As his time at WSU comes to an end, offensive lineman Esa Pole is drawing significant interest from NFL teams ahead of the upcoming draft next week.

Ryan Fowler, an NFL reporter for the Draft Network, reported on X that Pole was visiting with numerous teams in the weeks leading up to the draft.

“The Jets, Packers & Chiefs hosted Washington State OT Esa Pole (6’5”, 320, 34” arm) for a pre-draft visit, per source,” Fowler said. “Pole, who failed to allow a sack in 498 pass pro snaps in ‘24, has also received significant interest from the Commanders, Colts, Giants, 49ers & Ravens during the pre-draft process.”

Pole is still considered very raw. He is still somewhat new to football, as he did not start playing until he was 18. However, that is part of what makes Pole enticing. If there is more potential to be unlocked, teams are more interested in making a project out of him. His numbers in 2024 were impressive for a second-year starter.

Pole said he has been training with former NFL tight end Lee Smith, which has helped his knowledge of the game grow.

“Everything that he says and every word that he spits out to us and our fellow trainers in Tennessee, we should listen,” Pole said at his Pro Day. “My knowledge of the game just went [up] leaps and bounds compared to where I was after the season.”

ZoneCoverage. com writer Mitch Widmeier said he thinks Pole could develop into a productive starter.

“Pole could be an insurance policy who turns into a solid starter over time,” Widmeier said. “He could be Green Bay’s next Rasheed Walker.”

Rasheed Walker was a similar prospect who Green Bay drafted in the seventh round and developed into a productive starter at tackle. The Packers, one of the teams who hosted Pole for a pre-draft visit, appear to be interested in project offensive lineman.

Though he will not be a day one starter, Pole’s size and potential make him an intriguing candidate for almost any team.