Sources are telling myself and Pro Football Network that Lucas Niang, the TCU offensive tackle who was graded by scouts as a potential first-round draft pick before the season, will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn hip labrum. Niang will be fully recovered within three to four months.
Last Thursday, Niang flew to New York to meet one of the top hip specialists in the US to review a hip injury that he has been dealing with since the beginning of the season. During that appointment, he was advised to stop playing due to the high risk of further injuries and to get arthroscopic surgery.
Niang went back to school to inform the coaching staff and decided to still play against the Texas Longhorns for his last college game. Niang helped keep the pocket clean enough for freshman quarterback Max Duggan to lead the Horned Frogs to a 37-27 victory over the Longhorns.
The surgery will be performed by a specialist from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). The doctor has previously performed this surgery on many college athletes and NFL players. It is anticipated that Niang will be returning to full health in 3-4 months.
In his four years at TCU, the 6-foot-7, 325-pound tackle has been remarkable in his consistency. He played as a true freshman, became a starter as a sophomore, and has been anchoring the TCU offensive line since then.
Niang was recognized as one of the best pass blockers at the end of last season and has been focusing during his senior year on improving his run blocking skills.
Over the span of four years, he has committed just two holding penalties and not a single false start. He has only allowed one sack in his entire college career and that was as a freshman back in 2016. He has not given up a sack over the last three years against competition including Nick Bosa and Chase Young.
The 2020 NFL Draft offensive tackle class has become one to keep an eye on. As we’ve reported here at Pro Football Network numerous times, offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs of Iowa, graded as a potential top 15 selection, is sending signals he may bypass next April’s draft and return to the Hawkeyes for another season.
Stay tuned to Pro Football Network for more on Niang in the coming weeks, and of course all of the latest news and inside information regarding the 2020 NFL Draft.