NFL Analysis
3/22/24
5 min read
2024 NFL Draft: Ranking Top 7 Offensive Guard Prospects
Interior offensive linemen are a growing commodity in the NFL, with more and more teams offering up top dollar on the free agent market to fill holes at guard.
Will teams be able to find starting options in the 2024 NFL Draft? Here are the top seven guard prospects available.
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RANKING 2024 Guard PROSPECTS
7. Zak Zinter, Michigan 
Big Board Rank: 104
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 309 pounds
Zak Zinter projects as a starting right guard at the next level. His only experience being at right guard could limit him initially to staying at the same position, but he could likely play both sides eventually. Due to his current injury status, his availability in Year 1 is unknown, but his prestige and technical skills as a lineman will allow him to be a starting-level player once he's healthy.
>> READ MORE: Zinter's Full Scouting Report
6. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State 
Big Board Rank: 80
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 322 pounds
Cooper Beebe projects best as a starting left guard in a duo- or gap-scheme offense where he can use his abilities to work heavy to the second level or pull and get out in space, though he wouldn’t have any problems in a zone scheme, either. He has the traits to be a very solid guard at the next level, but his lack of length has been (and would be) an issue on the outside. If he shows he can snap, he could potentially move to center, but that’s yet to be determined with no center snaps in college.
>> READ MORE: Beebe's Full Scouting Report
5. Christian Mahogany, Boston College 
Big Board Rank: 52
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 314 pounds
Christian Mahogany projects as a starting right guard at the next level who is best used in an inside zone, duo or power run scheme. His limitations out in space make him a much better fit as someone who can work straight up to the second level or pull and kick or log at the edge of the tackle box.
Additionally, he shows some ability to shift out to right tackle and be an effective backup there, especially in the run game, if he can limber up some and improve his foot quickness. If his knee continues to improve and he gets back to his 2021 version, which he did as the season went on, he has high-end starting-level potential sooner rather than later.
>> READ MORE: Mahogany's Full Scouting Report
4. Christian Haynes, UConn 
Big Board Rank: 49
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 317 pounds
Christian Haynes projects to be a starting guard at the NFL level with backup center ability, something he showed at the Senior Bowl. His plus athleticism will allow him to play in any scheme, but he will specifically excel in zone schemes. He needs to work on adding more strength to his frame and become more consistent with his hands.
>> READ MORE: Haynes' Full Scouting Report
3. Dominick Puni, Kansas 
Big Board Rank: 41
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 313 pounds
Dominick Puni has the physical tools and savvy to thrive as a starting left guard in the wide-zone offense that is prevalent in the NFL. His multisport background is apparent, and he works the minutiae of offensive lineman play in a fashion that lends him to improve each year as he adds power to his game.
Puni can slide to either left tackle or right tackle if injury demands, but he will likely be overmatched against most NFL edges. His athleticism and versatility suggest he can be used in multiple fashions, potentially as a jumbo offensive lineman or even in the backfield — if he is not an integral starter on Day 1.
>> READ MORE: Puni's Full Scouting Report
2. Graham Barton, Duke 
Big Board Rank: 33
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 313 pounds
Graham Barton played only left tackle and center in college, but his skill set fits best as a guard at the next level. However, he has the ability to be a five-position player. He lacks some length on the edge, but he has the athleticism to back up there if needed.
Additionally, with more reps at center, he could very well find a spot there as a potential starter. Going to a gap-scheme team at the next level will allow him to showcase his athleticism as a puller out in space, though he can also be an asset in a zone scheme.
>> READ MORE: Barton's Full Scouting Report
1. Troy Fautanu, Washington 
Big Board Rank: 22
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Troy Fautanu spent the majority of his collegiate career as a left tackle, but his skill set warrants a potential move to the interior at the next level. His position versatility will be valuable, and there is ample reason for him to try out at left tackle as a professional. However, as he moves up in competition, his traits can be escalated as a guard where he can play in tighter areas.
While he has not logged any playing time as a center, his quickness, hand use and overall frame could be intriguing at that position if an NFL offensive line coach is willing to try him there.
>> READ MORE: Fautanu's Full Scouting Report
