Football With Chaw Creator

Taylor Czajkowski (Chaw)

As the 2026 NFL Draft begins to take shape, the spotlight isn’t just on the quarterbacks and playmakers, it’s the offensive linemen who may quietly shape the future of your favorite NFL team. The Chargers revamped their OL with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. The Jets have spent back-to-back first round picks on Olu Fashanu and Armond Membou. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Patriots were in the market for a first-round tackle in the 2026 class after just selecting Will Campbell 4th overall. That is how much offensive line, especially offensive tackles, matter in the NFL. This year’s class is loaded with gigantic tackles who bring size, power, and surprising athleticism to the table. From road-grading guards to one of the best center prospects I’ve ever seen, these prospects anchor some of the top offenses in college football. Let’s deep dive into the tape and start to build their draft profiles ahead of the college football season.

Proctor possesses an elite base with tree trunk-like legs and long arms, giving him the physical foundation of a future All-Pro. He’s an absolute mauler in the trenches, explosive off the snap and surprisingly light on his feet for his size. On tape, he consistently manhandles smaller defenders and plays with a level of physicality that jumps off the screen, particularly in standout performances against Georgia and South Carolina. His raw power and ability to overwhelm opponents make him a dominant force in the run game. However, there are areas for refinement. He can mis-time his punches in pass protection and occasionally gets bull rushed by smaller defenders, pointing to lingering balance issues. If he can clean up those lapses, his upside is sky-high.

PROJECTION: ROUND 1 PICK

With over 1,000 career snaps at right guard, Roberts brings solid experience and technique to the interior. He handles stunts well and shows good lateral movement on run blocks, using his feet effectively to seal defenders and open lanes. He’s particularly effective at the second level, delivering impact blocks on linebackers and defensive backs. His athleticism and footwork stand out in the run game, but there are some concerns in pass protection. He occasionally reaches for quicker defenders, which can lead to pressures, and he struggles at times to anchor against power in one-on-one situations. Still, his mobility, awareness, and upside as a run blocker make him a strong developmental guard with starting potential.

PROJECTION: DAY 2 PICK

Thompson made the switch from right tackle in 2023 to right guard in 2024, and the improvement was clear. After allowing 27 pressures at RT, he surrendered just 8 at RG, showcasing a much better fit on the interior. He plays with a strong lower base and high football IQ, consistently driving defenders off the line in the run game and showing the ability to displace defensive linemen with leverage and power. His experience at tackle is valuable, but his shorter arms were more exposed on the edge, often limiting his ability to recover against speed or length. Inside at guard, those limitations are masked, and his strength, awareness, and physicality make him a reliable interior presence with starting potential at the next level.

PROJECTION: DAY 2 PICK