Breaking the Mold: The 7 Shortest NFL Guards in 2024
In the NFL, where the spotlight often shines on towering linemen, a group of players are defying the norms with their remarkable skill and determination. This article turns the focus to a unique and often underappreciated segment of the league: the shortest guards in the NFL.
Unlike their taller counterparts, these players typically stand several inches below the average height for their position, which is around 6’4″.
As we meticulously scanned over 100 guards from every NFL Week 1 roster, we identified those who, despite their shorter stature, have made a significant impact on the field. These athletes, often overlooked due to their height, bring exceptional talent, agility, and technical prowess to the game.
Shortest G in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Shaq Mason | 6’1″ | Houston Texans |
| Xavier Newman-Johnson | 6’2″ | Tennessee Titans |
| Jordan Meredith | 6’2″ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Jordan McFadden | 6’2″ | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Tremayne Anchrum | 6’2″ | Los Angeles Rams |
| Kyle Hinton | 6’2″ | Atlanta Falcons |
| Damien Lewis | 6’2″ | Seattle Seahawks |
This group of seven guards, each standing at 6’2″ or shorter, distinctly contrasts with the average NFL guard who typically stands around 6’4″. This difference in height brings a unique dynamic to their roles on the offensive line.
While they may lack the towering presence of their taller peers, these shorter guards often leverage their lower center of gravity for enhanced balance and leverage, allowing for quicker lateral movements and a more stable base in both pass protection and run blocking.
Shaq Mason
Height: 6’1″
Team: Houston Texans
Draft Status: 4th Round, 2015 NFL Draft (New England Patriots)
Shaq Mason, standing at 6’1″, is notably shorter than the average NFL guard but compensates with exceptional strength and agility. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Mason quickly established himself as a reliable force on the offensive line.
His time with the Patriots was marked by outstanding performances, contributing to their formidable running game and pass protection. Mason’s accolades include being a part of two Super Bowl-winning teams (LI and LIII) and earning recognition for his consistent high-level play.
His trade to the Houston Texans ahead of the 2022 season was seen as a significant acquisition, bringing experience and proven skill to their offensive line.
Xavier Newman-Johnson
Height: 6’2″
Team: Tennessee Titans
Draft Status: Undrafted in 2021
Xavier Newman-Johnson, at 6’2″, may not have the typical height of an NFL guard but makes up for it with versatility and technical proficiency.
After going undrafted in 2021, Newman-Johnson signed with the Tennessee Titans, showcasing his resilience and determination to succeed at the professional level. In college at Baylor University, he was known for his adaptability, playing multiple positions along the offensive line, a trait that adds value to his role with the Titans.
His ability to engage defenders effectively, combined with quick footwork, allows him to excel in both run blocking and pass protection despite his shorter stature.
Jordan Meredith
Height: 6’2″
Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Draft Status: Undrafted in 2021
Jordan Meredith, another guard standing at 6’2″, currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. Like Newman-Johnson, Meredith entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021, signaling his drive to overcome the odds stacked against him.
His college career at Western Kentucky University was distinguished by strong performances, particularly in pass protection, where his leverage and technique stood out. Meredith’s ability to anchor the offensive line and his quickness in adjusting to defensive schemes have been key assets.
With the Raiders, he continues to develop his skills, aiming to solidify his place in the league and prove that height is just one aspect of a successful NFL lineman.
Jordan McFadden
Height: 6’2″
Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Draft Status: Undrafted in 2023
Jordan McFadden is a guard for the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite not being drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, McFadden’s collegiate career at Clemson University showcased his potential and skill.
Known for his quickness off the snap and solid blocking abilities, he played a crucial role in Clemson’s offensive success, particularly in the run game. His ability to maneuver effectively in tight spaces and maintain strong leverage against taller defenders has made him a valuable addition to the Chargers’ offensive line.
McFadden’s journey in the NFL is one to watch, as he continues to prove that skill and technique can triumph over traditional size advantages in the league.
Tremayne Anchrum
Height: 6’2″
Team: Los Angeles Rams
Draft Status: 7th Round, 2020 NFL Draft
Tremayne Anchrum, a 6’2″ guard for the Los Angeles Rams, was selected in the 7th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His time at Clemson University was marked by impressive performances, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive prowess.
In the NFL, Anchrum has demonstrated his ability to use his compact frame to his advantage, particularly in leverage and mobility. His agility and strength allow him to be effective in both pass protection and run blocking.
Anchrum’s development since being drafted shows his capacity to adapt and excel at the professional level, underscoring the importance of skill and determination over mere physical attributes.
Kyle Hinton
Height: 6’2″
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Draft Status: 7th Round, 2020 NFL Draft (Minnesota Vikings)
Kyle Hinton currently plays as a guard for the Atlanta Falcons. Drafted in the 7th round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Hinton’s journey to the NFL is notable.
He played college football at Washburn University, where he stood out for his athleticism and versatility on the offensive line. Hinton’s strength and quickness are key components of his playstyle, allowing him to effectively engage and neutralize larger defenders.
His transition to the Falcons presents an opportunity for him to further showcase his abilities and establish himself as a reliable contributor to their offensive line.
Damien Lewis
Height: 6’2″
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Draft Status: 3rd Round, 2020 NFL Draft
Damien Lewis, a 6’2″ guard for the Seattle Seahawks, was selected in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His collegiate career at LSU was marked by dominant performances, contributing to the team’s national championship victory in 2019.
Lewis is known for his powerful run blocking and solid pass protection skills, utilizing his lower center of gravity to gain leverage against taller opponents. His ability to move quickly and efficiently on the line, combined with his physical playing style, makes him a key asset to the Seahawks’ offensive front.
Lewis’ success in the NFL further exemplifies how players with atypical physical traits for their position can still achieve high levels of performance.
Final Thoughts
These seven guards, Shaq Mason, Xavier Newman-Johnson, Jordan Meredith, Jordan McFadden, Tremayne Anchrum, Kyle Hinton, and Damien Lewis, exemplify that excellence on the offensive line is not solely defined by height.
Each of these players, standing at 6’2″ or shorter, brings unique strengths to their respective teams, leveraging their agility, technique, and lower center of gravity to excel in a position traditionally dominated by taller athletes.
As they continue to perform and evolve within the league, these players not only challenge conventional norms but also serve as inspiring examples of how varied attributes can contribute to a player’s effectiveness and impact on the field.
