NFL Draft Profile: Offensive Guard A.J. Cann

What kind of career did Cann have at USC?

Well, he had a pretty damn good one. Cann started all four years that he was on campus, and only missed one start (at Florida in 2012), totaling 51 starts. In 2014, Cann was named 1st team All-SEC and was also a 2nd team All-American, and was also named team captain in both his junior and senior seasons.

Cann's Measurables and Combine Numbers

Strengths:

Per NFL.com: Comes off the ball with low pad level with good knee bend. He has a thick frame and maintains a wide base...Pins defender effectively when down-blocking...Fluid mover in screen game and can make blocks on the move laterally. Disciplined leader who is rarely penalized."

As we can see, according to NFL scouts, Cann is a very good player. He plays with great pad level and just all around good fundamentals. A offensive coordinator from the SEC was quoted as saying, "I see him as a left guard who overcomes lack of height with athlelticism."

Weaknesses:

Cann has several things he could improve on. However, one thing that will be a permanent disadvantage is his height. Most offensive guards in the NFL are anywhere from 6'4 to 6'5. He comes off of the ball a bit to slow at times, and when he does, he has a bad habit of getting his weight too far out in front, which can hurt him in traditional pass protection.

Draft Prediction:

AJ Cann would be a solid draft pick for a wide number of teams who need help on the interior. Lots of different analysts have him going as either the 1st or 2nd guard off the board. However, while all offensive lineman are valued, don't expect him to go in the first round as guards are not as highly regarded as prospects relative to offensive tackles. Look for Cann to get drafted in the early to middle 2nd round.