Complete NFL Draft Rankings – G:

You are currently viewing the 177 best guards in the 2018 NFL Draft. Our top guard prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best interior o-linemen in college football. Even though only about 10-15 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find draft sleepers, draft stars, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2018 guard prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 26, 2018)

1. Quenton Nelson, rJR, Notre Dame

Quenton Nelson Draft

Quenton Nelson is a mauler at guard for the Irish. It’s very rare to see an interior offensive lineman ranked in the top 5, but that shows just how good “Q" really is. Nelson is incredibly powerful, technically sound, and NFL ready. He moves his feet well even though he isn’t traditionally fast. He is known most for having a powerful punch that pushes defensive linemen out of their lanes, as well as his ability to finish blocks. His power is incredibly rare for someone his age, and he has the technique and athleticism to compliment it. He played left guard but also has some experience at tackle.

Stats

13 games played, and spent all 3 years as a starter at LG/LT. All-America 1st team his senior year, and All-America honorable mention as a sophomore.


2. Isaiah Wynn, SR, Georgia

Isaiah Wynn 2018 NFL Draft

Isaiah Wynn is a tackle who will play inside at guard or center due to his height. At under 6’3" and 313 pounds, Wynn has fine size for guard, and has some experience at the position. Wynn’s technique and athleticism was good enough to play his at left tackle for Georgia this past year, and he was good enough to get All-America recognition. Wynn is a fluid athlete who can very be pulled to the outside or get out on screens. He has a very quick reaction and diagnoses defensive plays well. His athleticism, pass pro technique, and ability to play any position on the line should help him maintain a long career.

Stats

13 games played, and spent 3 years as a starter at LT/LG. All-America 3rd team and SEC 1st team as a senior.


3. Will Hernandez, SR, UTEP

Will Hernandez Draft

Will Hernandez was a 4 year starter at UTEP, with every start coming at left guard. He put up an incredible 37 reps at the combine, showcasing his strength. While he looks like a classic mauling guard due to his thick frame, he is surprisingly flexible and does a decent job of flipping his hips. Hernandez is a hard worker who invites contact and finishes blocks, making him a coach’s dream to work with. He lacks ideal height or length and hasn’t ever had to face elite competition that will work him every play. His lateral movement and strength make him a top tier prospect.

Stats

12 games played, and spent all 4 years as a starter at LG. All-America 3rd team as a senior, and C-USA 1st team for two years.


4. Braden Smith, SR, Auburn

Braden Smith 2018 NFL Draft

Braden Smith is basically a body builder who plays football. At 6’6" 315 pounds, Smith has size and strength that teams covet. He was the top guard recruit in the country out of high school due to his strength and athleticism, and made an impact right away at Auburn. Smith has an NFL body with good body control into initial contact. He succeeded in college by using his immense power, but it likely won’t be quite as possible to do that every play in the NFL where everyone is stronger. He isn’t as great at advanced plays that require reacting to the defense or climbing to the second level.

Stats

14 games played, and spent 3 years as a starter at RG. All-America 1st team and SEC 1st team as a senior. SEC 1st team as a junior as well, and SEC 2nd team as a sophomore.


5. Austin Corbett, SR, Nevada

Austin Corbett 2018 NFL Draft

Austin Corbett has great versatility, good form, and good-enough athleticism. He has a high football IQ, was a 3-year team captain, wears opponents down with strong punches, and usually reacts well to the defense. Corbett was a four year starter at left tackle which is impressive, especially since he was a walk-on. He lacks the length or elite level foot speed to play LT in the pros, but could move outside for short periods in emergency situations. He never played guard in college, which means it might take a little while to adjust to his new NFL position. Corbett won’t wow many people, but he should be reliable wherever he’s asked to play.

Stats

12 games played, and spent all 4 years as a starter at LT. All-MWC 1st team as a senior, All-MWC 2nd team as a junior, and All-MWC Honorable Mention as a sophomore.


Complete draft rankings for 2018 – G

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