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Guard Profiles
By: John McMullen
The guards are in the same boat as the centers if recent NFL drafting technique holds true. Many teams have filled their guard holes with middle range free agents or late-round draft picks, again because most scouts think guards don't need to have the premier athletic ability that tackles need. Here's a look at the best:
- Rob Murphy Ohio State 6-5 310
Murphy is a junior with great experience at the college level. Rob is a three starter and the main man on the line at one of the most dominating programs in the country. A great athlete with above average size and strength, Murphy is already the best guard in the country but he may stay for his senior year to try and win the elusive National Championship for Ohio State. Rob has great power at the point and the feet to get outside and lead. He is regarded as a possibly dominant interior lineman at the next level.
- Tony Coats Washington 6-6 306 5.20
Coats is the best of a pretty solid senior crop of guards. He has the size, strength and work ethic to be an elite one fairly early in his NFL career. He has slipped a little recently as scouts have placed the tag of a finesse blocker on him, which if you are 6-6 and 310 isn't a compliment. Right now, Coats is a great run blocker who positions and seals very well plus he has the height and leverage to win most battles at the point of attack. If Tony improves his technique and develops that all important nasty streak, the sky is the limit.
- Doug Brezinski Boston College 6-4 305
Brezinski is another stud on the impressive B.C. line. Doug is a bit of a throwback, an old fashioned tough guy who will try to establish the smash mouth attitude earlier in the contest. As an athlete, Doug is a little below average but he is quick enough to get outside and pull. The point of attack is his strength where he can use his overpowering strength and flat out nastiness to dominate smaller defensive lineman. Pass blocking will make or break him at the next level.
- Octavious Bishop Texas 6-4 345
The man who leads the way for the most dominating tailback in recent history. Bishop is a massive, king sized guard with the biggest upside of all the interior lineman listed. Octavious has good athletic ability and solid movement skills which is surprising for a man of his size. Usually with someone this big, pass protection is a weakness but Bishop has quick feet and great slide technique. As a run blocker, Bishop just engulfs people with his mass and blows them off the line.
- Anthony Cesario Colorado State 6-6 310
Cesario is a tough gritty overachieving type with the height, leverage and size to be a force. He is not pretty but can get his hands inside and maul with best of them. Pass blocking is his weakness and must prove that he is athletic and smart enough to handle the various intricate NFL blitz schemes.
- Derrick Fletcher Baylor 6-6 346
Another massive guard with the ability to dominate but he is overweight and his work habits are in question.
- Brandon Burlsworth Arkansas 6-3 301
Overachieving former walk on who hustles and plays to the whistle. Very smart player who's forte is run blocking.
- Gene Miller Central Michigan 6-5 290
Smart, strong player with a sound understanding of the game. Lacks quickness and will have trouble pulling.
- Randy Thomas Mississippi State 6-4 292
One of the most athletic guards coming out but doesn't have the strength to dominate at the point of attack.
- Mike Rosenthal Notre Dame 6-7 315
Immense player but a bit of an underachiever. Plays tackle at Notre Dame but doesn't have the athleticism to play there in the NFL. Should be able to dominate as an inside point of attack player in a few years.
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