Five Red Raiders That Could Be Drafted In 2019

Offensive Lineman Paul Stawarz

Over the years, Texas Tech has been able to produce a number of quality NFL offensive linemen.  Players like Le’Raven Clark, Manny Ramirez, Louis Vasquez and Daniel Loper have been “Air Raid” offensive linemen to hear their names called in the draft.   The next could be Paul Stawarz, a versatile player who is likely to be a multi-year starter by the time the 2019 draft arrives.

After spending his freshman season in the JUCO ranks, Stawarz appeared in eight games in his first year at Texas Tech.  Last year, he started every game and was a leader on an offensive line that had no seniors in the starting five.

At 6-foot-5, 295-pounds, Stawarz has started at both center or guard, a trait that could make him attractive to NFL teams.  With strict roster limits, NFL teams have to make tough choices on how many lineman to keep on the team and players like Stawarz that can play multiple positions are coveted insurance policies in case of injury.

Texas Tech offensive linemen have become popular in the NFL because they are adept at pass blocking, which is more important than ever in today’s professional game.  But this year, Stawarz will likely have plenty of chances to show off his run-blocking abilities.

With a new QB and three new receivers this year, Texas Tech could feature the ground game more than ever in the Kingsbury era.  That would likely suit Stawarz and his fellow offensive linemen just fine.

Next: Looking Back At Texas Tech 1st Round Draft Picks

The contributions of offensive linemen often goes unnoticed by fans because it isn’t sexy and it is hard to distinguish them while they are engaged in hand-to-hand battles on the line of scrimmage.  But almost every NFL team will draft at least one offensive lineman every year meaning there could be plenty of opportunities for players like Stawarz.