OT Jarrett Horst – Michigan State (Spartan Athletics)
Editor’s Note: The prospects listed below are based purely on speculation rather than a confirmed draft pool, as very little information has been released regarding players in the upcoming XFL Rookie Draft. Please also note that none of these players are under contract with NFL teams at the time that this article is published.
While the Defenders’ offensive line didn’t necessarily struggle during the 2023 campaign, help with blocking can always be used for spring football teams like D.C., with talent in the position group arguably the most shallow in football. During the season, the Defenders were dealt a series of curveballs with injuries to top linemen like Mike Maietti and Cody Conway, which put a damper on their lethal rushing attack as loading the box became an effective method for opposing teams in stopping leading rusher Abram Smith. However, with an emphasis on stopping the run, D.C.’s passing game came to life in the second half of the season with the emergence of stars like All-XFL receiver Lucky Jackson and Chris Blair.
With the exception of the XFL Championship – where pass protection uncharacteristically struggled, starting quarterback Jordan Ta’amu was well-protected throughout the season, as the Defenders’ offensive line allowed him to be sacked just eight times. In addition, offensive guard Liam Fornadel was the only member of the D.C. offensive line who received All-XFL honors for his contributions.
During last year’s draft process, the Defenders favored smaller, more agile offensive linemen out of power-five schools. So who’s to say they won’t do the same this time? While it’s unknown exactly who will return for D.C., here are some prospects who could provide depth and even make an impact in blocking next season for the Defenders.
OT Jarrett Horst, Michigan State
While Horst commented that the USFL is an option after being selected with the first-overall pick in its 2022 Collegiate Draft, the fact that he’s yet to sign a contract means that he has no obligation to join the league and could still join the XFL if he so chooses to. Nonetheless, Horst is a great fit for the Defenders with his ability to seal the edge with his excellent length and agility. This same ability landed the Wisconsin native at Michigan State after a year at the JUCO level and then two years at Arkansas State. After the NFL Draft, Horst signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent but was released shortly after. Draft Projection: Early-round selection
IOL Jacob Gall, Baylor
At 6-2 299 lbs, Gall makes up for his undersized build and lack of strength with his quickness in getting to spots and his athleticism. The Ohio native started his collegiate career at Buffalo, where he played offensive guard for four seasons before transferring to Baylor, where he switched to center. During the 2022 season, Gall started every game for the Bears and was ranked the ninth-best center in the nation by PFF. While starting over Mike Maietti or Ty Clary at center may be a tall task, he could be an influential rotational member for D.C. at the guard position. Draft Projection: Early-to-mid-round selection
OG Caleb Chandler, Louisville
As one of the most experienced offensive linemen in his class, Chandler started 37 consecutive games at Louisville to close out his collegiate career. He earned PFF All-American honors for his performance during the 2021 season, in which Louisville’s rushing attack averaged 212.9 yards per game. At 6-3 297 lbs, Chandler could provide depth on a Defenders offensive line already filled with athletic pass protectors. Draft Projection: Mid-round selection
OL Marcus Minor, Pittsburgh
Minor bounced around Maryland’s offensive line, making 13 starts at offensive tackle and only four at offensive guard throughout 3 1/2 seasons before becoming a two-year starter at left guard with Pittsburgh after transferring midway through the 2020 season. With Kenny Pickett at quarterback and the help of Minor in the trenches, the Panthers ranked eighth in total offense during the 2021 campaign. During his sixth and final season in 2022, Minor was selected first-team All-ACC for his performance and received a spot on the All-ACC Academic Football Team. Overall, his versatility and intelligence add to his stock. At the same time, his already above-average pass-blocking ability makes him an intriguing prospect for a team like D.C., who leaned heavily toward the pass during the ladder stages of the season. Draft Projection: Mid-round selection
IOL Joshua Mote, Louisiana Tech
Mote spent six seasons at Louisiana Tech as a three-year starter, primarily serving as a left guard with some experience at center. During his most recent season, the Louisiana native contributed in both aspects of the blocking game, as he forged the path for seven 100+ yard rushing games and earned PFF pass-blocking grades of 80+ in six of his eleven contests. At 6-3 306 lbs, Mote makes up for his lack of frame with speed and agility, running an estimated 5.05 40-yard dash. Draft Projection: Mid-to-late-round selection
OT Chris Toth, Aurora
The athleticism, frame, and awareness are all there for Toth. But even as it is for some athletes from power-five schools to adapt to the pro level, adjusting from D-III to the XFL would be no easy task for Toth, regardless of his D-III All-American status. While he’ll likely be a project, Toth received multiple NFL rookie mini-camp invites and could provide value to any team that takes him in the late rounds. Draft Projection: Late-round selection
