2014 NFL Draft: Xavier Su’a-Filo met with Broncos, Falcons, Rams
UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo. USA TODAY Sports
UCLA Bruins product Xavier Su’a-Filo is the top guard prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft, and both he and Stanford Cardinal product David Yankey are the only two pure interior offensive line prospects (Zack Martin is an All-Pro talent at guard but is guaranteed to go high due to his ability at the tackle position) with a chance at going in the first round of the draft. At this point in time, Su’a-Filo has separated himself as the best guard prospect in the draft, and he has a significantly higher chance at going in the first.
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According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, Su’a-Filo visited the Denver Broncos during the pre-draft process, and he also worked out for the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams.
The Broncos could use a starting guard after Zane Beadles signed a lucrative deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it is important to remember that Orlando Franklin is set to kick inside at guard, with Chris Clark starting at right tackle after filling in admirably for Ryan Clady last season. 2013 standout Louis Vasquez is locked in as the starter, and the Broncos also have Will Montgomery and standout interior OL Manny Ramirez on the roster. So while it is possible for the Broncos to draft a guard, it wouldn’t make much sense for them to pull Su’a-Filo in the first round due to depth and talent they already have. No, it’s better for them to take an impact player on defense, and I’m sure they would love to get their hands on either Ryan Shazier or C.J. Mosley at linebacker.
If Su’a-Filo is available in the second round, then he would be a good pick for either the Falcons or Rams. The Falcons clearly need help on the offensive line, though they wouldn’t be as inclined to draft the UCLA guard if they take Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews in the first round. The Rams lost Shelley Smith to the Miami Dolphins this offseason, so they are also in play.
At this point in time, the Miami Dolphins (trade down), Cleveland Browns (trade down), and Seattle Seahawks seem to be the three candidates that could make Su’a-Filo a first-round pick.