Let’s Get Pick-y
Using a combination of NFL Draft Scout evaluations, and common sense, who might provide the guard-tackle combination that I made a case for?
I am suggesting a developmental tackle who is athletic enough to play outside if the need arises, but that can play guard immediately.
Being a left tackle, even part-time, takes athleticism. Offensive tackles are athletes who are able to move quickly, but also be strong. Fast enough to wall off quick-twitch defensive ends or linebackers, and strong enough to anchor against bigger, powerful defensive tackles.
Anchor is a draft geek word for hold their ground by force. Linemen use their lower body strength, with their knees bent, to gain leverage. Then, they use punch from their arms, as well. If you can anchor, you don’t get pushed around. As always, the low man wins the fight.
Interior players, guards and centers, do not need to be as laterally quick, but are more in need of being stout, short-area players who will primarily block bigger tackles. So, even if a quicker linebacker is blitzing, they don’t have as far to cover to get to their assigned block.
Draft Strategy
I don’t know if I would select a tackle-guard in Round 1. It’s a premium spot, and the Lions have needs at high-priced skill set positions. Odds are, the pick is either an every-down running back, a pass-rushing end, or they could opt for a defensive tackle who can generate pressure inside.
Tackles: Orlando Brown, Connor Williams, Mike McGlinchey, and guard Quenton Nelson will likely be gone in the First Round. A couple may still be on the board at the Lions pick, but it’s a steep price for a guard or backup tackle.
Below is a link to an article about one of the running back candidates to use our number twenty draft spot on, Derrius Guice.
Round Two, though, I would definitely think about it. Again, it depends on who is available.
I would still give a high likelihood to Detroit using their second pick on a defensive tackle/ end, or possibly a three-down running back. Whatever they didn’t pick in Round One probably goes here. Possibly, ditto in Round Three, but I would look for Quinn to fit in a lineman somewhere.