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Positional Rankings: Guard

 
Offense · Defense
 
Quarterbacks · Wide Receivers · Running Backs · Tight Ends · Center · Guard · Tackle

 
June 24, 2009
By Pete Prisco
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Tell Pete your opinion!
Pete Prisco ranks his top NFL players at each position. GoSteelers!86 provided his list of top guards. Also check out Prisco's Top 50

Guards
1. Steve Hutchinson, Vikings GoSteelers!86's Rankings
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: After a drop in play in 2007, Hutchinson regained the top spot at the position last season.
 1. Alan Faneca, Jets
Comment: He has long been the best guard in the AFC (since Will Shields retired anyway). His contribution to the development of Nick Mangold has been excellent. He hasn't lost a step now that he is a little long in the tooth either. Every big run seemed to have a Faneca block at a pivotal point.
2. Jahri Evans, Saints
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: Most don't pay enough attention to this athletic, strong guard. He should be in Pro Bowls.
2. Steve Hutchinson, Browns
Comment: This guy got some big recognition when he signed that huge deal in Minnesota. The Vikings don't regret it one bit. Their running game is strong whether it is Peterson, Taylor or Jackson running the ball. He and Bryant McKinnie are a mean duo on the left side in Minnesota.
3. Chris Snee, Giants
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: He's much more than the son-in-law of coach Tom Coughlin. He's a mauler in the run game.
3. Chris Snee, Saints
Comment: The Giants have one of the better lines in football and Snee could very well be the best player on it. Whether it is in pass protection or run blocking, Snee is solid all day and all season.
4. Shawn Andrews, Eagles
Games played: 2 Games started: 2
Analysis: He's a huge guard who envelopes his opponent. There's a chance he could play tackle this year.
4. Brian Waters, Chiefs
Comment: Often overlooked in his career because he played on the same line as Willie Roaf and Will Shields, Waters has quietly been one of the best offensive linemen of the decade. He has probably been the best player on the roster in Kansas City over the last 7 years.
5. Davin Joseph, Buccaneers
Games played: 12 Games started: 12
Analysis:He emerged as a Pro Bowl player last year on one of the better lines in the league. Plays with a mean streak.
5. Kris Dielman, Chargers
Comment: Part of a very good line in San Diego, Dielman has been one of the big reasons the Chargers have one of the most potent offenses in football. This is another guy who pass blocks as well as he run blocks. LT and Philip Rivers are big fans of this fella.
6. Ben Grubbs, Ravens
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: Athletic guard who is coming off his best season. He's a perfect Ravens lineman: powerful and tough.
6. Logan Mankins, Patriots
Comment: For my money, this is the best offensive linemen in New England and one of the best players they have drafted this decade. He is a vicious run blocker that has an old school mean streak. There isn't a team in football that wouldn't love to have this guy on their roster.
7. Logan Mankins, Patriots
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: He's the Patriots best lineman, even if he didn't play up to his usual standards last season.
7. Leonard Davis, Cowboys
Comment: Once considered a bust as a tackle, Davis has blossomed into one of the best run blocking guards in the game. His uppern body strength leaves a lot of defenders on the ground. Didn't quite have the speed to protect the corner as a tackle but his power gets the job done at guard.
8. Leonard Davis, Cowboys
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: He's made the shift from tackle to guard without any troubles. He wasn't quick enough for tackle, but he's plenty quick inside.
8. Shawn Andrews, Eagles
Comment: This guy was higher on the list until a big injury last year. There have been rumors of depression, but the Eagles are hoping that playing next to his brother Stacy will help get him back in form for 2009.
9. Harvey Dahl, Falcons
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: Might be the best run blocker of the group. He just needs to improve in pass protection.
9. Eric Steinbach, Browns
Comment: There is finally a respectable line in Cleveland, and Steinbach is part of the reason. He and Joe Thomas should anchor this line for the next few years and if someone can handle the ball at QB, this team could have a pretty good offense this season.
10. Arron Sears, Buccaneers
Games played: 15 Games started: 15
Analysis: Doesn't get the attention Joseph gets, but he's not far behind.
10. Justin Blalock, Falcons
Comment: This is kinda my best of the unheralded players. Blalock is a very good young guard who is a big piece to the new offense in Atlanta. I predict he will be seeing Pro Bowls very soon.
 

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