Competition in the Trenches: Right Guard

October 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Atlanta Falcons guard Garrett Reynolds (75) lines up against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday I talked about the competition at right tackle.  Today I want to look at the second uncertainty on the line.  That’s right guard.  Two years ago Garret Reynolds lost his job because of a horrible blocking ability, specifically against the Detroit lions.  When Peter Konz came in as a center, he was expected to play guard his first year and probably start.  However, Reynolds gave him a run for his money in the offseason and won the starting job back.  Not only that, but he also was ranked among some of the best guards in the league. 

Garret Reynolds boomed in improvement, but went down with a back injury half way through the season.  That brings up concerns if a player can play awfully one year and injured the next.  He did, however, play well enough while he was starting to land a “prove it” deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

On the Other hand, there is a lot of competition at Right Guard.  If Mike Johnson doesn’t win the right tackle position, He’ll be a strong contender.  If either Joe Howley or Peter Konz does not win the center position, they’ll be pushing for the guard spot as well.  Not to mention Philipkeith Manley who is th guard’s backup who is a flat out monster.

Garret Reynolds is looking great in OTAs and looked great for the first half of the season.  The position is his for the taking as long as he doesn’t blow it.  I believe Big Country will take the right guard role and prove to be a top lineman in that position.

But who do you think wins the spot?  Will it be Garret Reynolds, or one of the other guys?