NFL Free Agent Profile: Larry Warford, OG, Detroit

Throughout the offseason, we’ll be profiling players who may end up in Denver when all is said and done with NFL Free Agency. The Broncos clearly have plenty of holes to fill before they get back to Super-Bowl form and we’ll be examining a long list of players they may choose to help the franchise do just that.

As the days inch closer to the start of free agency on March 9, the belief continues to grow that the Detroit Lions will let right guard Larry Warford hit the open market. It’s not his play on the field that will keep the Lions from signing him, however, it’s his price tag.

The four-year player out of the University of Kentucky has put together a great start to his career even though he doesn’t have any Pro Bowl appearances or awards to show for it. While the country typically doesn’t pay much attention to guards through much of the year, Warford is nearly certain to receive plenty of attention from many organizations once free agency begins.

Strengths

As a physical presence on the offensive line, Warford can play both the run and pass effectively. Pro Football Focus graded Warford as the 21st-best guard last season and has graded out his first four years in the league between average (2015) and excellent (2013).

Additionally, PFF named Warford their Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 after he graded out as the fourth-best guard in the entire league and the best rookie guard they have ever graded, dating back to 2008.

After two average to above-average years following his rookie year, Warford had a bounce back year in 2016 and was the most consistent offensive lineman on the Lions. When fully healthy, the will-be 26-year old approaches Pro-Bowl caliber level of play.

Weaknesses

Since starting every game his rookie season, Warford has missed seven games the past three years. Although that averages to just over two missed games a season, he has proven that whichever team he signs with will need a backup plan in place, even if it’s just for a few games.

However, the bigger weakness for teams going after Warford will be the price tag that he will command on the open market. Based off of similar guard contracts signed in the past year, Warford could very well command $10 million per year, a hefty price tag for an interior offensive lineman.

How he fits in Denver

With new offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy in town—meaning less of a commitment to a zone blocking scheme—Warford could fit in very nicely with the Denver Broncos’ new offense. The 6-foot-3, 317-pounder would likely play his natural position of right guard but would be an upgrade on the Broncos’ offensive line at either guard position.

While general manager John Elway could certainly spend $10 million plus on a single offensive lineman this offseason, it would likely be to a tackle rather than a guard. However, with how poorly the offensive line in Denver has been the past two years, Elway could have interest in a solid young player like Warford.