2015 NFL Draft: Guard/Center

Pretty solid guard class this year. Scherff and Collins should be first rounders, but some consider Collins a tackle prospect. I’m hoping the Pats nab a good LG prospect with the Aqib Talib pick, 97th overall compensatory selection.

Brandon Scherff-G-Iowa-6’5”-319-1st-94

Big time stud. Kid played left tackle the last 3 years after starting at guard as a freshman. Won all kinds of awards in college including being named a permanent captain for Iowa’s football program. Why then isn’t he a franchise left tackle? Because he’s from Iowa. Last year I wrote a standard statement for all Hawkeye’s and it applies perfectly here: “Technically sound, lacks elite athleticism, extremely pale”. That’s right, I just quoted myself. Scherff’s biggest issue is dealing with speed which is a problem at right tackle, nevermind the left side. But he’s going to be a great guard, repeat great. It seems like every year there’s one 1st round guard that’s just a cut above, and this year it’s Scherff. He’s big, tall, and has incredibly strong hands. He can play in any system. I think he could be a Logan Mankins type. Remember Logan played left tackle at Fresno State. I rate him slightly lower than past first round guards like Jonathan Cooper (possible bust) and David DeCastro only because he hasn’t played guard in years, but I’m confident he will become as good as any of them.

La’el Collins-OT-LSU-6’4”-305-1st-90

He’s an interesting prospect because some people think he’s a top 10 talent other people think he’s a 2nd round guard. His pass protection slide looks like the chubby kid shuffling during Pop Warner calisthenics. Granted he may have been tired in the film I watched and he did shut down Dante Folwer Jr. but this guy doesn’t look like an end of the line player to me. That being said he looks like a terrific guard prospect. He has good forward lean and can gain leverage in the running game. Plays with strength against the bull rush in pass protection too. I absolutely love the anger he plays with.

Cameron Erving-C-Florida St.-6’5”-313-1st-2nd-85

One of my favorite prospects. Played 2.5 seasons at left tackle before moving inside to center halfway through the 2014 season. He fits best on the inside but could still play tackle in a pinch. Has tackle measureables at 6’5” with 34” arms and a sub 5.2 forty yard dash. He’s unusually tall for a center prospect which could be a leverage concern against shorter D-tackles. Handles the shotgun snap well. Played with two NFL guards at FSU but he was clearly the best player. I see him as a second round center but his 5 position versatility may push him into the first round.

Laken Tomlinson-G-Duke-6’3”323-2nd Day-80

Coming out as a 5th year senior, Tomlinson started every game at right guard for the Blue Devils over the last 4 years. Two time ACC all academic, which is impressive at Duke. Wants to be a doctor after he plays so you like the intelligence but worry if his heart is totally in football. On the field. He’s your classic right guard prospect. Good strength and leg drive with above average length. He can stand his ground in pass protection and was a top performer at the Senior Bowl. Has plus athleticism to boot. I don’t think he can move to left guard and that might keep him out of the second round. Seems like a solid prospect to me and if the love for football is there I think he’s an upper echelon right guard for a decade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_D-jDtMC9E

A.J. Cann-G-South Carolina-6’3”-313-3rd day/round-74

Senior prospect coming off 51 starts at left guard for the gamecocks. Looks like he’ll be a solid guard, nothing overwhelming. Good size for the position but his 32.5” arms are a bit short. Moves fairly well. Has good technique and displays solid hand placement and the ability to control defenders once he contacts them. I worry a bit about his lower body strength, but not enough to think he won’t be a starter. As a solid guard prospect without top end upside I see him as a third round player. He’s a poor man’s Chance Warmack.

Tre’ Jackson-G-Florida St.-6’4”-330-3rd Round/Day-62

Not the biggest fan. He’s a big guy but he’s got below average upper body strength as evidenced by his 20 reps with only 32.5” arms. Can get pushed back at the point of attack. That being said he has impressive power in the running game when he gets his legs churning. He has average athleticism for a right guard. Can become a starter but I don’t see him as a difference maker. Reminds me of Brandon Moore the old Jets right guard.