Quinten Christensen

NFL Draft Profile: Quinten Christensen

Position: Offensive Tackle | School: South Dakota State | Class: Junior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 300 lbs | Archetype: Run Blocker (Wrestling-Based Technician)

College Career Summary

Quinten Christensen is the latest "Jacks" offensive lineman to garner NFL attention out of Brookings. A former two-time heavyweight state wrestling champion with a 43-0 senior record, his background in leverage and hand-fighting translated seamlessly to the gridiron. After redshirting in 2022 and serving as a versatile jumbo-TE/OL in 2023, Christensen took over the Left Tackle spot full-time in 2024. He was instrumental in an offense that averaged 6.1 yards per carry and allowed only eight sacks the entire season.

In the 2025 season, Christensen elevated his game to an elite FCS level, earning AP First-Team All-American honors. While South Dakota State faced a grueling 9-5 season, Christensen was the model of consistency on the blindside. He is technically a "junior" by eligibility, but his refined tape and dominance against MVFC competition have made him a sleeper prospect for teams looking for a zone-run specialist with a high football IQ.

Career Stats & Highlights

• Career Starts: 29 (Starting every game in 2024 and 2025)

• 2025 Sacks Allowed: 1.5

• 2025 Holding Penalties: 1

• Pancakes: ~58 (2025 Season)

• Notable Honors: 2025 AP First-Team All-American; 2025 First-Team All-MVFC; 2x MVFC Academic Honor Roll.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Sacramento State	B+	Handled FCS-level speed well; paved way for 240 team rush yards.
2	@ Montana State	A-	Great road environment performance; 0 sacks allowed in a tight win.
4	vs Mercyhurst	A	Total physical dominance; 6 pancakes recorded in limited snaps.
6	vs Northern Iowa	A	The Apex. Masterful second-level blocking; neutralized UNI’s interior stunts.
7	vs North Dakota St	B+	Physical battle with a rival; handled the "Dakota Marker" intensity well.
10	@ South Dakota	B	Solid in run game but surrendered a rare half-sack on a late bull-rush.
11	vs Illinois State	B-	Worst Game. Flagged for holding; struggled with ISU's wide-9 alignment.
12	@ North Dakota	A-	OT win; stayed fresh and technically sound through the extra period.
13	vs New Hampshire	A	Playoff dominance; cleared paths for a 41-3 blowout win.
14	@ Montana (PO)	B	Fought hard in a high-scoring loss; 0 penalties despite the crowd noise.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 97/100

• Leadership: Plus; a quiet leader who commands respect through his wrestling-room work ethic.

• Mental Toughness: Elite. Overcame an early-career meniscus injury to become an All-American.

• Competitor: High; the wrestling background shows in his desire to "finish" every block.

• Team Player: Credits the Jackrabbit system; has a reputation as a high-character ranch-hand.

• Star: High; for an FCS tackle, he dictates the tempo of the run game remarkably well.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 82/100

• Height/Weight: 6'5", 300 lbs. (Meets height; Below 315lb weight). Frame needs 10-15 lbs of NFL mass.

• Stamina: High; wrestling background provides a superior "gas tank" in the 4th quarter.

• Durability: Elite. Started every game since becoming the full-time LT.

• Injury History: Red Flag (HS meniscus), but has been medically clean throughout college.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 93/100

• Run Block: Strength. Uses wrestling leverage to uproot and move defenders at the point.

• Pass Block: Plus; very efficient, though lacks the elite length of a "franchise" LT.

• Strength: Plus; functional strength is exceptional for a 300 lb player.

• Technique: Elite. Hand placement and latch are among the best in the 2026 class.

• High Motor: Constant; looks for "work" until the whistle blows.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 80/100

• Speed: Moderate; effective climber but not a "freak" vertical mover.

• Agility: Plus; short-area recovery is his best athletic trait.

• Flexibility: Elite. Exceptional hip-sink and ankle flexion (wrestler's base).

• Acceleration: Good; explosive first step when firing out on zone runs.

• Footwork: Clinical; very clean and deliberate steps in his pass-set.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Awareness: High; processes stunts and blitzes with veteran-level speed.

Scouting Report

• Strengths: Elite wrestling-based leverage and balance; technically flawless hand-fighting; high-IQ player who rarely makes mental mistakes; extreme durability and toughness proven in the MVFC "trench wars."

• Weaknesses: Weight/Bulk. Currently light at 300 lbs; will need to add mass to anchor against NFL power-rushers; limited arm length might force a move to Right Tackle or even Guard at the next level; level of competition (FCS) will be questioned by some scouts.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal for a Zone-Running System (e.g., Packers, 49ers, Rams) where mobility and leverage are prioritized over raw size.

• NFL Comparison: Joe Haeg / Bernhard Raimann.

Scout's Final Word

"Quinten Christensen is a 'coaches' dream' prospect. He plays with the balance of a wrestler and the discipline of a senior. While he doesn't have the 330 lb 'mauler' frame, his ability to win with leverage is second to none in this year's FCS class. He likely starts as a swing tackle but has the technical floor to develop into a reliable NFL starter. Draft Projection: 5th Round."