2015 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper’s top guard prospects

By Patrick Schmidt | Jun 13, 2014

Sep 14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans guard Marcus Martin (66) and guard Max Tuerk (75) provide protection for quarterback Cody Kessler (6) blocking Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Mehdi Abdesmad (45) during first half action at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans went on to win 35-7.Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Mel Kiper has unveiled his initial position rankings for the 2015 NFL Draft throughout the week and on Friday, ESPN’s senior draft expert ranked the top seniors and juniors at offensive tackle and in the interior of the line, so here we will take a look at the top guard prospects. Kiper previously unveiled his top draft prospects at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defensive end, defensive tackle, cornerback and safety already this week.

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Two of the top three seniors at guard hail from Florida State which could see a record number of draft picks next year if a number of their highly-touted non-seniors declare for the draft. Tre’ Jackson and Josue Matias check in at No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, on Kiper’s list who may stake claim to the best offensive line in the country.

No. 2 on Kiper’s list is South Carolina left guard A.J. Cann who gives the Gamecocks as good of a left side in the country next to Corey Robinson, another top five player at his position.

Laken Tomlinson from Duke and Quinton Spain from West Virginia round out the top five senior prospects on Kiper’s list. Traditionally, we don’t see guards taken too high in the draft, but Jackson and Cann could work themselves into the first round conversation with strong senior seasons.

The top junior at the position is Max Max Tuerk from USC who has lined up at both tackle positions but his best position is at left guard where he will be the top guard in the Pac-12 and one of the most experienced with 20 career starts. His experience and versatility will be a major asset when he declares for the draft.

Coming in after Tuerk is a road-grader of a player in Vadal Alexander from LSU who is one of four returning starters for the Tigers this season. At 340-pounds, Alexander is one reason why Jeremy Hill was able to run for more than 1,400 yards last season and why Terrence Magee and Leonard Fournette should experience tremendous success this season.

Rounding out Kiper’s top juniors are a pair of Pac-12 linemen in Jeremiah Poutasi from Utah who comes in at No. 3 and Jordan Rigshee from the Cal Bears who comes in at No. 5.

Coming in at No. 4 is Kansas State lineman Cody Whitehair who is an integral part of the Wildcats offense in the middle of the line.

Who do you think will be the first guard taken in the 2015 draft?

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