Chicago Bears: 5 Offensive guards to target in 2018 NFL Draft

Braden Smith, Auburn — 6-6, 305 pounds

From the moment Braden Smith stepped foot on Auburn’s campus, the Tigers knew they had a great lineman. At 6-6 and over 300 pounds, he comes straight out of central casting for a lineman.

As a freshman, Smith played in all 13 games. His first start was in the Outback Bowl. From there on, he started 41 straight games through his senior season. In his senior season, Auburn uses seven different combinations on the line because of injuries. The only constant there was Smith. He earned First-team All-American and All-SEC honors in 2017.

Smith is built like a refrigerator with tree trunks for legs. He has good power in both his upper and lower body and is able to get his initial punch on defenders and keep them away. His strength allows him to drive block very well.

While pass blocking, Smith takes the initial hit and keeps rushers at bay. Smith needs to hold his block a little longer. At times he gets initial leverage and moves the defender, but he disengages too soon. That kills the advantage he had.

Smith was a big contributor to the Tigers’ running game, which was one of the best in the nation. He did a good at pass blocking as well. He is versatile, being able to move over and help at tackle in a pinch. Scouts see Smith as a contributor right away at the professional level. They see him as a solid starter. He projects as a third or fourth-round pick.