Guards and the NFL Draft

[Icege]

Leading up to the draft, many were against the idea of drafting Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper in the 1st if Star Lotululei wasn't available. One of the common responses to this was that guards were not impact positions, that they did not influence the outcome of a game more than say a WR. There was a question of value, that a guard shouldn't be picked until the 20s.

This year we saw two guards go in the top 10.

Has the rookie wage scale changed the way teams view value in the draft? I find the idea that selecting the #5 WR over the #1 G to be a bit absurd, especially if the guard is considered one of the best ten football players in the draft. Could this affect bleed over to other positions such as kicker and punter or has it already started (ie: 2012 Jacksonville's 3rd Round punter)?

[Delhommey]

I think it signifies that there were two fantasic Guards in a draft where there were no RB's or QB's worthy of a 1st round pick.

[carolina-chuck]

A better Oline draft class compare to the skill positions.

[kman72]

I feel it just matters on what you need compared to BPA. If I need a Guard and a LT I know with the wage scales that if I draft that Tackle it will be more cost effective.

Top Tier LT get what 12 million?

Top Tier Guard might get 8 million.

So if I value both players at same talent I would personally take the more cost effective pick.

I dont feel that kickers and punters will ever be rated higher than 5ish round. Exceptions with Jano and Nugent. Even though I wouldnt have taken them before 5 anyway.

[Icege]

i would take kluwe and seabass with 4th rounders because they entertain me so much

this class of ol players being better than skill position though didn't stop the complete dismissal of taking a guard in the top 10, let alone 2 being drafted.I'm curious if some have softened on the idea of drafting one high (not clamoring for top 5 here :X ) after this draft.

[Ace_Aladdin]

The non skill position like guards are becoming more athletic while still retaning their core strengths and i think its helping their value i was all in for drafting a the 2 guards if they fell to us. I think with new CBA and non skill position players becoming more athletic is going to continue this trend.

[Growl]

Let's see how many OGs are taken in the first round as a whole when the top of the draft isn't one of the weakest arguably ever.