2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Guards

The top 2014 guard prospects available for the 2014 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2015 prospect. ** – denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated May 7, 2014. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

1. Xavier Su’a-Filo**, G, UCLA
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 307.
   40 Time: 5.04.
   Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
   5/7/14: If a guard is selected in the first round, it will most likely be Su’a-Filo. He fits any blocking scheme and has a number of teams in the 20s interested in him. It is still possible that Su’a-Filo will fall to the second round. Su’a-Filo is a well-rounded blocker in the run game and in pass protection. He is a better fit at guard for the NFL than other line positions. It hasn’t been surprising to see Su’a-Filo’s stock rise in the lead up to the 2014 NFL Draft. With his quickness and strength, he fits any blocking scheme. Su’a-Filo looks like a quick starter who could become one of the better guards in the league and a top interior pass-protector.
   
   Su’a-Filo started 2013 strongly. He did particularly well in the Bruins’ comeback win over Nebraska. Su’a-Filo played well against Oregon and Stanford. He didn’t play all that well against Arizona State, but bounced back against USC. Injuries forced Su’a-Filo to play some left tackle.
   
   Su’a-Filo had a strong Combine performance and moved really well in the field work. He also had one of the best 40 times for a guard.
   
   8/8/13: Su’a-Filo was a force for the Bruins in 2012. He had an excellent season as a run-blocker for Johnathan Franklin. Su’a-Filo also was good in pass protection for Brett Hundley. Su’a-Filo started at left guard but chipped in some time at left tackle because of injuries. He was named a First-Team All-Pac-12 pick by the coaches and media publications.
   
   Su’a-Filo was out of football in 2010 and 2011 while serving on a Mormon mission. Bruins head coach Jim Mora, Jr. made it an immediate priority to recruit Su’a-Filo back to UCLA.
   
   Su’a-Filo set a Bruins record in 2009 with 13 starts at left tackle. The true freshman was an honorable mention All-Pac-10 and was on numerous All-Freshman teams.
   
   Personal: Son of Paul and Candida Su’a-Filo. Xavier Su’a-Filo is a team captain and highly regarded for being a high-character individual.





2. David Yankey, G/OT, Stanford
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 311.
   40 Time: 5.48.
   Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
   5/7/14: Yankey had a good year for Stanford. He is a technician who is a balanced run- and pass-blocker. Yankey was very good against UCLA and Oregon State. Versus Oregon, he was an animal. All night, the senior pulled to his right and blasted open holes in the ground game. Yankey was overwhelming in that outing. He didn’t play as well against USC, but bounced back against Notre Dame. Yankey didn’t create much of a push against Michigan State.
   
   At the Combine, Yankey had a bad performance. He ran slowly in the 40 and didn’t move well in the field drills. It hurt Yankey’s case to be the first guard selected. Some sources say that Yankey has been overrated by the media and is more likely to be a mid-round pick than go early on Day 2.
   
   8/9/13: Yankey had an impressive junior season taking over at left tackle for the Cardinal. Overall, he was an adept pass-protector and did an impressive job of opening up holes for running back Stepfan Taylor. Yankey was named a First-Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and The Sporting News. He was a Second-Team All-American by The Sporting News and a First-Team All-Pac-12 pick.
   
   Yankey had a great game against USC lsat season, but he and the offensive line didn’t play well against Washington. Notre Dame’s superb defensive line and linebackers battled hard against Yankey with each side getting its share of wins. He did well against Oregon and UCLA late in the year.
   
   Stanford has moved Yankey inside to left guard for his senior season. The coaches feel that young left tackle Andrus Peat could be an elite player. Yankey is probably a better fit at guard in the NFL.
   
   Yankey saw time on the right side of the offensive line in 2011 and played well. He split time between right tackle and left guard. The sophomore was listed as an All-Pac-12 honorable mention after the season. Yankey did a good job of opening holes for Taylor and protecting Andrew Luck.
   
   Yankey has the potential to be a balanced run-blocker and a reliable pass-protector. He has received good coaching and development at Stanford. As long as Yankey stays healthy, he should enter the NFL with good experience.
   
   Personal: Biology major. Son of David and Darina Yankey.
   
   
3. Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 336.
   40 Time: 5.51.
   Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
   5/7/14: WalterFootball.com knows one team that could consider drafting a guard that has Jackson as its top-rated guard in the 2014 NFL Draft. He could go earlier than most projections. At the Combine, Jackson didn’t stand out, although as a power blocker that isn’t the environment suited to his strengths. Jackson had a quality week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He had some good moments and some rough spots, but overall did a good job and was more impressive than other interior linemen.
   
   Jackson played well for the Bulldogs in 2013. Against LSU, he kept Ego Ferguson and Anthony Johnson from making any tackles for a loss at his expense. Jackson also did well against South Carolina standout defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles. Jackson is a road-grader as a run-blocker, and that earned him some SEC Offensive Linemen of the Week honors. He also performed well in pass protection.
   
   For the NFL, Jackson may not be as quick and athletic as many teams want their left guard to be. He isn’t that fast when he pulls. Jackson could fit best at right guard as a downhill blocker.
   
   8/8/13: Jackson blocked well for Mississippi State in 2012. He did very well against Alabama and defensive tackle Jesse Williams. Jackson also was solid against LSU and Texas A&M. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, but he has good upside to develop into a starter quickly in the NFL.
   
   Jackson was a Second-Team All-SEC selection in 2011, his second year as a starter. He was a powerful run-blocker for running back Vick Ballard those two years. Jackson is only getting better as he gains more experience.
   
   Jackson was smart to return for the 2013 season. If the senior shows steady improvement, he could easily push his stock into firm standing on the second day of the 2014 NFL Draft. Personal: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jackson. Charles Jackson was his high school football coach.



4. Cyril Richardson, OT/G, Baylor
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 329.
   40 Time: 5.36.
   Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
   5/7/14: Richardson was dominant in the early going of 2013 as Baylor has put up some massive point totals against some weak opponents. Running back Lache Seastrunk had a lot of success running behind Richardson. The Bears’ schedule got more difficult in the second half of the year, but Richardson still played well. He finished with solid performances against Texas and Central Florida.
   
   At the Senior Bowl, Richardson really struggled with Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald. He not only beat Richardson routinely with speed rushes, but also dumped the big guard on his backside with some power rushes. It was a rough week for Richardson that really hurt his grade. He didn’t make up for it at the Combine.
   
   8/9/13: Richardson would probably fit best at guard in the NFL, but could maybe pull off right tackle. He played tackle in 2011, but was moved back to guard last year (he was there in 2010). The junior was much better at guard. Richardson opened up a lot of holes and was greatly improved as a pass-blocker. He has good size with a some quickness at guard.
   
   Richardson could have a huge 2013 season as a run-blocker with a duo of excellent backs in Lache Seastrunk and Glasco Martin. A strong season could put Richardson in the running as the top guard prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft class.
   
   Richardson did an overall good job of blocking for quarterback Robert Griffin III in 2011. Richardson also did well opening up holes in the ground game for Terrance Ganaway. There were games in 2011 in which Richardson allowed too much pressure, but he has the potential to develop into a quality prospect.
   
   Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Albert Joseph and Anita Richardson.





5. Trai Turner**, G, LSU
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 310.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
   Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
   5/7/14: Turner was one of the many underclassmen who entered the draft before they should have. He had a good redshirt sophomore season in 2013 as the starter at right guard. Turner is a strong run-blocker, and the Tigers had a lot of success running Jeremy Hill behind him. Turner will need to improve his pass protection for the NFL. As a freshman, he had seven starts.
   
   At the Combine, Turner opened some eyes with a great workout. He ran fast and looked good in the field work.
   
   Personal: Son of Barry and Capacine Turner.



6. Brandon Thomas, OT/G, Clemson
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 316.
   40 Time: 5.09.
   Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
   5/7/14: Sources have said that Thomas graded out as a third-round pick, but that was before he tore his ACL during a private workout with the Saints. Thomas should still be selected in the mid-rounds.
   
   Thomas had a strong start to the season against Georgia. He did a decent job as a run-blocker and a pass-protector, but didn’t have his best game against Florida State and struggled versus South Carolina. Thomas had an impressive week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He did well blocking at left tackle in the one-on-ones on speed rushes. Thomas may be too undersized to play tackle in the NFL, but he could move inside to guard.
   
   At the Combine, Thomas was impressive with his speed and agility. Some teams could consider playing him at tackle in the NFL even though he’s very undersized for that position.
   
   8/8/13: Thomas broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2011. He was solid in pass protection for Tajh Boyd and in run blocking for Andre Ellington. Thomas followed that up with a quality 2012 season. He could use more power for the NFL. Thomas would be a better fit in a zone-blocking system and could be a candidate to move to center.
   
   Personal: Secondary education major.



7. Chris Watt, G, Notre Dame
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 310.
   40 Time: 5.50.
   Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
   5/7/14: Watt was very respectable for the Fighting Irish in 2013. He had a good performance against Arizona State’s Will Sutton. Watt’s run blocking is ahead of his pass protection for the NFL, but he could be worth developing as a third-day pick. Watt ran slowly and didn’t impress at the Combine.
   
   8/8/13: Watt has been hit-or-miss in his two years as a starter. He has had some good games for the Fighting Irish and some performances he probably would like back. Watt struggled with Stanford’s physical line along with Purdue’s Kawann Short in 2012. Watt did a nice job of run blocking last year and Notre Dame had a consistent ground game. He needs to become a more consistent pass-blocker as a senior.
   
   Personal: Marketing major. Son of Mary Pat and Rich Watt.



8. Dakota Dozier, G, Furman
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 313.
   40 Time: 5.42.
   Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
   5/7/14: Every year, it seems there are some Division II or small-school offensive linemen who rise up draft boards. Players like Carolina’s Amini Silatolu and San Francisco’s Mike Iupati ended up being second- and first-round picks respectively; this year’s version of a small-school riser is Dozier. He isn’t viewed as highly as those two were coming out of college, but there are some who believe that Dozier could end up being a second-day pick.
   
   At the East-West Shrine, Dozier showed some power to open up holes in the ground game and some athleticism to be a pass-blocker in the NFL. Dozier played offensive tackle in college, but his home in the NFL will be at guard. Dozier has a body type that fits better on the inside. He could fit in a power-man or zone scheme. Dozier put up a slow 40 at the Combine, but did pretty well in the field drills.
   
   
9. Jon Halapio, G, Florida
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 323.
   40 Time: 5.34.
   Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
   5/7/14: Florida had big hopes for a great season from Halapio, but he missed the first two games of 2013 with an injury. Halapio played well after returning to the lineup. He held his own against LSU. Halapio played through a ton of injuries. He had some good moments at the Senior Bowl, but wasn’t always consistent. If Halapio can stay healthy, he could be nice value in the mid-rounds. If it weren’t for the injuries, he would be rated higher.
   
   8/8/13: Halapio had a good 2012 season as a run-blocker for Mike Gillislee. Halapio is strong at the point of attack and pushes defensive linemen around. The senior needs to improve his pass protection and his ability to handle speed-rushers. Halapio allowed too much pressure as a sophomore.



10. Spencer Long, G, Nebraska
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 320.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
    Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
    5/7/14: Long played well for Nebraska in 2013 before going down with a torn ACL. The senior could be a steal in the 2014 NFL Draft, as he was a potential top-100 selection before the injury. Long didn’t work out at the Combine. A number of teams brought in him on pre-draft visits.
    
    8/8/13: Long was solid for Nebraska in 2012 with improved pass protection. He was a tough run-blocker who had a lot of success opening up holes in the ground game.
    
    The former walk-on was an All-Big Ten performer in a breakout sophomore season in 2011. He was a leader on a Cornhuskers’ line that averaged 217 yards per game in 2012. Long did a very good job opening up holes for running back Rex Burkhead and quarterback Taylor Martinez.
    
    Long has some mobility and added strength over the past year. If the senior comes through with an impressive 2013, he should move up higher on the second day of the 2014 NFL Draft.
    
    Personal: Biological sciences major. Son of Doug and Ann Long. Spencer Long has won a lot of academic awards during his time at Nebraska.



11. Anthony Steen, G, Alabama
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 314.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.35.
    Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
    5/7/14: Steen had some weak moments in the 2013 opener against Virginia Tech, but also had some good plays. He played well against Texas A&M and Ole Miss. Steen had an excellent game against LSU in the second half as he was part of a line that controlled the game. Steen missed the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma with an injury. His strength is in run blocking; he needs to improve his pass protection for the NFL. Steen operated well in 2013 as Alabama went to a lot of zone blocking.
    
    Steen didn’t work out at the Combine. Some around the league feel that Alabama players are entering the league beat up, and dealing with injuries doesn’t help Steen’s stock.
    
    8/8/13: Some labeled Steen as the weak link on Alabama’s star-studded 2012 offensive line, but he was a quality blocker for the Crimson Tide. Steen wasn’t as powerful as his teammates, yet he did a very good job of opening up holes in the ground game. Steen received a lot of help in pass protection from center Barrett Jones.
    
    In the SEC Championship, Alabama had a lot of success running behind Steen in the second half of the game. He started nine games in 2011 while dealing with injuries. Steen has good fundamentals, and if he improves his pass protection, he could rise up rankings.





12. Kareem Edwards, G, Tennessee State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 313.
    40 Time: 5.25.
    Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
    5/7/14: Edwards competed at the Senior Bowl. He flashed some ability, but also had some struggles against the better competition. Edwards had a good collegiate career at Tennessee State and looks like he could have the athleticism to play at the next level. Edwards could be better off moving inside to center.
    
    Personal: Son of Rosemary Hampton and Joseph Samuel.



13. Andrew Norwell, OT/G, Ohio State
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 319.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
    Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
    5/7/14: Norwell was solid for Ohio State in 2013. In most games, he was very reliable as a pass-protector and run-blocker. Norwell didn’t play as well against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship. He didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/9/13: Norwell had a strong 2012 season at left guard for the Buckeyes. The junior was impressive as a run-blocker for Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde. Ohio State had a solid right tackle in Reid Fragel, but Norwell could get consideration at right tackle this season. He has the potential to rise higher in these rankings over the next year. Norwell filled in at left tackle in 2011 when Mike Adams was suspended for the first five games, and did a respectable job. Following Adams’s return, Norwell moved over to left guard to finish out his sophomore season. He was the backup at right tackle as a freshman.
    
    Personal: Majoring in communications. Son of Julia and Ivar Norwell.
    
    
14. Brandon Linder, G, Miami
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 311.
    40 Time: 5.35.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    5/7/14: At the Senior Bowl, Linder was one of the worst offensive linemen. He really struggled all week and was dominated in the one-on-ones. Linder doesn’t have a bad skill set, but needs to be coached up. He didn’t make up for it at the Combine.
    
    Linder turned in an impressive senior season to be named a Second-Team All-ACC selection. In the ground game, he did a good job of opening up holes for Duke Johnson. Linder was also a reliable pass-protector for Stephen Morris. Linder broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2011. In his debut season, he allowed only 1.5 sacks. As a junior, Linder had 12 games at right guard. He had nine starts at right guard and three starts at right tackle this season.
    
    Linder has excellent size for the NFL. He can move bodies at the line of scrimmage and could fit well in a power-man blocking scheme.





15. Zach Fulton, G, Tennessee
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 323.
    40 Time: 5.16.
    Projected Round (2014): 6-7.
    5/7/14: 2013 was Fulton’ third season starting at right guard for Tennessee. He has some power to open holes in the run game. Fulton broke into the starting lineup as a freshman while dealing with some injuries. He started every game as a sophomore and junior. In 2013, Fulton improved his pass blocking. He remained a tough run-blocker. Sources said they view Fulton as a third-day player. He had a better performance than expected at the Combine.
    
    Personal: Majoring in arts & sciences. Son of Glen and Alma Fulton.



16. Antwan Lowery, G, Rutgers
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 305.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
    5/7/14: Lowery was banged up with injuries this season, and as a result, he shared reps with other linemen. Lowery missed the game against Houston because of a death in the family. At the East-West Shrine, he had a quality week of practice. Lowery could be worth developing as a late-round backup or on the practice squad. He didn’t work out at the Combine.
    
    8/8/13: Lowery was a backup for three years before breaking into the starting lineup as a junior. Lowery said that he butted heads with former head coach Greg Schiano which kept him on the bench. Lowery said the changes under new coach Kyle Flood made football fun again and allowed him to flourish.
    
    Lowry had a good 2012 blocking for Jawan Jamison and Rutgers was able to move the ball well on the ground. Lowery has some athleticism in pass protection as well. He allowed only one sack as a junior and was First-Team All-Big East selection.
    
    Personal: Labor studies major.



17. John Martinez, G, USC
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
    Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
    5/7/14: The Trojans’ passing offense struggled at times in 2013. Martinez shared some snaps before becoming more of a backup. He should move to center for the NFL.
    
    8/8/13: Martinez was a honorable-mention All-Pac-12 selection for his junior season at right guard. He broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2011. Martinez looks undersized for the NFL and likely would have to move to center.



18. Alex Bullard, G/C, Tennessee
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 302.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
    Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
    5/7/14: Bullard played well for Tennessee in 2013 at left guard. Overall, he was effective as a pass-blocker. Bullard has some athleticism and should maybe move to center in the NFL. He had six starts there as a sophomore in 2011 to go along with six starts at left guard. Bullard lost his starting spot in 2012, but was back in the starting lineup this year with Dallas Thomas in the NFL. In 2009, Bullard was a backup at Notre Dame.
    
    Personal: Majoring in sociology. Son of Dorothy and the late Louis Bullard.



19. Mason Walters, G, Texas
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.41.
    Projected Round (2014): FA.
    5/7/14: Walters and Texas dominated some weak opponents, but the Longhorns didn’t play well against BYU. He had a mixed outing against Oklahoma and didn’t impress against Oklahoma State or Oregon.
    
    8/8/13: Walters is a powerful run-blocker who has some upside. He needs to improve his pass protection; speed-rushers can give him some problems. However, the senior has the potential to rise higher in the rankings. He started 12 games at right guard last season and was an honorable mention All-Big XII selection.
    
    Walters won a starting spot as a redshirt freshman in 2010. Since then he has started 25 straight games at right guard. Walters was a Second-Team All-Big XII pick in 2011. He missed almost all of the 2009 season with a foot injury. Walters has the potential to be a nice fit in a power man-blocking scheme.
    
    Personal: Majoring in government.

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