As the USFL Draft looms, Tuesday, February 22, American Football International’s review of the top prospects at each position winds up with the big guys on the offensive line.
Leading off the list is Michael Rodriguez. At 6’6”, 300 pounds, the 25-year-old tackle is a physical presence who also possesses the quick feet to fend off opposing pass rushers. The former Louisiana Tech Bulldog was named an All-Conference USA Honorable Mention his senior season in 2018, and last played with the Linemen of The Spring League, where his team won the league championship this past season.
Another top offensive tackle prospect is Tyler Catalina. Catalina is a grizzled veteran, as the 29-year-old has spent the past five years bouncing around teams in the NFL and CFL. The former Georgia Bulldog is another towering tackle, listed at 6’6’, 315 pounds. Perhaps his time spent with the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Ottawa Redblacks has given him the experience needed to be a sturdy veteran presence on an offensive line that will be filled with players who have never played together.
Shifting over to guard, Abdul Beecham is another player who has plenty of experience playing at a high level. He played at Kansas State in the Big 12, starting 29 games for the Wildcats. He then moved on to the NFL, spending some time with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old is a mauler on the inside, at 6’3” and 322 pounds, and would be a nice pickup for any USFL team.
Dwayne Wallace is another guard prospect who has played extensively at a high level. As someone who played in the Pac 12 and the Big 12 (for Cal and Kansas, respectively), he has matched up with a lot of elite talent over the years. He participated in minicamps with the Chiefs and Steelers as well, before moving onto the XFL and later The Spring League. At 6’5”, 335 pounds, the 27-year-old is a player who is not easy for defensive linemen to drive back.
A three-year starter for Washington State in the Pac 12, center Frederick Mauigoa was asked to do a lot of pass blocking in the Cougars’ air raid offense. Therefore, he has plenty of experience protecting his quarterback, something that will be essential in the USFL. Originally from American Samoa, the 6’3”, 312-pound Mauigoa went on to spend some time with the Carolina Panthers and the Cincinnati Bengals after college.
Finally, the Ohio State product Demetrius Knox is another guy who is experienced at playing against high-caliber athletes at the center position. The 26-year-old, who stands at 6’4”, 314 pounds, moved onto the Seattle Seahawks after starting his final 20 games for the Buckeyes. Knox is expected to be one of the first centers to come off the board in the USFL Draft, and his team will be hoping he can be a solid presence in the pass game and the run game.
