2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Offensive Tackle Rankings
Last Updated: November 1, 2025The 2026 offensive tackle class is stacked with elite blindside protectors and powerful run blockers who could reshape NFL offensive lines for the next decade. This year's group features multiple potential top-10 picks, franchise cornerstones with Pro Bowl upside, and the kind of depth that should have teams salivating well into Day 2. From Pac-12 powerhouses to SEC maulers, this class offers diverse skill sets across every blocking scheme.
---
The Elite Tier: Top 3 Offensive Tackles
1. Spencer Fano, Utah â Overall Rank: #5 (OT1)
Rank Movement: Consensus #1 OT Physical: 6'5" | 304 lbs | 34+ inch arms The Franchise Left Tackle.Fano isn't just the top offensive tackleâhe's a legitimate top-5 overall prospect and the consensus OT1 on every major draft board. His combination of elite athleticism, violent hands, and relentless motor makes him the safest pick in this class.
Background:The Utah native has offensive line excellence in his DNA. His brother Logan currently lines up alongside him on Utah's offensive front, while several unclesâGabe Reid (Bears), Spencer Reid (Panthers), Teni Palepoi (Chargers), and Anton Palepoi (Broncos/Seahawks)âall reached the NFL level.
After a stellar redshirt freshman campaign in 2023, Fano exploded in 2024 with a performance that garnered multiple All-American selections (PFF First Team, AP Second Team, Walter Camp Second Team) while securing First-Team All-Big 12 recognition from both coaches and AP voters.
His 93.6 PFF run-blocking grade was the best in the country by more than three pointsâa staggering margin that reflects his dominance at the point of attack. He followed that up with 94 pass-blocking snaps in 2025 without allowing a single pressure, cementing his status as the draft's premier tackle prospect.
What Makes Him OT1:Fano is fast, athletic, and plays with a mean streak that offensive line coaches dream about. His calling card is explosive first-step power combined with violent hand strikes that consistently reset the line of scrimmage in the run game.
In the run game, Fano is a true mauler. He wins with explosive power, driving defenders off the ball and creating massive running lanes. His ability to generate force from his lower body and transfer it through violent hands makes him a devastating blocker at the point of attack. Defensive linemen simply get moved when Fano fires off the ball.
His hand usage is among the elite in this class. Fano strikes with precision timing and shocking violence, stunning defenders on contact and immediately establishing control. Once he lands his punch, the rep is overâhis grip strength and ability to sustain blocks through the whistle separates him from other prospects.
What scouts love most is his versatility. Fano has started games at both right and left tackle, showing the footwork and technique to protect either edge. His smooth kick-slide in pass protection demonstrates elite lateral agility for his size, allowing him to mirror speed rushers and cut off their path to the quarterback.
Against the run, Fano plays with the kind of nastiness that makes highlight reels. He finishes blocks with authority, driving defenders into the ground and looking for work at the second level. His awareness and football IQ allow him to identify stunts, pick up delayed blitzes, and adjust on the fly.
His relentless motor stands out on tape. Fano plays every snap like it's his last, chasing down backside defenders and never taking plays off. This non-stop effort combined with elite physical tools makes him a day-one starter with Pro Bowl upside.
At 6'5", 304 lbs, he has ideal size for an NFL tackleâbig enough to anchor against power rushers but athletic enough to handle speed off the edge. His length (34+ inch arms) allows him to keep pass rushers at bay and control their rush angles.
Pro Comparison: Penei Sewellâelite athlete with power, violence, and versatility to dominate at tackle The Concerns:While his pass protection is advanced, some scouts believe he needs to continue developing his counter moves when elite speed rushers beat his initial set. His kick-slide mechanics are excellent, but against the absolute fastest edge rushers in the NFL, he'll need additional counters in his arsenal.
Weight management could be a minor concern. At 304 lbs, Fano is on the lighter side for an NFL tackle. He'll need to add 10-15 pounds of functional strength without sacrificing the elite athleticism that makes him special. Some teams may prefer tackles in the 315-320 lb range.
His hand placement, while excellent most of the time, can occasionally drift outside the frame when recovering from initial contact. Against crafty NFL veterans who know how to draw holding penalties, this inconsistency could become costly.
There's also the question of competition level. While the Big 12 featured quality defensive linemen, Fano didn't face the same week-in, week-out elite pass rushers that SEC or Big Ten tackles encountered. How he performs against top-tier competition in the pre-draft process will be crucial.
Draft Projection: Top 5-10 Overall Pick Best Fit: Teams needing a franchise left tackle with immediate impact (Titans, Giants, Patriots)---
2. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama â Overall Rank: #8 (OT2)
Rank Movement: Falling (Early #1 OT candidate â #2-3 range) Physical: 6'7" | 369 lbs | 35+ inch arms The Physical Freak.Proctor has the most imposing physical profile of any tackle in the last five years. At 6'7", 369 lbs, he's a battleship with nimble feetâbut technical inconsistencies in 2025 have scouts questioning whether he'll live up to his elite tools.
Background:A hulking offensive tackle from Des Moines who dominated the Iowa high school scene at Southeast Polk, Proctor earned five-star status across all major recruiting platforms. He committed to hometown Iowa before flipping to Alabama, where he immediately seized control of the left tackle position as a true freshman in 2023.
His sophomore campaign brought unexpected turbulence when Nick Saban's retirement prompted a brief transfer back to Iowa. But Proctor quickly realized his mistake and returned to Tuscaloosa after just three months, determined to develop under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Proctor earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2024 after starting 11 games at left tackle. However, his 2025 season has been rockyâthrough the first half of the year, he allowed nine pressures against Florida State alone and is on pace for 36 pressures compared to 15 all of last season.
His measurables are legendary among offensive line prospects. Proctor squatted 815 pounds, benched 535, power cleaned 405, vertical jumped 32 inches, and broad jumped 9-3 at Alabama testing. These numbers confirm what the tape shows: a rare combination of size and explosiveness.
What Makes Him OT2:Proctor combines battleship anchor strength with athletic ability that shouldn't exist at 369 pounds. When he plays with proper technique, he's the most physically dominant tackle in college football.
His anchor is rareâperhaps the best in this entire class. When Proctor sets his feet and absorbs contact, he simply doesn't move. Pass rushers bounce off him like they've hit a brick wall. His ability to stop bull rushers dead in their tracks is NFL-ready right now.
In the run game, Proctor is a true displacer. His raw strength paired with elite explosiveness allows him to move defensive linemen off the ball and create massive running lanes. When he gets to the second level, linebackers have no chanceâhe buries them with his mass and power.
His footwork is shockingly nimble for a 369-pound lineman. Proctor has an uncanny ability to cover ground in his set, and defenders rarely beat him to the spot. His initial burst and range are elite for any tackle, let alone one his size. When he executes his kick-slide properly, speed rushers have no chance to threaten the edge.
Versatility is a strength. Proctor has experience at both right and left tackle, though he projects best at left tackle protecting the quarterback's blindside. His range allows him to handle wide-nine alignments without being phased by speed.
Pro Comparison: Lane Johnson (early career)âelite size and athleticism with technique needing refinement The Concerns:The biggest red flag is technical inconsistency. Proctor lost control and leverage too often in 2025, particularly against elite speed rushers who can threaten the edge. He stopped sliding his feet in pass protection at the three-quarters point of his set, allowing rushers to corner and pressure the quarterback.
Hand placement wavers under pressure. When feeling threatened by elite speed, Proctor tends to grab outside the defender's frame, leading to holding penalties. His punch timing is inconsistentâsometimes stunning defenders, other times arriving late and allowing them to establish control.
Pad level is a major concern. Proctor can rely too heavily on his size advantage and come off the ball too high-hipped, reducing his ability to generate consistent leverage. When his pads rise, he becomes vulnerable to inside counters and can be bull-rushed into the backfield despite his massive frame.
His change of direction and recovery athleticism have been questioned. While his initial movement is excellent, when elite rushers beat him with counter moves, Proctor struggles to redirect and recover. His hip flexibility isn't elite, making him a lesser option in space and as a puller in gap schemes.
Weight management is a legitimate concern. At 369 lbs, there are questions about whether Proctor can maintain his athleticism and conditioning through a 17-game NFL season. Some scouts worry his weight could balloon further, limiting his mobility.
The transfer saga raises character questions. His back-and-forth between Iowa and Alabamaâdriven by coaching changes rather than playing timeâsuggests potential decision-making concerns that NFL teams will scrutinize in interviews.
Draft Projection: Top 10-15 Pick Best Fit: Power-based run schemes with patient QB who can help in protection (Bears, Colts, Falcons)---
3. Francis Mauigoa, Miami â Overall Rank: #12 (OT3)
Rank Movement: Rising (Summer: #3-4 OT â Firm #3) Physical: 6'6" | 330 lbs | 34+ inch arms The Violent Finisher.Mauigoa has legitimate franchise tackle potential with elite physical tools and a developmental trajectory that suggests he's still scratching the surface of his capabilities. Some scouts believe his ceiling lies at guard, but his upside is undeniable.
Background:Mauigoa entered the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most experienced young offensive tackles in college football. He signed with Miami as part of the Hurricanes' 2023 classâa five-star recruit ranked among the nation's elite offensive line prospects.
Unlike most elite recruits who redshirt or rotate early, Mauigoa immediately earned a starting role as a true freshman. Over his first two seasons at right tackle, he started 26 games and played nearly 1,800 snaps, gaining invaluable experience against ACC competition.
His statistical resume is impressive: Mauigoa allowed just one sack and blew only six run blocks since the start of his freshman campaign through the end of 2024. That level of consistency as a teenager facing grown men speaks volumes about his football maturity.
Despite his massive frame, Mauigoa landed at #5 on Bruce Feldman's 2024 "Freaks List" as a sophomore after being clocked at speeds approaching 20 mph. This combination of size and speed is exceedingly rare for offensive tackles.
What Makes Him OT3:Mauigoa is an innately powerful blocker with exceptional strength and mass in his legs and core, making him a consistent displacer in the run game and effortless finisher through the whistle. His identity as a blocker is defined by violence, power, and explosiveness.
In the run game, Mauigoa is a true difference-maker. His ability to create vertical displacement can transform a team's ground attack. He fires off the ball with explosive power, jolts defenders backwards, and drives them out of running lanes with authority. Defensive linemen simply get moved when Mauigoa comes off the ball.
His violent hands deliver shock on initial contact, consistently stunning defenders and creating immediate leverage. When Mauigoa lands his punch, defenders' heads snap back. This ability to win with power at the point of attack projects beautifully to the NFL, where physicality separates good tackles from great ones.
Once he gets his hands on a defender, the rep is essentially over. Mauigoa displays an effective, accurate initial punch and a vice grip once engaged. His grip strength is eliteâdefenders struggle to shed his blocks even with advanced hand-fighting techniques.
In pass protection, Mauigoa has shown steady improvement. He displays a sturdy anchor with the strength to re-anchor against speed-to-power conversions. When rushers try to bull him, he sits down in his stance and stops them cold. His lower body power allows him to absorb contact without giving ground.
His size belies impressive athleticism. At 6'6", 330 lbs, Mauigoa moves with remarkably quick, light feet. His lateral agility in pass protection is advanced for his size, allowing him to mirror athletic edge rushers and stay in front of their rush.
Against speed rushers, Mauigoa has shown the ability to gain depth in his set and cut off angles to the quarterback. His kick-slide mechanics have improved dramatically from his freshman to sophomore seasons, showing excellent coaching and personal development.
Pro Comparison: Tristan Wirfsâpowerful, athletic tackle with violence in run game and developing pass protection The Concerns:The biggest technical flaw is his kick-step in pass protection. Mauigoa's poor initial step makes him vulnerable to wide-alignment rushers. He doesn't gain ideal depth with his first kick, allowing speed rushers to threaten the edge before he can establish position.
His two-handed punch still causes him to whiff or overextend at times. Strike placement and timing need refinementâwhen he misses his target, he lunges and gets off-balance. Against crafty NFL pass rushers who can manipulate his hands, these technical flaws could become costly.
Hand usage discipline must improve. Mauigoa has bad habits that include grabbing outside the frame and holding when beat. These issues weren't heavily penalized in college but will be easy fodder for pass rushers and referees in the pros.
While his athleticism is impressive for his size, Mauigoa lacks some range in protection to set out and beat elite speed rushers to the spot. His thick lower half makes it difficult to redirect when rushers threaten the edge then counter inside. Recovery speed when beaten needs improvement.
Upper body strength is better than his overall power and finish ability on direct runs. He typically plays with high pads without enough lower-body drive, reducing his effectiveness when blocking down on defensive tackles in gap schemes.
Play recognition and discipline need additional development. Mauigoa misdiagnoses or is late to recognize stunts and delayed blitzes. His football IQ and processing speed are good but not eliteâhe needs another year's worth of snaps to master complex NFL protections.
The tackle-to-guard debate is real. Many scouts believe Mauigoa's combination of power, violence, and natural strength points to a future star at guard, with his ceiling clearly lying inside rather than at tackle. His lack of elite range and recovery speed support this projection.
Draft Projection: Top 10-15 Pick Best Fit: Teams valuing power-based run blocking with guard flexibility (Jets, Cardinals, Commanders)---
The Rising Stars: Prospects 4-7
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah â Overall Rank: #18 (OT4)
Rank Movement: Rising Physical: 6'6" | 304 lbs | 34+ inch arms The Flexible Phenom.Lomu is the second-highest ranked offensive tackle prospect from Utah, and some evaluators believe he could surpass Fano by draft day. His hyper-elite flexibility serves as an invaluable asset in pass protection.
Background:Lomu was the No. 3 player in Arizona according to 247Sports, drawing scholarship offers from college football powerhouses including Michigan, Florida, Oregon, USC, and Tennessee before ultimately choosing Utah in 2023.
After a developmental redshirt season playing just 25 snaps across three games in 2023, Lomu seized the starting left tackle position in 2024 and never looked back. He started all 12 games while allowing just two sacks across 425 pass protection snaps.
His performance earned freshman All-American honors from The Athletic and academic recognition with CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Big 12 Team honors. This combination of on-field production and off-field excellence reflects the total package scouts seek.
Strengths:Lomu's best trait is his flexibilityâhyper-elite flexibility that serves as an invaluable corrective failsafe for leverage acquisition, achieving controlled lean, absorbing and re-channeling power, and recovering positioning. When he gets knocked off-balance, his flexibility allows him to recover and stay in front of rushers.
He's a good athlete with quick movements and light feet for his size. His lateral agility in pass protection allows him to mirror athletic edge rushers and maintain proper positioning throughout the rush. When speed rushers try to threaten the edge, Lomu slides smoothly to cut off their path.
In the run game, Lomu shows developing power at the point of attack. While not as naturally violent as Fano or Mauigoa, he understands leverage and uses his length to control defenders. His improvement from freshman to sophomore year in run blocking was significant.
His football IQ is excellent. Lomu recognizes stunts quickly, communicates effectively with guards, and rarely misses assignments. This mental processing speed will serve him well in complex NFL protections.
Weaknesses:At 304 lbs, Lomu could use about 10 more pounds of good weight according to PFF analysts. His frame can support additional mass, and adding functional strength would help him anchor against NFL power rushers.
Technique development is needed for the professional level. While his fundamentals are solid, Lomu needs refinement in hand placement, punch timing, and sustaining blocks through contact. He's still learning the nuances of the position.
His anchor against power rushers is inconsistent. When defensive linemen execute straight bull rushes, Lomu can get pushed backwards into the pocket. He needs to sink his hips lower and establish better leverage to handle NFL-caliber power.
Finishing ability in the run game needs improvement. Lomu doesn't consistently drive defenders off the ball or finish blocks through the whistle. He needs to play with more violence and nastiness to maximize his physical tools.
Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round (Pick 20-32) NFL Fit: Zone-blocking schemes valuing athleticism and flexibility (49ers, Dolphins, Broncos)---
5. Xavier Chaplin, Auburn â Overall Rank: #24 (OT5)
Rank Movement: Rising Physical: 6'7" | 348 lbs | 35+ inch arms The Powerful Transfer.Chaplin is quietly generating significant early draft buzz among scouts after transferring from Virginia Tech to Auburn. His massive frame and developing technique make him an intriguing Day 1-2 prospect.
Background:Chaplin entered the Virginia Tech program as a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class before developing into one of the ACC's most promising tackles. He earned honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2024 after starting 12 games at left tackle, and he started 13 games at left tackle in 2023, earning All-American honors.
In January 2025, Chaplin made the decision to transfer to Auburn for his final season of eligibility. The move to the SEC would provide him the opportunity to face elite competition weekly and boost his draft stock on the national stage.
In 2024 at Virginia Tech, Chaplin earned a 70.4 run-blocking grade and a career-high 72.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. He allowed just two sacks and 13 pressures across 607 snapsâsolid production that caught NFL scouts' attention.
Strengths:At 6'7", 348 pounds, Chaplin is a long-limbed, wide-bodied tackle prospect with excellent size and length. He casts a wide net in pass protection, making it difficult for pass rushers to work around his massive frame.
His play strength is a significant asset. Chaplin can anchor against power rushers and hold his ground at the point of attack. When he establishes position, his mass and strength make him difficult to move.
Once Chaplin latches onto defenders with his strong hands, he can end reps quickly. His grip strength allows him to control blocks and steer defenders away from running lanes or the quarterback.
His improvement trajectory is encouraging. Chaplin has gotten better each season, showing dedication to technique development and film study. Coaches love his work ethic and willingness to learn.
Weaknesses:Footwork needs significant refinement. Chaplin's kick-slide in pass protection lacks ideal depth and rhythm. His feet can get heavy, limiting his ability to mirror quick edge rushers who threaten the corner.
Overall consistency protecting his edges is a concern. Against elite speed rushers, Chaplin struggles to gain depth quickly enough to cut off their path to the quarterback. His lateral agility is just adequate for an NFL tackle.
Athletic limitations show up in space. Chaplin is not a tackle who excels pulling or getting to the second level in zone schemes. His movement skills are average at best, making him a better fit for power-based offenses.
He fits better at right tackle than left tackle. While Chaplin has played mostly on the left side in college, his foot speed and recovery ability suggest he'll be more successful protecting the right edge in the NFL.
Projection: Early Day 2 (2nd Round, Pick 35-50) NFL Fit: Power run schemes needing right tackle (Panthers, Buccaneers, Seahawks)---
6. Drew Shelton, Penn State â Overall Rank: #32 (OT6)
Rank Movement: Rising Physical: 6'5" | 305 lbs | 34+ inch arms The Christian Darrisaw Comp.Shelton has a lot of parallels to Christian Darrisaw heading into his last season at Virginia Tech. If his game takes a step forward from a power perspective, he has a clear path to being a first-round pick.
Background:A Pennsylvania native from Downingtown, Shelton worked his way into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2022, starting five games at left tackle. After starting just once in 2023, he seized the full-time left tackle role in 2024 and started all 16 games through Penn State's College Football Playoff run.
His journey from rotational player to full-time starter demonstrates perseverance and steady development. Penn State's offensive line coach has praised Shelton's work ethic and commitment to technical improvement.
However, his 2024 season included some struggles. Shelton allowed 18 pressures and earned just a 57.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focusânumbers that don't reflect his true talent level according to those who watch him closely.
Strengths:Shelton brings elite mobility, impressive flexibility, and ideal length for the position. His movement skills in pass protection are NFL-caliber, allowing him to mirror the quickest edge rushers and maintain positioning throughout their rush.
His lateral agility and foot speed are exceptional. Shelton slides smoothly in his pass set, rarely getting beat around the edge by speed rushers. When defenders try to threaten the corner, he has the quickness to cut off their path.
He blocks well on the move, excelling in zone-blocking schemes that require tackles to climb to the second level and block in space. His athleticism allows him to pull and lead on outside runsâa valuable trait in modern offenses.
Shelton is very comfortable blocking 1-on-1 in pass protection. He understands leverage, hand placement, and how to use his length to keep rushers at bay. His technique in pass pro is more refined than his run blocking.
His flexibility allows him to bend and sink without losing balance. When defenders try to bull rush him, Shelton can absorb contact and anchor better than his 305-pound frame suggests.
Weaknesses:The elephant in the room is his 305-pound frameâundersized by NFL standards for a starting tackle. Most NFL teams prefer tackles in the 315-325 lb range, and Shelton will need to add functional mass without sacrificing his elite athleticism.
Power at the point of attack is his biggest weakness. In the run game, Shelton struggles to generate movement against defensive tackles and ends. He gets stood up too often and doesn't consistently create running lanes.
His anchor against bull rushers needs improvement. While his flexibility helps him absorb contact, pure power rushers can push him backwards into the pocket. Adding strength without losing mobility is crucial for his development.
Finishing ability through contact is inconsistent. Shelton doesn't drive defenders off the ball or sustain blocks through the whistle with authority. He needs to play with more violence and nastiness.
Hand strength and grip need development. Defenders can shed his blocks too easily, particularly in the run game where sustained contact is necessary to create running lanes.
Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (Pick 28-40) NFL Fit: Zone schemes valuing athleticism over power (Packers, Chiefs, Ravens)---
7. Isaiah World, Oregon â Overall Rank: #38 (OT7)
Rank Movement: Volatile (ESPN: Possible #1 pick â PFF: Omitted from top OTs) Physical: 6'5" | 320 lbs | 35+ inch arms The Explosive Transfer.World joined the Oregon Ducks as the top-rated offensive tackle in the transfer portal from Nevada. His explosive athleticism and massive upside make him one of the most intriguing boom-or-bust prospects in this class.
Background:World transferred from Nevada to Oregon in the offseason, with head coach Dan Lanning recognizing his elite physical tools and potential to develop into a premium NFL prospect. At Nevada, World showed flashes of dominance but inconsistent technique.
His transition to the Big Ten gave him the opportunity to face better competition weekly and refine his game against elite pass rushers. ESPN listed him as a possibility for the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 based on his physical tools.
However, PFF omitted World from their preseason list of top offensive tackles set to go early in the draft, creating a significant disparity in how different evaluators view his prospects. This range of opinions reflects his boom-or-bust nature.
Strengths:At 6'5", 320 pounds with near-35" arms, World fits the domineering size profile to earn the allure of NFL teams. His length allows him to control rushers and keep them at distance in pass protection.
His explosive athleticism pops off the game film. World can cover massive amounts of ground as a puller and second-level climber in zone schemes. His ability to get out in space and block linebackers is rare for a 320-pound tackle.
That explosion combined with his length and mass can amount to insane amounts of force and point-of-contact power. When World fires off the ball in the run game and connects cleanly, defensive linemen get jolted backwards.
His upside is among the highest in this class. If World puts together refined technique with his elite physical tools, he has All-Pro potential. The raw materials are undeniable.
Weaknesses:As a pass protector, World still has a lot of refinement left to undergo. His leveraging can be inconsistentâhe'll over-extend and bend at the waist on engagement at times, losing power and balance.
Technique needs significant development across the board. His hand placement, punch timing, kick-slide mechanics, and anchor all require coaching and repetition to reach NFL standards.
Consistency is his biggest issue. World can look like a future All-Pro on one play and completely whiff on the next. This volatility makes him difficult to trust as a day-one starter.
His pad level tends to rise when engaged with defenders, making him vulnerable to leverage moves and inside counters. He needs to play with a lower base and better hip flexibility.
Football IQ and recognition skills need improvement. World is sometimes late to recognize stunts and struggles with complex protections. His mental processing must catch up to his physical tools.
Projection: Day 2 (2nd-3rd Round, Pick 40-70) NFL Fit: Teams willing to develop a toolsy tackle with elite upside (Saints, Texans, Chargers)---
The Depth: Prospects 8-10
8. Jude Bowry, Boston College â Overall Rank: #45 (OT8)
Rank Movement: Rising Physical: 6'5" | 308 lbs | 33+ inch arms The Twitchy Technician.Bowry is a twitchy, explosive mover who is fluid to his landmarks with flashes of brilliance that indicate starter-level ability. PFF College ranked him as one of the top 10 tackles for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Background:Bowry entered the Boston College program as a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class and worked his way into the starting lineup by his redshirt sophomore year. He started 12 games at left tackle in 2024, earning recognition as one of the ACC's best young tackles.
His stellar campaign protecting the blind side caught the attention of Bill O'Brien's coaching staff, who rewarded him with a captain's designation for his redshirt junior seasonâa significant honor that speaks to his leadership and work ethic.
The redshirt sophomore earned a 75.7 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus while surrendering just two sacks across 321 dropback snaps in 2024. This level of consistency as a young starter suggests significant upside.
Strengths:Bowry's best attribute is his explosiveness and twitch. He moves with quick-twitch athleticism rare for offensive tackles, allowing him to react instantly to pass rushers and adjust his positioning mid-rep.
His fluidity to landmarks in pass protection is excellent. Bowry slides smoothly in his kick-slide, maintaining balance and positioning throughout the rush. Speed rushers struggle to beat him around the edge because of his quick feet.
He shows flashes of brilliance that indicate starter-level ability in the NFL. When Bowry executes proper technique, he completely neutralizes edge rushers and looks like a future Pro Bowler.
His improvement trajectory is steep. Bowry has gotten significantly better each season, suggesting excellent coaching and personal dedication. If this development continues, he could rise into the first round.
Weaknesses:The biggest concern is that his promise is offset by technique that gets him into too many compromising positions. Bowry is still an unrefined player figuring things out, with consistency lacking from snap to snap.
His anchor against power rushers needs significant improvement. At 308 pounds, Bowry can get bull-rushed backwards into the pocket by stronger defensive linemen. Adding functional mass would help.
Punch timing and hand placement are inconsistent. When Bowry lands his hands cleanly, he controls the rep. But too often his hands arrive late or miss the target, allowing defenders to establish position.
Run blocking needs development. While he shows potential as a movement blocker in space, Bowry doesn't consistently create push at the point of attack. His power generation from his lower body must improve.
Projection: Day 2 (3rd Round, Pick 65-85) NFL Fit: Zone schemes valuing athleticism with time to develop (Lions, Rams, Bills)---
9. Gennings Dunker, Iowa â Overall Rank: #52 (OT9)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'5" | 316 lbs | 33+ inch arms The Iowa Mauler.Dunker transformed from a three-star recruit into a second-team All-Big Ten selection, earning the highest grade among tackles in the Big Ten according to PFF metrics (90.0) in 2024.
Background:Dunker completed his collegiate career with 25 starts at right tackle across 31 games for Iowa. His development under legendary offensive line coach George Barnett mirrors the path of numerous Iowa tackles who became NFL starters.
He has a chance to become the seventh offensive lineman under coach Kirk Ferentz to be taken in the first roundâa testament to Iowa's decades-long reputation as "Offensive Line U" for producing NFL-ready blockers.
His 90.0 PFF grade in 2024 led all Big Ten tackles, reflecting his dominance in both pass protection and run blocking. This production against quality competition elevated his draft stock significantly.
Strengths:Dunker has supreme strength and mobility that will translate well to the next level. His combination of power and athleticism makes him effective in both gap and zone blocking schemes.
He is a mauler and finisher in the run game. Dunker plays with the kind of nastiness and physicality that Iowa linemen are known for, driving defenders off the ball and finishing blocks through the whistle.
His technique is sound across the board. Dunker understands leverage, hand placement, and how to use his frame to control defenders. His fundamentals are NFL-ready.
Consistency is a strength. Dunker rarely has bad games or plays where he completely whiffs. He's a reliable, steady performer who executes his assignments week after week.
Weaknesses:His height is considered suboptimal by NFL tackle standards and could push him inside to guard. At 6'5", Dunker is on the shorter side for a tackle, which may limit his positional flexibility in the NFL.
Hand timing in pass protection is inconsistent, particularly against speed rushers. When elite edge rushers threaten the corner, Dunker's hands can arrive late, allowing them to get into his frame.
Lateral agility is just adequate when mirroring in pass protection. Against the quickest NFL edge rushers, Dunker may struggle to maintain positioning, suggesting he fits better at right tackle or guard.
His ceiling is limited compared to some higher-ranked prospects. While Dunker is a safe, high-floor player, he doesn't possess the elite athleticism or length that All-Pro tackles typically have.
Projection: Day 2 (3rd Round, Pick 75-95) NFL Fit: Power run schemes with guard flexibility (Steelers, Browns, Patriots)---
10. Blake Miller, Clemson â Overall Rank: #58 (OT10)
Rank Movement: Steady Physical: 6'6" | 310 lbs | 34+ inch arms The Ironman.Miller hasn't missed a start in his entire collegiate career while logging multiple 950+ snap seasons. His exceptional durability and reliability make him a safe Day 2-3 selection.
Background:Miller is from Strongsville, Ohio and was a four-star recruit who became only the third true freshman since 1944 to start a season opener at offensive tackle for Clemsonâjoining William Perry (1981) and Mitch Hyatt (2015) in that exclusive club.
He started every single game of his collegiate career, amassing 2,893 offensive snaps across 41 consecutive starts at right tackle. This remarkable durability demonstrates elite toughness and dedication.
After earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022, Miller steadily climbed from third-team All-ACC in 2023 to first-team honors in 2024. His consistent improvement reflects strong coaching and work ethic.
Strengths:Miller's exceptional durability and reliability are his calling cards. He hasn't missed a start in his entire collegiate career while maintaining high performance levels across thousands of snaps.
He has versatility to play both tackle spots, demonstrated when he slid from right to left tackle mid-game at Pitt without noticeable dropoff. This position flexibility adds value for NFL teams.
His zone-blocking experience at Clemson translates well to modern NFL offenses. Miller is comfortable blocking on the move, climbing to the second level, and executing stretch plays.
Technical soundness is a strength. Miller understands proper footwork, hand placement, and leverage. He doesn't beat himself with mental errors or sloppy fundamentals.
Weaknesses:Physicality and strength development could elevate his game. Miller doesn't consistently create movement at the point of attack or dominate defenders with power. Adding functional strength is crucial.
He tends to play with inconsistent pad level, especially when reaching the second level. His hips rise when climbing to block linebackers, reducing his effectiveness in space.
Hand placement can be erratic, landing outside the defender's frame too often. This inconsistency leads to holding penalties and lost reps where defenders shed his blocks.
His ceiling appears limited compared to higher-ranked prospects. While Miller is a safe, reliable player, he lacks the elite athleticism or power that separates good NFL tackles from great ones.
Projection: Day 3 (4th Round, Pick 110-130) NFL Fit: Zone schemes valuing durability and versatility (Colts, Vikings, Titans)---
Stock Watch: Who's Rising?
Spencer Fano đ
Caleb Lomu đ
Drew Shelton đ
---
Stock Watch: Who's Falling?
Kadyn Proctor đ (Moderate Dip)
Isaiah World đ (Volatility)
---
The Verdict: Is This a Strong OT Class?
Yesâelite at the top, strong depth through Day 2.
The 2026 OT class features:The debate for OT1 is essentially overâSpencer Fano has separated himself with elite production, athleticism, and consistency. Proctor has the highest physical ceiling but too many technical flaws. Mauigoa may be the safest pick with a guard safety net.
Teams in the top 10 have a clear choice: Fano for immediate impact and Pro Bowl upside.
Bottom Line:This is a top-heavy class with legitimate depth. If you need an offensive tackle, you can find a quality starter anywhere in the first three rounds. The elite tier (Fano, Proctor, Mauigoa) offers franchise cornerstone potential. The next tier (Lomu, Chaplin, Shelton, World) provides high-upside starters with development needed. The depth tier (Bowry, Dunker, Miller) offers safe, reliable players who can compete for starting jobs.
Expect 4-6 tackles in Round 1, another 4-6 in Round 2, and quality depth extending into Round 4. Unlike some recent classes, this group has both elite talent and scheme diversity.
---
Final Thoughts: Players to Continue Watching
---
Test Your Draft Strategy: Mock the 2026 NFL Draft
Want to see how these offensive tackles fit with your favorite team? Head over to StickToTheModel.com's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator and build your dream draft board.
Our simulator features:
â Real-time prospect rankings (updated weekly)
â Team needs analysis for all 32 franchises
â Trade calculator to move up for your franchise left tackle
â Personalized draft grades based on team fit
Will you take Fano in the top 5? Can you snag Lomu's elite flexibility in Round 1? Trade up for Proctor's physical tools?
Start Your Mock Draft Now â---
Rankings updated weekly throughout the college football season. Follow us on Twitter @StickToTheModel for real-time updates.