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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 |