Late round guard sleepers

By Raul Colon

Is a common assumption that this year’s offensive guard class is one of the deepest in recent memory. For the first time in a while, there’s a true blue chip prospect (Idaho’s Mike Iupati) who projects to go somewhere in the top twenty picks of the draft.

Aside Iupati, there’s a good number of offensive guards that look slated to be taken in the first three rounds. But what separates this group from previous ones is the depth in the later rounds. Nearly half of the guards projected to be taken are slated to go in the middle rounds.

The depth of the class extends beyond the first four rounds. In fact, many scouts believe that the ‘meat’ of the guards could be selected in the last two rounds.
With this in mind, here’s a look at a few prospect which have the chance to shine on Sundays despite its projected late round selected status.

1.Marshall Newhouse, TCU (6’3”, 325lb, 5.08 40-yard time): One of the most athletic players in this class, Newhouse had found his value drop dramatically this offseason. The main culprit is his lack of any spectacular trait. He does have short arms, another point scouts had emphasized while grading him, but his uncanny flexibility, lateral movement and knee bending agility, more than offset that. He is raw and inconsistent, but he is by far, one of the most intriguing prospects around.
Projection: 6th round

2.Jacques McClendon, Tennessee (6’3”, 324, 5.29): This relative small and slow prospect is one of the most powerful inline blockers in the draft. His strength and leg drive are top notch. Unfortunately for him, his lack of speed and agility (he has struggled to consistently reach the second level) will push him down the second day. Despite his shortcomings, McClendon will be a perfect fit, in time, for a team operating a straight-up zone blocking scheme.
Projection: 6th round

3.Zipp Duncan, Kentucky (6’4”, 293, 5.14): There are a plethora of reasons why he could go undrafted (lack of bulk, thin arms and inconsistent technique) but what he brings to the table cannot be teach or gained through the weight room. The former Wildcat is one of the more explosive players in this class. His first step more than matched that of many other more highly regarded prospects. His ability to gain separation and move into the second level is his trump card. A great sixth to seven rounder who, with additional bulk, could start one day in the NFL.
Projection: 7th round

4.Greg Boone, Virginia Tech (6’2”, 290, 4.78): Maybe the faster player at his position, Boone is also one of the most overrated prospects around. Has an small frame which curtail him from adding muscle mass and a low power base. On the plus side, he is ultra quick. Reaches the second level with fluidity and can pull with the best of them. Because he played most of his career at TE, there’s a chance that the team that draft him will consider placing him in an H-back slot. A ‘tweener who lacks the bulk to succeed at the next level as a pure guard but has enough natural talent to contribute right away in other areas.
Projection: 6th round

5.Alex Parsons, USC (6’3”, 300, 5.26): There are a ton of arguments why Parsons should not be drafted: he is small framed with no explosiveness and zero lateral agility. The argument for him is center on his technique and competitiveness. Both traits are top notch. Another above average trait is his ability to seal off linebackers at the second level on north-west running plays. He will never be a fulltime starter in the NFL, but he should become an adequate backup guard for years.
Projection: Free Agent