The 2023 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is preparing for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here is the 2024 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Interior Offensive Linemen.
Cooper Beebe, Kansas State Wildcats
Beebe has gained plenty of experience over his four seasons at Kansas State. After playing in two games as a freshman in 2019. He started at right tackle and left guard during the 2020 season. In 2021, he moved to left tackle and earned First Team All-Big 12 Honors. For the 2022 season, Beebe moved inside to left guard and helped Kansas State reach the Sugar Bowl.
At 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, Beebe has good size for an interior offensive lineman. He shows good strength and can anchor well against pass rushers. His versatility is nice and so too is his ability to recognize where pressure is coming from to help out. He lacks flexibility and may not have the easiest time in space.
Javion Cohen, Miami Hurricanes
Cohen started his collegiate career at Alabama. He was a starter at points during all three of his seasons with the Crimson Tide. His play helped the Crimson Tide win one National Championship. Following the 2022 season, Cohen transferred to Miami.
He is undersized for the interior at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds. Cohen needs to add strength to his frame to sustain run blocks and to anchor against pass rushers. He does have good athleticism for the interior, which he uses to help him be a successful puller. Cohen also can get to the second level as a run blocker well.
Connor Colby, Iowa Hawkeyes
Colby has spent time at guard and tackle during his time at Iowa. He has played a lot over his two seasons with the team. Heading into the 2022 season, Colby is projected to play guard, but will likely spend time at tackle again.
At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Colby has a good frame for an offensive lineman. He will need to continue to add strength to his frame in order to help him anchor as a pass blocker, which has given him some trouble on the interior. He is a good run blocker who is able to get to the second level pretty well.
Bryce Foster, Texas A&M Aggies
Foster was a four-star recruit who was able to create an impact for the Aggies right away. He started 12 games as a freshman at center. After starting four games in 2022, Foster suffered a season-ending injury, but is expected back for the start of the 2023 season.
He stands at 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, which is a good size for a center. Foster has good strength and the ability to anchor. He can get to the second level as a run blocker, as he has solid movement skills. Foster needs to continue to work on his hand placement and keeping his pad level down.
Donovan Jackson, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jackson was a highly-touted recruit who saw the field as a reserve during the 2021 season. He stepped into the starting lineup at left guard in the 2022 season. His play helped the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff.
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Jackson has good size for the position. He has good strength and can anchor well in pass protection. Jackson can get to the second level decently as a run blocker, but does struggle against athletic interior pass rushers. He can also work on his awareness of where pressure is coming from.
Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia Bulldogs
Van Pran was a prized recruit who redshirted his first season on campus. He then started at center during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, helping Georgia win National Championships both seasons. While he contemplated entering the 2023 NFL Drat, Van Pran decided to return to Georgia for the 2022 season.
He has solid size at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, but can keep adding to his frame to have a better anchor against the pass rush. Van Pran is a smart player who recognizes where pressure is coming from. He is a solid athlete and can play decently well in space.
Other Draft Prospects to Watch
Matthew Jones, Ohio State Buckeyes- Jones only started five games before the 2022 season, but stepped into the starting lineup and performed well in 2022 on the Buckeyes’ run to the College Football Playoff.
Christian Mahogany, Boston College Eagles- Mahogany is entering his redshirt senior season with the Eagles. He has picked up plenty of recognition on the All-ACC teams and should be drafted at a decently high level in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Zak Zinter, Michigan Wolverines-Zinter has been starting at guard for Michigan since the 2020 season and has helped them make back-to-back College Football Playoffs behind a great rushing attack.
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