Was Wagner expected to be drafted? Seems odd to forego eligibility
And not get picked. I know he has his degree but was he projected to be picked? Seemed to be very talented
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Level 1
ND was going to move Lambert to RT & Black to LT. Wagner's choice was to transfer or declare imo.
(no message)God may not care who wins, but His mother does-
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Level 3
It's called competition
I don't know whether it is true re: Wagner, but Coogan left to Indiana for much the same reason.
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Level 4
Apples vs oranges. Coogan only got starts at ND because of injuries. He wasn't going to start,
that's why he left. AW was and would continue to be ND's starting RT if he hadn't chosen to go to the NFL.
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Level 5
maybe, maybe not
Based on what I have read/heard, it was not a set thing that Wagner was going to be a starter. If he was set as a starter with appropriate NIL $, why did he leave? He was never viewed by the pros as anything more than a late round pick or FA.
I'm not judging him one way or the other but either he was tired of school (possible) , he felt underpaid re: NIL $ (also possible) or he overestimated his pro possibilities.
I hope he does well but I suspect that he wasn't an assured starter so he tried the next step.
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Level 2
No.
He was part of the Class of 2022.
He didn't play in 2022. He was in serious need of S&C.
He played in 7 games for the 2023 season, but didn't start.
He started every game for 2024 and 2025.
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Level 3
good data, thanks. that is impressive, dude started for 30+ games over the past 3 years. Surprised
he was not drafted.
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Level 1
Most of them said 7R or UDFA
His biggest weakness was that he lacked the mauler size that most teams in the NFL want at the tackle positions.
He's a finesse and technique player, and a very good one at that, but fewer NFL offenses use the lighter, faster tackles these days.
Even though he was listed as 300 lbs, that's a rather optimistic estimate, since he was playing close to 290 lbs during most of his college career.
He's also maxed out on his frame, since he's a very slender fellow for someone of his size.
He wasn't going to get any bigger, and I actually agree with his decision to go pro, due to the risk of injuries, etc.
It would have been nice to have been a draft pick, but this way, as a free agent, Mr. Wagner did make a good choice with the Titans.
Brian Daboll (part of the Belichick coaching tree), runs a modified Erhardt-Perkins offense, so this scheme has plenty of options for lighter, more agile linemen.
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Level 1
Agreed, pretty shocking that he didn't get picked by the 4th round given his decision
to leave ND early. 2 year starter and team captain woulda warranted some quality NIL.
On a good note, at least he got some say in where he went.
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Level 2
I thought he was highly overrated, but you would think he would go late at least.
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Level 3
Had a very good season
Top 10% in the pass protection game, top 37% in the run game.
He only allowed 1 sack all year.
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Level 4
PFF doesn't have the cache in pro circles that some think
Most of what I read indicated 6/7th round or possible.
Per one highly reliable source:
"Wagner has an interesting body composition — a high-cut frame and lack of lower-body girth but long arms that help him stay attached. He uses his handwork to stay centered and lose slowly, but his lackluster balance and agility limit the ways in which he can recover from compromised situations. His reliability and football character will help his pro chances."
In other words, Meh. If he wants, he'll probably hang around the pros, most likely on someone's practice squad until he gets better or he doesn't
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Level 4
Maybe my perception of his play is wrong. The stats you present back him up. Why in the world wasn't
he drafted. With so many of our linement being successful it is hard to believe he wouldn't be drafted.
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Level 5
Doesn't have the sheer size and bulk
He is already maxed out when it comes to how much quality weight he can put on.
The "average" NFL offensive tackle is around 320 lbs.
He's a relatively skinny fellow, and the 300 lb weight listed is overly generous. He's much closer to 290 lbs.
There was one site that listed him at 306 lbs, but the only way that's accurate is if you add in the weight of his pads and helmet. If he were a true 306 lbs, then he would have certainly been drafted.
Keep in mind, in 2024, he was playing at 285 lbs, and he was having a lot of trouble adding weight to his frame. What we see him at now, is the result of Loren Landow's tireless work to get him into the best possible physical shape.
If his technique and athletic ability are enough to compensate for the lack of bulk, then I think he can end up having a very productive career, in a similar manner to Chris Hubbard.
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Level 4
I guess u can’t coach size…hopefully he can take advantage of his
Skill and catch on with someone looking for more agile guys Instead of massive types
Good luck to him. Not suggesting he do wrong thing, I was more surprised
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End of conversation