Player Profile: Larry Warford

Larry Warford

Height:  6'3
Weight:  332
School:  Kentucky
Position:  Guard
Ranking:  #3 Guard
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Good bulk to play the interior (332)
-Experienced with 47 games played in the SEC.  37 starts at RG.
-Powerful run blocker who moves defenders off their spot
-Strong anchor.  Tough to move back
-Better athlete than you think.  Moves really well for his size.  Shows good straight line speed.
-Does a good job of pulling and trapping and attacking defenders in the next level.
-Shows good balance in pass protection
-Good punch that can jar defenders.
-Always moving his feet.
-Good overall IQ.  Understands angles and assignments-
-Has the mean streak you want out of a lineman
-Great character.  No off the field issues.

Weaknesses
-Shorter arms than you would want (33")
-Not the ideal body frame.  Short (6'3) and squatty
-Struggles against speed rushers.  Especially at the 3 technique
-Weight could be an issue.  Weighed 350 lbs at one point.  Conditioning is an issue.
-Doesn't move well laterally.  Can be beat by double moves.
-Not overly quick.  Can be beat off the ball
-Needs better hand placement.  Doesn't lock down defenders when he makes contact.
-Tends to lung in run blocking

Summary
Which ever teams are wanting to draft Larry Warford they are going to get a power run blocking machine.  Warford uses his size to advantage to physically maul defenders but uses his strength to push defenders off their spot and open up running lanes.  But Waford isn't just a physical imposing player, he can also move pretty well for his size.  He surprisingly moves well for his size and is able to pull and trap effectively.  In the open field Warford rarely misses and is able to hit those moving targets.  While run blocking is his strength he isn't a slouch in pass protection.  With his size it's no surprise he has a strong anchor and makes it really hard to knock off his spot.  He does an effective job mirroring defenders, but need to improve his lateral movement which could hurt him against speedier rushers.  Another negative for Waford is that he doesn't have great quickness which hurts him against quicker defenders who could blow past him.  You'd also like to see Warford drop a little weight or redistribute the weight because he tends to wear down over the game and could improve his quickness.  However Warford should be able to step in right away and challenge for a starting spot on Day 1.  Look for him to go somewhere in the late 2nd round, but no later than the early 3rd. A team like Atlanta could be an option.