Warford is a wide-bodied guy (obviously), who flew under the radar during the regular season as the only player worth anything on an abysmal U of Kentucky team that went winless in the SEC and only won two games all year.
He really emerged during the Senior Bowl and probably boosted his stock but at least a full round there.
Here's a scouting report cut and pasted from WalterFootball (who also mocks him to us in the 2nd):
Strengths
Powerful run-blocker
Strong pass-protector
Good athlete
Mirrors speed-rushers
Quick feet
Developed run-blocking technique
Excellent in short yardage
Mobility to hit blocks downfield
Pulls well
Anchors well against bull-rushers
Recoverability
Strong hands
Sustains blocks
Durable
Experienced
Scheme versatility
Weaknesses
Must maintain conditioning
Should continue to work on knee bend
Not a potential tackle
Summary
Warford is an underrated prospect who could surprise at the next level. He has been one of the most effective linemen in the SEC the past couple of seasons. Warford has gone against a ton of elite competition, yet none of those tackles have had their way with him. Warford neutralized three first-round defensive tackles in 2012: Missouri's Sheldon Richardson, Florida's Sharrif Floyd and Georgia's John Jenkins.
Kentucky was terrible in this season, but Warford was extremely good. He opened up holes in the ground game and performed well in pass protection. Warford is a better athlete and quicker than one would think.
Warford battled well against Floyd and kept him off the quarterback. Warford played even better against Richardson. He completely shut down Richardson's pass rush. The plays that the Missouri standout had success on only came when he went against other offensive linemen. Kentucky almost upset Georgia, and Warford played a big role with how he kept Jenkins from causing disruption.
Warford had an excellent week of practice at the Senior Bowl that illustrated he can handle power tackles and speedy gap-shooters. He was the only offensive linemen who could consistently handle Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins. Warford blasted open running holes in practice and the offense had a lot of success running behind him in the team scrimmage.
Warford has a complete skill set. He is too strong and powerful to be bull rushed. Warford uses that power to be a force in the ground game. He constantly pushes his blocker aside to open running lanes. What is very impressive about Warford is how quick and athletic he is for such a big blocker. He handled speed-rushers like Richardson and Floyd extremely well. Warford shielded their speed rushes and uses his hand strength to sustain blocks.
Warford looks like a plug-and-play candidate for the NFL. At the very worst, he shouldn't need long before he is ready to start. Warford would be a perfect fit in a power man-blocking scheme. Warford could be good in a zone scheme as well, but might want to get into the 320s for that style of ground game. The impressive week in Mobile should solidify Warford's second-day status, and he could easily go in the top-60 selections.
Player Comparison
Brian Waters. Waters was a six-time Pro Bowler over his excellent career with the Chiefs and Patriots. Warford's style of play with his consistent effectiveness in the ground game and pass protection remind me of Waters. Warford, in all probability, will be a top-100 pick, which contrasts with Waters, who went undrafted out of North Texas. Warford benefits from the NFL putting a great emphasis on guards.
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