Offensive Guards

Over the past five years, an average of 12
OG prospects were selected in each year's
NFL draft. In that time, as many as 16 were
taken in 2006, and as few as 10 in 2008. For
this year's draft (2009), I expect the number
to seriously challenge the 2006 mark. I
wouldn't be shocked if at least 3 in this
group don't see Day 2. The talent here is
very, very good. There are several solid
mid-Round options.
1) Duke Robinson OG 6'5 330 Oklahoma
Robinson is a huge, pun intended, reason why the Sooners averaged over 40
points a game last season. He teams with Loadholt to make up one of the
biggest, if not the best OT/OG combo in the game. Robinson is a great pass
blocker and an absolute mauler in the run game. While the Sooners were an
Offensive force last season, one could expect more of the same this year with
Robinson leading the charge.


2) Herman Johnson OG 6'7 353 LSU
While Johnson, the largest player to ever suit up for LSU's football program,
has the size to play the OT position, he's found a home at OG. The guy is
simply to big to overpower. The only shot a guy has at getting past him is by
going around him. Once he locks onto his opponent, they're done for. LSU has
the luxury of putting virtually any decent RB in the starting role, as he'll
usually see positive yardage running behind this beast.


3) Anthony Parker OG 6'3 300 Tennessee
While Parker is not the biggest OG in this talented group, he's still one of the
best. He's shown his versatility in being able to play at OG or OT. Tennessee
only allowed 4 Sacks last year. In short, Parker very rarely gets beat. He's
also a very good pulling OG. He opens up big holes along the line of
scrimmage, but blocks downfield very well too. He's a complete prospect
who's dominated against some of the nation's best. He needs to add 5-10 lbs.


4) Kraig Urbik OG 6'6 328 Wisconsin
Big Ten football baby. Teams in this conference like to pound the ball, maybe
none more so than the Badgers. And, this comes with good reason. Wisconsin
has an extremely good Offensive Line. Urbik is the best of the bunch. He has
the size and versatility to play OT or OG. He's expected to finish his college
career with over 50 starts. He has as much if not more experience than any
O-Lineman out there. He's NFL ready now.


5) *Greg Isdaner OG 6'4 315 West Virginia
His first year out, Isdaner made virtually every Freshman All-American team
out there. He looked just as good as a Sophomore last season. He's gained a
ton of experience playing for a team that runs it as much as the Mountaineers
do. The fact that this team averaged over 300 yards a game on the ground
last season speaks volumes. While Slaton and White were both crazy good,
Isdaner played a serious hand in things. He'll do so again for Devine and
White.


6) *Sergio Render 6'4 325 Virginia Tech
Even though Render was just a Sophomore last season, he was the Hokies
best Offensive Lineman. He's earned that distinction again for the upcoming
2008 season as a Junior. Render has good explosion off of the line and just
dominates. It always appears to me that he plays with a chip on his shoulder.
While it's unclear at this points as to whether he'll declare early or not, he's
talented enough now to do so.


7) Louis Vasquez OG 6'6 350 Texas Tech
Vasquez is one of the biggest, most powerful players you'll find at any
position. He did not allow a Sack all season, and flat out made guys often look
foolish going against him. While Texas Tech gets attention because of all the
yards and points it produces, folks seldom look at the supporting cast behind
the fireworks. Look for the Red Raiders to not surrender a single Sack left of
the Center this year.


8) Jeremy Perry OG 6'2 334 Oregon State
Perry is an excellent prospect who's unfortunately had a bad string of injuries.
He broke his leg at the very beginning of the season last year and never really
came back. Now, he's just coming off of knee injury which he had sustained
earlier this year. If he can come back 100%, then he should contend to be
looked upon as one of the Top 5 OGs in the nation. He's an imposing, heady
player. However, he comes with risk.


9) Mitch Petrus OG 6'4 305 Arkansas
Jonathon Luigs gets all the attention when talking about the Razorback
O-Line. The guy is nails, so it's understandable to a degree. However, he has
a great OG in Petrus operating beside him. Petrus may have the best feet of
any OG in the nation. In fact, he was quick enough to be used as a Fullback
in 2006. He pulls extremely well and positions himself to where the defender
can't get to whomever's running behind him. He does need to add 10lbs.


10) Ray Feinga OG 6'5 331 Brigham Young
Last season, Max Hall had just shy of 500 passing attempts. Last season, Ray
Feinga gave up 0 Sacks. If that's not enough, the Cougars easily led the MWC
in Total Offense with 457 yards per game. This put them within the Top 15
nationally. While BYU has always been prolific at moving the ball, it has a
couple of special O-Lineman. Feinga is one of them. He's a powerful blocker
who excels at taking his man completely out of the play.


11) Steve Rehring OG 6'7 335 Ohio State
It's almost silly how much talent Ohio State has had over the years along
their O-Line. Rehring is another prospect who solidifies this statement. He's a
big man who plays with nice power and direction. He's seen plenty of action
over the past two seasons, and will add even more to his resume after his
final campaign with the Buckeyes. Just watch how many big holes this guy
opens up for Wells this year.


12) *Calvin Wilson OG 6'6 352 Southern Mississippi
Wilson is the best O-Lineman you've never seen play. He's a massive man who
has the ability to play OT or OG. While he is listed to man the LT position, I
think he'd be better utilized to play OG at the next level. When he gets a full
head of steam behind him, lookout. He's a punishing run blocker who plays
with a mean streak. He's raw prospect who needs refinement. Once he gets
that, he'll be even better. He allows RB Fletcher look better than he is.


13) Trevor Canfield OG 6'5 295 Cincinnati
Over the past two seasons, Canfield has landed himself on almost every 2nd
or 3rd All-Conference team list out there. This year, he should put forth a
good showing to compete for 1st team honors. He's a rugged, dependable
Lineman with very good experience. He also has that nasty side to him that
you gotta love. He has had some off-field issues, so there are some character
concerns. Outside of those, he's solid.


14) Curtis Crouch OG 6'4 320 North Carolina State
Coming out of High School, Crouch was a top recruit who had earned the
reputation of being one of the most aggressive and physical players in the
nation. Unfortunately, that reputation has dwindled off some since hitting the
college ranks. This guy simply can't stay healthy. He suffered a head injury in
2006, then injured his ankle in 2007. If he can remain healthy for the entire
year, he could move up the boards.


15) *John Jerry OG 6'5 350 Mississippi
While just a Junior, Jerry will be one of the better Offensive Tackles in the
SEC. I actually think he's a better OG prospect, but is playing where he is to
fill a need. He's a big, powerful man who opened a ton of holes for the
underrated BenJarvus Green-Ellis last season from the RG position. Michael
Oher will get the press, but keep an eye on Jerry as well. He'll do his part in
keeping Snead upright this season.


16) Jeff Byers OG 6'4 285 USC
One could argue that no O-Lineman prospect got more press than Byers did
after his debut in the U.S. Army All-American game in 2004. He displayed
great athleticism and footwork, and seemed to be a step ahead of several
other great prospects. However, Byers has been hampered by injuries and it's
really hurt his stock. The key for him will be to play through an entire season.
If he can do that while adding some needed weight, he could be a steal.


17) Roland Martin OG 6'5 325 Michigan State
Martin was another top-shelf recruit coming out of High School who has
continued to look the part ever since. He's a massive guy that will be looked
upon to be the main road grader for Javon Ringer. He'll face some good
competition this season, so he he'll have an adequate opportunity to show
whether he's the real deal or not. At this stage of the game, it appears that
he is. I expect his stock to go up, not down.


18) Ryan Stanchek OG 6'4 300 West Virginia
Stanchek is a very smart athlete who managed to graduate in just three
years. He's a three year starter at LT who comes with a truck load of
experience. He's quick on his feet and reliable to say the least. He's yet
another reason why the Mountaineers have such a string running game. While
he's been great at LT, he's too small to project there in the pros. However, he
should not have an issue transitioning over to OG.


19) Matt Slauson OG 6'5 335 Nebraska
Run left, run left, run left. Going into this season, Lydon Murtha and Matt
Slauson are expected to respectively man the LT and LG positions. That
tandem will be one of the best in the BIG 12, if not the nation. Starting RB
Marlon Lucky is...well lucky to have them. Slauson is a beast of a man who
can move a pile well. While he needs to get quicker, he's has enough speed to
get to where he needs to be to land the hit.


20) Cedric Dockery OG 6'4 320 Texas
Here's another quality O-Lineman from the Texas Longhorn squad. Dockery
was a touted as an All-American prospect coming out of High School. In fact,
nay believed he'd end up being better than his brother. While he has loads of
potential, he still hasn't played to all of it. He has the ability to take over a
game, but isn't consistent in doing so. This will be his final audition to
showcase what he can do against top talent.


Other Considerations...
Jim Tartt - Florida, Andy Levitre - Oregon State, Dallas Reynolds - BYU,
Robert Conley - Utah, Dave DiFranco - Miami University, Ryan Schmidt -
South Florida, Dion Small - Troy, Justin Morsey - Tulsa, Michael Shumard -
Texas A&M, Calvin Darity - North Carolina, Andy Kemp - Wisconsin