Chicago Bears: 5 Offensive guards to target in 2018 NFL Draft
Will Hernandez, UTEP — 6-3, 340 pounds
Some draft analysts argue that if Quenton Nelson (more on him later) is available in the first round the Chicago Bears should take him. Nelson is considered by many as the top guard prospect in the draft. Will Hernandez, however, is making some of those experts take a deeper look. He’s even made some of them change their minds about Nelson and view him as the top guard.
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If the Bears take Hernandez in the second or third round (assuming a trade to get there), I feel it’ll be a steal. While he doesn’t have the length scouts prefer, he has super strength and nimble feet. He red-shirted his freshman season then proceeded to start the next 37 games for UTEP.
For a man his size, Hernandez has surprisingly good and natural movement. He explodes onto the defender and has a good wide base. He blocks with an aggressive mean streak. While pass blocking, he uses great technique. With his quick, light feet, he’s able to stay in front of pass rushers. Also, he’s good at pulling and getting to the second level quickly.
Hernandez’s height and length will turn away some teams, but that is a mistake. His combination of balance, power, and athleticism makes him an instant starter and anchor for a decade. Hernandez’s stock rose because of the Senior Bowl. He really impressed scouts there and solidified his spot as one of the top guards.
While Nelson gets the buzz as a possible top-five pick, many still view Hernandez as just a second or third round pick. Their skill sets are similar, with Nelson just being two inches taller. The Bears can use their valuable pick in the first round and still get the quality lineman they need.