NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock said Alabama's Chance Warmack might be the top player in the draft. But he's a guard. Would taking a guard first overall detract from the draft?
I think it actually could provide a much-needed twist in the storyline -- something that's never been done before -- and down the line, some drama. If nothing else, it's a high stakes move.
If you're going to make history by picking a guard No. 1 overall, you better be right. He better be the Michael Jordan and Jerry Rice of guards.
Did you say drama and high stakes by drafting a guard first overall? Oh, I can hear the millions now, "Oooh. Ahhh. Did you see him clean out that nose tackle?" No. You do not take a guard No. 1.
Going back to 1967, only 10 guards were taken in the top 10. Fifty guards were taken in the first round. The game might be changing, with two last year: David DeCastro and Kevin Zeitler.
They were taken in the 20s. Guards are valued more but not top-10. They get drafted later, developed, then started like SF did with Alex Boone, a converted tackle who went undrafted.
The last guard taken top five? Chris Hinton, No. 4, out of Northwestern. The Broncos picked. That was 1983. But you already knew that, right. Of course. Goodnight.
The NFL's best guards, Marshall Yanda, Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks were third-round picks or later. There will be at least one in the first round but not first overall.
