2012 NFL Draft: Guard Rankings

The top 2012 offensive guard prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2013 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2012.

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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1. David DeCastro*, G, Stanford
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 316.
   40 Time: 5.43. 10-Yd Split: 1.82.
   Bench: 34.
   Arm: 32 3/8.
   Projected Round (2012): Top 20.
   4/24/12: At the NFL Scouting Combine, DeCastro was excellent. He had solid times, measurements and excelled in the field work. DeCastro was very smooth and fluid in the agility drills while displaying quick feet. He confirmed his high first-round grade. Later on at his pro day, DeCastro had another impressive performance. He spent some time at center snapping the ball to Andrew Luck. Some feel DeCastro could play center in the NFL, but others say he should stay at guard. DeCastro looks like a lock for the top 20, and he is likely to go in the top 15.
   
   DeCastro was a dominant force in 2011. A fabulous run blocker, he shoves defensive linemen around at the line of scrimmage and gets to the second level of the defense to hit blocks on linebackers. DeCastro pulls extremely well to hit defenders on the run. He also is an excellent pass blocker.
   
   In limited plays against standout Washington defensive tackle Alameda Ta’amu, the best tackle he faced this season, DeCastro consistently beat him and opened up holes for the Cardinal running backs. He also stonewalled a Ta’amu bull rush. DeCastro is an elite guard with big potential for the next level. The road-grader combined with tackle Jonathan Martin to help Stanford to average 210.6 yards per game in 2011.
   
   8/20/11: David DeCastro is an experienced starter who is a second-team All-American entering the 2011 season. He is a strong run blocker. Stanford averaged 213.8 rush yards per game with him paving the way at right guard. DeCastro also is a good pass blocker and was an All-Pac-10 first-teamer as a sophomore. This is his third season as a starter and he has been a team leader. It wouldn’t be surprising if DeCastro declares for the draft.



2. Cordy Glenn, G/OT, Georgia
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 345.
   40 Time: 5.15. 10-Yd Split: 1.76.
   Bench: 31.
   Arm: 35 3/4. Hand: 10.
   Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
   4/24/12: At the Combine, Glenn showed off excellent speed with a surprisingly fast 40 time for such a large man. His only real flaw is his feet, but he has the potential to improve on that in the NFL. Some teams will consider keeping him at tackle in the NFL. After a rough first day at the Senior Bowl, Glenn played very well in the remaining practices and in the actual game.
   
   As a senior, Glenn was a starter at left tackle. In many games in 2011, he was dominant. Glenn has the power, balance and long arms to make him a well-rounded blocker. He had no problem opening holes in the ground game, and generally was a good pass protector.
   
   In the first contest of 2011, the senior had a disaster of a game. Boise State’s Shea McClellin and the rest of the Broncos defensive line had their way with Glenn as he allowed multiple hits on the quarterback. Glenn not only gave up a few sacks, but he was also flagged multiple times. Later, Glenn had some struggles with speed rushers from LSU and Michigan State. Against South Carolina, he was beat by Melvin Ingram on a rush and Ingram was able to scoop up a fumble and return it for a touchdown.
   
   At the same time, Glenn battled and had plenty of good games against many quality opponents. Yes, he got beat on some plays, but he also had his good share of wins. In the NFL, Glenn may be best as a guard in a power man-blocking scheme. He also could play right tackle. Glenn doesn’t look like he has quick enough feet to stay at left tackle. Glenn could be a future Pro Bowler on the inside.
   
   8/20/11: Cordy Glenn broke into the starting lineup as a freshman in 2008 with 10 starts. In 2009, he started nine games between right and left guard. Glenn also started four games at left tackle due to injuries along the Georgia offensive line. Last year, he found a home and started 13 games at left guard. Glenn is a powerful run blocker who moves well and is solid pass protector. He is a massive linemen qho would fit well in a power man blocking scheme.



3. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 314.
   40 Time: 5.39. 10-Yd Split: 1.75.
   Bench: 32.
   Arm: 32 3/4. Hand: 10 1/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
   4/24/12: Zeitler had some issues at the Senior Bowl in the one-on-one scrimmages against defensive linemen. He generally lost his battles there, but performed better in the team-scrimmage portions. In Mobile, Zeitler also got in some work with the centers, and he is attempting to pick up the position. Zeitler had a respectable showing at the Combine before impressing scouts at his pro day. He looks like a pick in the top half of the second round, but some believe that he could sneak into the first round.
   
   The senior did a fabulous job paving the way for running back Montee Ball. Zeitler is strong at the point of attack and has no issues blasting open running lanes. He has more mobility and athletic ability than one might think. Zeitler did a good job of hitting blocks on the second level and in the open field on screen passes. He also did a solid job in pass protection for quarterback Russell Wilson.
   
   Zeitler really helped his stock with a strong season. He played very well against Penn State’s Devon Still, and had an evenly-matched battle with Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy in the Big Ten Championship Game. Zeitler and center Peter Konz were the two lead linemen who the Badgers ran behind as the team averaged 235.7 yards per game on the ground.
   
   8/20/11: Kevin Zeitler was an All-Big Ten honorable mention last year. For the past two years, he has been the Badgers’ starting right guard. If you aren’t a road grader as a run blocker, then you aren’t going to play for Wisconsin. Zeitler figures to be ready to provide another excellent year of tape in his run-blocking prowess. Montee Ball and James White could easily combine for 2,500 to 3,000 yards rushing this year. Zeitler is a weight-room standout at Wisconsin, so he already has developed an NFL body. Zeitler works well with starting center Peter Konz and they should not have a drop off in 2011.



4. Amini Silatolu, G/T, Midwestern State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 311.
   40 Time: 5.43.
   Bench: 28.
   Arm: 33. Hand: .
   Projected Round (2012): 2.
   4/24/12: Silatolu has generated a buzz in the scouting community and is one of the highest-ranked small-school prospects. He had a nice showing at the Combine to help his stock. Silatolu was beaten by Wayne State’s Joe Long (younger brother of Jake Long) as the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year. In the NFL, Silatolu should be a guard or right tackle. There were some thoughts that he could be a left tackle, but sources have stated that Silatolu should be at guard or right tackle. Some rank Silatolu as a potential first-rounder, but the consensus ranking has him in the second round.



5. Kelechi Osemele, G/OT, Iowa State
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 333.
   40 Time: 5.36.
   Bench: 32.
   Arm: 35 7/8. Hand: 10 3/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 2.
   4/24/12: Osemele had the longest arms of any prospect at the Combine or Senior Bowl. He doesn’t have the foot work to stay at left tackle, but some teams could consider him at right tackle as well as guard. Like Glenn, Osemele had a fast 40 time for such a large blocker. Also like the Georgia product, Osemele would be the most dominant if he moved inside to guard.
   
   Osemele put together an excellent 2011 season. Iowa State had him at left tackle, and he played well there. Osemele is a very good athlete for his size who has the ability to slide and mirror pass rushers. He has long arms, quick feet and carries his weight well. Matching up against Oklahoma’s Frank Alexander, Osmele held him without a sack. He has the power to run defenders over in the ground game. While Osmele could play right tackle in the NFL, his best fit could be inside at guard.
   
   8/20/11: Kelechi Osemele projects to guard or maybe right tackle in the NFL, but his best fit would probably be at guard. He is a powerful run blocker who also is a very good athlete for his size. The 6-foot-6, 347-pounder is road grader that will fit a power ground game. Osemele is not great fit for a zone-blocking offense and is better in a power man scheme. For his size, he has surprisingly quick feet, and is a solid pass blocker. Osemele enters the season as the top guard with a first-round grade.





6. Brandon Brooks, G/T, Miami of Ohio
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 346.
   40 Time: 4.98. 10-Yd Split: 1.71.
   Bench: 36.
   Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 10.
   Projected Round (2012): 2-4.
   4/24/12: Brooks surprisingly did not receive an invitation to the Combine. He was one of the standouts of the East-West Shrine with a phenomenal week of practice. The powerful Brooks pushed defensive linemen around while showing real athleticism. He performed extremely well at his pro day and put up some impressive numbers. There are a lot of teams showing interest in Brooks and he stands a good shot of going in the top 100 picks.



7. Brandon Washington*, G, Miami
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 320.
   40 Time: 5.25. 10-Yd Split: 1.77.
   Bench: 28.
   Arm: 33.
   Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
   4/24/12: Washington did not perform well at the Combine, but did not have a disastrous performance either. He would have been better off returning to school and improving before entering the NFL.
   
   After being a 2010 All-ACC pick at guard, Miami moved Washington to left tackle after Seantrel Henderson was injured. Washington had a mixed season at left tackle. He did a quality job of run blocking for Hurricanes running back Lamar Miller. Washington has a nice combination of power and mobility, but he belongs on the inside.
   
   Head coach Al Golden was openly critical of Washington after he struggled against North Carolina and defensive end Quinton Coples. Washington took offense at his coach’s criticism, but remained the starter at left tackle. He has some talent, and his situation at Miami led him to entering the draft. In the NFL, Washington definitely has to move back inside.
   
   8/17/10: Brandon Washington has the size and athleticism to be a starting guard in the NFL. He is a pretty good pass blocker and packs a nice punch as a run blocker. Washington plays with a mean streak and was twice named the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week in his first year as a starter. He was an All-ACC first-team guard last season.



8. Tony Bergstrom, G/T, Utah
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 315.
   40 Time: 5.27.
   Bench: 32.
   Arm: 32. Hand: 9.
   Projected Round (2012): 3-5.
   4/24/12: At the Senior Bowl, Bergstrom showed showed off some nice power and quality athleticism. He held his own against the defensive linemen that other All-Stars were struggling with. Bergstrom has the strength to anchor against bull rushes while his time playing on the edge helped him to slide with speed rushers.
   
   The senior was a first-team all Pac-12 selection in 2011. He was a three-year starter at right tackle for the Utes. In the NFL, Bergstrom would probably be better off if he moved inside to guard.



9. Senio Kelemete, OT/G, Washington
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 307.
   40 Time: 5.52. 10-Yd Split: 1.95
   Bench: 21.
   Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 9 5/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
   4/24/12: Kelemete was unable to continue his stock’s upward trend at the Combine. He didn’t run well, had a lower bench press total, and his arm length is less than ideal. Shifting inside to guard at the next level may be his best move.
   
   In 2011, Kelemete was a Second-Team All-Pac-12 performer after starting 13 games at left tackle. As a senior, he did a good job of protecting signal-caller Keith Price, having had some struggles in 2010 in front of quarterback Jake Locker. The past two seasons Kelemete did an admirable job of run blocking for Chris Polk.
   
   At the Senior Bowl, Kelemete battled the tough defensive linemen. He lost a number of reps, but also had some wins and showed some quickness with athletic ability. Kelemete will need some time to develop after only playing left tackle the past two years. He may better off moving inside to guard.



10. Lucas Nix, G/OT, Pittsburgh
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 317.
    40 Time: 5.43. 10-Yd Split: 1.82.
    Arm: 33 1/2.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
    4/24/12: Nix did not wow anybody at the Combine, but that is not a good environment for his game. He is a blue-collar trench battler. Nix was moved to left tackle in 2011, and played well, but the senior also missed multiple games with injuries. He should move back inside for the next level. Nix has good power and moves pretty well for his size, but he probably does not have the athleticism necessary to be a tackle at the NFL.
    
    8/20/11: Lucas Nix split time between right tackle and right guard over the past two seasons, but he is definitely a guard in the NFL. While Nix needs to add some bulk, run blocking is his strength, and he did a good job of opening up holes for Dion Lewis. Nix needs to work on his pass protection, and is better suited at guard.





11. Joe Looney, G, Wake Forest
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 309.
    40 Time: 5.02.
    Bench: 26.
    Arm: 32 1/4. Hand: 9 3/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
    4/24/12: Looney is very experienced as a four-year starter. He is a tough run blocker who moves well. Looney is more athletic than one might expect and gets to blocks on the second level. He needs to improve as a pass protector for the NFL. Looney is a sleeper prospect who could transition to a zone-blocking system or a power-man scheme.



12. Ryan Miller, G, Colorado
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 321.
    40 Time: 5.27.
    Bench: 32.
    Arm: 33 1/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
    4/24/12: Miller was shaky at the East-West Shrine. At times, he was dominant, and other times, he was abused. Miller struggles with his pad level and knee bend in large part because of his height. When he stands straight up, he gets beat. At the Combine, Miller looked improved. He will need a good coach in the NFL who can improve his technique.
    
    Miller had a strong senior season with some impressive games. He showed the ability to be a forceful run blocker. Miller is a very good athlete and has excellent quickness to fire out of his stance to get to the second level. He anchors well in the pass rush and has the mobility to slide with defenders. Some teams are interested in developing Miller at right tackle. He had an impressive game against Washington.
    
    8/20/11: Ryan Miller enters the season with a lot of preseason hype from the national media. He was an All-Big XII honorable mention in 2010 and a 12-game starter at right guard. In 2009, Miller started seven games at right guard and five games at right tackle due to injuries along the line. He is a powerful blocker who moves well for his size.



13. Rishaw Johnson, G, California of Pennsylvania
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 313.
    40 Time: 5.24. 10-Yd Split: 1.77.
    Bench: 22.
    Arm: 35 1/4. Hand: 11.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/24/12: Johnson had a good week of practice at the East-West Shrine. He was gritty blocker who showed a combination of power and quickness. Johnson received a late invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he had some struggles with the increased competition. Johnson took some snaps at center but did not perform well at all snapping the ball, so he should be viewed as a guard only.
    
    Johnson had some off-the-field problems that got him kicked out of Ole Miss after he had multiple suspensions prior to his dismissal.



14. Josh Leribeus, G, SMU
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 312.
    40 Time: 5.37.
    Bench: 29.
    Arm: 32 1/2. Hand: 9 3/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/24/12: Leribus had a nice senior season after being academically ineligible as a junior. He is a quick, mobile blocker who would be best in a zone-blocking scheme.



15. Will Blackwell, G/C, LSU
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 314.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
    Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 10 1/2.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/24/12: Blackwell held his own at the Senior Bowl and had a quality week, but he did not get invited to the Scouting Combine. Blackwell had a strong senior season opening up holes on the ground for LSU. He also was a good pass protector for his quarterbacks. Blackwell was LSU’s starter at right guard for the 2010 season. He has some developmental potential and should get cross-trained at center. He was a first-team All-SEC selection this year.



16. Desmond Wynn, G, Rutgers
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 303.
    40 Time: 5.05. 10-Yd Split: 1.76.
    Bench: 28.
    Arm: 34. Hand: 10.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/24/12: Wynn had an impressive week of practice at the East-West Shrine. He is a stronger and more physical run blocker than one might think at his lower weight. He was a two-year starter at Rutgers. His run blocking is further along, and Wynn will need to improve his pass protection. In the NFL, he could be developed at center as well as guard. Wynn is a sleeper prospect who could be better than expected at the next level.



17. Johnnie Troutman, G, Penn State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 325.
    40 Time: 5.67. 10-Yd Split: 1.77.
    Bench: 31.
    Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 9 3/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
    4/24/12: Troutman had some struggles at the Senior Bowl, and he did not make a positive impression at the Combine. In college, Troutman was a starter at guard since 2009 as a sophomore. His run blocking is further advanced than his pass blocking. He would be best in a power man-blocking scheme rather than a zone-blocking system.



18. Rokevious Watkins, G/T, South Carolina
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 338.
    40 Time: 5.39. 10-Yd Split: 1.89.
    Arm: 34 5/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
    4/24/12: Watkins was not impressive at the Scouting Combine, but that is not the best environment for heavy interior linemen to show how they will fit in the NFL. In 2011, he had a quality season of run blocking for South Carolina, and running back Marcus Lattimore before the standout running back went down with an injury. The Gamecocks had a strong interior rushing attack this year, and Watkins helped pave the way. He is a stronger run blocker than pass protector. Watkins should drop some weight and get quicker for the NFL. He could have some issues with interior speed rushers at the next level.
    
    8/20/11: Rokevious Watkins had a breakout season in 2010. He played junior college for two years and redshirted one season at South Carolina before becoming the starter at right guard last season. Watkins was a powerful bulldozer leading the way for freshman sensation Marcus Lattimore. This year it sounds like South Carolina will move him to right tackle, but Watkins is probably better served at guard in the NFL.





19. Adam Gettis, G/C, Iowa
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 293.
    40 Time: 4.91. 10-Yd Split: 1.65.
    Arm: 33 1/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
    4/24/12: Gettis had a blistering time in the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine. That was the fastest time of the offensive linemen in the first group. Gettis also performed well in the vertical jump (31.5″) and broad jump (9’4″). He was the workout warrior of the offensive linemen. In the field drills, Gettis showed some flaws in his technique, but overall, he helped get some attention with his standout performance at the Combine.
    
    This year, Gettis was a second-team All-Big Ten selection and did a good job of opening up running holes. Running back Marcus Coker had an excellent season running behind him. Gettis is athletic and quick, but he is too light for guard. Gettis needs to add weight and may have to move to center if he can’t add a significant amount of weight. Gettis would be best in a zone-blocking scheme.



20. Austen Pasztor, G, Virginia
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 305.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.10.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
    4/24/12: Pasztor improved his play while opening up some running lanes this season. He had a good game against North Carolina. Pasztor helped increase his stock to be a potential late-round pick. He had a mixed game against Virginia Tech and fought pretty well against Auburn. Pasztor did not play at the Senior Bowl or receive an invitation to the Combine.
    
    8/20/11: Austen Pasztor was inserted into the starting lineup as a freshman. He has been a starter at guard the past two seasons. Pasztor is a solid pass blocker. He probably needs to add some bulk for the NFL.



21. Jaymes Brooks, G, Virginia Tech
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 307.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.14.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
    4/24/12: Brooks and the Virginia Tech offensive line did a good job of opening up holes for running back David Wilson. The Hokies averaged 187 yards per game on the ground this year. Brooks could use a little more power in his game, but he improved his stock this season. Brooks did not play in a major All-Star game or appear at the Scouting Combine.
    
    8/20/11: Jaymes Brooks is entering his third season as the right guard for Virginia Tech. He did a good job of opening holes for Ryan Williams, and as a result Brooks was an All-ACC second-team selection in 2010. He has some real power and explosion to his game. Brooks should add 10 pounds of muscle for the NFL.



22. Stephen Good, G, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 299.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
    4/24/12: Good and the Oklahoma offensive line had a strong season. They did a good job in pass protection for quarterback Landry Jones and in opening up holes on the ground for running back Dominique Whaley, before he went down with an injury. Good missed the game against Kansas. He should add some power to be a better run blocker in the NFL. He did not go to the Combine or an All-Star game.
    
    8/20/11: Stephen Good has been a versatile player who has moved around the Oklahoma offensive line. He was part of a guard rotation last year, and moved from right and left guard in 2009. Good needs to lock down a guard position and be a starter in 2011.



MISSING

23. Lonnie Edwards, G, Texas Tech
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 322.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.16.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/12: Edwards did a very good job this season and showed a lot of improvements. He is a physical run blocker and a decent pass blocker. Edwards has the power to push defensive linemen around and open up holes on the ground. Texas Tech put up some big point totals, and he had a strong senior season. Edwards did not go to the Combine or a major All-Star game.
    
    8/20/11: Lonnie Edwards enters his third season as a starter at left guard. He was named an All-Big XII second-team member last year. Edwards has some power to his game.



24. Art Forst, G/OT, Rutgers
    Height: 6-8. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/12: Forst did not play the first two games of the season, but he returned to start the last seven games for Rutgers. Forst played well for the Crimson Knights as a run and pass blocker. He is a sleeper prospect with some potential to turn into a contributor at the next level.
    
    8/20/11: Rutgers hasn’t done Art Forst any favors by shuffling him around the offensive line. He played both guard positions and right tackle last season. Forst broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2008. His first two seasons he was at guard, and last year they started playing him at right tackle. Forst is better at guard and that is how NFL teams are likely to look at him. The position flexibility could help him to be a backup swing lineman on game days.



25. Antoine McClain, G, Clemson
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 329.
    40 Time: 5.57.
    Bench: 19.
    Arm: 34 3/8.
    Projected Round (2012): FA.
    4/24/12: McClain did not perform well at the Combine with a low total on the bench press and a slower than average 40 time. He did a good job of blocking for Clemson. McClain was a quality protector for Tajh Boyd as a pass blocker and a good run blocker for Andre Ellington. McClain is a better run blocker than pass blocker, and probably should drop 10-15 pounds for the NFL.
    
    8/20/11: Antoine McClain has been a solid run blocker for C.J. Spiller and Ellington over the past few seasons. He has been a two-year starter at right guard.



26. Andrew Tiller, G/T, Syracuse
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 324.
    40 Time: 5.50.
    Bench: 31.
    Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 10.
    Projected Round (2012): FA.
    4/24/12: Tiller arrived at Syracuse over 400 pounds but dropped weight in order to break into the lineup. He is not a very good athlete despite the weight loss. Tiller needs to develop more skills than just being a power-drive blocker. He also has to improve his pass protection. Tiller did not impress at the Combine.



27. Trevor Robinson, G, Notre Dame
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2012): FA.
    4/24/12: Robinson was solid but did not stand out for Notre Dame in 2011.
    
    8/20/11: Robinson broke into the starting lineup at right guard in 2009. Last year, he started all 13 games at right guard. Robinson is a quality pass blocker who needs to add some power to be a run blocker in the NFL.



28. Ken Plue, G, Purdue
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 355.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.38.
    Projected Round (2012): FA.
    4/24/12: Plue did not play last season. Some off-the-field issues landed him in the coaches’ doghouse, but it hasn’t been clarified why he did not play in 2011.
    
    8/20/11: Ken Plue is a mammoth guard. He started 28 games at right guard in his career and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore. Plue’s weight is an issue, and he is going to need to drop some pounds for the NFL.

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