2017 NFL Draft Prospects: Guards

By Charlie Campbell.
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The top 2017 Guards prospects available for the 2017 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2018 prospect. ** – denotes 2019 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2017. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 309. Arm: 31.13. Hand: 10.88.
   40 Time: 5.00.
   Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
   4/25/17: Lamp was the best offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl, prior to a high ankle sprain that ended his week early. He is strong at the point of attack with the ability to get a push in the ground game. He also has enough athleticism and quick feet to slide in pass protection. Lamp has some natural strength and looks like a guard for the NFL. Sources have said that Lamp graded out as a second-rounder, but there is the possibility that a team takes him late in the first round.
   
   Lamp played left tackle in college, but doesn’t have the height or length for tackle in the NFL. He had an excellent collegiate career with 39 straight starts and was a tough lineman at the point of attack. Lamp could also be a candidate to make a move to center. That could be his best position in the NFL.





2. Dan Feeney, G, Indiana
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 304. Arm: 33.13. Hand: 10.25.
   40 Time: 5.24.
   Projected Round (2017): 2-3.
   4/25/17: Feeney was limited in 2016 by an injury and other injuries on the Indiana offensive line. In Week 2, he went down with a concussion against Ball State. Feeney missed a number of games before returning to the field. He was solid when in, and injuries forced him to play some right tackle. For the NFL, Feeney is a guard, and he showed that at the Senior Bowl. Feeney is strong at the point of attack and gets a push in the ground game.
   
   8/6/16: Feeney did well enough blocking for Tevin Coleman in 2014 to put his name on watch lists. As a junior, Feeney was even better. He opened a lot of holes in the ground game while being a steady pass protector. Feeney was rated a First-Team All-American by some outlets and was an All-Big 10 First-Team selection. In the ground game, Feeney is a powerful bully who generates movement at the point of attack.



3. Dion Dawkins, G/OT, Temple
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 317. Arm: 34.63. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 5.11.
   Projected Round (2017): 2-4.
   4/25/17: Dawkins has some fans in the NFL scouting community. They feel that he has some athleticism and could turn into a good functional blocker. The sources that really like Dawkins have him graded in the second round and think he has left tackle potential for the NFL. Some other teams have him graded a round or two later and think he would be a better fit at guard in the NFL.
   
   Still, Dawkins had a fine senior season that has him in a good position for the 2017 NFL Draft. Some sources believe that he won’t get out of the second round. Dawkins had a quality week at the Senior Bowl, but showed he should be a guard in the NFL.



4. Ethan Pocic, G/C, LSU
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 310. Arm: 32.63. Hand: 10.13.
   40 Time: 5.15.
   Projected Round (2017): 2-3.
   4/25/17: Pocic played well overall in 2016. He is an technician at center who is well-balanced as a run blocker and pass protector. Pocic did a nice job of opening holes at the point of attack and was reliable with giving his quarterback time. Pocic isn’t a bulldozing interior offensive lineman, but he fires to the second level to hit blocks while being effective on double teams. For the NFL, it would help Pocic to add more strength to create more movement in the ground game and hold up against bull rushers. He had a decent week at the Senior Bowl.
   
   8/6/16: Pocic was very good in 2015. The second-year starter made an impact at the point of attack with well-rounded play in the ground game and reliability in pass protection. Pocic helped open a lot of holes for Leonard Fournette to have a massive 2015 season.
   
   Pocic has natural athleticism and is excellent at hitting blocks on the second level. He does a quality job of sustaining his blocks and has strong technique with hand placement. While Pocic isn’t a true bull as a run blocker, he is effective at opening holes in the ground game.
   
   In pass protection, Pocic has been very reliable. He is good at hitting double teams on tackles and also is smart in his positioning. He also has the athleticism and quickness to help handle interior speed rushers. Adding some strength to his base will help him against the heavy, powerful 3-4 nose tackles who are in the NFL. Pocic has an interesting body type for the next level. He is taller than most teams like to have at center, but that is if his listed height is accurate, and more often than not, schools exaggerate the height and weight of players.





5. Taylor Moton, G/OT, Western Michigan
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 330. Arm: 33.13. Hand: 10.75.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.00.
   Projected Round (2017): 3-4.
   4/25/17: Moton was a solid offensive lineman for the Broncos the past few seasons and turned in a quality senior year at right tackle. Western Michigan fielded a superb offense with a dynamic aerial attack for a few years, and Moton’s pass protection contributed to that. Moton played right tackle as a sophomore before moving to right guard as a junior.
   
   Moton played well at the Senior Bowl. He is tough at the point of attack with strength in the ground game. For the NFL, Moton has versatile size and could be a player who is a valuable competitor at guard or tackle early in his NFL career. Right guard or right tackle could be his best position in the long term.



6. Jordan Morgan, G, Kutztown
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 313. Arm: 33.25. Hand: 10.
   40 Time: 5.36.
   Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
   4/25/17: Sources say that the small-school prospect is a potential third-day offensive lineman who could rise. Morgan had a decent Senior Bowl week in Mobile, holding his own against the better competition.
   
   Morgan has good size and is strong at the point of attack. Some team contacts have said they think he could be a lesser version of Ali Marpet, who was a Division III player, yet ended up being a second-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sources said that Morgan was being graded in the fourth or fifth round before the Senior Bowl.



7. Pat Elfein, G/C, Ohio State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 303. Arm: 33.25.
   40 Time: 5.32.
   Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
   4/25/17: Elflein blocked well for Ohio State. He is a strong run blocker at the point of attack. Sources say that the Ohio State staff has raved about Elflein to NFL evaluators for his character and work ethic. However, teams have some concerns about how Elflein’s size and lack of length will translate to the NFL. He had some real struggles with Clemson to close out the season.
   
   8/6/16: Months ago I wrote, “Elfein is undersized for an NFL guard, so moving to center could be his best move.” That appears to be the plan as Elflein is projected to play center for Ohio State in 2016. Elfein was perhaps Ohio State’s most impressive offensive lineman in 2015, and that is saying something considering left tackle Taylor Decker was a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
   
   As a power run blocker, Elflein is superb. He has a very strong upper body that he uses to get movement at the point of attack. Constantly, Elflein fires out of his stance and pushes defensive tackles out of their gap to open a hole for his running back. He seals lanes by getting on the hip of the defender, and defensive linemen have a really hard time holding their gaps when Elflein locks onto them. Elflein plays with excellent leverage to lean on and push his defender. Elflein blocks through the whistle and has an aggressive demeanor.
   
   In pass protection, Elflein is reliable and solid. He sustains his blocks well and has the strong base to anchor against bull rushers. Elflein shows some intelligence to help out his teammates when teams don’t send a rusher against him. A challenge for Elflein will be the speed rushers of the NFL, but moving to center should help him.
   
   As a redshirt sophomore, Elfein had a strong 2014 season where he was an impactful run-blocker for the Buckeyes. He has power to him and can pull.



8. Dorian Johnson, G, Pittsburgh
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 300. Arm: 35.25.
   40 Time: 5.27.
   Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
   4/25/17: Johnson looks the part and had a nice performance against Penn State. He has some ability to contribute to the ground game. Some sources have said they have a third-day grade on Johnson. They feel he lacks athleticism and the ability to hit a block in space. Multiple teams have said they graded Johnson as a fourth- or fifth-rounder. However, they say other teams like Johnson and have him graded on the second day.
   
   8/6/16: Johnson had a strong 2015 season for Pittsburgh. He has started 27 straight games and has been a steady blocker in the ground game. Getting James Conner back healthy could help to highlight Johnson’s run-blocking skills.





9. Danny Isidora, G, Miami
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 311. Arm: 32.5. Hand: 9.88.
   40 Time: 5.03.
   Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
   4/25/17: Isidora had a quality senior year, helping Miami to produce a much better rushing offense in 2016. The line had problems with allowing sacks and pressure on quarterback Brad Kaaya though.
   
   Isidora needs to improve his pass protection for the NFL. He broke into the Hurricanes starting lineup at right guard as a sophomore and maintained the spot the following two seasons. Isidora had a decent week at the Senior Bowl to help his draft stock.



10. Isaac Asiata, G/C, Utah
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 325. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 10.
    40 Time: 5.34.
    Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
    4/25/17: Asiata is a quality run blocker who has to improve his pass protection. Injuries ravaged the Utes in 2016, and as a result, Asiata took some snaps at center after J.J. Dielman went out for the season. Guard might be a better fit for Asiata in the NFL, and that was reinforced at the Senior Bowl.
    
    8/6/16: Asiata is a tough run blocker who has strength at the point of attack. He was effective at opening holes for Devontae Booker in 2015. Asiata has been a starter at guard the past two seasons with the majority of that time spent at left guard. As a redshirt freshman, Asiata had four starts at right tackle, but guard is his natural position. He is very strong, but needs to improve in pass protection.





11. Nico Siragusa, G, San Diego State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 326. Arm 32.75. Hand: 10.88.
    40 Time: 5.36.
    Projected Round (2017): 4-6.
    4/25/17: Siragusa was an effective run blocker for Donnel Pumphrey in 2016. Siragusa struggled in pass blocking at the Senior Bowl.
    
    8/6/16: Siragusa was a quality starter at left guard for the Aztecs in 2015. He is a powerful run blocker who should work on his pass protection. Siragusa broke into the starting lineup in 2014 as a sophomore.



12. Kyle Kalis, G, Michigan
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 305. Arm: 32.88. Hand: 10.25.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.33.
    Projected Round (2017): 4-6.
    4/25/17: Kalis and Michigan blocked well in 2016, but in some contests, the ground game didn’t get rolling in part because of heavy run fronts. At the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl, Kalis had some impressive plays with lowlights on others. Getting more consistent is a necessity, and he might need some developmental time. Kalis did not participate in the combine.
    
    8/6/16: Kalis started for Michigan in 2015 and had a quality season, but he needed to add weight for the NFL. Kalis’ listed weight is up 13 pounds from a year ago, so if that is accurate, that could really help him at the point of attack.



13. Jessamen Dunker, G, Tennessee State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 318. Arm: 33.25. Hand: 10.13.
    40 Time: 4.98.
    Projected Round (2017): 4-6.
    4/25/17: One of the many great things about the Senior Bowl is the small-school players who get the opportunity to prove themselves against a higher level of competition. There have been a number of good prospects who have put their draft stocks on the map via this route, and Dunker had a decent week in Mobile. Dunker needs a year or two of development for the NFL. However, he has decent size and could get stronger in a pro strength and conditioning program. He also showed impressive speed and athleticism at the combine.



14. Ethan Cooper, G, Indiana-Pa.
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 322. Arm: 32.63.
    40 Time: 5.36.
    Projected Round (2017): 4-6.
    4/25/17: Sources say Cooper is a third-day sleeper who could be a good value pick. The 6-foot-3, 325-pounder has impressed evaluators from a height/weight/speed perspective. He played left tackle in college, but for the NFL, he would move inside to guard. Cooper could end up being a diamond in the rough on Day 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft.



15. Kareem Are, G, Florida State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 334.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
    Projected Round (2017): 5-7.
    4/25/17: Because of concussion-like symptoms, Are missed the first two games of the 2016 season. Florida State really missed him as his backup struggled. Dalvin Cook was contained in those games, and Cook was much better after Are returned to the field. Are is a power blocker at the point of attack. He should improve his pass protection, but he has upside for the NFL. Are didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/6/16: Are has a ton of talent and was very impressive for Florida State to start 2015 before dealing with a knee injury. The junior college transfer won the starting job in training camp and is more talented than what the Seminoles had in Josue Matias and Tre’ Jackson. Are is very powerful in the ground game with the athletic ability to be a pass protector. He is raw and just needs polish and development.



16. Caleb Peterson, G, North Carolina
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.31.
    Projected Round (2017): 7-FA.
    4/25/17: Peterson impressed as a run blocker in 2016. He needs to continue to improve his pass protection.
    
    8/6/16: Peterson had a quality junior year as a run blocker for Elijah Hood, but Peterson needs to improve his pass protection for the NFL. As a sophomore, Peterson was the Tar Heels’ starter at left guard. He has natural strength to him, but he should add weight for the next level.



17. Alex Kozan, G, Auburn
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
    Projected Round (2017): 7-FA.
    4/25/17: Kozan didn’t impress early in the year, but he played better down the stretch. His run blocking is ahead of his pass blocking.
    
    8/6/16: Kozan enters his senior year with a lot of experience, having started 27 games. He broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2013. The 2014 season was lost to a back injury, but he returned in 2015 to have a quality season for Auburn.





18. Greg Pyke, G/OT, Georgia
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 313.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2017): 7-FA.
    4/25/17: Pyke played right tackle for the Bulldogs, but could be a better fit at guard in the NFL. He had a nice start to the 2016 season as a run blocker against North Carolina, but the Georgia offense had some mixed performances over the course of the year. Pyke and the line allowed too much pressure on Jacob Eason. Pyke had some real struggles against Florida, specifically. The senior could lack the quickness and athleticism to block on the edge in the NFL.
    
    8/6/16: Pyke is a good run blocker who needs to improve his pass protection, but he had an up-and-down 2015 season, even being benched at one point. As a sophomore in 2014, Pyke was a Second-Team All-SEC selection and a tough run blocker for Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb. Georgia averaged 257.8 yards per game that season, and Pyke was impressive at the point of attack.



19. Jay Guillermo, G/C, Clemson
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 325.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.32.
    Projected Round (2017): 7-FA.
    4/25/17: Guillermo and Clemson had some disappointing games in terms of point scoring in run blocking, but the protection for Deshaun Watson was good throughout the 2016 season. Guillermo didn’t participate in the combine.
    
    8/6/16: Guillermo had an excellent season for Clemson in 2015. He was a steady pass protector for Deshaun Watson while also contributing to a tough ground game led by tailback Wayne Gallman. That should continue for Guillermo in 2016 with Watson and Gallman returning. Additionally, a lot of the Tigers’ other linemen are coming back. Guillermo is a bit of finesse player, but if the senior shows more power and tenacity, he could rise.

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