Caedan Wallace has the traits to contribute to the Commanders’ offensive line

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Caedan Wallace, OT
School: Penn State | Conference: Big 10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6’5” / 314 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 5-6

Player Comparison:

Player Overview

A New Jersey native, Caedan Wallace’s father played football for the Citadel and his brother played football for Delaware State. Wallace not only won multiple state championships in high school on the football field, but was a state champion shot putter. A four-star recruit, Wallace chose Penn State over Oklahoma, Michigan, and Clemson.

After redshirting in 2019, Wallace started seven games in 2020 at right tackle. He would continue starting at right tackle with little interruption for the rest of his career. Wallace has over 1,200 career snaps and, in 2023, he was named All-Big 10 honorable mention after giving up one sack over 359 pass blocks.

Strengths

• Good size and build for the position
• Really strong hands he uses to maintain blocks
• Plays with good base and stays on balance
• Anchor in pass protection is strong
• Generates movement in run game with good leg drive
• Can find targets in space and eliminate them

Weaknesses

• Footwork is inconsistent and feet sometimes stop moving on contact
• Struggles with speed rushers around the edge
• Can play too high and lose leverage
• Lack of lateral agility and quickness makes it hard for him to recover
• Hand usage could improve, especially timing of punch and hand swipes

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

It is hard to see any scenario where the Commanders do not draft an offensive tackle. Andrew Wylie had a rough first year in Washington and there will be a new starter on the left side of the line. Unless some younger players work out, the Commanders also need to be thinking about depth at the position.

While many people have focused on his teammate on the left side, Caedan Wallace offered steady play at right tackle for Penn State. While he won’t wow you with much of his play, he plays the position well. Wallace displays power in the run game and enough movement skills to remain at tackle in the NFL in any scheme.

Despite this, he struggles with speed off the edge and some think Wallace would be a more effective guard. He’d likely provide depth at right tackle with the hopes of developing into a starter after a year. If he doesn’t develop at right tackle, Wallace has a lot of the traits of a effective guard in the NFL.