Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: Auburn OT Prince Tega Wanogho

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez examines Auburn offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho, a prospect on the Los Angeles Chargers’ radar.

Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at hundreds of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at Auburn offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho.

Honors and Awards

  • SEC Academic Honor Roll (2015, 2016)
  • All-SEC First Team – Pro Football Focus (2018)
  • All-SEC First Team – Athlon, Lindy’s, SEC media, SEC coaches, PFF (2019)

Strengths

  • Long, athletic frame, great foot quickness. Possesses terrific lateral range and reaching ability.
  • Gets depth with smooth, fluid kick-slide and does a good job of mirroring. Agile enough to win the edge in pass protection and has the strength to reset and hold his ground if the defender counters.
  • Doesn’t latch on and drive with raw power in the run­ game. Instead, he seems to latch on and get opponents moving with finesse and instincts. Has strength to anchor, hands carry power.
  • Explodes out of stance into defender. Accelerates feet after contact and finishes. Works well at the second level.
  • Has length and strength to redirect around pocket when beaten around the edge.
  • Reliable football character. Competitive toughness is evident. Will play though the whistle.
  • Bruce Feldman’s 2019 college football freaks list for his ability to bench 415 pounds, squat 560, run a 4.95 40 and jump 32 inches.

Negatives

  • Inexperienced at the position and still raw. Didn’t play offensive line until he came to Auburn.
  • Base can get too wide on pass protection, struggling to regather himself.
  • Appears stiff when facing vertical rushes. Impatient and will panic if a defender does start to crowd him.
  • Grip strength, hand placement and carrying out blocks are areas that need to be improved upon.
  • He can struggle to engage athletic defenders at the second level.
  • Works with technique on pass sets but loses that technique suddenly at the high point of the pass rush.

Summary

A Nigerian native, Tega Wanogho left home and arrived in the United States at age 16 with basketball ambitions. But he found his way on the football field, where he was a defensive lineman. He was recruited to play on the defensive side of the ball, but moved to the offensive line, earning a starting spot when he was a sophomore.

The 6-foot-7 and 310-pound Wanogho has terrific feet and overall athleticism. He has power in his hands and a frame that most offensive tackles would kill for. But he is raw and still is learning the finer details of the position. His instincts and technique are a work in progress, but he should blossom with some more coaching at the next level.

Chargers Fit

While Wanogho refines his technique and gets caught up to NFL speed, he still has the physical tools and a skillset that would allow him to instantly start at right tackle. By Year 2 or 3, he could be a viable left tackle with Pro Bowl potential.

Projected Round: Early 2nd