Oregon State offensive tackle Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan is among the biggest and longest tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Christian-Lichtenhan measured in at a massive 6-foot-8 and 328 pounds with nearly 36-inch arms at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. Teams covet size and length at the most premium position.
Christian-Lichtenhan recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Christian-Lichtenhan discussed transferring from Colorado to Oregon State, his experience at the East-West Shrine Bowl, why he prefers playing in space, which teams are showing interest in his services, and so much more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Colorado to Oregon State?
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: I loved my time at Oregon State. I actually followed my offensive line coach from Colorado to Oregon State. I was with him during the 2022 season. It helped make my transition to a new program a lot smoother. It made the decision an easy one.
JM: It proved to be the right decision. You strung together an outstanding season for Oregon State in 2024. You also recently participated in this year's East-West Shrine. What do you think you proved to scouts and general managers in attendance? You were one of the better performers.
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: I appreciate you saying that. I went in with the same mentality I always have. Just beat the man across from you. I proved I could do that at the next level as well.
The East-West Shrine gave me an opportunity to compete against different competition, guys from different conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, guys from all over the country. It was a great opportunity for me to show I can play at any level.
It’s obviously important for me to translate that from college to the NFL. There’s always going to be an acclimation period of course. I’m ready for it. I’ve proven I’m one of the better tackle prospects in this class.
JM: You have truly rare measurements at 6-foot-8 and 328 pounds with nearly 36-inch arms. That is really special. How do you use that size and length to your advantage?
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: I know there are some good and bad things that come with the size. I’m working on getting lower with more consistency. I occasionally get a little high because my hips are so much taller than most.
On the flip side, I have a huge advantage when it comes to my arm length. I probably have three or four inches on most pass rushers I encounter. If I get that first contact, I have three or four inches of separation before they can even get their hands on me.
There are different ways I can use that size to my advantage. That’s one example. It’s a huge help.
JM: You’ve shown that on tape. One of the challenges is winning the leverage battle. You’re working on not getting too high.
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: Absolutely. You know the old saying, the low man always wins. I feel like there’s more to it because there are different types of leverage. I just use those differences to my advantage. I may not necessarily be the lowest man on the field, but I do have different leverage points than everyone else. I can use those different leverage points and techniques to tip the scales my way. When I do that effectively, I’m as low as you can get.
JM: The length creates so much separation between you and the defender. Do you have any upcoming team visits coming up? You probably met with a bunch of teams at East-West Shrine as well.
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: I spoke with plenty of teams at the East-West Shrine Bowl. I had great meetings at Shrine with the 49ers, Packers, Jets, Bills, Colts, Eagles, and others. I was coached by the Packers’ offensive line coaches. I didn’t meet with the Texans or Buccaneers.
I also have a few visits coming up, but I’m keeping those a little more private. They’ll probably come out as they happen.
JM: There’s a ton of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. How would you describe your overall identity as an offensive tackle? I know we’ve talked a lot about your size and length, but would you consider yourself to be an athlete in space or more of a phone-booth blocker with power?
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: I prefer to be utilized as an athlete in space. The phone booth is a little tougher when you have such long arms like I do. You almost have too much time to line up your target and use your leverage. I think I’m a great athlete when you get me in space.
JM: What was your favorite play to run in the playbook this past season? Something you got excited about hearing in the huddle?
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: We had the classic duo play. Pull and power. I loved that because we had great angles and a great double team. I worked up to the linebacker and created a one-on-one situation for our running back in the open field.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. In closing, what kinda impact is Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan going to make at the next level?
Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan: I’m going to make a big impact by helping my team win a lot of games. It doesn’t matter what role I’m in, or what position I’m playing. I’m going to help the team win.
