Who Are the Shortest Guards in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for twenty years and I’ve always found it impactful to show the Guards I coached the sizes of NFL players at their position. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes served as a harsh reality check.
I did the same research this season that I do every year. I poured through the 53-man active rosters for the 2023 NFL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 1700 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together this guide focusing on the NFL’s shortest Guards. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Shortest NFL Guards
For NFL Guards, a position typically featuring players just under 6’4½”, a distinct group of athletes stands out due to their somewhat more modest height. These guards, all measuring 6’2″ or shorter, exemplify that height does not solely dictate success in this demanding role.
Despite being relatively shorter compared to the average guard, these players demonstrate remarkable agility, quick footwork, and a lower center of gravity. These qualities are invaluable in their position, allowing them to execute swift lateral movements and maintain stability against robust defensive lines.
Following closely are about 15 guards who stand at 6’3″. While they are marginally taller than the shortest in their group, they still stand below the conventional height for guards.
Both of these groups will be highlighted in the two lists below. First, let’s take a close look at the 7 shortest Guards.
Shaq Mason
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 310 lbs
- Team: Houston Texans
- College: Georgia Tech
- Draft: 4th round, 2015 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 9 years
Xavier Newman-Johnson
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 297 lbs
- Team: Tennessee Titans
- College: Baylor
- Draft: Undrafted in 2022
- Years in NFL: 2 years
Jordan Meredith
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 300 lbs
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
- College: Western Kentucky
- Draft: Undrafted in 2022
- Years in NFL: 2 years
Jordan McFadden
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 303 lbs
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
- College: Clemson
- Draft: Undrafted in 2023
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Tremayne Anchrum
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 314 lbs
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
- College: Clemson
- Draft: 7th round, 2020 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 4 years
Kyle Hinton
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 310 lbs
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- College: Washburn
- Draft: 7th round, 2020 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 4 years
Damien Lewis
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 327 lbs
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- College: LSU
- Draft: 3rd round, 2020 NFL Draft
- Years in NFL: 4 years
6’3″ Guards
Here is the next tier of Guards who are one inch taller at 6’3″.
| Name | Team |
|---|---|
| Dylan Parham | Raiders |
| Ryan Neuzil | Falcons |
| Greg Van Roten | Raiders |
| Ed Ingram | Vikings |
| Ja’Tyre Carter | Bears |
| Aaron Stinnie | Buccaneers |
| Lucas Patrick | Bears |
| Nate Davis | Bears |
| Zion Johnson | Chargers |
| Laken Tomlinson | Jets |
| Atonio Mafi | Patriots |
| Will Hernandez | Cardinals |
| Steve Avila | Raiders |
| Mike Onwenu | Patriots |
Final Thoughts
This article has highlighted the shortest guards in the NFL, a group of players who stand out in a position typically dominated by taller athletes. These guards, many standing 6’2″ or shorter, demonstrate that success in the NFL is not solely dependent on height.
Their ability to excel in one of football’s most physically demanding positions underscores the importance of skill, technique, and agility over mere physical stature.
This group of athletes not only contributes significantly to their respective teams but also inspires upcoming players who might not fit the conventional physical mold for their position. They prove that with determination, skill, and adaptability, players of various builds can make a significant impact in the NFL.
