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2017 Combine Preview: Guard

The Detroit Lions could potentially have to replace free-agent right guard Larry Warford this offseason.

The team has a number of available candidates with Graham Glasgow, Laken Tomlinson and Joe Dahl all under contract. That's three young players to work with at the position. Veteran center Travis Swanson also has experience playing guard.

Still, Lions general manager Bob Quinn will never be shy about upgrading a position when he sees an opportunity, even one that looks to have depth.

With the NFL Scouting Combine kicking off next week, here's a look at some of the guards to keep an eye on during the week in Indianapolis:

FORREST LAMP

School: Western Kentucky

View photos of the prospects participating in the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine.

Ht/Wt: 6-4, 308

Best trait: Athleticism. Lamp scored a touchdown in his final game in college on a tackle screen. The past two years, Lamp was a first-team all-conference selection, starting every game at left tackle. He's also working at both guard and center in the pre-draft process.

Concern: A lack of height and arm length probably forces him inside.

The skinny: He was good at the Senior Bowl until an ankle injury put him out of action. He told me he was still adjusting to the pace of play inside – everything happens faster at guard than it does at tackle – but he'd be willing to play anywhere at the NFL level. He can probably play all five positions if teams would let him.

DAN FEENEY

School: Indiana

Ht/Wt: 6-4, 304

Best trait: Toughness. Feeney is just the fourth player in Indiana history to earn first-team All-America status twice. He recorded 58 pancakes in 2016, and surrendered one sack in 310 called pass attempts.

Concern: His technique needs work, and so does his pad level at times.

The skinny: Feeney is a quality zone blocker that helped lead the way for Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard while at Indiana. He's smart and experienced.

DORIAN JOHNSON

School: Pittsburgh

Ht/Wt: 6-5, 315

Best trait: Consistency. Johnson started 39 straight games at left guard, earning second-team All-ACC honors as a junior and senior. He has a huge frame and great play strength for the position.

Concern: He isn't super athletic for his size, but his strength and tenacity overcompensates for that inside.

The skinny: Johnson is a tough, durable and well-rounded guard prospect. He was the first Pitt offensive lineman to earn first-team All-America honors in 22 years. There are few holes in his game.

DION DAWKINS

School: Temple

Ht/Wt: 6-4, 317

Best trait: Versatility. Dawkins started his last two seasons at Temple at left tackle, and has also played on the right side. He has a big frame and great strength to muscle defenders.

Concern: He was involved in an assault in 2015 that teams will no-doubt inquire about. He has to get better with his hands, but that can be taught.

The skinny: He could immediately help a team inside, but is big and athletic enough to probably play tackle as well. His raw power lends itself more to playing inside in the NFL. Teams have options with Dawkins.

NICO SIRAGUSA

School: San Diego State

Ht/Wt: 6-5, 330

Best trait: Experience. Siragusa settled into left guard his final two seasons with the Aztecs, and played in 54 total games in the trenches, tied for the most games played in school history.

Concern: He needs some refinement with his technique and balance, but it's nothing good NFL coaching can't help to improve.

The skinny: His game is all about power. He's big and strong, and when he gets his hands on defenders, they typically don't get away.

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