NC State interior offensive lineman Dylan McMahon is among the most athletic offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. McMahon impressed at the NFL Combine with a 33-inch vertical and a 9-foot-7 broad jump. McMahon also ran a 4.45 short shuttle and 7.26 three cone. All results qualify as elite.
McMahon recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his performance at the NFL Combine, playing in pass protection and as a run blocker, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You absolutely crushed the NFL Combine. You ran a 5.1 40 and had an outstanding 9-foot-7 broad. You were by far one of the most athletic offensive linemen in attendance. How would you grade your overall performance?
Dylan McMahon: I thought I did pretty well. I hit all of the numbers I wanted to hit. I was very happy with my broad jump and agility drills. The cone-drill, the L-drill, I put up some great numbers.
I wish I ran a faster 40. I wish I could get it down to 5.00 flat. I’ll take a 5.10 I guess (laughs).
JM: Have you noticed an uptick in attention you’re receiving since the NFL Combine?
Dylan McMahon: I don’t know if it’s because of my performance at the NFL Combine, or just because it’s that time of year (laughs). I do have a few Zoom calls set up. I’ve been busy since the combine. Teams are starting to reach out to me that weren’t reaching out before.
JM: You've played a lot of guard and center throughout your career at NC State. You're versatile that way. Which position do you see yourself playing at the next level?
Dylan McMahon: I think I’m probably best suited to play center. I just feel like that’s where I fit best in an NFL scheme. I just love playing that center position. Simply put, it’s a lot more fun to me.
JM: What's the biggest difference between the two, besides snapping the ball? What are some challenges and differences?
Dylan McMahon: I feel like things just happen a lot faster at center, especially if you’re running against an odd front. The defender is right in your face in that scenario. Number two, you have to read the defense and command the offensive line at center.
You need to have more of a leadership presence at center. You need to identify fronts and blitzes. You need to point out what’s going on and make sure everybody is on the same page. You’re just more aware of the game at center than any other position.
JM: That’s a fair point. Do you see yourself playing in a gap/power scheme or in more of a zone-based offense? Your athleticism fits nicely into a zone scheme.
Dylan McMahon: I don’t like putting myself in a box. I feel like I can play in any type of scheme. I’ll say this. My personal preference, I love playing in a zone scheme. I can show off my athleticism. It’s more fun for me to get out in space and run around, go from block to block at the first and second levels.
JM: Your athleticism is such a great fit for zone. What is your favorite play to run in the playbook?
Dylan McMahon: My favorite play would be a wide-zone run. At center, it’s very crowded for somebody to beat us on a wide-zone block. The 2i coming against me at center, he’s not going to win that block. I can get out in space and have a lot of fun on that play. It’s a play that allows me to showcase my athleticism on that wide zone play.
JM: So would you say athleticism is at the forefront of your skill-set? The NFL Combine, playing in a zone system, would indicate that. What about physicality?
Dylan McMahon: I’m a very physical player. If you look at my size, obviously I know I’m not the biggest guy. I have a lot of power behind my punch, though—a lot of power when I roll into my hips.
I can finish defenders just as good as the next offensive linemen. I also have a very high football IQ. I love learning about football and getting better in the playbook. I want to learn the ins and outs of our scheme. We need to know what’s coming before it’s going to happen. That helps you play a lot faster.
JM: I love that. With the NFL Combine now in our rearview mirror, when is Pro Day? Have you met with any teams virtually?
Dylan McMahon: Pro Day is on March 26. I recently met with the Cardinals virtually. I have one coming up with the Bills. The Broncos are on the schedule soon as well. That’s this week alone.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We’ve appreciated your time. What kind of impact is Dylan McMahon going to make at the next level?
Dylan McMahon: I’m going to bring a ton of athleticism to the table. Some people say the game is getting away from that, but you still see plenty of athletic offensive linemen around the league. I’m going to continue being cut from that cloth.
I’m going to be the most athletic offensive lineman on the field.
