North Dakota State has been a factory for NFL offensive linemen as of late. From Dillon Radunz to Cody Mauch and Cordell Volson, the program continuously develops warriors in the trenches. Next in line is Jalen Sundell, a battle-tested center who possesses plug-and-play qualities.
Sundell recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Sundell discussed his experience at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl, playing the center position, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You recently participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. What was the overall experience like?
Jalen Sundell: It was a great experience. It gave me a chance to display my abilities in front of NFL scouts. I was excited to compete. They hosted a bunch of seminars that were very informative and knowledgeable. It was a great overall experience.
JM: What do you think you proved to NFL scouts and decision-makers in attendance?
Jalen Sundell: I only got to practice once, but I hope that I showcased my athleticism. I hope I proved that I’m capable of playing ball with some of the best of the best around the nation.
JM: You’re not the first exciting offensive linemen to come through North Dakota State in recent years. We’ve had Dillon Radunz, Cody Mauch, and Cordell Volson, to name a few. What do you think it is about the program and maybe the Missouri Valley Conference in general that’s leading to such development?
Jalen Sundell: I can only speak for our program. The coaching staff does a great job getting us ready to be a pro before we even make the jump to the next level. We do all the little things the right way. The staff demands a lot from us. It’s a very competitive program within the O-line room, and every room really. It just comes down to how North Dakota State does things as a program.
JM: What’s your favorite aspect of playing the center position?
Jalen Sundell: My favorite? I would say getting an opportunity to see the pre-snap picture. I love having an idea of what the defense is going to do on that certain play. It’s my job to get us into the right call to counter that, or to give us an ideal look.
JM: You do that well. Which NFL teams did you feel showed a lot of interest in you throughout your meetings at the East-West Shrine Bowl?
Jalen Sundell: I spoke with every team in attendance. I had good conversations and interviews all around. None of them really stick out off the top of my head. Every interview was fairly similar.
JM: Do you feel like playing in the West Coast Offense, a wide-zone-based scheme is your best fit at the next level? North Dakota State has had a lot of success with that system in recent years.
Jalen Sundell: Yeah, I would agree with you. That system gives me a chance to highlight my athleticism and block people on angles. I totally agree with that. I love playing in that system.
JM: You received an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine this year. Congratulations on that. Which drills are you most looking forward to?
Jalen Sundell: We’ll have to see if I can physically compete. I think my athleticism—the jumping and running numbers—would look good. I can put up some great numbers at the NFL Combine or at Pro Day. I’m definitely looking forward to the athletic testing side of things,
JM: We’re looking forward to getting those numbers at the Scouting Combine or Pro Day. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of player and person is a team getting when they draft Jalen Sundell in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Jalen Sundell: They’re getting a guy that is going to work extremely hard. I’m always trying to get better while doing things the right way.