2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Guard

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NFL season is officially over, so it’s time to ramp up the NFL draft coverage here at BGO. I will be ranking the top draft prospects at every position over the next few months as well as updating my mock draft every couple of weeks. If you have any issues with my rankings, feel free to let me know in the comments or on Twitter.

2015 NFL Draft Position Rankings:

Defense: DT | 3-4 DE | 4-3 DE | 3-4 OLB | OLB | ILB | CB | SS | FS

Offense: C | OG | OT | TE | WR | RB | QB | FB | K | P | RT

2015 Guard Rankings:

1.) A.J. Cann, South Carolina (6’4 | 318 | 5.18)

Scouting report – Heavy feet and not very mobile, but excellent in the trenches. Cann has a good burst off the ball, the power to drive defenders in run blocking, good knee-bend to anchor in pass pro, and is very consistent with his technique. Cann’s best fit would be in a power run scheme but should be able to step into the starting lineup as a rookie in any scheme.

Projection: 2nd round

2.) Tre Jackson, Florida St (6’4 | 323 | 5.33)

Scouting report – Powerful run blocker who moves defenders off the ball consistently. Jackson has surprising athleticism for his size and can pull and trap if needed. His strength is run blocking, but has shown flashes of being a solid pass blocker as well. His technique needs to get more consistent as Jackson had some lapses in pass pro late in the season and his weight could be an issue as well. Jackson was arguably the best interior lineman at the Senior Bowl which could have boosted his draft stock into the 2nd round.

Projection: 2nd-3rd round

3.) Josue Matias, Florida St (6’6 | 325 | 5.32)

Scouting report – Had dominant stretches where he was crushing people in the the run game and stoning defenders in pass pro, but didn’t do it consistently enough to be the top guard in the draft. The size, talent and potential are there though for Matias to be the best guard in this year’s draft class. His technique wavered at times due to stamina or lack of focus maybe, but with some maturity and coaching Matias could be a stud interior lineman at the next level.

Projection: 2nd-3rd round