2011 NFL Draft: Guards/Center

This is actually a pretty good class of guards. It’s a little lacking in the center department, but if Mike Pouncey can make it at center it makes the class that much better. In guards I look for a mean streak teamed with balance. Danny Watkins has the best mean streak, Pouncey has the best technique and balance, and after them you’re probably looking for a 3rd round/day player.

1.) Mike Pouncey—Florida—6’5”-303—1st—93—Everyone says it’s the same as selecting his Brother last year and I disagreed with that until I watched the tape. Maurkice was a little better, but not by much. Mike has issues with the snap but that’ll come with practice, or he’ll play guard. He’s pretty slim, but that’s typical of a center, he plays technically sound football and can anchor an O-line for years to come. Safe choice and a good pick for just about any team.

2.) Danny Watkins—Baylor—6’3”-310—2nd—90—Loved him at the senior bowl. He’s an older guy, gonna turn 27 in the fall. I think he’s a Patriots man (Kaczur was old too). Canadian. Played LT in college, but is a better fit at guard with his shortish arms. He’s competitive, got a little anger to him. I like his game and I think he’s valuable in the early 2nd round.

3.) Orlando Franklin—Miami—6’6”-316—3rd round/day—79—Huge dude, 35” arms ppl are gonna see if he can play RT. He’s athletic, but is susceptible to a good speed rush. Once he gets his hands on ppl they don’t get off. I think he has plenty of skill to play guard, and if given the right opportunity may make it as a RT. Gifted at getting to the 2nd Level.

4.) Marcus Cannon—TCU—6’5”-358—2nd day—76—Big ol’ fatty. His biggest issue is gonna be keeping his weight down, cuz huge O-lineman don’t last long in the NFL. Some ppl think he can get by at RT, I am not one of those people. Weighed 349 at his pro day, good sign. Like the 5.2 40 for such a big man. I give him a high 3rd round grade because he can be a mauler, and he does carry his weight well. 33 reps aint bad.

5.) Ben Ijalana—Villanova—6’4”-317—2nd day—80—Right tackle prospect that played D-1AA. His 36” arms are the reason he’s still in the running to play Tackle in the NFL. His feet are lacking, and if he doesn’t make it outside you can always slide him into guard being perfectly confident that he’ll be a solid player there. That type of versatility will be valued.

6.) John Moffit—Wisconsin—6’4”-319—3rd round/day—68—Mauler at guard. Not real athletic, one of those guys whose real good going forward and not so good going backward. Look for him to be a 4th rounder. He can play even with his athletic short comings, and I’m hearing the Pats might like him.

7.) Rodney Hudson—FSU—6’2”-299—3rd round/day—65—Wish he was taller and bigger. He’s got some aggressiveness to him, but he also has some balance issues aka gets out over his toes too much. Has a strong punch and gets to the second level well. Plays with good leverage. I think he’s a 4th rounder.

8.) Clint Boling—Georgia—6’5”-308—3rd round/day—64—Played some LT in college. More of a technician type blocker. 33.5” arms means he’s a guard. Has college experience playing guard. Wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up a patriot.

9.) Will Rackley—Lehigh—6’3”-309—3rd round/day—64—Played in a lesser conference at Lehigh, D-1AA. Reminds me of Vlad Ducasse last year. Small program LT ppl think can be a good guard. I think he looks so much better than his competition it covers up his shortcomings. I think he’s a 4th round prospect and I would warn someone taking him day 2, lack of balance lack of a good punch and gets overextended.

10.) Stefan Wisniewski—Penn. St.—6’3”-313—3rd round/day—61—Might be the best pure center in the draft assuming that Mike Pouncey moves to Guard. I think he’ll be a good pick on day 3. Nothing spectacular just a good smart football player.