2014 NFL Draft guard rankings

Usually when the strength of a class is dependent on underclassmen, the discussion is about sexier positions. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive ends and cornerbacks come to mind. But the guard class in the 2014 NFL Draft will be defined by two juniors from the Pac-12.

There is already speculation – courtesy of Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net – that Stanford’s David Yankey is headed for the NFL. Yankey has experience playing left tackle and guard, which is somewhat unusual for a guard prospect. Yankey is going to be the tipping point for several very good offensive linemen about to emerge at Stanford. He’s a powerful guard with good technique.

Xavier Su’a-Filo of UCLA may be the fourth-rated guard in the rankings at this point, but he’s a likely top 64 choice. Su’a-Filo is fast off the line of scrimmage and can do work on the second level. Like Yankey, Su’a-Filo looks ready for the NFL.

Sandwiched between the two Pac-12 players is Gabe Jackson of Mississippi State and Cyril Richardson of Baylor. Both are exclusively drive blockers, but good ones.