs work, but it’s not hopeless. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
13.) Anthony Steen, Alabama (6’3, 314): Underrated member of Bama’s dominant O-line who has dropped a bit due to shorter than expected arm length. Steen is a very good run blocker and decent in pass pro, but was beaten occasionally by some of the elite pass rushers in the SEC. He should push for a starting job early in his career and at worst will provide solid interior line depth. Draft projection: 4th-5th round
14.) Chris Watt, Notre Dame (6’3, 310): Powerful run blocker who struggles in pass protection. Watt has good size and strength, but his footwork needs work and he has too many mental lapses that result in penalties. If his footwork and mental game can be fixed with coaching, then Watt’s dominant run blocking will be an asset is some schemes. Draft projection: 4th-5th round