2027 NFL Draft Prospects: Offensive Guard

9/16/26: Johnson was a rock-solid blocker for the Gophers in 2025, showing effectiveness in both phases. Johnson has size and power as a run blocker with quickness, athleticism, and an ability to anchor in pass protection. He looks like he could be a very good starting guard in the NFL with a long career. In 2025, Johnson was the Gophers' left guard, but he also filled in with a start at left tackle and one at right tackle. As a sophomore in 2024, Johnson started all 13 games at center for Minnesota. The NFL advance scouts have him as a guard entering the season.

9/16/26: Montgomery was a rotational backup for the Buckeyes on their 2024 National Championship team before becoming a starter in 2025. Montgomery had a good debut and was an effective run blocker and pass protector. He looks like a potential starting guard in the NFL.

9/16/26: Knapp broke into the starting lineup as a freshman in 2024 and had an excellent season for the Irish. Knapp was just scratching the surface, and he should improve as he gains experience while developing his body. Knapp has good natural quickness, athleticism, and strength. He was solid at left tackle for the Irish and could be even better with a projected move inside to guard.

9/16/26: Noa has been a solid right guard for the Trojans in 2026. Noa was a starting guard the previous two seasons for the Trojans. He has started at both left guard and right guard during that time. For the NFL, Noa could fit best at left guard given his size. He has a quality skill set and is effective in both phases. He looks like a potential starter for the next level.

9/16/26: Indiana has yet to be tested by an elite opponent and Evans has been solid for the Sooners. Evans was a solid and reliable left guard for Indiana in 2025. He was consistent in pass protection for Fernando Mendoza, and Evans was an effective interior run blocker. If he builds on his 2025 season, Evans could be a riser.

9/16/26: In 2026, Baker is starting at right guard. The first half against Ohio State was not impresive, but Baker and the line did much better in the second half. Baker has a lot of talent and upside to improve. He has technique issues to clean up, but he has an excellent skill set. Baker has size, speed, and athleticism to be a good fit at guard in the NFL.

9/16/26: Some team sources are not high on Pieper, but some feel he will grow into a really good player. Pieper started at right guard in 2025 and formed an excellent interior offensive line with veteran center Logan Jones. With Jones in the NFL, Pieper is being projected to move to center by NFL teams’ advance scouts. Pieper has good size, strength, and athleticism. He could be a candidate to start at guard or center as a pro.

9/16/26: Kutas is starting at right guard. He wasn’t impressive taking on Louisville in Week 1. Kutas previously played at Arkansas from 2022-2024, and he is a big guard with upside. Kutas could add weight to his frame, but he was an effective run blocker for Kewan Lacy in 2025. Kutas could be a riser in 2026.

9/16/26: Cruz is starting at center in 2026. Cruz received a solid grade from the NFL advance scouts on their preseason watch list. He is a big blocker and could fit as a right guard as a pro. Cruz was a versatile blocker for Syracuse in 2025, starting at both guard spots and playing some center. The majority of his snaps came at right tackle and that is the best fit for his body type as a pro. Cruz has not allowed a sack in his college career. He rotated into the game and had some starts during the 2022-2024 seasons, including time playing tackle for Syracuse.

9/16/26: Laloulu has been respectable, but not overly impressive thus far in 2026. Laloulu blocked well for the Ducks in 2025 and is a well-balanced blocker at the point of attack. To open the 2024 season, Laloulu was starting at guard for a few games before starting the final 12 at center. Laloulu could lack a little height, but he is a strong and thick blocker at the point of attack.

9/16/26: Craig is starting at center and has played well thus far in 2026. Craig was the starting center for the Irish in 2024 before suffering an injury and going out for the season. Craig has good size and strength at the point of attack. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, but he has contributed in both phases. Craig was a good run blocker at the point of attack in 2025, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury on October 11th versus N.C. State.

9/16/26: Price has had some mixed moments starting at center for Kentucky. Price was a solid starting center for Baylor in 2025. He was a steady run blocker and adequate in pass protection. Price transferred to Kentucky to play for the Wildcats in 2026.

9/16/26: Moore has been moved to left guard for the Spartans in 2026. Moore was a standout at Montana State, starting at left tackle in 2023 and 2024. Michigan State snatched up Moore from the transfer portal, and it will be interesting to see how Moore competes against better competition now that he has some experience. Moore started at right tackle in 2025 and had some mixed outings. He was wise to return to the Spartans for the 2026 season.

9/16/26: Virginia moved Thomas inside to guard and that is a better fit for him in the NFL given his lack of height and length. Thomas played at Arkansas State for a few seasons before landing with Virginia. He had a strong debut in 2025 and made it onto NFL teams’ preseason watch list. Thomas lacks height and length, so he probably should move inside to guard as a pro.

9/16/26: Brunner landed with Indiana after playing at Wisconsin. Brunner has good size, and the upside to improve with the Hoosiers. He is starting at right tackle and is off to a good start.

9/16/26: Calhoun is a rotational backup for Georgia. Calhoun is a massive interior blocker that flashed some ability as a rotational backup in 2024. Calhoun has been a rotational player with Micah Morris and other young guards. It will be interesting to see how Calhoun handles his conditioning and stamina, but he has upside to grow. Calhoun needs to lock down a starting job and play well to rise.