Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

This year the talk of the draft class is about the depth of the quality defensive tackles there is yet to be had.  However, on the other side of the trenches, the depth is less than impressive when it comes to guys who can step right in and start on the interior of the offensive line.

A smart general manager would likely invest an early round pick in one of the top guys.  The guy who most general managers will be looking at very closely is Joshua Garnett.

Measurables

Height: 6’5

Weight: 320 lbs

Strengths

Garnett is the perfect fit for a power running game.  He has the raw strength to win one on one at the point of attack and push defensive tackles backwards.  Garnett’s more than willing to be physical with his man, bring the type of attitude where he will knock someone down, wait for them to get back up, and knock them down again.  It is very had to handle him when he has his momentum moving forward.

From a technical standpoint, Garnett is fairly polished.  He stays low with good bend and usually wins the leverage battle.  Garnett uses his arms very well, using his long reach to keep defenders out of his chest.  His most impressive trait might be his hand use, once this kid gets ahold of the defender his hands act like vice grips.  I think it’s fair to call him the most NFL ready guard in this class.

Weaknesses

As good as Garnett is when moving forward as a run blocker, he leaves something to be desired as a pass blocker.  He seems to wait for contact and sit on his heels rather than the balls of his feet.  This negates a lot of his power and make him venerable to the blitz and stunts.

Garnett also lacks ideal quickness for the next level.  This is seen in the passing game when having to move side to side.  This is a flaw that also takes away some of his ability in the running game.  Garnett often struggle to get out in front of things when asked to pull, as well as struggling to get to the second level.  As a result, Garnett will too often lunge and whiff on his man in space.

Overview

When it comes to lining up and bullying the man in front of him, Garnett is as good as you’ll find in this class.  His combination of pure power, natural bend, and his use of hands might make him the best guard in this class.  If not the best, then I’d say he’s the most ready to step in and make an impact next season.  Look for him to be the first or second guard off the board, most likely a day two pick.