Quote:
Originally Posted by milkman
You can find Carl Nicks, Ben Grubbs, Will Shields, etc.... in the late rounds of every draft.
Guard is the position of least value.
Taking a guard at #11 is every bit as wasteful in positional value as taking a 5 tech #3 overall, if not more.
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You CAN find a quarterback in the sixth round.
But you don't.
Oh, and Ben Grubbs was a first round pick.
So was pro Bowler Davin Joseph.
So was pro Bowler Steve Hutchinson.
So was pro Bowler Logan Makins
And the ENTIRE idea that you can find these guys in later rounds is misleading for two reasons:
1. That is true of literally every position. It has nothing to do with guard. I can make the same case with running back (arian foster), wide receiver (marques colston), quarterback (drew brees/brady), pass rusher (james harrison), cornerback (brandon carr).
2. Part of the reason why you could find guys like that later is because there was less of a premium on interior linemen a few years ago. However, teams are beginning to realize that the quickest path to the QB is up the middle. You'll notice more guys like:
Maukice Pouncey - pro bowler
Mike Iupati
Mike Pouncey
Alex Mack - pro bowler
Eric Wood
Danny Watkins
All interior linemen drafted in the first round within the last three years. More teams are drafting them higher, so the gems aren't lasting as long. It's the same with QB. You used to be able to get a developmental guy like Tannehill or Weeden in the second or third. Now you HAVE to draft him in the first, because other teams will reach.
A player's value is determined by when other teams will draft him.