Ourlads Archives

Guards - 2023 Ourlads' Draft Preview

Dave Syversten
10/31/2022 11:07AM ET

1. Torrence, O'Cyrus

Florida  6046  347

Four year starter from Greensburg, LA.  Spent three seasons at Louisiana where he earned All-Sun Belt honors twice, first team in 2021.  Transferred to Florida for the 2022 season, following Head Coach Billy Napier.  Well-fed grizzly bear frame with the play style to complement it.  Makes heavy initial contact like a heavyweight boxer and goes for the secondary kill right after.  Violent hands with an incredible base.  Knows the nuances of run blocking, getting his hips into the hole while maintaining accurate hands.  Fits best in a gap-dominant blocking scheme where he can move defenders off the ball and anchor against the power pass rushers. Lacks some lateral twitch against rangy pass rushers and will get too lean-heavy at times.

 

2. Robinson, Layden*

Texas A&M  6060  315

Two year starter from Cincinnati, OH.  Spent the 2021 season inside at guard and shifted out to left tackle in 2021 after Nicholas Petit-Frere headed to the NFL.  Elite foot quickness and overall lower body twitch that gets in a high number of steps each snap.  Steps on all the ants as he progresses to his spot and engages with his target.  Smoothly turns his hips into the hole and shows advanced tactics when it comes to extending his hips with inside hand position.  Stays attached to his target with a strong grip but also subtle hip mobility.  Fires off the ball with aggression and quickly shortens the space between he and his man.  Consistently gains the initial advantage and has the speed to hang on.  Will need to continue his anchor strength gains, as he plays small there at times and will lose stability when he over-extends himself.

 

3. McFadden, Jordan

Clemson  6021  305

Three year starter from Spartanburg, SC.  A college tackle that will likely convert inside at the next level.  Feet and hands play in complete cohesion with a strong blend of balance and strength.  Excellent lockout game with accurate hands suit him well in pass protection.  Keeps the feet active with plenty of flexion at the knee to maintain a quality, wide anchor.  Will screw himself into the ground against the bull rush, stopping the momentum of the pass rusher and standing him up.  Re-works his hands naturally.  Pulls out into space as a lead blocker to the outside with plus speed and body control.  Adjusts his weight well on the move and will hang on to linebackers on the move. Speed to power convert is always there.  Guard will be a new position for him and he will need to improve the power of his initial strike.

 

4. Cohen, Javion*

Alabama  6040  305

Two year starter from Phenix City, AL.  A bulldozer in the inside running game that stems from the initial punch and lower body drive that follows. Easy bender below the waist that plays under the pads of his man.  Solid forward lean without losing his center of gravity.  Will reach across the defenders to his outside or inside shoulder consistently while creating upfield movement.  Strong initial steps and positioning.  WIll recover well enough after being beat in pass protection, staying attached and using momentum to his advantage. Still needs to develop more awareness in hand accuracy in pass protection.  Often a step late to react when fronts twist and stunt.

 

5. Vorhees, Andrew

USC  6060  328

Five year starter from Kingsburg, CA.  Has split his time between tackle and guard throughout his career.  Overcame multiple lower body injuries early in career, evolving into a first team All Pac 12 and third team All-America honoree  in 2021.  Elite hand striker with the upper body strength to complement.  Consistent wins immediately post snap when it comes to footwork and positioning.  Will lock onto defenders as he moves laterally.  Can fit into a zone-scheme with ease even though his baseline athleticism is below average.  Smart technician with developed man-strength.  Shows the occasional pad level issue and will let long defenders into his chest.  Anchor is limited.

 

6. Kirkland, Jaxson

Washington  6070  330

 

7. Ekiyor Jr, Emil

Alabama  6023  317

 

8. Broeker, Nick

Mississippi  6037  317

 

9. Barrington, Clark

BYU  6046  302

 

10. Kingston, Jarrett

Washington State  6041  292

 

11. Curtis, McClendon

Chattanooga  6054  345

 

12. Beebe, Cooper

Kansas State  6030  320

 

13. Gaines, Jon

UCLA  6040  314

 

14. Bainivalu, Henry

Washington  6056  333

 

15. Gwyn, Jovaughn

South Carolina  6050  311

 

16. Horsey, Kenneth

Kentucky  6042  295

 

17. Manning, Tashawn

Kentucky  6034  330

 

18. Murray, Chris

Oklahoma  6020  304

 

19. White, Ethan

Florida  6036  331

 

20. Jones, Matthew

Ohio State  6034  317

 

21. Brooks, Mason

Mississippi  6050  311

 

22. Thomas, Jaylon

SMU  6033  317

 

23. Chandler, Caleb

Louisville  6040  313

 

24. Hergel, Kyle

Texas State  6017  305

 

25. Wallace, Gabe

Buffalo  6061  336

 

26. Scaife, DJ

Miami  6035  309

 

*Denotes Underclassman