Guards are some of the least exciting draft picks out there. They don't become superstars, and some casual fans may not even know their names. They could probably walk around Walmart and nobody would think twice. While we as fans overlook them, the general managers of the NFL do not. A solid guard is extremely important, especially for the ground game. That is why scouts have been excited about Indiana's Dan Feeney for years and GMs cannot wait to draft him.
Measurables:
Height- 6'4''
Weight- 311 lbs
Year:
Senior (22)
Pros: Dan Feeney is quite a refined product. This is a guy that can step in on game one and be totally fine. He has enough size and athleticism to hold his own in the pros. This can be attributed to his multiple years of experience as a starter and his sound technique. In the running game, Feeney excels at pulling and taking out defenders. He is almost always using the right block in the right situation too, be it a cut block or just smothering a defender. On inside runs, Feeney does a good job of turning the defender away from the hole, leaving a massive lane for the runner to go through. In the passing game, Feeney does a good job of getting his initial punch in then anchoring his feet. This prevents a bull rush from running over Feeney. Feeney does a good job of using leverage in general. If a defender shifts one way, Feeney shoves the defender off balance either past the quarterback or into other offensive lineman.
Cons: I question the lateral agility of Feeney. When he is pulling, faster linebackers can get around him and make tackles while Feeney falls trying to catch them. This factors into pass protection as well, where Feeney struggles with twitchy lineman with a good first step. Feeney could stand to add some strength as well. He is far from a bulldozer and does not knock back defenders as far as I expected. While these will hold him back in the pros, Feeney can compensate for this by honing his technique.
Pro Comparison: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Cincinnati Bengals
Kevin Zeitler spent his years at Wisconsin and in the pros at right guard and he has been dominant. He is not a freak athlete, but he has impeccable technique and knows how to use leverage. Zeitler is also very good when asked to pull or make a hole in the run game. Dan Feeney can be plugged into a guard spot and can play at a high level just like Zeitler.
3 teams that could use him: The Arizona Cardinals fielded a horrendous offensive line last season, and they need to improve if they want Carson Palmer to survive another season. Palmer would sleep better at night if Feeney were plugged into a guard spot. The Broncos also had offensive line struggles, and while Feeney is not a sexy pick, he is a needed one. The Falcons do not have many needs to cover but with Chris Chester likely on the way out, they could draft Feeney as a replacement.
Conclusion: Dan Feeney is not a freak athlete or sexy selection, but he is a technician who can start at day one and improve almost every line. Feeney could go anywhere from picks 10-45.
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