December 11, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle
Terrance Knighton(96) rushes as Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard
Davin Joseph(75) blocks during the second half at Jacksonville EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In an effort to decide which team will win the NFC South in 2013, I’ve decided to rank the four players in the division at each of the 11 positions on offense, 11 on defense, punter, place kicker, and one specialist. Each team will have one representative at each position and will be given points based on where their player lands in relation to the others who play the same position in the division. The best player in the division will receive four points while the worst will receive just one. We will then tally the points up, and come up with the a ranking of the four teams in the NFC South.
Now it’s time for the right guards. (Pardon me for not being able to come up with something creative about right guards.)
#1 – Jahri Evans – New Orleans Saints – 4 points
For those of you who think the Buccaneers have the best guard combo in the NFL, you have no further to look that right up the road in New Orleans. Jahri Evans and Ben Grubbs are both top-notch. Drew Brees basically gets to sit there right in the center of the pocket and feel as comfortable as possible almost every down. The may have some issues on the outsides this year, but the interior guys are rock solid.
#2 – Davin Joseph – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 3 points
It’s exciting to know that Joseph will be back and healthy this year. When Carl Nicks was signed Bucs fans all imagined he and Joseph dominating the center of the line. We should get to see it this year. And judging off the success the Saints have had with two great guards, there’s no reason to think the Buccaneers wont follow suit.
#3 – Garrett Reynolds – Atlanta Falcons – 2 points
Reynolds only got into six games a year ago, but he’s expected to be the full-time right guard this year. He needs to improve a little, because at the moment he’s the epitome of average. He’s nowhere near Joseph and Evans, but he’s miles ahead of this clown below him.
#4 – Geoff Hangartner – Carolina Panthers – 1 point
Bad. That’s the best word to describe Hangartner. He was not good at center, and when he moved to guard, he got worse. With he and Amini Silatolu as permanent residents along the Panthers line, they sure are lucky they have a quarterback who knows how to get out of the way.
Update: Geoff Hangartner has been let go by the Panthers. The job is now up for grabs, but I can guarantee you, whoever wins it, will still be a solid 4th on the list.
The rankings are now complete. Be sure to check out the NFC South Position Rankings roundup to see point totals and observations based on the rankings.
Offense – QB | RB | WR1 | WR2 | TE | LT | LG | C | RG | RT | X
Defense – LDE | LDT | RDT | RDE | SLB | MLB | WLB | CB1 | CB2 | SS | FS