2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Guards

By Charlie Campbell.
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The top 2015 guard prospects available for the 2015 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2016 prospect. ** – denotes 2017 prospect.

This page was last updated April 27, 2015. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Brandon Scherff, G, Iowa
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 319.
   40 Time: 5.26.
   Projected Round (2015): Top-16 Pick.
   4/27/15: For the NFL, Scherff fits as a guard and maybe a right tackle. He was strong and athletic at the Combine to solidify his stock as a top-16 pick. In speaking with teams, they feel that Scherff will go in the top 10 and won’t be there for teams picking in the early teens. Sources also said that Scherff interviewed very well at the Combine.
   
   Scherff was a tough run-blocker throughout 2014, but there still remain questions about his ability to handle NFL-caliber speed rushers. Scherff looks a little stiff for defending them. He could be a stud at guard. Scherff has short arms (33 3/8 inches) and doesn’t have the feet for left tackle.
   
   Overall, Scherff was solid against Tennessee in Iowa’s bowl game. Volunteers freshman defensive end Derek Barnett beat Scherff on a few plays, but didn’t record a sack against Scherff. Scherff was cruising along in 2014 until a horrible outing against Maryland. He allowed pressure on the quarterback throughout that contest. Scherff was beaten for one sack, but easily could have allowed another handful. He struggled with speed rushes and also was run over in some bull rushes. It was bad tape that could indicate that Scherff should maybe not be a left tackle in the NFL. However, he is pretty quick with the ability to fire to blocks on the second level, so perhaps his problems can be fixed with coaching.
   
   Early in the year, Scherff looked good against a string of easy opponents. He injured his knee in Week 2 against Northern Iowa and had a minor surgical procedure a few days after the game. The senior was expected to miss a few games, but didn’t miss one as he played in Iowa’s loss to Iowa State.
   
   8/27/14: Scherff was one of the top tackles in the Big Ten in 2013. Iowa has produced a lot of good NFL prospects on the offensive line, and Scherff is the latest Hawkeye to be an early-round prospect. He could fit as a power-man or zone blocker. Scherff has the feet and agility to move well as a pass-protector. He is very effective in the ground game, too. Scherff’s returning school to possibly improve as a senior will give him a much better shot at moving up in the draft.
   
   Personal: Son of Cindy and Bob Scherff. Leisure studies major.





2. La’el Collins, G/OT, LSU
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 305.
   40 Time: 5.12.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/27/15: Collins was decent for LSU in 2014 as both a reliable pass-protector and run-blocker. He has some vocal supporters who claim he’s a top-10 pick, but some of his critics think he should play guard or right tackle in the NFL.
   
   In speaking with multiple NFL teams, one says Collins has a second-round grade and views him as a guard. Another feels Collins can be a very good guard who plays right away and possibly develops into a tackle, while a third team feels Collins is a right tackle who could go late in the first round, but more likely in the second round. They all feel he needs to improve his technique. That being said, most projections have Collins in the top 20.
   
   Collins helped his chances of going in the first round by playing well at the Senior Bowl and showing athletic ability at the Combine. When properly motivated, Collins has the ability to be a special blocker.
   
   LSU destroyed Kentucky while Collins did his part to keep Wildcats defensive end Bud Dupree from recording a sack. Versus Florida and its dangerous edge rushers, including Dante Fowler Jr., Collins had a quality outing. He wasn’t beaten for any sacks and opened some running lanes, though he did get away with a few plays on which he should have been called for holding. Collins also merited a face-mask penalty after ripping off Fowler’s helmet.
   
   8/27/14: Collins played left tackle for the Tigers in 2013 and was extremely impressive. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger was protected extremely well by Collins, and the big lineman did well in run defense. Collins played well against Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M and Iowa. In the ground game, he got a lot of movement and showed the ability to be a plus run blocker as a left tackle. Running back Jeremy Hill had a lot of success running behind him. The SEC coaches made Collins a Second-Team All-SEC selection in his first season at left tackle. He has upside to develop.
   
   In 2012, Collins started 13 games at left guard and was an honorable mention All-SEC Selection. Collins was an impressive power run-blocker and helped the Tigers’ stable of backs move the ball. The senior has some road-grading potential and really improved his pass protection as a junior.
   
   Personal: Son of Loyetta Collins and David Philips.



3. Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 323.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: Tomlinson blocked well for Duke in 2014. He is a strong run-blocker who has to improve his pass protection for the NFL. Sources have said that after a slow start to the season, Tomlinson was very good in the second half of the year. He also had a strong week at the Senior Bowl. Some teams have graded Tomlinson in the third round, but believe the organization that likes him enough to draft him might pull the trigger in Round 2.
   
   8/27/14: Tomlinson is a gifted athlete with surprising agility and quickness for a big blocker. He carries his weight well and has some strength to him. Tomlinson has started all 25 games he’s played in dating back to his freshman season in 2011. Tomlinson has been a two-time ACC All-Academic selection.
   
   Tomlinson held his own and was impressive at times against Florida State in the ACC Championship Game. He has excellent recoverability. A defender may have a step or leverage on Tomlinson, but he has the strength and quickness to take it away. Tomlinson could continue to use some refinement, but he has upside and physicality to him.
   
   Personal: Son of Audrey Wilson. Double major in evolutionary anthropology and psychology. Laken Tomlinson grew up in Jamaica and didn’t start playing football until his high school years at Lane Tech in Chicago, Illinois.





4. Arie Kouandjio, G, Alabama
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
   40 Time: 5.52.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: Kouandjio excelled as a run-blocker in 2014, and Alabama had a lot of success running behind him. His pass blocking was improved over 2013, but he still has room to get better in that area of his game for the next level. Kouandjio has the physical skill set to be a quality starter and play quickly in the NFL. He has quickness, athleticism and strength.
   
   8/27/14: Kouandjio had some mixed outings in 2013, including the season opener against Virginia Tech. He got better on a weekly basis. Kouandjio had a good game against LSU, but didn’t fare as well against Auburn or Oklahoma. The junior was burned for a lot of pass pressures and some sacks against the Sooners in the Sugar Bowl. He has to improve his pass protection and ability to handle speed rushers.
   
   Kouandjio needs to improve as a senior in 2014, but he has the athletic skill set to be better. Koundjio has dealt with multiple knee surgeries but finally was healthy in 2013. Koundjio should stay at guard going forward rather than moving to tackle.



5. Josue Matias, G, Florida State
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 309.
   40 Time: 5.52.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: Contrary to popular opinion, Matias played better than fellow starting guard Tre’ Jackson in 2014, though Matias did have some underwhelming games. He has the strength to open holes and some athleticism for pass protection.
   
   Sources have told WalterFootball.com that Matias and Alabama’s Arie Kouandjio were grading as the top guards (not including Iowa left tackle Brandon Scherff and LSU left tackle La’el Collins). Both Matias and Kouandjio have received second-round grades.
   
   8/27/14: In 2013, Matias had his second-straight quality season for the Seminoles. As the starter at left guard, he did a good job of run blocking and was generally reliable as a pass-rusher. The senior should improve on the latter in 2014. Handling speed rushers is his biggest area for improvement. According to the Seminoles, Matias’ average grade of 78.5 percent ranked third on the team.
   
   Matias broke into the starting lineup in 2012. The sophomore started every game and was impressive as a run-blocker. He could stand to improve his pass protection. That season, Matias struggled with Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd. Matias could move up in the rankings during 2014.



6. A.J. Cann, G, South Carolina
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 313.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.33.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/27/15: Cann is a good run-blocker who excels in the phone booth. He struggles in space and can have issues with speedy pass-rushers. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that they grade Cann as a third-rounder and as a poor man’s Larry Warford or Gabe Jackson. Cann is a similar blocker to those two, but smaller than both of them, and they were third-round picks.
   
   8/27/14: Cann is a powerful run-blocker who opened up a lot of holes for Mike Davis last season. Cann had a number of good games and showed some improvement in his pass protection. He broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2011. He has been a mainstay in the lineup since then. Cann is a team captain and should be in position to have another impressive season as South Carolina figures to feature the ground game with Davis.



7. Tre’ Jackson, G, Florida State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 330.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.52.
   Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
   4/27/15: Jackson needs to improve his protection for the NFL, and run blocking is clearly his strength. The senior allowed too much pressure in pass blocking during the 2014 season. Sources have said that Jackson has received a third-round grade. He had a decent week at the Senior Bowl.
   
   8/27/14: Jackson played well for the Seminoles in 2013, although Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald had some success with Florida State’s interior linemen. Florida’s tackles gave Jackson some problems as well. Overall, Jackson did a good job of protecting Jameis Winston and opening up holes in the ground game. Jackson’s run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, and he also needs to improve his ability to handle speed rushers.
   
   Jackson broke into the starting lineup at right guard in 2012. The true sophomore was a tough run-blocker for the Seminoles. He is a powerful lineman who can move defensive linemen and open up holes in the ground. Jackson has nice agility and movement skills for a big lineman. Florida State has good coaching for the offensive line and has done a nice job of developing him.





8. Mitch Morse, G, Missouri
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 305.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.14.
   Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
   4/27/15: Morse was a starter at tackle for the Tigers, but for the NFL, he should kick inside to guard. Especially considering Morse has very short arms (32 1/4 inches). Moving to guard would help his pass protection. Morse may not have the skill set to develop into a difference-maker, but he could turn into a quality contributor up front. Some teams are eyeing Morse in the mid-rounds and sources say that he could be cross-trained at center.



9. Jarvis Harrison, G, Texas A&M
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 330.
   40 Time: 5.19.
   Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
   4/27/15: Harrison played well for the Aggies. He was solid in pass protection and opened up some holes in the ground game. Harrison had some issues against Mississippi State and Alabama in 2014. He also didn’t stand out positively at the Combine. There are a lot of off-the-field concerns with Harrison, and that is knocking him down even though he has second-day talent.
   
   8/27/14: Harrison is a 3-year starter at guard and has been a steady performer for the Aggies. He is a reliable pass-blocker who can be effective in the ground game. Harrison had his best season as a junior while playing banged up. In the offseason leading to his senior year, he rehabbed after shoulder surgery and worked on a calf injury from the bowl win over Duke. The injuries have held Harrison back in the lead up to the 2014 season, and he is battling for his starting job according to head coach Kevin Sumlin.
   
   Personal: Son of Ramona Harrison. Agricultural leadership and development major.



10. Jeremiah Poutasi, G, Utah
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 335.
    40 Time: 5.32.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/27/15: Poutasi was a surprise early entry into the 2015 NFL Draft. He had his second-straight season playing well at left tackle for the Utes. Just like the Texans’ Xavier Su’a-Filo (UCLA’s 2014 NFL Draft second-rounder), Poutasi is projected to move inside to guard in the NFL. Poutasi opened a lot of holes on the ground in 2014 for running back Devontae Booker. Poutasi played well at right tackle as a freshman in 2012, so he has some versatility for the next level. Poutasi had a solid, but unspectacular, performance at the Combine.
    
    Personal: Son of Samelu and Oloka Poutasi.



11. John Miller, G, Louisville
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 303.
    40 Time: 5.33.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/27/15: Miller was a quality blocker for the Cardinals in 2014. He had some struggles with Florida State lineman Eddie Goldman and Mario Edwards Jr. Miller had issues with Georgia, but for the most part, he was reliable in the ground game and in pass protection. Miller helped his stock with a strong performance at the East-West Shrine.
    
    8/27/14: Miller was a Second-Team all-conference pick last year. He was a quality protector for Teddy Bridgewater and opened holes in the ground game. Miller started at left guard as a sophomore and freshman. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the ACC.
    
    Personal: Son of Ernestine Miller and Johnnie Green.





12. Mark Glowinski, G, West Virginia
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 307.
    40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
    4/27/15: Glowkinski is a tough guard who has some strength and grit to him. He started at right guard for the Mountaineers and could remain there in the NFL. It wouldn’t hurt him to add 10 pounds of power for the NFL though. There are some that feel that Glowinski is a sleeper who is going to be a nice reward for some team.



13. Max Garcia, G/C, Florida
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 309.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.31.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/27/15: Garcia moved to center in 2014 and played well there for Florida. He blocked well in the ground game and was generally reliable in pass protection. Garcia had quality tapes against Kentucky and Tennessee, but he was unimpressive against Alabama. Garcia was excellent against Georgia. He could develop into a starting center in the NFL. Garcia has some fight to him and is a scraper. He had a strong performance at the Senior Bowl to help his stock. Teams are very split on him. Some like him and rate him high among the centers, while others dislike him and have him as a late pick or undrafted free agent
    
    8/27/14: Garcia was up and down for the Gators in 2013. With the rash of injuries that struck Florida’s offensive line, he was playing left tackle by the end of the season. Surprisingly, Garcia didn’t play poorly on the blind side. He needs to get more consistent and add more strength.
    
    Garcia started 12 games at Maryland in 2011 before transferring to Florida. He was forced to sit out the 2012 season.



14. Shaq Mason, G, Georgia Tech
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 311.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.07.
    Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
    4/27/15: Mason and Georgia Tech rolled over some weaker opponents in 2014. As usual, the Yellow Jackets had one of the best run games in college football. Mason was named the ACC Co-Offensive Lineman of the week for his performance against Miami. The Jackets ran for 318 yards in that game. Mason played well in the ACC Championship against Florida State defensive tackles Eddie Goldman and Mario Edwards Jr.
    
    Mason is quick, athletic and strong for his size. It would be really interesting if he moved to center in the NFL, and don’t be surprised if that is how he is drafted. Mason didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Mason is an agile and athletic blocker who is a good fit in Georgia Tech’s option offense. He had a number of impressive games during his junior season, including his performances against Duke and North Carolina. Mason has some pass-blocking skills as well as being a quality run-blocker.
    
    As a sophomore in 2012, Mason played left guard for the Yellow Jackets. He played right guard as a junior, but could be a better fit at left guard in the NFL. He also looks like a candidate to move to center.
    
    Personal: Son of Steve Mason and Alicia McGuire. Majoring in business administration.



15. Miles Dieffenbach, G, Penn State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 303.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/27/15: Dieffenbach missed a lot of time with injuries, and the Penn State offensive line really struggled in 2014. After coming back to the field, Dieffenbach showed some potential as a run-blocker, but he looks somewhat limited athletically. Dieffenbach did not participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Dieffenbach had two quality seasons at left guard in 2012 and 2013. However, he will need to improve as a senior while gaining weight to go higher. It would help him to gain 10-20 pounds for the NFL, or he is going to be relegated to a zone-blocking system. Athletically, Dieffenbach looks like a better fit at center.
    
    Personal: Son of George and Emma Dieffenbach.



16. Torrian Wilson, G, Central Florida
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 305.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/27/15: Wilson was an all-conference left tackle for Central Florida for the last three years. He was the blind-side protector for Blake Bortles and blocked for a tough running game that led to the Knights putting a string of strong seasons together. Wilson has been drawing a lot of interest from NFL teams, which see him moving to guard at the next level. Wilson had gotten a lot of interest from the Patriots, Lions, Dolphins, Jaguars, Jets, Eagles, Packers, Rams, 49ers and Vikings.



17. Robert Myers, G, Tennessee State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 326.
    40 Time: 5.44.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-7.
    4/27/15: Myers is a big blocker who looks like he could develop into a possible starting guard. Myers has power and can move defenders at the point of attack. He had a quality performance at the Combine in the field drills. Sources say that Myers received a late-round grade.



18. Malcolm Bunche, G, UCLA
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 327.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/15: Bunche and the UCLA line really struggled in 2014. The Bruins gave up 10 sacks to Arizona State and Utah; Brett Hundley was under fire all season. Bunche didn’t impress for UCLA.
    
    8/27/14: UCLA was fortunate to have Bunche transfer out of Miami and land with the Bruins. After losing Xavier Su’a-Filo to the NFL, UCLA needed a new left guard, and Bunche took the spot after graduating from Miami.
    
    In 2013, Bunche had some rough moments for Miami against Florida and Florida State, but he also did well in stretches as a run-blocker for Duke Johnson and a pass-protector for Stephen Morris. Bunche has shown some versatility moving around the line, but his best position for the NFL might be guard. Bunche was a platoon player across the line for the Hurricanes. As a sophomore, he was the starter at left tackle.



19. Aundrey Walker, G, USC
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 315.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/27/15: Walker was slowed in the early going of 2014 as he continued to work his way back from offseason ankle surgery. Walker had a good athletic skill set and is sleeper lineman who has upside for the NFL. He did not participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: The Trojans moved Walker inside to guard for 2013. That paid off as he was vastly improved there. However, Walker’s year ended early with a broken ankle against UCLA. That ankle injury continued to bother him during fall training camp. He has a lot of athletic ability and a skill set to develop.
    
    Walker had a rough start to the 2012 season as the replacement for Matt Kalil. Walker started the first seven games and showed some improvement, but he didn’t finish the season well against UCLA. The sophomore was simply a misfit at left tackle.
    
    Walker was a top recruit out of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a good athlete, but needs to improve his fundamentals, footwork and get stronger.
    
    Personal: Majoring in sociology. One of 17 siblings and the youngest of 14 brothers.



20. Tyler Moore*, G/OT, Florida
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 320.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.31.
    Projected Round (2015): FA.
    4/27/15: Moore rotated in at guard in 2014 and looked better than in 2013, but he still has lot of room to improve. Other players were more consistent and impressive on Florida’s offensive line. Moore should have returned for his senior year, but he entered the 2015 NFL Draft. Moore did not participate in the Combine.
    
    8/27/14: Moore replaced the injured Chaz Green as the starting right tackle in 2013. Moore was banged up and inconsistent for the year himself. He was terrible against Missouri, but bounced back against Georgia when starting at left tackle. Moore ended the season injured. He should play guard and remain there if the Gators’ tackles can stay healthy.
    
    Moore was one of the top offensive linemen in the nation coming out of high school and started out his collegiate career at Nebraska. He started four games as a freshman and played in nine contests. Moore was just the 10th true-freshman offensive lineman to play for Nebraska since 1973. Plus, he was a Freshman All-Big XII selection.
    
    Moore soured on Nebraska and left after his freshman season. He spent one semester at St. Petersburg Community College before transferring to Florida in January 2012.



21. Conor Hanratty, G, Notre Dame
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
    Projected Round (2014): FA.
    4/27/15: Hanratty failed to win a starting guard position during fall camp.
    
    8/27/14: Hanratty has been mostly a backup during his time at Notre Dame and could become a starter as a senior. As a junior, he had four starts and saw action in six games. When given the opportunity, Hanratty has played pretty well. He was a backup as a sophomore and freshman.
    
    Personal: Son of Terry and Kelly Hanratty. Business management consulting major.

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