We recently just explained why Miami may decide to use their first round pick on the clear cut best Guard in the draft; Brandon Scherff. However, even though Guard is a glaring need for Miami, they may decide to wait to draft a guard in the second round, something I think most Miami Dolphins fans would prefer. If they do decide to draft a Guard in the second round, then there are a few viable options.
The second ranked Guard in the draft is 6’4”, 305 pound La’el Collins from LSU. Collins is an interesting prospect because in 2013 he played left tackle for LSU and played very well, protecting QB Zack Mettenberger and creating gaping holes for RB Jeremy Hill. However many sports gambling fans believe that he would be best suited to play guard or right tackle in the NFL. He is a well rounded offensive lineman that can be an equally good pass and run blocker, but many believe he still needs to improve his technique. The one thing that jumps out is that he played well at the left tackle position in the ultra competitive SEC conference, which means he should have an easy transition to playing guard in the NFL. Not only that but since he does have experience playing left tackle he can provide a smidgen of insurance in case Branden Albert is not healthy enough to start the season.
Another high ranked Guard is 6’3”, 323 pound Laken Tomlinson from Duke. He is a very good run-blocker that has surprising agility and quickness for a big man, however many sports gambling fans feel he needs to improve his pass protection for the next level. His athletic ability combined with his size and strength gives Tomlinson a lot of upside potential and he should be able to start from day one at the Guard position.
Another top ranked Guard that is projected to be drafted in the 2nd to 3rd round range is 6’5”, 310 pound Arie Kouandgio from Alabama. He is another excellent run blocker that has all the physical tools such as quickness, athleticism and strength that can help him to be an immediate starter at the next level. Like many college Guards, he does need to improve on pass protection. The one red flag however is that Kouandjio had multiple knee surgeries before 2013 so that is something that thoroughly needs to be check out.
There are three other Guards that are being touted as 2nd to 3rd round picks, Josue Matias (Florida State), A.J. Cann (South Carolina), and Tre Jackson (Florida State). So as most sports gambling fans can see after Brandon Scherff there is everyone else, however there are 6 solid Guard prospects that should start coming off the board in the second round. If there happens to be a run on Guards in the second round, which seems like a very real possibility since that is where the meat of the talent is graded at coming off the board, then Miami may be forced to draft a Guard in the second round. I would definitely be interested in drafting any of the above players, but my preference would be either Collins or Tomlinson.
If Miami does not select a Guard with their first pick, then most sports gambling fans would say there is an extremely strong possibility that they will select one of the above mentioned Guards with their second round pick. What does the rest of Miami Dolphins news enthusiasts think about selecting a Guard in the second round, and which of the above Guards do you prefer?