2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Larry Warford

Strengths:
  • Powerful run-blocker
  • Strong pass-protector
  • Good athlete
  • Mirrors speed-rushers
  • Quick feet
  • Developed run-blocking technique
  • Excellent in short yardage
  • Mobility to hit blocks downfield
  • Pulls well
  • Anchors well against bull-rushers
  • Recoverability
  • Strong hands
  • Sustains blocks
  • Durable
  • Experienced
  • Scheme versatility




  • Weaknesses:
  • Must maintain conditioning
  • Should continue to work on knee bend
  • Not a potential tackle


  • Summary: Warford is an underrated prospect who could surprise at the next level. He has been one of the most effective linemen in the SEC the past couple of seasons. Warford has gone against a ton of elite competition, yet none of those tackles have had their way with him. Warford neutralized three first-round defensive tackles in 2012: Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson, Florida’s Sharrif Floyd and Georgia’s John Jenkins.

    Kentucky was terrible in this season, but Warford was extremely good. He opened up holes in the ground game and performed well in pass protection. Warford is a better athlete and quicker than one would think.

    Warford battled well against Floyd and kept him off the quarterback. Warford played even better against Richardson. He completely shut down Richardson’s pass rush. The plays that the Missouri standout had success on only came when he went against other offensive linemen. Kentucky almost upset Georgia, and Warford played a big role with how he kept Jenkins from causing disruption.

    Warford had an excellent week of practice at the Senior Bowl that illustrated he can handle power tackles and speedy gap-shooters. He was the only offensive linemen who could consistently handle Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins. Warford blasted open running holes in practice and the offense had a lot of success running behind him in the team scrimmage.

    Warford has a complete skill set. He is too strong and powerful to be bull rushed. Warford uses that power to be a force in the ground game. He constantly pushes his blocker aside to open running lanes. What is very impressive about Warford is how quick and athletic he is for such a big blocker. He handled speed-rushers like Richardson and Floyd extremely well. Warford shielded their speed rushes and uses his hand strength to sustain blocks.

    Warford looks like a plug-and-play candidate for the NFL. At the very worst, he shouldn’t need long before he is ready to start. Warford would be a perfect fit in a power man-blocking scheme. Warford could be good in a zone scheme as well, but might want to get into the 320s for that style of ground game. The impressive week in Mobile should solidify Warford’s second-day status, and he could easily go in the top-60 selections.



    Player Comparison: Brian Waters. Waters was a six-time Pro Bowler over his excellent career with the Chiefs and Patriots. Warmack’s style of play with his consistent effectiveness in the ground game and pass protection remind me of Waters. Warmack, in all probability, will be a top-100 pick, which contrasts with Waters, who went undrafted out of North Texas. Warford benefits from the NFL putting a great emphasis on guards.

    NFL Matches: Jacksonville, Detroit, Tennessee, San Diego, Dallas, New York Giants, New England A lot of teams could target a guard on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Jaguars have nothing on the inside of their offensive line, and Warford would be an immediate upgrade.

    The Lions also need to improve their interior blocking. Warford would help Detroit to run the ball and improve the team’s short-yardage effectiveness. Tennessee has to upgrade its interior offensive line this offseason. Warford would make complete sense for the Titans and could really help Chris Johnson.

    The Chargers, meanwhile, need two new guards, while Dallas has a terrible interior offensive line and likes large blockers like Warford. The Giants and Patriots both have veteran offensive lines that could use some talented youth on the inside.

    Warmack would be a good fit for any of these seven teams with their second-round pick.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2013 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2013 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2013 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








    NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22


    2024 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 21


    Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19


    NFL Picks - Feb. 12