by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Pro Football Network.
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - USC, Tackle, Jonah Monheim
Name- Jonah Monheim
Pos- Tackle
Team- USC
HT/WT- 6’5” 300 lbs.
Born- N/A
Home – Moorpark, CA
Monheim was a three-year starter at Moorpark High School in California and was named Los Angeles Daily News All-Area first team and All-Camino League Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior offensive tackle and guard. He made the 2019 PrepStar All-American team and committed to USC during his senior year.
He appeared in 1 game as a freshman, getting a bulk of the playing time at right guard against Washington State. In 2021, Monheim saw action in all 12 games on the offensive line and on special teams, starting the first 7 games at right tackle.
Last season, he started all 14 games, 11 games at right tackle and 3 games at right guard. He was very productive on the line for the Trojans and was named All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.
So far this season, Jonah Monheim has started all 6 games at left tackle after getting moved there in the off-season. He has played admirably, protecting Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams’ blind side.
Jonah Monheim is a student of the game and can play anywhere on the offensive line. He is a coach’s dream—a player who is coachable and understands what is asked of him. He is a hard worker and plays through each whistle. He has a mean streak, is athletically gifted and moves around the field fluidly. He makes big plays on the second level consistently for the Trojans. He has strong hands and when he gets a square hit on an opponent, it’s tough for them to disengage.
On the downside, Monheim is small for a left tackle and does not possess the elite strength to stand up against the bigger, faster bull rushers of the NFL. He needs to improve his footwork and balance, and has moments when he gets away from his base and tends to lean more than he should. He needs to add weight to his 6’5” frame and do it in a way that won’t take away from his athleticism.
Draft 412 saw a lot of similarities between Monheim and 2017 #1 pick from Utah, Garett Bolles. Both are on the smaller side but have the athleticism to move around the field and get to the second level.
Strengths
Second level
Hands
Football IQ
Coachable
Weaknesses
Lunges
Footwork
Weight
Balance
Final Analysis
Another lineman with positional flexibility, Monheim projects as an offensive tackle at the next level. His football IQ is off the charts and an NFL team will love being able to select a player with his coachability and character sometime in the middle of day three.
Draft 412 Draft Projection- Round 5