2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Guard
4.) Laken Tomlinson, Duke (6’3 | 320 | 518)
Scouting report – Four year starter who was a big part of the the best offense in Duke’s history this year. Thompson isn’t your normal Duke player, he turned down scholarship offers from Ohio St, Illinois, and Michigan St. He’s not a small school player who surprised, he’s a potential beast inside who could have played anywhere. At the Senior Bowl Tomlinson was the only O-lineman who held his own against Washington DT Danny Shelton, which is a significant accomplishment. Tomlinson is very strong, showed better feet than expected and consistently won his 1-1 battles. The Lane Tech & Duke alum is also very smart and looks like the total package at guard.
Projection: 2nd-3rd round
5.) Arie Kouandjio, Alabama (6’5 | 315 | 5.31)
Scouting report – Punishing run blocker with a good build and room to add mass. His pass blocking was a question mark coming into the 2014 season, but he improved significantly. In the run game, Kouandjio has the strength to knock defenders back, a quick burst off the line, and the long arms to keep d-linemen at bay. His technique needs to be more consistent and whether he can pass block against NFL d-lineman will ultimately decide his fate.
Projection: 2nd-3rd round
6.) Jamil Douglas, Arizona St (6’4 | 300 | 5.09)
Scouting report – I’m not sure why scouts aren’t higher on Douglass. He’s one of the better pass blockers at the guard position in this year’s draft with quick feet and a good base. Douglass has also come close to running a sub-5 second 40-time at 300 pounds and has been able to crush 2nd level defenders when asked to pull on sweeps and screen passes. The only down side I see is that he’s a little light and has an off-field red flag from three years ago, but nothing since. If Douglass can add some strength / weight while keeping his athleticism, he has the potential to be a very good NFL guard with the versatility to fill in at right tackle in a pinch. He had a strong performance at the Senior Bowl which should help his draft stock.
Projection: 3rd-4th round
7.) Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M (6’4 | 344 | 5.27)
Scouting report – Moves surprisingly well with quick feet despite his massive frame. Harrison is a mauling run blocker who has the acceleration to get to the 2nd level and the wide base, good strength, and light feet to absorb both power and speed rushers. There are some concerns about Harrison’s weight and dedication to playing football. If he can stay around 330-340, he could be an asset and an NFL starter early in his career.
Projection: 3rd-4th round
8.) Robert Myers, Tennessee St (6’5 | 329 | 5.27)
Scouting report – Underrated player due to lack of competition in the Ohio Valley Conference. Myers has good size with a frame that should be able to add more bulk. He’s already plenty strong at his current size with the ability to move people in the run game and a good enough knee-bend and anchor to be a good pass blocker. Maybe it all falls apart against better competition at the next level, but Myers tape is as good as any of the guards in this class. He has all the physical tools to be a solid NFL guard, and has shown consistent technique and surprising mobility. The jump from the OVC to the NFL is massive and it could be too much for Myers, but I think he’s going to be one of the steals of the draft if he falls to day 3.
Projection: 4th-5th round
9.) Aundrey Walker, USC (6’6 | 315 | 5.18)
Scouting report – Struggled early in his college career as a tackle, but has been solid since being moved inside to guard. Walker had ankle surgery in the offseason and started slowly this year as a result, but has played very well in the 2nd half of the season. He moves well for his size, has NFL athleticism and is already a punishing run blocker. His pass pro technique needs work, but it improved this year and he has the natural athleticism and long arms to become a good pass blocker with coaching. Walker is a high upside prospect who could eventually develop into a pro-bowl caliber starter.
Projection: 4th-5th round
10.) John Miller, Louisville (6’2 | 321 | 533)
Scouting report – Watching tape on Teddy Bridgewater last year, Miller constantly stood out as an excellent pass blocker who was able to keep the pocket clean for Teddy as well as get to the 2nd level to clear people out on screen passes and outside runs. Miller isn’t a great athlete, but has started since his freshman year and has refined his game to the point that he is solid in pass pro and as a run blocker. His technique is good, he uses leverage and angles very well and should be able to step in as a rookie and contribute if needed.
Projection: 4th-5th round
11.) Ali Marpet, Hobart (6’4 | 307 | 4.92)
Scouting report – I had never heard of DIII Hobart before the Senior Bowl, but Marpet put it on the map with a surprisingly good performance. A tackle in college, Marpet moved inside to guard during practices and more than held his own against more accomplished players. He didn’t back down from anyone all week and is a solid middle round prospect.
Projection: 4th-5th round
12.) Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech (6’1 | 327 | 5.27)
Scouting report – Athletic run blocker who has experience pulling on outside runs in Tech’s modified wishbone offense. Mason might be looked at as a one dimensional blocker due to Georgia Tech’s run heavy offense, but Mason has shown the ability to keep a good base in pass pro, he just lacks experience. He’s shorter than ideal which could drop him to day 3 where he would be a great value.
Projection: 4th-5th round