2020 NFL Draft Prospects: Guards

By Charlie Campbell.
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The top 2020 Guards prospects available for the 2020 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2021 prospect. ** – denotes 2022 prospect.

This page was last updated April 21, 2020. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Tristan Wirfs*, G/OT, Iowa
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 320. Arm: 34. Hand: 10.25.
   40 Time: 4.85.
   Projected Round (2020): Top-20.
   4/21/20: I personally think Andrew Thomas, Mekhi Becton and Jedrick Wills are better prospects than Wirfs, but these rankings are based off how I believe players will come off the board and not based off my opinion.
   
   Wirfs was a combine superstar in all the measurements, including his lightning-fast 40. As Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said during the combine broadcast, many teams viewed Wirfs as a guard or right tackle prior to the combine but his numbers were that of a left tackle. Following his combine, I believe Wirfs will be the first tackle taken in the 2020 NFL Draft.
   
   Wirfs blocked well overall for Iowa in 2019, but has some areas of improvement for the NFL, and that was evident in him struggling against Michigan. However, Wirfs is blessed with a ton of physical talent and upside. Some team sources think he would be a dominant guard.
   
   For the NFL, Wirfs has a good skill set with size, length and athleticism. He plays with good leverage as a run blocker and sustains his blocks well. Wirfs sets up pretty well, but he definitely has some issues to clean up in pass protection for taking on NFL edge rushers. Wirfs has an inclination to bend at the waist at times. While he is quick out of his stance, he needs to get more depth in his kick slide to avoid reaching after speed rushers coming around the corner. Wirfs also needs to get better at counter moves to the inside. Although Wirfs has the physical talent to play left tackle, he could be a more dominant player at right tackle or guard.
   
   8/17/19: Under head coach Kirk Ferentz, Iowa has produced a lot of good offensive line talent, so it was very noteworthy when Wirfs became the first true freshman to start at tackle under Ferentz. While being the regular starter on the right side, he did play left tackle in Iowa’s bowl game to end his freshman campaign but was back at right tackle in 2018. Wirfs is a powerful right tackle who is a strong run blocker at the point of attack. He also has the quickness and athleticism to develop into a good pass protector. As a sophomore, Wirfs didn’t allow a sack. Some NFL teams might consider moving him to left tackle.





2. Cesar Ruiz, C/G, Michigan
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 307. Arm: 33.13. Hand: 11.
   40 Time: 5.08.
   Projected Round (2020): 1-3.
   4/21/20: Ruiz decided to skip his senior year to enter the 2020 NFL Draft after putting together a quality collegiate career for Michigan. He is a well-balanced blocker in the ground game and in pass protection. Additionally, Ruiz has a lot of experience from being a 3-year starter. He has enough size to also compete at guard as well. Ruiz had a good combine performance to help himself. He looks like a future starter early in his NFL career.



3. Robert Hunt, G, La.-Lafayette
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 323. Arm: 33.5. Hand: 10.75.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
   Projected Round (2020): 2-3.
   4/21/20: Hunt has some fans in the scouting community and impressed some evaluators in 2019. He is sleeper offensive lineman who could be a second-round pick. While Hunt played tackle in college, teams are projecting him to guard. He has a nice skill set with the ability to develop into a starter. Teams feel that Hunt has good feet for a big guy, isn’t great at bending, but was very good in pass protection in college. The power and strength did not show up as much as they wanted, so he could use work in a NFL strength and conditioning program. He could be a late second-round or early third-round pick.
   
   8/17/19: Hunt has played tackle and guard for the Ragin’ Cajuns over the past few years, but most of that time was at left guard. On NFL teams’ preseason watch list, Hunt is listed at tackle. Louisiana fielded a strong running game last year, and Hunt helped the team move the ball at the point of attack.



4. Solomon Kindley*, G, Georgia
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 337. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 10.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
   Projected Round (2020): 3-4.
   4/21/20: Kindley was good for the Georgia in 2019. He is a powerful run blocker and athletic in pass protection. Kindley could have plug-and-play starting potential for the NFL. However, multiple sources feel Kindley should lose some weight for the NFL due to getting too heavy during his junior year. That led to him getting too far over his toes and susceptible to problems with speed rushers. That weakness will only be worse in the NFL if Kindley doesn’t get his weight in check. Teams aren’t sure that he can, hence he has fallen into the mid-rounds.
   
   8/17/19: Team sources are raving about Kindley, and he could end up being a special guard prospect. Kindley is a big blocker with a thick build, but area scouts are raving about the way Kindley can move and feel his movement skills alone could him a starter in the NFL. On top of Kindley being an easy mover in a big body, he has nastiness to him and really gets after defensive players. Kindley helped pave the way for D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield in 2018 as Georgia’s starting left guard. Kindley broke into the starting lineup in 2017 as a redshirt freshman and blocked well to help Georgia reach the National Championship. Kindley has talent around him and behind him to be a riser throughout the 2019 season.



5. Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky
   Height: 6-6. Weight: 317. Arm: 33.13. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 5.30.
   Projected Round (2020): 3-5.
   4/21/20: Stenberg and Landon Young formed a good left side of the offensive line for Kentucky in 2019. Stenberg had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl and was a beast in the run-blocking one-on-ones. He has good size, strength, and plays with a serious mean streak. However, Stenberg needs to improve in pass protection for the NFL. He also needs to get more disciplined and avoid mental mistakes like penalties.
   
   8/17/19: Stenberg has been a power run blocker at left guard for the past few years. The big and strong Stenberg was an integral part of the line that opened the holes for running back Benny Snell to rewrite Kentucky’s record books. Showing well against speed pass-rushers would help Stenberg, but as long as he stays healthy, he should enter the NFL with a lot of experience and preparation against top competition.





6. Shane Lemieux, G, Oregon
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 310. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 9.5.
   40 Time: 5.11.
   Projected Round (2020): 3-5.
   4/21/20: Lemieux was a good starter at left guard for Oregon, and he impressed team evaluators in 2019. Lemieux is a decent technician with size and the potential to be a quick competitor in the NFL. At the point of attack, he is a real fighter, and as one source said, “he is as mean as a snake.” Some team sources like Lemiuex and think he could get selected on Day 2, while others have him as a mid-rounder. He is a polarizing prospect.
   
   8/17/19: Lemieux has been a good left guard for Oregon over the past three seasons, making 38 straight starts over his collegiate career. He has been one of the top guards in the nation and Pac-12 during that time. In pass protection and run blocking, Lemieux is a well-balanced blocker who is productive in both phases. He redshirted as a freshman in 2015 prior to becoming a starter in 2016.



7. Damien Lewis, G, LSU
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 327. Arm: 33. Hand: 10.25.
   40 Time: 5.24.
   Projected Round (2020): 3-5.
   4/21/20: Lewis was a quality blocker for LSU in 2019, but he could have some limitations for the NFL. He is a right guard candidate, but a lack of length could be an issue at the next level. Lewis was dominated by Derrick Brown in the matchup against Auburn, exposing that issue among others.
   
   8/17/19: Lewis started out his collegiate career in the junior college ranks before landing at LSU. Lewis is a power run blocker who has a lot of natural strength. He also puts up big numbers in the weight room. Lewis is limited to right guard given his size and athleticism.



8. Netane Muti, G, Fresno State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 307. Arm: 31.75. Hand: 10.63.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
   Projected Round (2020): 3-5.
   4/21/20: Muti struggled with injuries during his collegiate career and decided to skip his senior year. In 2019, he missed nine games with a foot injury. Muti missed 12-of-14 games in 2018 and was out in 2016 with an Achilles injury. Given the medical red flags, Muti is fortunate he’s not projected lower.





9. Cameron Clark, G/OT, Charlotte
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 308. Arm: 34.13. Hand: 11.
   40 Time: 5.29.
   Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
   4/21/20: Clark started at left tackle for Charlotte. Team sources singled out Clark as a player who helped himself at the East-West Shrine and is worthy of getting drafted on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Clark (6-4, 300) has a strong build with some athleticism and quickness. With his upside, Clark could be a nice developmental backup who grows into being a contributor.
   
   8/17/19: Clark has started the past couple of seasons and played well enough to earn a spot on NFL teams’ preseason watch list. He is light and undersized for the NFL, so it would be wise for him to add weight and strength to compete at the next level.



10. Ben Bartch, G, St. John’s
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 308. Arm: 33. Hand: 9.13.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: The Senior Bowl has done a great job of identifying small-school offensive linemen who have the skill sets to play in the NFL and giving them an opportunity to show they can compete with the better competition of Power Five football players. Bartch kept that tradition alive, as he competed well in Mobile. Bartch has good size, and showed that he could hold his own against the speed, size and athleticism of the all-star defensive linemen. The Senior Bowl definitely helped Bartch, and he looks like he has the potential to start out his NFL career as a backup before working his way into becoming a starter.



11. Hakeem Adeniji, G/OT, Kansas
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 302. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 9.88.
    40 Time: 5.17.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: Adeniji probably should move inside to guard for the NFL because he lacks length for blocking on the edge. He is a good athlete who is a smooth mover and quick on his feet. Adeniji could be a really good fit at guard in a zone-blocking system. He should improve his strength for the NFL, which was apparent at the Senior Bowl. With his arm length, Adeniji should probably move inside to guard.
    
    8/17/19: Adeniji has been a starter at left tackle during his collegiate career, but NFL teams have him listed as a guard on their preseason watch list, and some advance scouts identify Adeniji as having the potential to go in the top half of the 2020 NFL Draft. Adeniji is a skilled pass protector who has some athleticism and movement skills. Team sources say he is a good athlete with quick feet but is shorter than ideal for a left tackle.





12. Calvin Throckmorton, G/OT, Oregon
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 317. Arm: 32.5. Hand: 9.5.
    40 Time: 5.57.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: Throckmorton had a solid 2019 season and was a steady blocker for Oregon. Team sources say they see Throckmorton as having mid-round potential, but they weren’t overly impressed with him in 2019 and felt that Senior Bowl was very damaging, as the all-star defensive linemen consistently got the better of Throckmorton. For the NFL, his best fit would be at guard.
    
    8/17/19: Throckmorton is a good college blocker who has been a mainstay on the field for the Ducks, holding an active streak of over 38 straight starts after breaking into the lineup as a redshirt freshman. He showed improvement as a junior while also displaying impressive versatility with six starts at right tackle, five at left tackle, one at center, and one at right guard. Along with his flexibility, Throckmorton has showed improved strength, as he has filled out his frame during his time at Oregon. Team sources say that Throckmorton received a projection as a player with the potential to be a pick in the top half of the 2020 NFL Draft by advance scouts.
    
    Throckmorton started at right tackle and guard for Oregon during the 2017 season. As a redshirt freshman in 2016, he started at right tackle for the Ducks.



13. John Simpson, G, Clemson
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 330. Arm: 33.75. Hand: 11.
    40 Time: 5.24.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: Simpson was solid for Clemson, but he could stand to drop some weight for the NFL. That was apparent at the Senior Bowl, where Simpson did not impress and had issues in pass protection.
    
    8/17/19: Simpson is a big blocker who has started at left and right guard for Clemson over his collegiate career. In 2018, Simpson was a well-balanced contributor to protect the quarterback and open holes in the ground game. For the NFL, his best fit would probably come at right guard, and keeping his weight in check will be important for him as a pro.



14. Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 316. Arm: 31.5. Hand: 10.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: Bredeson was solid at the point of attack in 2019, contributing to the rushing attack and providing solid protection for Shea Patterson. Bredeson sustains blocks well and shows some technique, but he has athletic limitations and a lack of length for the NFL.
    
    8/17/19: Bredeson broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and has been a mainstay at left guard since then. He has been a strong and consistent blocker for the Wolverines. Bredeson has good size and is a polished blocker who has been developed well at Michigan.







15. Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 306. Arm: 32.88. Hand:10.
    40 Time: 5.23.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: Jackson was decent for Ohio State in 2019, although he had some penalty issues. Team sources are lukewarm on him and all of the Ohio State offensive linemen for the NFL. Jackson did not impress at the Senior Bowl and showed that he has very short arms.
    
    8/17/19: Jackson is a Rutgers transfer who should help an Ohio State line that lost a lot of experience to the 2019 NFL Draft. Jackson received some Big Ten honors before deciding to transfer for his senior year. Jackson played mostly guard at Rutgers but also took some snaps at center. That versatility and experience could help him to rise as a senior.



16. Keith Ismael, G/C, San Diego State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 309. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 10.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.22.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: Ismael was a versatile interior blocker for San Diego State, playing left guard, center and right guard over his collegiate career. For the NFL, his best fit could come at center, but he could start out his career battling for a roster spot as a backup guard/center.



17. Michael Onwenu, G, Michigan
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 344. Arm: 34.38. Hand: 10.5.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.60.
    Projected Round (2020): 4-6.
    4/21/20: Onwenu could be a right guard candidate, but he should get in better condition for the NFL. He was decent for Michigan.
    
    8/17/19: Onwenu is a heavy blocker who has been working on getting his weight in check. He has been a power blocker at right guard for Michigan, and that is the only position he fits at for the NFL given his weight and lack of length. He was previously listed at 375 pounds. Some teams projected him as having potential to be a pick in the back half of the 2020 NFL Draft.





18. John Molchon, G, Boise State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 322. Arm: 31.13. Hand: 9.5.
    40 Time: 5.13.
    Projected Round (2020): 5-7.
    4/21/20: Molchon and the Boise State offensive line struggled with Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson in the 2019 season opener. However, Molchon demonstrated flexibility by playing all over the line for the Broncos. He looks like a backup guard in the NFL.
    
    8/17/19: After redshirting to start out his collegiate career, Molchon broke into the starting lineup in 2016 and gradually earned more playing time. His best season came as a junior, when he was effective at helping to open holes for running back Alexander Mattison.



19. Simon Stepaniak, G, Indiana
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 313. Arm: 32. Hand: 10.38.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.29.
    Projected Round (2020): 5-7.
    4/21/20: Stepaniak was okay at right guard for Indiana in 2019, although he had some issues against Ohio State.
    
    8/17/19: Stepaniak was a starter at right guard for Hoosiers in 2018. He missed six games in 2017 after winning the starting spot. In his freshman season, he had two starts in 2016 and redshirted the previous year. Stepaniak was placed on NFL teams’ preseason watch list, with some designating him as having potential for the back half of the draft or undrafted free agent status.



20. Tremayne Anchrum, G, Clemson
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 314. Arm: 33.63. Hand: 10.
    40 Time: 5.21.
    Projected Round (2020): 5-7.
    4/21/20: Anchrum played tackle and guard at Clemson, helping the Tigers to light up the scoreboard on a weekly basis. He played well enough to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl, but he struggled there. Considering his height and length limitations for the NFL, Anchrum will have to play on the inside. If he has the quickness and athleticism, playing center would be his best fit given his height.





21. Kohl Levao, G, Hawaii
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 340.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2020): 6-FA.
    4/21/20: Levao moved to center for Hawaii, but he should compete at guard in the NFL. He missed some time with injury in 2019.
    
    8/17/19: Levao started mostly at right tackle in 2018 before playing center for the final three games. NFL teams listed him as a guard on their preseason watch list, and his body type would fit better at guard than tackle or center in the professional ranks. Levao needs to keep his weight in check for the next level as well. Before 2018, Levao played two years at City College of San Francisco.



22. Alex Givens, G/OT, Ole Miss
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 303.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.32.
    Projected Round (2020): 6-FA.
    4/21/20: Givens started at right tackle for Ole Miss for 2019. He had a slow start to the year after back surgery in the summer limited him in training camp, but he rounded into form over the course of the season. Givens could have medical red flags due to his back injury.
    
    8/17/19: Givens settled in at right guard during his sophomore year and had a quality season blocking for the Rebels. As a freshman, he rotated into the game and also made five starts at right tackle. Givens could improve as a junior now that he has more full-time starting experience.



23. Ben Cleveland, G, Georgia
    Height: 6-7. Weight: 340.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2020): 6-FA.
    4/21/20: Cleveland rotated at right guard for Georgia and was a good run blocker for the Bulldogs. He would have been a starter at most schools, but the other five offensive linemen could all be early-round picks, with maybe three or four going in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Thus, Cleveland was limited to rotating. Given his weight issues, a rotational role might be what he is reduced to as a pro.
    
    8/17/19: In 2018, Cleveland continued to help Georgia run the ball as he is a big body who is effective at the point of attack. Cleveland broke into the starting lineup during the 2017 season and flashed. In the ground game, Cleveland was a force to help open holes for Sony Michel and Nick Chubb. Cleveland is a massive guard who has real strength. It will be interesting to see how he develops over 2019.





24. Daishawn Dixon, G, San Diego State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 320.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2020): 6-FA.
    4/21/20: Dixon was solid for San Diego State in 2019.
    
    8/17/19: Dixon redshirted his first season at San Diego State before serving as a backup in 2016. In 2017, he broke into the starting lineup at left guard. He then remained there as a junior. NFL teams had Dixon on their preseason watch list, and one team had him projected as having potential for the back half of the 2020 NFL Draft or undrafted free agent ranks.



25. Elex Woodworth, G, North Texas
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 294.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.28.
    Projected Round (2020): 6-FA.
    4/21/20: Sources say Woodworth is a late-round-pick- or undrafted free agent-caliber prospect.
    
    8/17/19: Woodworth is one of seven players at North Texas who NFL teams selected for their preseason watch list. As a junior and a sophomore, Woodworth started mostly at left guard, although he also has experience at tackle. He needs to add strength for the NFL.



26. Tommy Kraemer, G/OT, Notre Dame
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 314.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.29.
    Projected Round (2020): 7-FA
    4/21/20: Kraemer started at right guard for Notre Dame in 2019. He could be a worthy late-rounder as a swing backup at guard and tackle.
    
    8/17/19: Kraemer run blocked well in 2018, but he had some issues in pass protection at times. Kraemer split the right tackle job with Robert Hainsey in 2017. Kraemer was the more steady of the two, but Hainsey has more athletic upside, so Kraemer was moved to right guard, and that is his best fit.

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