Javon Foster Could Give the Commanders Options at Offensive Tackle

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

Javon Foster, OT
School: Missouri | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: ?
Height / Weight: 6’5” / 309 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 4-5

Player Comparison: Wanya Morris

Player Overview

Missouri had one of their best seasons in recent memory, going 11-2 with a bowl game win over Ohio State. Javon Foster has been a large part of Missouri getting to this point. The Detroit native was a three-star recruit that originally committed to play at Central Michigan, but flipped to Missouri. Foster’s first season in Columbia, 2018, was also Missouri’s last winning season until 2023. He redshirted that year and wouldn’t get his first opportunity to start until 2020 where he started two games at right tackle. He took over left tackle duties in 2021, starting for an offense that averaged over 400 yards a game and helped Tyler Badie set the school record for rushing yards in a season. After the 2022 season where he started all 13 games, Foster decided to return for one last season. He should be glad he did because he finished the season First-Team All-SEC.

Strengths

• Long, 35 inch arms he uses well
• Quick off the snap to his landmarks
• Stout at the point of attack in the run game
• Strong enough to turn and torque defenders
• Rides edge rushers past the QB on outside rushes
• Easily moves to the second level
• Good awareness to find late blitzers

Weaknesses

• Needs to keep his pad level low
• Slow changing directions leaving him susceptible to counters
• Bad habit of ducking head and lunging to generate power
• Would like to see him sustain some blocks a little longer
• Upper and lower body need to be in sync more often

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

The Commanders must find offensive line help this offseason. At left tackle, they still have Charles Leno, Jr. under contract. He’s getting older and is serviceable, but if the team can improve at the position, they should. Andrew Wylie’s play at right tackle is not serviceable and team needs a replacement. Swing tackle Cornelius Lucas is a free agent and draft pick Braeden Daniels is a question mark since he missed his rookie year due to injury.

Javon Foster is not a finished product, but he could provide some help upfront for the Commanders. With experience at both tackle spots, Foster is a swing tackle candidate. That would give Foster time to cleanup some of his weaknesses and potentially start in the near future. I do worry a bit because Foster is an older prospect and its fair to question how ingrained are his weaknesses. If he can be coached up, he could be a big part of a successful offensive line for the Commanders.