FARGO — North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch is a top-50 prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft, according to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah ranked Mauch at No. 45 in his initial rankings that he published on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Those projections would make him a second-round selection. The NFL Draft is slated for April 27-29 in Kansas City, Mo.
"Mauch is an excellent athlete who plays with balance and awareness," Jeremiah wrote. "In pass protection, he pops out of his stance, stays square and sinks his weight. The North Dakota State tape shows him effortlessly sliding and mirroring opponents."
The 6-foot-6, 303-pound Mauch is in Mobile, Ala., this week preparing for Saturday's Senior Bowl. Mauch played offensive tackle for the Bison, but Jeremiah hinted Mauch could be moved to guard or center in the NFL.
"Defenders get to his chest on occasion and there is some concern about his lack of length," Jeremiah wrote. "That might be a reason he kicks inside in the NFL, although he was able to anchor and settle against FCS competition."
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Mauch is likely to continue the recent trend of former Bison offensive linemen getting drafted. In 2021, the Tennessee Titans drafted Dillon Radunz in the second round at No. 53 overall. In 2022, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted Cordell Volson in the fourth round at No. 136 overall. Volson, a rookie, started in last weekend's AFC Championship game at left guard for the Bengals.
Mauch, from Hankinson, N.D., played in 62 games during his Bison career and developed into an All-American. He entered the program as a walk-on at tight end.
"Overall, I think Mauch might need some time to adjust to NFL competition, but he should settle in as a solid starter somewhere along the offensive line," Jeremiah wrote.
Mauch was also ranked among the top offensive tackle prospects , according to ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller, in their latest rankings.
Kiper Jr. and Miller both ranked Mauch as their No. 4 prospect at offensive tackle. In addition, Kiper Jr., Todd McShay and Jordan Reid all had NDSU fullback Hunter Luepke as their top-ranked prospect among fullbacks and H-backs. Miller had Luepke at No. 2 at those positions.
Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft analyst for "The Athletic," added Mauch could be an effective player at center in the NFL.
"A few years from now, it wouldn't be surprising if Cody Mauch is the best center from this draft class," Brugler wrote on his official Twitter account this week.
A few years from now, it wouldn't be surprising if Cody Mauch is the best center from this draft class.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 30, 2023
Scouts want to see him play multiple positions this week in Mobile. https://t.co/SbtcWCu87M
Senior Bowl prospects seem to love their Rated Rookie sweatshirts they received down here
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) January 31, 2023
Here’s NDSU’s Cody Mauch (@CodyTud) showcasing his pic.twitter.com/wxgMsFDqbW
Official Senior Bowl Measurements #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/3jfNkay7ek
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 31, 2023
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