Pewter Report analyzes the highest gamers within the 2023 NFL Draft with its place previews – energized by CELSIUS, the official power drink of Pewter Report. Adam Slivon continues the previews with the offensive guard place, with a complete have a look at what the Bucs have and what they want. Slivon additionally offers an in depth checklist of this yr’s high offensive guards. As well as, Scott Reynolds affords up the Bucs draft wants and the annual Pewter Report Bucs’ Finest Bets – the probably offensive guard for the Bucs to pick out in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.
What The Bucs Have At Guard
There are a lot of choices and query marks at each guard spots. The Bucs have loads of guards with expertise, however figuring out who begins at every spot might very nicely stick with it into coaching camp and the preseason. With the commerce of Shaq Mason to the Texans this offseason, proper guard has turn out to be simply as large of a gap as left guard.
Bucs OL Nick Leverett and C Robert Hainsey – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
The Bucs are usually not devoid of expertise that they’ll plug in, however not one of the choices are thought of locks to begin. Nick Leverett returns after signing his unique rights contract for one more season, presumably at left guard. He crammed in there for the struggling Luke Goedeke from Week 8 onward final season and performed in addition to one might hope.
For Goedeke, he did disappoint final season, however after spending a second-round choose on him final yr, the staff is not going to quit hope simply but. He might think about at proper guard this season after enjoying proper deal with in school.
An alternative choice is Matt Feiler, the most recent addition to the staff. Feiler has expertise all throughout the road, however his newest work comes on the left guard spot. Previously three seasons from 2020-2022, he has had 46 begins on the place enjoying for the Steelers and Chargers. The staff should resolve the place he suits in greatest.
Shifting over to the fitting guard spot, two projected choices embody Robert Hainsey and the returning Aaron Stinnie. Hainsey is a flexible participant alongside the offensive line, beginning within the NFL as a deal with, making the transition to heart final season, and nonetheless being agile sufficient to play at guard in 2023 as Ryan Jensen goes to be again wholesome. Having a full season below his belt at heart, he might have the within monitor to claiming a beginning guard spot.
Stinnie is one other beginning candidate, as he returned to the Bucs as a free agent after lacking all of final season with a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. He’s a wildcard however one other hat to throw within the race. Like Feiler, he might slot in at both guard spot, however after filling in for proper guard Alex Cappa through the 2020 playoffs, he could also be higher suited on that aspect.
What The Bucs Want At Guard
The Bucs want starting-caliber play. Meaning figuring out that of the 5 talked about gamers, two are in a position to begin in 2023 and not less than be common starters. The Bucs might speak their means into believing that because the youthful gamers enhance and there’s sufficient expertise to again them up.
Leverett, Hainsey, and Goedeke are every nonetheless creating, and after every getting the primary NFL begins of their profession final season, there’s optimism that they’ll be taught and develop from it. If one had been to falter, Feiler and Stinnie are on deck to return in and batten down the hatches. Feiler has 73 profession begins, and whereas Stinnie solely has 4 counting the playoffs, he has additionally been on the staff longer than any offensive lineman not named Ryan Jensen.
The Bucs actually want the arrogance that they’ve two beginning guards on the roster. If they don’t see that because the case, they could look so as to add to the room within the 2023 NFL Draft. Whereas drafting one at No. 19 seems unlikely, there are many intriguing choices additional down the draft board.
High Guards In The 2023 Draft
*Vital Be aware: These gamers are NOT listed within the order of Pewter Report’s rating for them. Moderately, the numbers are supplied to point out you the tough order by which we anticipate them to return off the board through the draft.
1. Florida G O’Cyrus Torrence— Senior — 6-5, 330 — 5.31
Torrence transferred to Florida final season to reunite with Billy Napier, his school coach for 3 seasons at Louisana. With the Gators, he was tasked with defending probably the most athletic quarterback prospects of all time in Anthony Richardson. Torrence’s personal play boosted his draft inventory into first-round consideration.
Torrence is a big-time prospect in a guard class that lacks top-end expertise. If he retains his matchup in entrance of him, opposing defensive linemen battle significantly to get by. A few of his greatest movie final season was in opposition to Georgia’s Jalen Carter, a projected high choose on this yr’s class. As a guard, he profiles with longer arms than a typical guard at 33 7/8 inches, which he makes use of to create stability, generate motion, and preserve opposing defenders at bay. If his arms latch on, he’s very laborious to interrupt away from. He additionally performs disciplined, as per Professional Soccer Focus; he was penalty-free final season.
Torrence undoubtedly has the scale and expertise (47 begins over 4 seasons), however does he have the athleticism? That’s the largest concern for him on the subsequent stage. Of the guards listed right here, Oregon’s T.J. Bass was the one one who clocked slower within the 40-yard sprint. Whereas he gained’t be working that far downfield, athletic rushers enjoying inside and off the sting dominate the trendy NFL panorama. His largest knock is his lack of true acceleration attending to the second stage and with the ability to mirror rushers and modify to numerous stunts.
He’s a mauler, particularly within the run recreation. Referencing PFF as soon as extra, of the 639 guards they tracked, he was the highest-ranked guard total and tied for first in run-blocking at 89.9. He will not be the very best match for the large zone scheme the Bucs will likely be implementing subsequent season, however there’s a purpose why Torrence is extremely regarded. He seems the a part of a future starter and his identify is anticipated to be known as between the late first spherical to the early second spherical.
2. TCU G Steve Avila — Senior — 6-3, 332 — 5.21
TCU G Steve Avila – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Avila was a staff captain for TCU final season as they made all of it the way in which to the Nationwide Championship recreation in opposition to Georgia. He confirmed why he was chosen for captainship, as even when the staff was down 65-7, a viral clip of him nonetheless shoving defensive linemen to the bottom demonstrates his excessive motor and keenness.
That carries over to his play constantly enjoying from the snap to the whistle. He has superior lateral footwork and is ready to transfer his physique into favorable positions for somebody who weighs in at 332 kilos. He can shuffle his toes an excessive amount of earlier than setting, however he shows sufficient energy and correct hand placement to stop opposing rushers from breaking blocks.
On the level of assault, it’s uncommon to see somebody push him into the backfield and like Torrence, he didn’t permit a single sack in 2022. He’s cell and versatile however not probably the most explosive. Throughout his school profession, he lined up throughout the road at each spot apart from left deal with, and his most begins had been at heart, not guard. Nonetheless, after enjoying final season at left guard, he profiles greatest there on the subsequent stage.
3. North Dakota State G Cody Mauch — Senior — 6-5, 302 — 5.08
“A hockey participant on turf.” That’s what one NFL analyst manufactured from Mauch’s seems. A favourite of followers and evaluators alike this draft cycle, Mauch is lacking his two entrance enamel and has lengthy crimson hair, much like Bucs tight finish Ko Kieft. His look matches who he’s on the turf: being a tricky participant.
He has a novel background, having grown up on a farm in North Dakota. He walked on to North Dakota State and, after gaining weight, moved to the offensive line. Beforehand a decent finish in highschool and coming into school, Mauch has loads of athleticism and makes use of his fast toes to close down edge rushers. It’s simple to identify his attacking play on the sector attending to the second stage, which he seemingly enjoys as he bowls over anybody in his means.
North Dakota State G Cody Mauch – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Weighing in simply barely over 300 kilos, he won’t be able to carry guys all the way down to the bottom as simply as he did all through school. In addition to this, there are considerations about being comparatively uncooked on the place after solely getting begins at deal with midway into his six-year school profession.
Enjoying at North Dakota State, one has to contemplate the extent of competitors he has performed. By way of his bodily profile, he’s leaner than stout and should proceed including power and weight. Whereas there are respectable weaknesses for Mauch, there’s additionally loads to love. Whereas he was a deal with in school, transferring him inside at guard within the NFL makes a whole lot of sense. His distinctive athleticism makes him a zone run scheme match, and he has the flexibility to steer blocks and open up lanes.
4. NC State G Chandler Zavala — Senior — 6-3, 316— 5.20
Zavala has risen up draft boards later within the analysis course of after a formidable professional day. Zavala has a sturdy construct to him and a powerful body. One spotlight of his play is his footwork in directing blocks and likewise selecting up new assignments all through the length of performs.
In addition to his footwork, he positions and mirrors himself nicely. Whereas he functionally seems the half, there are some considerations about his medical historical past and match within the NFL. Groups should think about the again damage he suffered in 2021 in addition to his true ceiling as a participant. He could be gradual getting off the snap and reacting to safe blocks. Can he turn out to be a long-term starter on the subsequent stage? He should still want time to develop and is already 24.
5. Alabama G Tyler Steen — Senior — 6-6, 321 — N/A
Steen gained a whole lot of buzz for his Senior Bowl week efficiency, the place he lined up throughout the offensive line and, in doing so, made seamless transitions. He made 46 begins between left and proper deal with in his school profession and was the beginning left deal with for Alabama final season. Whereas he was a deal with in school, he has a whole lot of traits to love as a guard within the NFL.
He’s sturdy and robust and has nice lower-body motion. When defenders rush towards him at full pace, he can correctly gradual them down and interact his arms. Going by reps, he is ready to course of and time his assault and never permit rushers to get by with out carrying them down. His footwork and lateral quickness are above common, however some noticeable points exist.
He can get pushed again rapidly as his basis is shaky. He typically has to re-attach his punch and level of contact, which may make him extra unbalanced. It was not a problem in Cellular, AL, however in opposition to extra superior NFL rushers, he might discover himself in disadvantageous positions. For his versatility, his ground is as a depth lineman who can transfer round the place wanted. He stands to learn from NFL teaching, however when he has his toes below him he seems the a part of a succesful starter.
Finest Of The Relaxation
6. LSU G Anthony Bradford — Junior — 6-4, 332 — 5.08
At this level within the prospect checklist, there are extra gamers who profile as preliminary backups than Day 1 starters. Bradford suits that description for being uncooked and needing extra time to hone his expertise. Bradford solely had 17 begins all through his school profession, with 12 at proper guard and 5 at proper deal with.
At 6-4, 332, he’s an enormous lineman who has the scale and power for an influence run scheme. Some positives to his recreation embody his run-blocking capability and mashing defenders one-on-one. He’s an anchor on an offensive line, however that comes with some weaknesses. Regardless of a 5.08 40-yard time, he lacks the vary and lateral quickness to cope with transferring targets. He’s explosive off the snap and might push and drive, however he might want to harness his potential and proceed to be taught motion and method.
7. Alabama G Emil Ekiyor — Senior — 6-2, 314 — N/A
Beginning on the other aspect of Steen at Alabama final season was Ekiyor. He was a three-year starter for them at proper guard and gained 40 begins enjoying in opposition to high opponents. With this expertise, one can inform he performs constantly and doesn’t panic. As an alternative, he affords loads of toughness and isn’t afraid to throw himself in hurt’s solution to take blocks and hits up the center. He can pull and transfer his body round with management and, when not engaged, typically seems to tackle assignments.
Whereas he has toughness, he might use some seasoning to extend his relative power. In opposition to greater rushers he can get pushed again, and whereas guards can normally pump some iron within the weight room, he had solely 23 bench press reps and selected not to participate in additional athletic drills.
He has NFL-ready consciousness, however to take the following step as a starter, he wants to enhance by way of power and footwork when standing his floor.
8. Clemson G Jordan McFadden— Senior — 6-2, 303 — 4.99
McFadden is one other prospect who has loads of expertise in a much bigger program. Logging 39 begins for Clemson at each left and proper deal with, there isn’t a concern about his readiness. McFadden is an athletic prospect who will get to the second stage and helps to clear lanes for the working again downfield. He does a strong sufficient job to maintain the defender in entrance of him whereas utilizing his arms to realize leverage and pin. From a management standpoint, being a staff captain below Dabo Swinney isn’t any small feat.
When taking a look at his body, one notes that he’s lean and barely reaches the 300-pound threshold. In addition to this, whereas he profiles as a guard, he didn’t have a begin there on the school stage. That is the case for different prospects, however they usually have extra transferable traits to go inside. Whereas he’s athletic sufficient, he will get pushed or brushed apart simply and that will be extra pronounced in opposition to extra bodily, older gamers. He has the abilities in his toolbox to perform as a flexible lineman, however the largest key will likely be enhancing his method and including extra muscle.
9. Jap Michigan G Sidy Sow — Senior — 6-4, 323 — 5.07
Sow has an intriguing background. Born in Quebec, he entered the US after being a high CFL prospect. He began 55 video games all through his school profession at Jap Michigan, primarily as a left guard.
He has the enjoying expertise but additionally the scale. There isn’t any query he has the power to play left guard, however he did look heavy on tape and on the NFL Mix when requested to vary course. Whereas he has energy, he typically makes use of it over his footwork which makes for spotty angles and placement. Sow is a developmental prospect on Day 3 who has the elemental traits to be an inside NFL lineman.
10. Chattanooga G McClendon Curtis — Senior — 6-5, 324 — 5.24
Chattanooga G McClendon Curtis – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Curtis pulls nicely on the line and all the time seems to get in on the motion. With 35-inch arms, he has greater than sufficient size and wingspan to redirect and steer blocks. He can cowl the gaps nicely in go safety, however in run lanes, opposing defensive linemen have proven they’ll outmuscle him.
He can push and pull however just isn’t the smoothest at putting and staying coordinated. It can take time to carry him alongside to the following stage, however together with his measurement and athleticism, the traits are there to mould and develop him with the fitting teaching.
11. UCLA G Jon Gaines II — Senior — 6-4, 303 — 5.01
Versatility is an enormous a part of Gaines’s recreation. Whereas primarily a proper guard at UCLA, he sprinkled in begins at heart (3) in addition to a recreation apiece at left guard and proper deal with. Like UCLA and NFL Corridor of Fame offensive deal with Jonathan Ogden, Gaines even tried his hand at shot put.
Watching Gaines play, one notes his athleticism and the texture he has to change and transfer round towards the place the motion is. His hand placement is the primary knock to his recreation, resulting in sliding off blocks. He lacks the leverage to dominate his matchup actually, however he has the quickness and intelligence (31 on ACT and graduated in solely three years) to be taught from coaches rapidly.
12. Ole Miss G Nick Broeker — Senior — 6-4, 305 — 5.27
Broeker doesn’t bounce off the web page, however he’s a well-rounded prospect. He pushes his opponents ahead with ease and drives them to the bottom. When on a defender, his hand placement makes this doable. One criticism of his arms is being large on the snap, which lowers his win charge. He can recuperate and takes correct angles, however he additionally chases out blocks leaving gaps for rushers to assault. He has loads of begins below his belt, however because of his measurement, he seems to be extra of a backup.
13. USC G Andrew Vorhees — Senior — 6-6, 310 — N/A
USC G Andrew Vorhees – Photograph by: USA Right this moment
Andrew Vorhees has the final identify of the favored horror movie character, and his presence alongside the road might scare opposing rushers away. He stands tall at 6-foot-6 and logged a formidable 38 reps on the bench press on the NFL Scouting Mix regardless of tearing his proper ACL beforehand.
He has began a virtually even quantity of video games at left and proper guard (23 to twenty), and a few of his strengths embody resetting and defending in opposition to countermoves. He additionally has a large base in go safety and might take in contact with out dropping a lot leverage.
By way of his weaknesses in his recreation, he tends to lean ahead an excessive amount of, permitting athletic rushers to get by him. His medical historical past is the most important crimson flag. Whereas he has the expertise to be a Day 2 participant, he’ll probably slip into Day 3.
14. Shepherd G Joey Fisher — Senior — 6-4, 296 — 4.97
Not like lots of the guard prospects, Joey Fisher just isn’t a Division I prospect. As an alternative, he spent his school profession at Shepherd and was tasked with defending quarterback Tyson Bagent with no consideration deal with. Each Fisher and Bagent went to the Senior Bowl collectively however Fisher was unable to take part because of damage. As an alternative, he needed to flash his talents at his professional day, which he did.
He put up a formidable 40 reps on the bench press and clocked 4.97 for his 40 time. He establishes leverage and connection rapidly and has robust arms when driving blocks. His foolish power allowed him to plop defenders to the bottom with ease, and watching his movie, he stacked up pancakes. This can be a key trait, however his lack of size and measurement is regarding. He solely has 32-inch arms and weighs below 300 kilos, making him a possible guard. His age is regarding for a draft prospect; he’s already 25 and will likely be 26 in November. Enjoying on the Division II stage will even not support his case.
Regardless, he overcame all of this to get onto the NFL radar, and whether or not he’s a late-round draft choose or a precedence undrafted free agent, he has the prospect to appreciate his dream.
15. Oregon G T.J. Bass — Senior — 6-4, 317 — 5.48
T.J. Bass is a flexible lineman who performed loads of snaps each at left deal with and left guard with the Geese. He brings toughness and physicality to the offensive line, and his hand-timing permits him to generate motion.
When getting pushed, he struggles to reset and lacks the lateral capability to regulate his motion. This might imply hassle when redirecting blocks, however he has the notice, management, and end capability to be a helpful depth possibility.
Bucs’ Finest Bets: Guards
Bucs Finest Wager Rounds 1-3: North Dakota State G Cody Mauch
The Bucs are not any strangers to drafting small faculty offensive linemen (Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa), long-haired offensive linemen (Cappa) and favoring red-headed gingers (Ryan Jensen, Ko Kieft). North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch is a small-school, long-haired ginger who’s a mauler within the run recreation. Mauch began 37 video games at left deal with for the Bison and two at proper deal with, though his NFL future is probably going at guard because of his shorter-than-ideal arm size (32 3/8).
Mauch is an ass-kicker as a run-blocker with nice motion capability, however actually wants work in go safety. He has an inconsistent punch and tends to get off stability and lunge too typically. His tenacity and energy as a blocker jumps off the tape and he suits the bodily type of play the Bucs like in offensive linemen. Tampa Bay had success drafting Cappa within the third spherical years in the past, and Mauch may very well be a developmental guard or heart in the identical vein.
Bucs Finest Wager Rounds 4-7: Chattanooga G McClendon Curtis
At practically 6-foot-6, 324 kilos, Curtis is an enormous, robust, bodily guard. With 30 begins at proper guard, seven begins at left deal with and one begin at left guard, Curtis brings loads of expertise to the desk. He’ll flip 24 this yr so he has a great deal of maturity and is described as a high-character chief with a 4.0 GPA. He fared nicely on the Senior Bowl, however will want a while to regulate to the NFL.
Curtis is a Bucs kind, as he’s bodily and nasty, particularly within the run recreation. He’s adept at pulling and enjoying in a large zone run scheme, so he’s slot in Tampa Bay. He has robust arms and with 35-inch arms he can lock out in go safety, though he wants a while to develop in that space. Jason Licht has hit on each offensive lineman he’s drafted within the first three rounds, however has whiffed on Day 3. Choosing Curtis within the fifth spherical might change that draft scorecard.
