For those that complain about PFF having a secret grading system, here is an article where they explain how they grade offensive and defensive linemen (located
here).
As for our two rookie OGs starting at the beginning of the season, here are 2017 PFF grades for NFL guards plus top rookies:
95.1 = Quinton Nelson, Notre Dame (1st round pick of IND)
92.2 = Zach Martin, Dallas Cowboys
91.7 = David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Steelers
91.4 = Will Hernandez, UTEP (2nd round pick of NYG)
88.8 = Andrew Norwell, Carolina Panthers
88.3 = Brandon Brooks, Philadelphia Eagles
88.1 = Isaiah Wynn, Georgia (1st round pick of NE)
88.1 = Braden Smith, Auburn (2nd round pick of IND)
86.0 = Josh Sitton, Miami Dolphins
85.2 = Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns
84.6 = Rodger Saffold, Los Angles Rams
84.4 = Marshall Yanda, Baltimore Ravens
83.8 = Billy Price, Ohio State (1st round pick of CIN)
83.2 = Brandon Scherff, Washington Redskins
81.2 = Ron Leary, Denver Broncos
81.1 = Shaq Mason, New England Patriots
81.1 = Kevin Zeitler, Cleveland Browns
80.5 = Richie Incognito, Buffalo Bills
I COMPLETELY understand that the level of competition from college to pros is different and I don't exepct both of our rookie guards to be top ten NFL OGs in their rookie year.
Also, my guess is that if NYG hand not picked Hernandez 2 spots before our #36 and #37 selections, that we would have picked Hernandez over Smith.
All said and done, Nelson's and Smith's level of talent is far and away better than Mewhort or Slauson (at this stage of his career). They both should win the starting spots during Training Camp.
Walk Worthy,