examining in more detail the interior offensive linemen from the 2024 NFL Combine who showed promise.
With the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Combine, we are also addressing one of the Detroit Lions’ most pressing offseason requirements as we close up our prospect review series. You may catch up on any of our earlier pieces in the Combine review series if you missed them here:
- Interior defensive linemen
- Edge rushers
- Off-the-ball linebackers
- Cornerback
- Safeties
- Tight ends
- Running backs
- Wide receivers
- Offensive tackles
Given that the Lions may have a significant need for improvement in the interior offensive line, I dedicated extra effort to gather pertinent data for this piece. Among the various metrics used for predicting success in the NFL for offensive linemen, one stands out prominently: the short shuttle.
This particular drill assesses a player’s agility in lateral movements, and those who complete it in 4.47 seconds or less have shown a notably high success rate. Over the past 14 years, 28 prospects achieved this benchmark, and impressively, 24 of them were drafted, 25 started in the NFL, 16 started at least 40 games, and nine surpassed 100 starts. Additional insights into this metric can be found in a video breakdown by Josh Norris of Underdog Fantasy.
This information becomes particularly pertinent to this year’s interior offensive linemen group, as an impressive six players achieved this benchmark. Notably, four of these prospects caught my attention during on-field drills and are included in the following review list.
Without further delay, let’s delve into the standout interior offensive linemen from this year.
Troy Fautanu, Washington (6-foot-4, 317 pounds)
Projected to take on a starting role as a guard or tackle in the NFL, Fautanu possesses notable physical attributes, including a 34.5-inch arm length and an impressive 9.45 unofficial Relative Athletic Score (RAS).
Having arms measuring 34.5 inches, Fautanu has confirmed his suitability to remain at tackle in the professional realm, marking him as a rare player capable of playing any of the five positions along the offensive line. His extensive range, coupled with an outstanding performance at the Combine, positions him as someone who may have significantly elevated his draft stock, possibly leading to a top-20 selection.
During on-field drills, Fautanu showcased exceptional speed, quickness, and explosive power. His lateral movement reached an elite level, demonstrated by a nearly flawless mirror drill where he covered substantial ground swiftly. In pass coverage, his drops were seamless on both sides, maintaining a strong and well-balanced base. Additionally, his change-of-direction drills displayed fluid and controlled movements, with no hesitations during directional changes, highlighting his quick and precise agility throughout the session.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon (6-foot-3 1⁄2, 328 pounds)
NFL projection: starting guard or center
Prominent quantifiable: 328 pounds
Powers-Johnson chose not to compete in the running events at the Senior Bowl due to a hamstring injury, although he did take part in on-field drills. He had a strong appearance, moved with a broad foundation, and had smooth feet during those workouts. Amidst the taller and lighter offensive lineman at the Combine, his barrel chest made a striking impression with his impeccable balance. I still believe he is a late first-round pick, so the Lions should be paying close attention to him.
Zach Frazier, West Virginia (6-foot-2 1⁄2, 313 pounds)
NFL’s anticipated position: beginning guard or center
Notable measurable: Despite still healing from a fractured leg, took part in on-field workouts.
Fraizer, who injured his leg in the final game of the Mountaineers season, is a bit smaller than Powers-Johnson but just as tough and explosive. He is currently healing from the injury, though, and he took part in on-field exercises. Impressive technique aside, Frazier appeared strong during pass blocking drills. During change-of-direction drills, Frazier moved fluidly, quickly covering ground and setting and pulling with ease.
Cooper Beebe, Kansas State (6-foot-3, 322 pounds)
NFL projected position: starting guard
Notable measurements: 9.7 unofficial RAS, 1.75-second 10-yard split
Over the past two years, if you watched Beebe at Kansas State, you witnessed a run game bulldozer who overwhelmed his opponents, but some doubted his athleticism coming into the Combine. Beebe responded to those queries on Sunday by putting on a strong on-field display that culminated in an outstanding RAS. Considering his weight of 322, Beebe demonstrated his ease of movement, pulling, sliding, and direction changes with the best in the class. Regardless of the direction he was going in, he covered a lot of territory and shown pop in his punch when interacting with the bags.
Christian Haynes, Connecticut (6-foot-3, 317 pounds)
NFL projected position: starting guard
Notable measurements: 9.31 unofficial RAS, 33-inch vertical jump
Haynes is a large, powerful, and explosive athlete, and his on-field drills and measurables, particularly the vertical leap, reflected these qualities. His feet never stop pushing forward, which gives him a great initial step and great mobility. His jitteriness showed up in drills involving lateral movement and direction changes. The kick-punch practice demonstrated his lower body power and balance flawlessly.
Dominick Puni, Kansas (6-foot-5, 313 pounds)
Projected position in the NFL: Will vie for a starting guard or tackle position
Notable quantifiable: Short shuttle: 4.4 seconds; unofficial RAS: 8.27
Puni, who cleared the elusive short shuttle time stated at the top of the piece, is the highest-ranked player on my draft board based on the Lions. During on-field drills, his quick feet were evident as he maintained a low profile and good balance while moving. He was a left guard for the Jayhawks the previous season and a left tackle this past season. At the Combine, he demonstrated his positional range by snapping the ball from center.
Christian Mahogany, Boston College (6-foot-3 1⁄2, 314 pounds)
NFL’s anticipated position: will fight for the position of starting guard.
Notable measurements: 9.58 unofficial RAS, 1.74-second 10-yard split
Mahogany demonstrated a well-rounded athletic skill set by measuring well and performing above average in all testing metrics with the exception of the three-cone drill. He maintained control and balance while making very good lateral movements with a powerful kick slide. In most drills, Mahogany moved quickly and displayed a strong first burst out of his stance.
Mason McCormick, South Dakota State (6-foot-4, 309 pounds)
NFL’s anticipated position: Most likely a rookie reserve guard
Notable measurements: 9.96 unofficial RAS, 4.45-second short shuttle
At the Combine, McCormick dominated the metrics, breaking the illusive short shuttle time. He finished second in the three-cone drill, sixth in the 10-yard split, fourth in the vertical jump, and first in the broad jump among offensive linemen overall. He also had a remarkable 9-foot-9 leap in the broad jump. During on-field drills, he demonstrated good balance with a broad base and strong footwork, making him an easy mover who quickly covered ground.
Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin (6-foot-4 1⁄2, 303 pounds)
NFL predicted position: As a rookie, probably a reserve center and guard
Notable measurements: 9.97 unofficial RAS, 4.28-second short shuttle
Bortolini was formerly thought to be an early Day 3 possibility, but his overall athleticism—more especially, his agility scores—could move him up to Day 2. With his 4.28-second short shuttle and 7.16-second three-cone drill, Bortolini became one of the all-time top five offensive lineman. His three-cone time, which gauges a player’s ability to move and turn quickly, was quicker than that of Jason Kelce, who set the record for centers back in 2011 and is since retired.
His athleticism was on display during on-field drills, as he demonstrated quick feet, smooth pulls, and quick change of direction. From snap to pull, he moved with incredible speed and demonstrated excellent balance and body control.
The only thing that worries me about Bortolini is that his 31.5-inch arm length might make him a center-only candidate on some selection boards.
Drake Nugent, Michigan (6-foot-1 1⁄2, 298 pounds)
NFL predicted position: As a rookie, probably a reserve center and guard
Notable measurables: 6.95 unofficial RAS, 4.5-second short shuttle
Nugent almost missed the criterion for the short shuttle (by 0.03 seconds), but he demonstrated his agility in on-field drills. He demonstrated flawless technique, deft footwork, fluid kickouts, and a strong punch throughout pass sets. Even though he is the shortest offensive lineman invited to the Combine this year, his 33-inch arms might keep him in the running to play guard and center.
Dylan McMahon, NC State (6-foot-3 1⁄2, 299 pounds)
NFL predicted position: As a rookie, probably a reserve center and guard
Notable measurements: 9.83 unofficial RAS, 4.33 second short shuttle
Another interior prospect, McMahon dominated the jumping events and the three-cone and short shuttle exercises. During on-field exercises, his agility was evident as he moved quickly and well between different spots. He is lightning fast in every way, from his burst off the snap to his pull movements. Similar to Bortolini, the main concern around McMahon is whether teams will use his 31.75-inch arm length to keep him a center-only player or if they will try to use him as a guard.
CJ Hanson, Holy Cross (6-foot-5, 300 pounds)
NFL predicted position: As a rookie, probably a reserve guard
Notable measurements: 9.86 unofficial RAS, 1.76-second 10-yard split
I didn’t scout Hanson before the Combine since it’s difficult to locate Holy Cross footage, but I was intrigued by his on-field performance there. My attention was initially drawn to his swift movements between locations, as he maintained a low profile and maintained control. Hanson moved fluidly and responded well to the stimulus in front of him, displaying balance and agility that piqued my interest in watching more of his collegiate performances.