NFL Scouting Combine: Offensive Tackles Fuaga, Suamataia Earn High Praise from Defensive Ends
INDIANAPOLIS — The Tennessee Titans are in the market for an offensive tackle entering the 2024 NFL Draft. Two names were popular Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine: Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga and BYU's Kingsley Suamataia.
During media availability on Wednesday, defensive ends Jaylen Harrell (Michigan) and Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan) were asked which offensive linemen stood out during their time at the Reese's Senior Bowl in late January and early February.
Harrell provided two answers when asked the question.
"Some of the best blockers I went against were probably Taliese Fuaga," he said. "Me and Kingsley, from BYU, we had a good matchup, too."
Kneeland was also quick to say that Suamataia was near the top of the list. He gave a brief explanation as to what set the BYU product apart from the rest of the crowd in Mobile, Ala.
"I liked his mindset," Kneeland said. "How he attacked every practice."
Fuaga is the bigger name, considered by most to be an early first-round pick in the April 25-27 NFL Draft. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked the former Oregon State star as the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2024 class. He could be a legitimate option for the Titans with the No. 7 overall pick.
Suamataia doesn't have quite the same projection as Fuaga, but is still regarded as a highly-skilled tackle. As the No. 41-ranked player on PFF's Big Board, the ex-BYU standout could be a value pick for Tennessee in the second round — especially if the Titans change course and select a receiver with that seventh pick.
Yes, Notre Dame's Joe Alt and Penn State's Olu Fashanu are discussed as the top two prospects in the draft, and rightfully so. They'd both be Day 1 starters in Nashville.
But Tennessee has more than just two options available at offensive tackle in the draft. General manager Ran Carthon and coach Brian Callahan might be wise to give both Fuaga and Saumataia long, hard looks before the draft in April.
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