NFL Draft 2023: Eagles’ top options at guard
As the 2023 NFL Draft nears, were taking a look at every position on both sides of the ball to find some options for the Eagles throughout the three-day event. We already looked at LB, CB, DT, edge, S, RB, WR, QB, TE and OT.
At guard, the Eagles bring back starter Jason Kelce and Landon Dickerson. And even though they lost Isaac Seumalo in free agency, they have last years second-round pick Cam Jurgens available to play right guard. Still, the depth is lacking.
Its a little tricky looking at offensive line prospects because many of them offer tackle/guard flexibility and you can list them under different positions. The one thing that feels certain is that the Eagles probably wont draft a center-first player with Jurgens already in town. But they could look for a guard to push for a starting spot or to offer some depth.
Need level: Medium
Heres a reminder of the Eagles six picks in this draft:
1-10
1-30
2-62
3-94
7-219
7-248
And here are some offensive guard options throughout the draft:
First-round options
Peter Skoronski, Northwestern (6-4, 313): While Skoronski was a three-year starter at left tackle (taking over for Rashawn Slater at Northwestern) many think his best spot in the NFL will be at guard. Theres obviously some projection involved here. But a big reason some analysts think Skoronski cant play tackle is because of his short 32 1/4-inch arms. Skoronskis stock really depends on how teams view him positionally and how they value those positions. Is he worth a top 10 pick if he becomes an All-Pro guard? Yeah, sure. But theres no guarantee that happens and its rare for guards to go that high for a reason.
OCyrus Torrence, Florida (6-5, 330): If youre looking for an option with that No. 30 pick, Torrence might fit. Not only is he a Florida guy Howie loves him some Florida players but he will likely fall in that range. After beginning his career at Louisiana, Torrence played just one season at Florida. He started a ton of games in college, all at guard and on both sides.
Mid-round options
Cody Mauch, North Dakota State (6-5, 302): The Eagles could make Mauch the second redhead theyve drafted from NDSU. Mauch is a fun prospect and it goes beyond his smile, which features the absence of two front teeth. Mauch is a latecomer to offensive line but offers extreme versatility. He played left and right tackle in college but his best spot in the pros might be guard. He offers potential versatility as a guy who can play four positions on the line.
Steve Avila, TCU (6-3, 332): Avila finished his career playing left guard but hes played every position on the line at TCU except left tackle. So hes another guy who offers extreme versatility, which is something thats important if youre drafting a guard. He has also played some center and tackle in his career.
Anthony Bradford, LSU (6-4, 332): Another guy who has played tackle in college but played guard too and is probably a better fit at guard in the NFL. Ran a 5.08 at 332 pounds, which is extremely impressive. Not all of his testing numbers were great but he has athletic tools for sure.
Jon Gaines II, UCLA (6-4, 303): Hes not the biggest guy but has played and started at a bunch of different spots in that Chip Kelly offense and has the athleticism and speed to keep up. Hed be an ideal backup.
Braeden Daniels, Utah (6-3, 294): While Daniels was down to 294 at the Combine, he was quickly back up to 307 at the Utah pro day and has the frame to sustain it. He played guard and tackle in college and some teams will view him differently. Could be a Day 3 depth option but might be in the range where the Eagles dont currently have picks.
Late-round sleeper(s)
McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga (6-6, 324): Curtis is a large and powerful human who played tackle and guard in college. His teammate Cole Strange was a first-rounder in 2022. While Curtis wont hear his name nearly that early, hell likely get drafted and will offer some depth to whichever team calls his name.
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Oregon (6-6, 310): A likely Day 3 pick, Aumavae-Laulu has the frame and physical traits for a jump to the NFL but is still raw. Even if he doesnt get drafted, he could be a phone call away as the next Jeff Stoutland project.
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