The BSJ 2024 NFL Draft preview slides inside with a look at the offensive guard position. Our big board has been compiled by an accumulation of scouting prospects up close at games, practice, all-star games, the combine, pro days and exchanging intel with other pro evaluators within the scouting community. Our big board is comprised of intel gathered by some of the accurate resources you will find available online. Make sure you are buckled up and subscribed for our premium coverage!
Projected Patriots Depth Chart
Left Guard: Cole Strange / Nick Leverett / Atonio Mafi
Right Guard: Sidy Sow / Michael Jordan
A rarity in league circles, the Patriots invested a first-round draft choice on small school left guard Cole Strange two years ago. To say the experiment has been a disappointment would be an understatement. After two seasons marred by streaky play, Strange suffered a knee injury late in the year, prompting New England to sign Nick Leverett as an insurance policy during the offseason.
Last year’s fourth-round pick Sidy Sow started 13 games and is slated to assume the full-time position at right guard in ‘24. Another Day 3 rookie sensation was fifth-round selection Atonio Mafi, who showed some promise, appearing in 17 games, including five starts. The Pats inked Ohio State product Michael Jordan to a futures deal, as he joins his fourth NFL team in as many seasons.
With more dire needs, New England could address other positions first but may seek to upgrade if opportunity arises. There is not a lot of money currently tied up at the position and a young body to add to the mix would be beneficial.
Urgency Level: Medium, overall starters are below average.
Guards
Over the past 10 NFL Drafts, there has been an average of 1.4 guards selected in the first round. Last year, we saw Peter Skoronski (Titans) as the lone guard chosen in round one. There are not expected to be any guards taken in the first round this year.
The best of the bunch are mostly traditional, true guards. Many times, guard is a position where short-armed, or subpar athletic tackles go to re-invent themselves. It’s one position where players can cover up shortcomings, a primary reason why the majority of teams find it difficult to invest high draft capital on offensive guards.
In reality, guards can be just as valuable as tackles, as NFL defenses continue to get smaller, faster and more athletic. Having premium guards can help establish a potent offense, establish in the ground game. That logic would seem to be shared by a minority of decision-makers however. Look for the bulk of guards to be chosen on the final day of the draft.
BSJ 2024 Positional Preview Rankings: Centers | Defensive Tackles | Edge Rushers | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties
Note: HPFA = High Priority Free Agent | PFA = Priority Free Agent | FA = Free Agent | HPFA usually results in higher signing bonus, while FA types tend to be rookie camp / tryout types.
RANK | NAME | SCHOOL | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION
1. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State, 6-3, 322, 5.03, Rd2
A limber big man with great feet, along with tremendous bend at the waist, knees and ankles, the term 'dancing bear' has appropriately been attached to Beebe. He played a key role in establishing a winning culture at K-State (a big reason why he decided not to opt-out of the bowl game), making 48 starts, while allowing just one sack in his final 42 games played. One of the safest picks of the draft, look for Beebe to be serving up pancakes on a regular basis come Sunday in the fall--a potential All-Pro caliber talent.
“If I’m going to start something I’m going to finish it," Beebe proudly stated at the combine. "As a leader, I’m going to send this team off right and I’m going to play in the bowl game.”
2. Christian Haynes, UConn, 6-3, 317, 5.03, Rd2
If you want to talk about the Rodney Dangerfield of offensive linemen in this year’s draft, Haynes simply gets no respect from the national media. Buried on a tumultuous Huskies program, he has been a consistent staple of excellence due to sound mechanics, footwork, hand placement and intelligence. Haynes made 49 consecutive starts to finish his career, primarily at right guard. However, he did take snaps at center during the Senior Bowl and at pro day, per scouts request.
"It's gonna help me with my versatility going to the next level," Haynes said. "It will show that I can play both center and guard, or really any position they need me to play."
3. Zak Zinter, Michigan, 6-6, 309, 5.18, Rd3
A four-year starter, team captain and unanimous All-American, there was buzz during the season that Zinter could zoom all the way into the first round of the NFL Draft. However, a broken fibula and tibia suffered in late November has since cast doubt on his draft status. His lateral movement was probably his biggest question mark to begin with. Still, Sinter possesses vast experience (42 starts), leadership and intangibles, which could still land hime inside the top 100 overall.
“I think I've had a hell of a career. I ended up getting hurt toward the end of the last season (and) that put a lot of doubt in some media's heads. I think there's a lot of misconceptions of what happened if it was, ACL or ankle or whatnot. It's just bone. They put a rod in there and I’m just letting it heal up, so it’s gonna be stronger than it was before. That's not a huge concern with me and I think my game speaks for itself.”
4. Christian Mahogany, Boston College, 6-3, 314, 5.13, Rd3
A highly-debated prospect, Mahogany bounced back strongly from a torn ACL injury that caused him to miss the entire 2022 campaign, leaving little questions about his toughness and durability. Where scouts take issue are with his mechanics, as Mahogany owns an unorthodox inward leg stance. However, he has achieved nothing but high marks for his on-field film grade. The NFL is a results-oriented business and Mahogany looks to be a proven commodity.
“I thought that with one more year like this, I could probably change my life, and that’s what I wanted to do,” Mahogany said. “I want to have a big year not only for myself, but for the whole team, the coaches, and the community.”
5. Sataoa Laumea, Utah, 6-4, 319, 5.17, Rd4
A hard-nosed mauler, Laumea showcases great footwork and gets into the second level with ease. He finished his career with 44 consecutive starts at right tackle and guard but could struggle to adapt to the NFL-size playbook. Laumea has been working with a San Francisco 49ers legend since he received feedback from NFL scouts that he needs to improve his football IQ.
“I know some scouts are questioning my IQ, so I’ve been working with Joe Staley doing a lot of board work and just understanding how different plays work zone, wide zone, all those little things,” Laumea said at Utah pro day.
6. Javion Cohen, Miami, 6-4, 324, 5.34, Rd4
There is great upside in Cohen who looked to be the meanest guard in Mobile. His size, hand combat, power and footwork make him a potential long-term starter in the NFL, if he can keep his composure under control. During his time at Alabama, Cohen checked himself into a mental health rehab at the urging of then-head coach Nick Saban. He would later transfer to Miami. It’s situation that he understands NFL decision-makers might frown down upon.
“I’ve definitely had that conversation with them,” Cohen told the Palm Beach Post in early April. “That's something that I lead with. I mean, that's who I am. I'm an advocate for mental health. That's exactly what I want to be.”
7. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M, 6-4, 302, 5.09, Rd4
The long and powerful Robinson has started parts of four seasons for the Aggies during his up-and-down collegiate career. He earned All-SEC honors early on in his career but was hindered by an ankle injury in 2022 and has since given up an alarming amount of quarterback pressures. While circumstances weren't always ideal, Robinson possesses the size, frame and strength that could translate into a valuable backup at the next level.
"I definitely grew as a leader at Texas A&M. I remember all the good and challenging times that I had, and it made me the man I am today," Robinson said of his leadership. "You have to be a light for other people too. You have to bring people up and bring yourself up to carry yourself like a professional. You have to help yourself and others around you."
8. Frank Crum, Wyoming, 6-8, 313, 4.94, Rd5
Known for his leafy, lettuce-flowing hairdo, Crum is one of the more athletic offensive linemen we have seen in recent memory, in terms of overall size, measurements and testing. He timed a 4.94 forty-yard dash and registered a 31.5" vertical, standing in at 6-foot-8 and 300-plus pound! Crum notched 48 starts at right and left tackle during his with tenure with the Cowboys but projects as an interior force in the pros.
“To carry on a three-generation legacy means the world to me," Crum said of his family tradition at Laramie. "It was a no-brainer going to Wyoming out of high school to play for my hometown and my home state. To hopefully play football past college and still represent the state of Wyoming, that means the world to me.”
9. Isaiah Adams, Illinois, 6-4, 315, 5.22, Rd5
One of the standouts at Senior Bowl week, Adams notched 25 starts during his two seasons in Champagne, switching from left guard to right tackle this past season. The Ontario native grew up playing ice hockey, until he discovered his newfound love of football after attending a CFL game in the eighth grade. He began his career at Garden City CC (Kansas), before quickly gaining notoriety for his performance with the Illini.
“It means everything to me. I didn't expect after 16 months that I'd be in a position like this,” Adams said during his final college season. “Football plays a huge, important role in my life. The Brotherhood is why I play. I play for the guys next to me. I want them to know that they can count on me, so having them vote for me as a captain, it meant everything.”
10. Trevor Keegan, Michigan, 6-5, 310, 5.24, Rd6
A three-time All-Big Ten selection and team captain, Keegan started 44 games at left guard for the Maize & Blue. His physical style of play and versatility are two of his best attributes. One of six members of the Wolverines offensive line invited to the NFL Combine, Keegan was known to carry the biggest nasty streak amongst the group.
“All of my dreams and goals have been attained during my time at Michigan,” Keegan cited whe. declaring for the draft. “As a team captain, it was an honor to begin my college career and finish my college career at Michigan.
BEST OF THE REST
Karsen Barnhart, Michigan, 6-5, 306, 5.21, Rd6: The ultimate utility man, Barnhart appeared in 43 games, making 31 starts, including 17 at right tackle, nine at left tackle, three at right guard and two at left guard. As part of the Michigan championship squad and offensive line unit that won back-to-back Joe Moore Awards as the best OL in the nation. There isn’t a team in the league that Barnhart wouldn’t fit on with that type of jackknife skill-set.
“I just think a lot of things helped me, both playing basketball while in high school and being able to play many different positions also. Gotta give it to Herb [strength and conditioning coach Bob Herbert] too, being able to bulk me up and you know put the right weight on me and I feel like I lost no athleticism between high school and now.”
Jarrett Kingston, Washington St., 6-4, 306, 5.02, Rd6
LaDarius Henderson, Michigan, 6-4, 312, 5.24, Rd7
CJ Hanson, Holy Cross, 6-5, 306, 5.00, Rd7
Trente Jones, Michigan, 6-4, 305, 5.17, Rd7
Nathan Thomas, Louisiana, 6-5, 332, 5.19, HPFA
KT Leveston, Kansas State, 6-4, 326, 5.38, HPFA
Matthew Jones, Ohio State, 6-4, 316, 5.21, HPFA
Keaton Bills, Utah, 6-5, 321, 5.31, HPFA
Brady Latham, Arkansas, 6-5, 304, 5.31, HPFA
Doug Nester, West Virginia, 6-6, 306, 5.28, PFA
Jeremy Flax, Kentucky, 6-6, 343, 5.64, PFA
Willis Patrick, TCU, 6-2, 340, 5.43, PFA
Ed Montilus, North Carolina, 6-3, 299, 5.24, PFA
William Barnes, North Carolina, 6-4, 308, 5.11, PFA
X'Zauvea Gadlin, Liberty, 6-3, 322, 5.50, FA
Greg Anderson, Monmouth, 6-5, 310, 5.24, FA
Mike Edwards, Campbell, 6-5, 366, 5.47, FA
Aaron Frost, Arizona State, 6-5, 314, 5.54, FA
Gabriel Wallace, Buffalo, 6-6, 344, 5.84, FA
PATRIOTS SLEEPER TO WATCH
CJ Hanson, Holy Cross, 6-5, 306, 5.00, Rd7: A local small school prospect with limited athleticism, Hanson is the type of gritty, lunch bucket blocker that the Patriots would find value, as a backup who could step in at several spots, including guard or tackle. He loves to bring the juice!
“If I’m screaming at somebody, I’m almost sending energy into them,” Hanson stated earlier this season in reference to his high energy. “If you're screaming at the top of your lungs, you're going to do everything at the top of your lungs, you're gonna give it all you’ve got. If you give somebody else all you’ve got, and you put that passion and faith into them, I think it only can help. It only does good things for us.”
UDFA CANDIDATE
Ed Montilus, North Carolina, 6-3, 299, 5.24, PFA: In one of the lesser known all-star games, Montilus really stood out at the Tropical Bowl back in January, garnering noteworthy attention from scouts in attendance. The five-year starter is a fluid mover with adequate size and long arms. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn a spot on the 53-man roster at the NFL level.
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