The Los Angeles Rams still need to find a guard despite all the mystery surrounding their attempts to re-sign free agent guard Kevin Dotson. Is the NFL Draft in 2024 the right time to do it?
The starting left guard Steve Avila, swing backups Zach Thomas and Joseph Noteboom, and practice squad members Logan Bruss, Mike McAllister, and Grant Miller are all under contract with the Rams. There were more questions than answers following Avila.
So, yeah, whether through the draft, free agency, or trade, the Rams will need another guard, perhaps two. Additionally, this essay is about drafting a guard, even if I believe the majority of fans would be satisfied with Dotson’s re-signing. I’ll provide a few of my favorites along with the possible draft round for each.
View every round-by-round capsule analysis in the 2024 NFL Draft section of TST.
First round: Arizona / Jordan Morgan At Senior Bowl, 6′ 4 7/8″, 312 lb., 32 7/8″ arms, 10 3/8″ hands, and 81 1/4″ span
Morgan is a potential first-round tackle candidate, according to nearly all reports. However, guard may offer him the best opportunity to succeed in the NFL. Was a highly-regarded talent in 2022, but missed all of the pre-draft workouts and showcases due to a knee injury that occurred in November. He then needed nine months of rehabilitation to prepare for his final college season.
Balanced and agile enough to maneuver around obstacles and the second level, as well as short pulls. Morgan is more of a finesse player than a monster, and despite his good appearance, he is more likely to seal off opponents than road grade them off the ball. Excellent pass-protector. Smooth lateral mover with good mirroring skills, good hand-eye coordination, and strong clamp/grip strength. On the ’23 film, his anchor might use some improvement, but it could be due to recuperation from injuries. In any case, I believe he would gain from an improvement in play strength.
Excellent fit for an outside zone run-oriented, pass-heavy attack. After recovering from his knee injury rather quickly, Morgan ought to have full range of motion, strength, and confidence by now. Although he persevered through a high ankle sprain in 2021, there are additional red signs. However, it’s important to remember that he only missed three starts due to knee and ankle injuries.
Round 2 Cooper Beebe—Kansas State—6’4″, 335 lbs., via the official Kansas State Wildcats website
48 games played as a starter in college, earning multiple awards along the way. In 2023, she was named to the First team All-American, unanimously or by consensus. commenced his career as a tackle and amassed twenty outside starts. Allowing only four sacks, nine QB hits, and twenty-three rushes over nearly three thousand collegiate snaps.
His specialty is run blocking, which he does with great abandon. Beebe generates power and drive by matching a short, obelisk-like frame with core strength and good get-off. Experience has taught him to be smooth and patient when pulling and climbing, even when the finest road grading is downhill. He is a fierce striker when he reaches the next level. His finest quality, power, is limited when he becomes overly aggressive and eager to strike. Instead, he can reach and lunge, throwing him off balance. With a wide base, a solid anchor, a knee bend for balance and leverage, and a potent punch, he demonstrates superb pass blocking technique. As a professional, he could need to include longer arm punches in his arsenal to compensate for his arm length and keep opponents from getting to his chest.
aggressive play style characterized by a constant engine. Despite his history of playing a variety of positions, he belongs inside. possess experience in double teaming, climbing, and inside/mid zone run games. A ready-to-use opportunity.
Round 3: Christian Haynes, a 6′ 2 1/2″ 318 lb. UConn player with 33 7/8″ arms, 10 1/2″ hands, and an 80 3/4″ span in the Senior Bowl
Received four All-American awards and started 49 consecutive games at right guard for his college team. He is given an 80s grade by Pro Football Focus. Despite working out there all spring, there was anticipation that UConn would move him to center for the 2023 season, but the move was shelved. Nonetheless, he received a lot of pivot reps during the Senior Bowl exercises.
Excellent balance of strength and agility. His feet and fast punch allow him to strike first and still counter-mirror. Haynes needs to improve on keeping them inside on the breast plate rather than outside on the shoulders, but he has the upper body and hand strength to latch on and control. worked in a zone scheme akin to Shanahan’s, but possesses the build, mobility, and attitude to be effective in any run offense.
Is it really true? Haynes is ranked lower by most draft experts due to his height rather than his skill. His wingspan, hands, and arm length are all tackle proportions, and he stands a staggering 1 3/4″ shorter than the typical NFL guard. tested well at the NFL Combine and stood out in the Senior Bowl. He is in the middle of Round 2 of my grade.
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