Written By Adam Aniba
The 2024 Senior Bowl is just over 7 days away and a few prospects along the offensive line have starting potential on the next level.
The Washington Commanders had one of the worst offensive lines in football this season and any of these 5 prospects could have an immediate impact for the burgundy and gold.
Sedrick Van Pran
6'4" 310 lbs | C | UGA
*2023 1st-Team All-American, 2023 1st-Team All-SEC Team and 2023 SEC Jacob Blocking Trophy Winner
In '23 the Bulldogs center started 13 games (821 total snaps). On the season he allowed no QB hits, 8 QB hurries and zero sacks allowed.
Sedrick Van Pran is extremely physical and isn't easily fooled by stunts and twists. In the run game he's a headhunter, who seeks out contact and excels in space.
The Georgia center will look to show scouts during the Senior Bowl that he can be a day 1 plug & play center. He is currently viewed as a late 2nd rounder-early 3rd and top 3 at his position. An impressive week in Mobile could lead to a significant rise.
Jordan Morgan
6'5" 325 lbs | OT | ARZ
*2023 AP 1st-Team All-Pac-12, 2023, 2nd-Team CBS Sports / 247Sports All American and 2023 All-PAC-12 1st- Team
Morgan stood out as arguably the best tackle in the PAC-12 last season. The Wildcats tackle boasts an ideal combination of length and agility for a man his size.
His change of direction ability certainly stands out, as does his hand technique. His overall football IQ is also evident, as he's rarely fooled by stunts or a delayed blitz.
Morgan's raw power is his calling card though and will get a chance in Mobile to go 1-on 1 with some of the best pass rushers in college football.
Kingsley Suamataia
6'6" 330 lbs | OT | BYU
*2023 Preseason All-Big 12 and a 5-star recruitÂ
As a freshman in 2021 Kingsley Suamataia only saw action in 1 game for the Ducks and elected to transfer from Oregon to BYU.
In 2023 as a junior Suamataia saw action in 11 games (644 snaps) and gave up 9 QB hurries, 6 QB hits, and 2 sacks while lining up at left tackle.
The BYU left tackle displays Impressive technique and footwork, but what jumps out is his overall quickness. In fact Suamataia was recorded hit speeds of up to 21.5 MPH, which landed him on Bruce Feldman's Freak List
Suamataia is projected to go somewhere between round 2-3, but is another athletic tackle prospect that should see his stock rise after the Senior Bowl.
Patrick Paul
6'7" 315 lbs | OT | HOU
*2021 & 2021 All-AAC, 2022 & 2023 Team captain, 2023 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, 1st-Team All-Big 12 and 2023 2nd-Team All-America (ESPN)
AS a 5th year senior Paul started 12 games (777 snaps) at left tackle. On the season the Cougars tackle only surrendered 6 QB hurries, 1 QB hit and gave up zero sacks while on the blindside.
Paul is a cerebral left tackle prospect with an in-depth understanding of blocking angles. His length and technique allow him to redirect smaller/quicker pass rushers.
The Houston tackle prospect who had a lot of success facing stunts/blitzes, but also displayed the flexibility when out in space.
Paul understands the importance in technique with teammates raving about his dedication to his craft and improvement from year to year. Opinions are mixed on where Paul will be drafted between the late 1st round all the way down to the third round.
Evaluators still want to see improvement from Paul in a professionally run setting like the Senior Bowl and subsequently the NFL Combine. Those two opportunities will determine if the Houston LT goes on day 1 or day 2 of the draft.
Christian Jones
6'6" 325 lbs | OT | TEX
*2022 Honorable Mention All-Big 12
As a 5th year senior Jones started 12 games (834 snaps) seeing time at left tackle and right tackle during his career, but was primarily on the right side. On the season he surrendered 8 QB hurries, 2 QB hits and allowed zero sacks while playing at right tackle.
He finished his career with 40 career starts and offers prototypical size for an NFL tackle. Although Jones did see time at LT during his career at Texas, right tackle and possibly guard is where he's projected to be on the next level.
Although a mammoth of a man, Jones displays flexibility and quickness in pass pro and in the run game. He looked particularly good as a puller and handles bull rushes/stunts like a pro.
Jones is currently projected to go anywhere from round 4-5 and will require development and patience. If he puts it altogether, the Longhorns tackle will play in the NFL for the next decade plus.
Regardless of what Washington does with their 2nd overall pick, trading back into the 1st round for one of these tackle prospects should be in play. They'll also have options as mentioned on day 2-3 to upgrade their offensive line unit.