Chance Warmack is widely considered one of the elite players in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The talent at the top of the 2013 NFL Draft has been widely dissected and debated by NFL Draft analysts and scouts. And while a consensus opinion exists that this year’s Draft Class will offer some fantastic players early in round 1, many of the names being mentioned as possible top-10 picks present with warts on their film that will give teams pause before investing such a high choice on them.  The player with the fewest questions amongst those being considered in the top-10, and who might very well be the safest pick in the entire Draft, is Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama.

Chance Warmack was one of the key cogs in the highly decorated offensive line for the National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide.  Prior to his playing days with Coach Saban and company, Warmack was considered a good, 3 star high school player by Rivals.com.  He finished his career at Westlake High School (Atlanta, GA) as a top-20 offensive guard recruit, and signed his letter of intent with the SEC powerhouse.

Warmack’s career at Alabama resulted in 39 career starts at the left guard position.  He earned 2nd Team All-SEC honors in 2011, followed by 1st Team All-American and 1st Team All-SEC selections this past season.  Warmack has been the model of consistency.  He graded out at an astonishing 99% by the coaches this year, and was penalized only two times on 732 snaps in 2012.  He allowed 3.5 sacks on 287 pass attempts while mauling defenders for a team-high 37 pancake blocks.  The following is FRG’s evaluation of Chance Warmack:

PHYSICAL MAKEUP:

Chance Warmack possesses the prototype measureables for an offensive guard.  Standing at 6’3 and weighing 320lbs, Warmack has the necessary bulk and thickness needed to play the position at a very high level.  Warmack carries his weight well, although his midsection appears a bit soft.  He’s not out of shape, as the effort and relentless energy he showcases on film suggests that he is well-conditioned.  While he lacks a true bubble in his rear, he has plenty of sand in his pants to anchor down and compete with NFL defensive tackles.

STRENGTH/PHYSICALITY:

Warmack is an absolute mauler.  His strength is evident upon contact with a defender.  When he uncoils his arms and delivers a punch, the defender is stunned.  Warmack sinks and explodes into contact as well as any lineman in the 2013 Class.  He possesses a nasty demeanor, always looking for contact and maintaining his assignment through the whistle.  This kid loves to bang around.  He possesses the upper body strength needed to turn defenders away from the ball and his plus lower body strength results in many defenders being knocked to the ground.

MOVEMENT SKILLS/ATHLETIC ABILITY:

Warmack’s physical, mauling style of play will entice teams in the top 10 of April’s Draft.

While not quite the athlete that Jonathan Cooper (OG, UNC) is, Warmack still showcases plus athleticism and the ability to get to the second level and complete his block.  Warmack displays good range, flexibility and balance when asked to block in space.  He has good feet; he shuffles his feet and is able to mirror defenders in tight spaces.  When engaged with a defender, Warmack keeps his feet moving and generally maintains the power position.  He  has an explosive first step and projects as a player that will be able to reach the edge when asked to lead the charge.

PASS PROTECTION:

Chance Warmack plays with good pad level and sits in his stance well in pass protection.  He is quick out of his stance and is rarely beaten by a speed move.  He delivers a quick, powerful punch and consistently maintains pocket integrity.  Rarely is Warmack pushed around.  He anchors down well and holds up against the bull rush.   At times, Warmack wants to get too physical and as a result he can get sloppy with his technique.  A savvy, seasoned pro might be able to take advantage during those moments.

RUN BLOCKING:

Chance Warmack is a mauling, nasty in-line run blocker who sinks his hips and creates a jolt on contact.  He is athletic enough to complete blocks on the second level as well as on the edge and around the corner.  Warmack showcases good pad level, hand placement, and leg drive when engaging with the defender, usually resulting in numerous pancake blocks and open running lanes.

Chance Warmack is one of the safest picks to enter the NFL in a long time.

OVERALL:

The physical prototype for the position, you will be hard-pressed to find a better guard prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.  Chance Warmack’s film is an impressive display of strength, athleticism and technique.  Warmack is thick, compact and can generate leverage and momentum in the run game while also anchoring down and maintaing pocket integrity in pass protection.  His experience at the position, combined with the level of competition that he faced during his career at Alabama, has set him up to be a plug and play starter from day 1.  While Warmack has a tendency to neglect technique when welcoming a scrum, he has very few flaws needing attention.  In fact, there might not be a safer, more complete player ready to enter the NFL this year.

GRADE:  8.9

Projected Round:  Top-10 Selection