Whether they suited up for Group of Five or FCS programs, there are plenty of promising prospects in this year’s NFL Draft who didn’t play in the Power Five conferences.
Here’s a look at some of the best offensive linemen from FCS and Group of Five schools who could end up providing key contributions for a pro team sometime in the near future.
1. Cody Mauch of North Dakota State
Mauch is becoming more of a popular name in NFL Draft circles. And yet some are still projecting him to go after the first round.
Mauch didn’t just excel at the FCS level. He also shined at the Senior Bowl, playing all five positions on the offensive line.
Despite playing at left tackle at NDSU, some believe Mauch will be an interior offensive lineman. Either way, he could be an immediate starter for an NFL team.
Read more: Cody Mauch Is Another Underrecruited NDSU OL Success Story
2. Nick Saldiveri of Old Dominion
Saldiveri is another offensive lineman who successfully showed some of his potential at the Senior Bowl.
Saldiveri didn’t allow a single sack in 2022 after starting 10 games at right tackle and one at right guard for ODU. That helped him earn All-Sun Belt second-team honors.
Saldiveri may not end up being selected on Day 1 of the NFL Draft, but he’s been recognized by some draft experts as their favorite offensive line prospect in the middle rounds. He could end up seeing plenty of playing time early once he’s drafted.
Read more: Nick Saldiveri A Top G5 Lineman Prospect
3. Jake Andrews of Troy
Andrews played all along the interior offensive line at Troy. He may end up being one of the top centers in this draft.
Andrews allowed just six sacks and 42 quarterback pressures after nearly 2,800 snaps in college. He eventually earned an All-Sun Belt first-team nod.
Andrews proved he was one of the most athletic centers at the NFL Combine. He should have no issue adjusting to the NFL.
Read more: Jake Andrews of Troy Will Make Smooth Transition To Pro Level
4. McClendon Curtis of Chattanooga
Curtis went from a three-star recruit out of high school to redshirting to becoming a HERO Sports FCS All-American by the time his career was over.
Curtis tested well at the NFL Combine and is also versatile. He started 30 games at right guard, one at left guard, and seven at left tackle during his collegiate career.
If Curtis can rise up depth charts in college, maybe he could secure a roster spot as a rookie and eventually develop into a starter one day.
Read more: ‘Best Football Is In Front Of’ Chattanooga OG McClendon Curtis
5. John Ojukwu of Boise State
Ojukwu was incredibly consistent the past few seasons at the FBS level.
Ojukwu was on the All-Mountain West first team the past two seasons and made the second team in 2020. He gave up 14 quarterback pressures with no sacks last season.
Ojukwu was Boise State’s left tackle the past three years, but he did play some right tackle in college. No matter where he ends up, an NFL team would be getting a proven player by drafting Ojukwu.
Read more: John Ojukwu of Boise State Ready To Compete At NFL Level
