Kansas sees star offensive lineman off the board in the NFL Draft

Enrique Cruz. Jr finished last season as one of the most athletically impressive offensive linemen bound for the NFL. Cruz took the nation by storm with his athleticism score of 91, ranking as the third-best offensive tackle in the draft. 

Cruz finished his sole season with the Jayhawks as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention candidate with a 70.3 PFF grade, which ranked him 102nd out of the 632 qualifying tackles. 

The Syracuse transfer heard his name called just minutes ago. 

Cruz joins guard Dominick Puni Jr., as the only two Jayhawks on the 49ers. 

Head coach Lance Leipold shared his message of support for Cruz on X. 

Last season, the Jayhawks ranked 76th in the country on QB sack rate at 6.04%; however, thanks to QB Jalon Daniels’ tendency to run when a play looks to break down, it can inflate those numbers.

Cruz was rated by NFL's Next Gen Stats as a 6.11 prospect, which measures as a "good backup with the potential to develop into starter.

Kansas continues to build a legacy

By no means has Kansas certified itself as some sort of blue-blood team, but the Jayhawks have steadily produced offensive line talent. According to KU Stats, Kansas had an offensive lineman drafted in each of the last three NFL Drafts, which is the longest streak since 1971-73.

Saturday’s draft means that the NFC West now sees Cruz join Bryce Cabeldue and Puni spread across the division. 

Who else may join Cruz?

Wideout Emmanuel Henderson Jr., offensive linemen Bryce Foster and Kobe Baynes, and quarterback Jalon Daniels may all find themselves on an NFL franchise over the coming days. These KU stars may be drafted or signed as undrafted free agents.

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