Nelson may be top 5 pick at guard
Prospect from Notre Dame has ideal size, strength and is explosive off the snap
The top interior offensive line prospects entering the NFL draft:
1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
(6-5, 325 pounds): The top blocker in the draft, he will likely buck a recent trend of guards not going in the top 10. Nelson has ideal size and strength for the position and a reputation of finishing blocks with nastiness. He is explosive off the snap, excels in particular while run blocking and has excellent vision and assessment of where pressure is coming from. Has ideal mentality that should make him a hit with teammates. Immediate starter with potential to become a perennial Pro Bowler. Projected: potential top five
2. Will Hernandez, Texas-El Paso
(6-2, 348): He threw up 37 bench-press reps at the scouting combine, third most of any player and best among offensive linemen.
Has a thick frame, yet he’s surprisingly fluid and agile with his footwork. A four-year starter, he has all-conference and All-American honors to back up his billing as a plug-and-play starter. Projected: Round 1
3. Isaiah Wynn, Georgia (6-3, 313): If he were taller, Wynn would be a bona fide tackle prospect.
Although he can slide outside in an emergency given his experience, Wynn’s natural pro position is probably guard. He could add more bulk to compete with defensive tackles, but Wynn boasts clean and efficient technique and is athletic for his build. Run blocking is his forte, and his pass protection is more than sufficient to make him a candidate to start right away. Projected: Round
1-2
4. James Daniels, Iowa (6-3, 295): He comes from a tradition of quality Hawkeyes blockers. If placed in the right system, likely one that features zone blocking, he could excel immediately. His best asset is field awareness, which allows him to get off the snap and help seal blocks. He possesses excellent knowledge of opponents and doesn’t shy from finishing his first block, then taking on linebackers. Might need to develop more bulk and power. Projected: Round 1-2
5. Billy Price, Ohio State (6-4, 305): He suffered an unfortunate pectoral injury while benching at the combine. Still, his college tape suggests he could be the best center in this draft. Might start out playing guard, where he also has experience. Projected: Round 2
6. Austin Corbett, Nevada (6-4,
306): Played his entire college career at left tackle, but because of suboptimal height and length for the position, Corbett is likely ticketed for guard in the NFL. He was a team captain in his sophomore and junior years, before the Wolf Pack switched to game-by-game captains. Despite walking on, Corbett became a four-year starter. Will likely have a learning curve given his expected position switch. Projected: Round 2
7. Frank Ragnow, Arkansas (6-5,
312): A three-year starter with experience at center and guard, he held his own against the Southeastern Conference’s most imposing defensive linemen, including projected first-round pick Da’Ron Payne of Alabama. Ragnow has the size and power to create a push at the next level, though he too often finds himself off balance. Projected: Round 2
8. Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State (6-5, 308): Teams suffering injuries at either tackle spot could use him there in a pinch.
Despite that versatility, Rankin is definitely best suited at guard or center at the next level. Although he missed four games with a high ankle sprain last season, his overall play was good enough to earn first-team, all-Southeastern Conference honors. Projected: Round 2-3
9. Braden Smith, Auburn (6-6, 303): A four-year starter who earned firstteam All-American honors as a senior, Smith has the ideal size NFL talent evaluators are looking for.
He fends off defensive linemen with power upon initiating contact, but Smith’s film does reveal some inconsistent play and sometimes inadequate quickness — especially against top-level talent. Projected: Round 2-3
Teams in need of guards, centers
1. Bills: After losing C Eric Wood and G Richie Incognito to unexpected retirements, they suddenly have a huge void.
2. Colts: No team gave up more sacks last season (56), and this group will be under significant scrutiny amid QB Andrew Luck’s expected return.
3. Bengals: The O-line was their Achilles’ heel in 2017, a unit that still appears especially vulnerable between the tackles.
4. Vikings: Joe Berger’s retirement was a further blow to what might be the primary area of the depth chart that could undermine Minnesota’s Super Bowl aspirations.
5. Seahawks: Different season, same story — especially at guard.