Today’s Draft Prospect: OL Luke Marquardt – Asuza Pacific

Luke Marquardt, OT, Azusa Pacific
Height: 6-8 Weight: 315 Arm: 34.48 40 Time: 5.17.
Projected Round: 4-6.

Walter Football: Marquardt has the size, length and frame to develop into a starting right tackle in the NFL. He has surprisingly quick feet and is athletic. Marquardt’s basketball background can be seen in his agility and smooth movement skills. He is a developmental prospect with big upside. Marquardt was a backup tight end as a freshman before switching to tackle late in the year. Marquardt locked down a starting spot at tackle for his final three collegiate seasons.

NFL.com analysis: Scouts have flocked to the small Southern California school to see Marquardt’s combination of size and athleticism. The fact he’s coached by NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman Jackie Slater is no small item, as his technique is excellent for a player at the NAIA level -– making him an intriguing prospect to watch fly up boards during the draft process.

APU.edu profile:  The biggest player in Azusa Pacific history, senior left tackle Luke Marquardt has gone from a redshirt tight end to full-fledged professional prospect after leaps and bounds in his development at the tackle position … Anchored some of the biggest and most productive offensive lines in program history … Was the first Azusa Pacific player to receive an NFL Scouting Combine invitation since Jack Williams in 2000. 2012 (senior): Earned recognition on the first-ever Senior Bowl Watch List, which named 309 college seniors and NFL draft prospects in the preseason … Was one of just 29 non-FBS players on the list and was the lone Great Northwest Athletic Conference player listed.

Seems like a unique opportunity for the Giants – or any other team for that matter. There’s a lot to like here, but the learning curve may be too great for him at first. The real question is: how high are you willing to take him, and how long will he last on the board?

Is he Jonathan Ogden or Jumbo Elliot or more like Scott Gragg or Robert Gallery? Time will tell, but Marquardt will get an opportunity somewhere in this league.