with the 2nd pick in the draft

I appreciate what you're saying, but G is just not an impact position, and this is why you don't see this happening. Just the way it is. You don't take someone who will not come in and potentially give your team an instant tangible impact in your top 10 or 15.

As for Cam Newton last year, obviously he was a QB. The guy who touches the ball the most. That made sense. Not a guy who is sandwiched between other players, and is seldom matched up against the opposing team's best defensive player. T? Sure. G? No.

 

What do people here think about Jonathan Martin. Have seen a pretty wide range of reviews. Some say highest upside of all OTs in this years draft. Haven't seen enough of him to comment. Still think DeCastro would be worth top 10 based on a weak draft. Comparisons to Hutchinson are not lost and that being the case that IS an impact player and worthy of a top 10 pick. Especially when you are going to have keep an offense rolling like we will have to.
Appreciate the in-depth analysis collin. Still see Ingram being a star based on that motor and his huge heart. I do see him getting stronger btw.
Just really do seem to be screwed by losing that coin toss. Too bad that this year there really are probably only 8 players (max) worthy of the typical top 10 pick. It would be an ideal year to trade down . .. anyone see that as a realistic possibility?

 

I'd be okay, not thrilled, with Floyd. Be much happier with Blackmon. Not sure either will be elite though.

A guard that can get out and pull and be a beast inside and a great pass protector has impact on every offensive play. a #2 WR is gonna make at most a half dozen catches a game. So why is it guards have less value than WRs?

 

I was actually thinking about Hutchinson. I guess if DeCastro was in that league, I could see it. Still think it's too high - but that's a valid point.

 

ANY guard can get out and pull. That's in their job description. A lot of the time they're doubling, or or just blocking in space. They don't touch the ball, they don't run routes or burn defenders, they don't play decoy and help offensive plays develop, they don't stretch defenses, and they don't score touchdowns. They push the pile and they pass protect. Often times, they double up with a center or tackle. They're playing more often, DTs who aren't the pass rushers of the defense.

I mean...guards. I'm not suggesting anything radical here. In the NFL's long history, there is a pretty damn good reason G's haven't been drafted high.

When there is an exceptional talent who just takes over games I guess, then sure. Is DeCastro that? Can DeCastro blank the other team's best rusher? Can he neutralize an elite rushing backer?

Most of your rush action comes from the edge. Which is why, tackles get taken so high. They're impact guys.

 

Also keep in mind that the rookie wage scale changes everything. Guards were picked lower because no one wanted to give top-10 money to an interior lineman.

The Cowboys picked Tyron Smith (OT) at #9 last season. He signed a four year $12.49 million dollar contract (roughly $3 million per year).

Some notable guards:

Josh Sitton (GB) - just signed 5 yr extension worth $33 million
Logan Mankins (NE) - 6 years worth $51 million
Carl Nicks (NO) - potential franchise tag target. Seeking highest G salary.
Kris Dielman (SD) - 6 years worth $39 million
Jahri Evans (NO) - 7 years worth $57 million.
Chris Snee (NYG) - 6 year extension worth $43 million.

Looks like an elite guard is worth about $7 million.

It's not as crazy as it used to be to pick an elite guard early.... if he is truly elite.

 

good point

 

Nice post and good points.

 

this is some sort of bizarro world tbr where everyone gets along.

 

Not a fan.