NC State offensive guard Chandler Zavala put forth an eye-popping performance at his Pro Day. Zavala was rumored to run a 5.01 and leap a 32.5-inch vertical. Zavala is firmly on the 2023 NFL Draft radar.

An athletic specimen, Zavala recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his outstanding performance at his Pro Day, which teams have shown interest in him throughout the pre-draft process, and more. I spoke with an AFC East scout who called Zavala one of the best guards in the 2023 NFL Draft.

JM: How do you look back on your decision to transfer from Fairmont State to NC State? You proved that you could play at a bigger program in a more competitive conference.

Chandler Zavala: It was just time for me to go. I transferred during the COVID year. We didn’t have a Fall or Spring season. We weren’t fortunate enough to continue playing football. I had already graduated that Spring. I figured it was time to further my education elsewhere.

And like you said, NC State gave me an opportunity to play against better competition at the highest level.

JM: You did just that. You had an outstanding Pro Day. You ran in high 4.9s to low 5s. You had a massive 32.5-inch vertical. How would you grade your overall performance?

Chandler Zavala: I think I did great. My Pro Day was my invite to the NFL Scouting Combine since I wasn’t lucky enough to receive one of those. I was very pleased with my results on March 28th.

JM: You were terrific. Have you noticed an uptick in the attention you’re receiving since the Pro Day?

Chandler Zavala: I definitely am. I’ve had a few visits and meetings. A lot of teams are reaching out to my agent. Teams are calling my representation every single day. They’re very intrigued by me.

JM: On that topic, have you completed any private workouts, Top 30 visits or virtual meetings lately?

Chandler Zavala: I met with the Lions on a Top 30. I’m going to Carolina later in April. I already completed visits with the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets. I did a virtual meeting with the Denver Broncos, and I’m visiting them later in April. I did a virtual meeting with the New York Giants as well.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. Would you say you’re more developed in pass protection, or as a run blocker at this point in time?

Chandler Zavala: I think I’m very developed in both areas. I’ve shown that I can do both at a high level. I’m a mauler in the run game. I’m very athletic with my lateral movements. I’m a very good pass protector as well. I’m very disciplined and I have great eyes for the guard position.

JM: What positions do teams see you playing at the next level? Have you received feedback?

Chandler Zavala: I haven’t really received any feedback regarding my position. I can play both left and right guard at the next level.

JM: I’ve really appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Chandler Zavala?

Chandler Zavala: I’ve been playing this game at a high level for the past six years. I’ve gotten better and better every single year. The tape speaks for itself. I’m a professional and respectful human being. I love putting my head down and going to work. I’m ready to keep developing as a football player.

I’m never going to stop. Every opportunity I’ve gotten as a football player, I had to go take it. That’s exactly what I’m going to keep doing.