Connecticut interior offensive lineman Christian Haynes is among the most underrated prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. On tape, Haynes is an excellent technician and athlete at the guard position. He thrived in the Huskies' wide-zone blocking scheme, a system that’s being run throughout the league via Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan coaching disciples.
Haynes is dominant in pass protection with active feet and hands, and enough power to anchor. As a run blocker, the Bowie, Maryland native finishes with power and explosiveness.
Haynes tested incredibly well at the NFL Combine. He ran an elite 5.03 40 with a 1.75 10-yard split. Haynes also had a 33-inch vertical and completed 25 reps on the bench press. It served as the final piece of Haynes' exciting pre-draft evaluation.
We've identified three ideal team fits for Haynes in the 2024 NFL Draft.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks began revamping their offensive line by drafting two new starting tackles in 2022. Charles Cross and Abe Lucas have developed into quality bookends. General manager John Schneider still has some work to do across the interior to complete the transformation.
Starting guard Damien Lewis departed in free agency by signing a four-year contract worth $53 million with the Carolina Panthers. Evan Brown, who played more than 900 snaps at center, joined the Arizona Cardinals. Sophomore fifth-rounder Olu Oluwatimi is expected to replace Brown, but a like-for-like replacement is needed to absorb Lewis’ exit. The Seahawks don't have a suitable in-house option. Targeting a plug-and-play starter like Haynes at No. 81 overall would solve that problem.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Eagles are experiencing some change up front this offseason. Future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce announced his retirement. Cam Jurgens, who played 650 snaps at right guard throughout 2023, is expected to slide to center to serve as Kelce's successor. Sophomore third-rounder Tyler Steen currently projects as Jurgens' replacement at right guard.
Steen struggled mightily in pass protection through limited action as a rookie in 2023. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman can't hand Steen the starting gig without at least adding competition throughout training camp and the preseason. The offensive line has been the engine that drives Nick Sirianni’s offense forward. Roseman should draft a guard with Haynes' capabilities at No. 50 or 53 in the second round.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Buccaneers roster ascending building blocks on the offensive line such as Cody Mauch and Luke Goedeke. Left tackle Tristian Wirfs is an All-Pro talent. General manager Jason Licht should feel optimistic about the performance ceiling of this group, but an upgrade is required at left guard.
Left guard was Tampa's offensive line weakness last season. Aaron Stinnie struggled as the primary starter. Matt Feiler also earned approximately 300 snaps at the position but didn't fare significantly better than Stinnie did. Neither player will be back in 2024 with Stinnie having signed with the New York Giants and Feiler remaining available in free agency. Drafting Haynes at No. 57 would be a worthwhile investment for Licht.
