The next part of the 2016 Draft Prospects series will be Centers and Guards. These positions are usually chosen in the mid-rounds but occasionally a stud guard or center will find the first round. Let’s take a look at some of the 2016 prospects.
Center
Ryan Kelly: Alabama
Kelly is a three year starter for the juggernaut Crimson Tide. Kelly measured at 6’4 and 311 pounds. Kelly is a very tough center that was good opening up running holes the past three seasons. Kelly is a block finisher and is solid against the pass rush. Kelly would use a little more bulk and doesn’t impress anyone with athleticism. Kelly was a leader for Alabama and could be a Round 3 or 4 pick. Kelly could add bulk and be a solid starting center in the league.
Jack Allen: Michigan State
Allen is an undersized center at 6’1 and 294 pounds. Allen is strong and nimble with a wrestling background. Allen has good hand strength and is a good on the move. Allen is small and was a grabber at times in college. Allen lacks some athleticism but could be a starter in this league. Allen is a day 3 pick.
Graham Glasgow: Michigan
Glasgow is a versatile center from the Wolverines. Glasgow is 6’6 and 305 pounds. Glasgow played some guard and has adequate strength. Glasgow has some trouble at the second level and had some off the field alcohol issues at Michigan. Glasgow should be a later round pick but has a chance to develop into a starter.
Other Centers
Austin Blythe (Iowa), Evan Boehm (Missouri), Jake Brendel (UCLA), Matt Skura (Duke), Max Tuerk (USC) will be other centers to watch for late day 3 or undrafted pickups.
Guards
Nick Martin: Notre Dame
Nick Martin is the younger brother of Zach Martin, stud guard for the Cowboys. Martin is 6’4 and 299 pounds. Martin is a two year starter that can play center or guard. Martin has a good anchor and is quick off the snap. Martin has good awareness and is a team captain. Martin is stiff and struggles at times to get to the second level.
Spencer Drango: Baylor
Drango is a former tackle that must kick inside to guard. Drango measured in at 6’6 and 315 pounds. Drango is powerful and can play in space. Drango needs to work on his hand placement and punch. Drango was a two year starter and should be taken in Rounds 3-5.
Cody Whitehair: Kansas State
Whitehair is 6’4 and 301 pounds. Whitehair was a four year starter and team captain. Whitehair played left tackle for the Wildcats but has shorter arms and projects to guard in the NFL. Whtiehair has good balance and solid athleticism. Whitehair must work on his punch and stance on the next level. Whitehair should be a day 3 pick.
Germain Ifedi: Texas A&M
Ifedi is a large guard at 6’6 and 325 pounds. Ifedi can play guard and tackle and played right tackle for the Aggies. Ifedi has good pass sets, hand strength and good length. Ifedi needs to work on his combo blocks and pad level at the next level. Ifedi is a good versatile tackle/guard that could be taken on day 3 of the draft.
Other Guards
Vadal Alexander , Joe Cheek , Joe Dahl, Parker Ehinger, Joshua Garnett, Darnell Green, Dominik Johnson, Nila Kasatati, Connor McGovern, Rees Odihiambo, Alex Redmond, Joe Thurney, Sebastian Tretola, Isaac Seamalu, Landon Turner, Christian Westerman could be taken in the draft or undrafted.
Summary
The Center and Guard class seems a bit light compared to other years. There are some quality starters and back-ups with versatility available in this draft.