Unless the Cowboys want Connor McGovern starting at left guard, they need to draft a starting-caliber guard in the NFL Draft.
Two of the best guards in this draft, Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green and Boston College’s Zion Johnson, could be available at pick No. 24. Assuming both will be there, here’s a breakdown of each and how they could fit in Dallas.
Kenyon Green
Green is a two-time Consensus All-American and earned First-team All-SEC honors last season. He became an immediate starter upon arrival at Texas A&M, starting at every position on the offensive line besides center. Combining excellent strength with quick feet, Green is the dream interior lineman for any coach trying to establish a run game. He’s explosive and is able to quickly get his hands on the defender to easily drive him out of the play.
The speed at which Green is able to do things is very impressive for a 325-pound lineman. He’s able to get off his stance, attack defenders and reach the second level quickly and precisely. He’s violent, physical and strong at the point of attack, making him a lethal blocker in both run and pass protection. He plays with great intelligence as well, always looking to help his teammates on blocks.
His aggression can get the better of him, and his hands can be erratic when trying to block. However, that’s an easy thing to polish with development. There are very few holes in Green’s game and he’ll be an easy fit on any NFL team.
Zion Johnson
While Green is the stronger prospect, Johnson is the more athletic prospect. He’s also more versatile than Green, playing every position on the offensive line at Boston College. Like Green, he also earned First-team All-American honors last season. He has the right size for a guard and possesses great length as well.
Johnson’s aggressiveness is what stands out the most about him. He often overpowers his opponents at the line of scrimmage, finishing off defenders with ease. Another aspect of Johnson’s game that stands outs is his smooth style of play. He plays smart and technical, rarely getting caught with bad form. Overall, he’s a very balanced and well-rounded offensive lineman.
His biggest area of improvement is in reacting to adjustments. Sometimes, he’s slow in reacting to quick movements from the defense, resulting in a late response. However, like Green, his flaws can be easily fixed at the next level.
Who would be better for Dallas?
The gap between Green and Johnson is the smallest between any two players at the top of their position in this draft. Both would be great additions to the Cowboys and fill the hole left by Connor Williams’ departure nicely.
I’m leaning slightly towards Johnson. Both are exciting prospects, but Johnson brings more versatility and well-roundedness. He’s more smooth, fluid and a better pass blocker than Green, which would fit Dallas’ pass-heavy offense the best. The Cowboys would benefit from having either player, though. Both should (and probably are) receive heavy consideration from the front offense.
