Arizona Wildcats offensive tackle Jordan Morgan is among the most pro-ready linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. Morgan enters the draft as a three-year starter with 37 career starts. General managers searching for an instant contributor will value that experience. Morgan is a big, physically strong offensive tackle prospect with the foot quickness required to thrive on an island.
Morgan was also an elite tester at the NFL Combine. The Marana, Arizona native ran the 40 in 5.04 seconds with a 1.70 10-yard split, an outstanding result for a 311-pound lineman. Morgan also leaped a 9-foot-2 broad. Pairing athleticism with experience makes Morgan a potential top-32 selection. We've identified three ideal fits.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Packers released former All-Pro but oft-injured left tackle David Bakhtiari from his contract earlier this offseason. A succession plan is officially required. Former seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker played the position admirably last season, earning a pass pro grade of 74.1 from Pro Football Focus while totaling more than 515 snaps in protection. Will general manager Brian Gutekunst place complete faith in Walker, or will he at least add competition?
I foresee the Packers drafting an offensive tackle at No. 25. Depending on how the board shakes, Morgan could qualify as a viable candidate. If the Wildcat standout remains available in the second, and the Packers spend their first-round selection on a different position, Gutekunst could alternatively target Morgan at No. 41.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Commanders allowed 65 sacks last season, the second-most of any team. The new regime entered the offseason attempting to improve the offensive line. They've addressed the interior by adding a guard (Nick Allegritti) and a center (Tyler Biadasz) via free agency. Tackle has largely gone unattended, however.
GM Adam Peters is preparing to draft a new franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall. Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Jayden Daniels are all seemingly in play. The offensive line didn't give Sam Howell a chance last season. The protection has to be significantly better for the rookie signal caller. Turning around and drafting an offensive tackle at No. 36 or 40 is a must. Morgan would be plug-and-play at left tackle.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Patriots are in a similar position as the Commanders. The expectation is that after the Bears draft Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall, the Patriots will eventually take the best-remaining quarterback between McCarthy, Daniels, and Maye.
The veteran Trent Brown played the majority of snaps at left tackle last season but has since signed with the Bengals in free agency. Brown's departure leaves Conor McDermott and Vederian Lowe at left tackle. That's less than ideal considering neither player looked like a starting-caliber tackle throughout limited action last season.
There are such few remaining options in free agency. Jerod Mayo should pound the table for an offensive tackle at No. 34 following the Patriots' first-round selection of a quarterback. Morgan should appear on New England's shortlist.
