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: Offensive tackles.
Joe Alt, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Alt broke into the starting lineup for eight games during his true freshman season. He was named a Freshman All-American. Alt continued at left tackle during the 2022 season where he was named to several All-American teams. He is slated to be one of the best tackles in the country again in 2023.
The Notre Dame standout has great measurables at 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds. He uses his length well and moves decently well for his size as well, which gives him the ability to keep pass rushers in front of him. His size makes it hard for him to maintain his leverage and he’ll need to continue to fill out his frame to increase his power.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State Nittany Lions
Fashanu has only been a starter for one season, but has demonstrated plenty of skill for a future left tackle in the league. He redshirted his first season on campus, then started in the bowl game of his redshirt freshman season. As a redshirt sophomore in 2022, he earned some All-American honors and helped Penn State go 11-2 and win the Rose Bowl.
At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, Fashanu will fit right into the NFL size-wise. He is a good athlete who has quick foot speed for his size. Fashanu is good in pass protection and just needs to show better leverage as a run blocker to clear bigger holes.
Zion Nelson, Miami Hurricanes
Nelson earned the starting left tackle job as a true freshman. While he was outmatched early in his career, he continued to develop over the next three seasons at the position. Although he had the opportunity to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, he decided to return to Miami for a fifth season.
During his college career, Nelson has continued to add to his frame. He currently stands at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds and will need to continue to add to his frame to hold up at the next level. Nelson can also work on his hand usage, but he is a good athlete who can play in space as a pass blocker and get to the second level as a run blocker.
Kingsley Suamataia, BYU Cougars
Suamataia started his college career at Oregon before transferring to BYU last season. He stepped into the starting lineup at right tackle for the Cougars in 2022. For the 2023 season, Suamataia is likely going to transition to the left tackle spot for BYU.
At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Suamataia has solid size for the position. He moves well and can get to the second level as a run blocker. Suamataia has a tendency to stop his feet and doesn’t have the best flexibility, so he can struggle against very athletic edge rushers.
Other Draft Prospects to Watch
Reuben Fatheree, Texas A&M Aggies- After starting nine games as a true freshman, Fatheree started at right tackle again in 2021. Fatheree has great size for the position and could move up draft boards with another year of experience.
JC Latham, Alabama Crimson Tide- Latham is making the move from right tackle to left tackle this season. He was a first-year starter at right tackle last season, showing off his good measurables.
Jordan Morgan, Arizona Wildcats- Morgan has had plenty of experience in his college career, as he joined Arizona in 2019. While he struggles with his change of direction, he has nice strength.
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