The old adage is that the NFL Draft starts in Mobile, and I’d argue there are two positional groups that really start at January’s Senior Bowl.
We’re well into the process on quarterbacks and skill positions based on 2025 production, but some of the most valuable information teams collect in the trenches — on the offensive and defensive lines — comes from practice reps in the exhibition contest.
The 2026 offensive line class is quite polarizing. There’s plenty of debate whether the top names and faces — not all of whom will be seen in Mobile — are better fits inside or outside. Some have great traits with terrible tape. Some have great tape with concerning traits. It’s a mixed bag, with unanswered questions.
With that, let’s meet the “big uglies” that comprise the 2026 Senior Bowl participants on the offensive line. The prospects are in alphabetical order.
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
By and large, this seems like a good tackle class for yours truly when Austin Barber will likely slide into the middle of Day 2.
Barber was a bit of an underdog arriving in Gainesville as a three-star recruit, but he’s worked his way to functional size (314 pounds) for 6’6″ and technique that is rare at the collegiate level. His pad level and footwork in the run game are quite exceptional, and he’s actively seeking pancakes with a bit of a mean streak.
The combine will be vital to test what I still see as a lack of overall athleticism and play strength, which can bite him on poor hand placement and upright technique on his worst pass-blocking reps. Strong rushers can push him backwards.
He’s the exact type of prospect that could swing 20 draft slots depending on how he fares against a talented crop of EDGEs in Mobile. I think his floor in the NFL is a serviceable swing tackle.
Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
NFL teams value traits at tackle, and Boston College’s Jude Bowry is a fun one from that perspective.
At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, Bowry’s explosive play style jumps off the tape with an eager, creative pass set. He has a unique way of creating and maintaining an anchor with strong, impactful hands. However, that’s because technical refinement often abandons him, leaving him to use that creativity (or grabbing) as his only means of defense.
According to reports, Bowry’s unique, fun personality would also be a great fit in an NFL locker room at a cornerstone position. As a developmental tackle prospect in or after Round 3, my chief concern with him is health. He missed three games in 2025 and was nicked up during several others over his last two seasons in Chestnut Hill.
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
Parker Brailsford is no stranger to high-stakes football.
He was a member of the Washington Huskies’ 2024 runner-up team and transferred to Tuscaloosa with Kalen DeBoer. Speed, leverage, tenacity, and quick processing are how the undersized (6’2″) center was a key piece on some of college football’s best offensive lines over the last three seasons.
However, “overwhelmed” is a word that can pop up with individual reps, indicating poor angles or mistakes. Because of his lack of size, you don’t see a particularly measured approach in a pass set that’s lightning quick. He’s a great mover to the point where I wish he slowed down at times.
It was a bit of a risk for Brailsford, given his lack of size, to declare early, but success at a similar frame for Aaron Brewer at the NFL level provides hope that his brain and technique can man the starting spot for a pro team.
Fernando Carmona Jr., G, Arkansas
Position can make all the difference on the offensive line, and Fernando Carmona Jr.’s switch inside has completely changed his NFL outlook.
The transfer from San Jose State was PFSN’s top-rated guard in the SEC this year at Arkansas. His frame, length, and athleticism shone on the inside, especially in pulling situations for a Hogs team that was exceptional at running the ball in 2025.
Carmona was initially a tight end recruit, underscoring the spatial movement he can provide. There’s absolutely an aggressive element to the guard’s playstyle, making him an ideal fit for a team looking to build a bully.
While he can struggle to set the edge in pass protection, his experience at multiple positions has to be a plus, as well.
Kage Casey, G, Boise State
A lot of you have seen Kage Casey on tape, usually clearing pathways for Ashton Jeanty at left tackle in 2024 in Boise.
The 6’5″, 311-pounder was the only Group of 5 player who declared early for the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s the transfer portal era for you.
Casey is an experienced grater with a great understanding of angles to seal off his blocks in the run game. I think he’s got an innate feel for being part of a “wall” in a zone scheme, with great hand placement.
Athleticism and length are where Casey likely fails to play outside at the pro level. His build plays much smaller than his listing, and he tends to play upright with poor pad level.
It’s very easy to see a coach like Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan’s tree, and to see the Boise product as a technically sound hidden gem to select and begin building out the interior of their line.
Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
As the largest prospect we’ve discussed thus far, Dametrious Crownover will be noticeably bigger than a lot of guys in this group at the Senior Bowl.
The 6’7″, 336-pound behemoth is the exact type of physically imposing force you’d expect on the edge for an SEC squad that made the playoff. There’s no shortage of effort, leading to dominant reps when he’s able to get in position to let his length and frame create a wide corner.
However, for someone with two full seasons as a starter in College Station, the fundamentals are poor. His lateral quickness is inconsistent, leaving him vulnerable to easy wins with spins and reverse moves. He has the tendency to play stiffly and, in my opinion, rarely has his hands in a position to win.
Could an offensive line coach beg for this lump of clay on Day 3? Absolutely. However, a long, developmental journey will begin in Mobile.
JC Davis, OT, Illinois
In some ways, JC Davis overperformed on the Fighting Illini’s blindside this year.
No one really knew what to expect from the New Mexico transfer, but it became obvious he wasn’t overwhelmed with the step up in competition. He allowed just 18 pressures in 417 pass-blocking snaps.
RELATED: 2026 NFL Draft: PFSN’s Consensus Top 10 Offensive Tackles Include Caleb Lomu, Spencer Fano
However, Illinois’ suspect schedule didn’t really expose him to high-level rushers, and there are still a couple of concerns. At 6’5″, 335 pounds, he seems to lack a quick first step and athleticism to set the edge at times. Finishing plays can also be a struggle.
If nominating a handful of players who might impress at the Senior Bowl, Davis’ size and experience could be among those that make waves if his strong season translates against top-shelf talent.
Gennings Dunker, OT/G, Iowa
A majority of projected first-rounders are skipping the Senior Bowl, leaving Iowa’s Gennings Dunker as perhaps the largest “name” in attendance.
Dunker was credentialed and graded well in 2024 at right tackle for the Hawkeyes, setting the stage for a 2025 season that would solidify him as a first-round pick. Polarizing tape did the opposite.
I disagree that Dunker’s NFL future is definitively at guard. At right tackle, his concerns about mediocre movement and length are alleviated. I just can’t help but be blown away by his speedy punch and play strength, which let him deliver dominant reps when he climbs to the right angle.
As it did for Grey Zabel in 2025, this week will go a long way to letting us know where NFL teams believe the mauling Iowa star — whose pro-wrestler-like personality shines — might line up on Sundays.
Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky
Jalen Farmer was third among SEC guards in PFSN College’s grades, and it’s easy to see why.
The two-year starter at Kentucky put a lot of good on tape as a vicious, powerful puller in the run game. At 6’5″ and 318 pounds, Farmer’s play strength is easily his best asset.
As an interior lineman, his lack of a seal in pass protection is less of an issue than the sporadic losses of assignment or direction. He did allow three sacks in 2025 — which doesn’t even include a rough game against Texas.
Farmer’s early declaration was a bit of a surprise, but he could be a natural fit in a league that’s running the ball more with each passing year.
Alex Harkey, OT/G, Oregon
The national audience’s introduction to Alex Harkey wasn’t a great one.
Harkey had the brutal assignments of Texas Tech’s EDGE duo followed by Indiana’s elite team rush in his last two college games, and there’s no doubt he struggled. He gave up two sacks and four total pressures after 376 snaps without a sack allowed in the regular season.
You do see athleticism and upside with the 6’6″ brawler, but “brawling” is probably the correct terminology for his pass set. At this point, Harkey’s leverage and hands need significant work for someone who doesn’t have particularly smooth hips or elite strength.
The Day 3 prospect can put together a better effort at the Senior Bowl.
Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
I don’t think there’s a lineman invited to this game doing more with less than Sam Hecht.
Hecht won’t jar anyone with an elite punch, considerable length, or explosiveness in his first step, but he’s a smart technician who is plenty quick and maximizes his gifts in the run game. He’s particularly sound with angle blocks and moves like motor oil through an engine in zone concepts on the ground.
If the Kansas State product can put on weight in the pros, I wouldn’t bet against his frame. I think someone in the McVay or Shanahan coaching tree is going to circle his name in pen for a potential selection starting in Round 3.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
This is my official pick for dark horse at the Senior Bowl among this group.
ASU’s Max Iheanachor has shockingly clean tape for a right tackle in the Big 12. Checking the boxes at 6’4″ and 332 pounds, Iheanachor’s two-point stance is ready for the NFL. He explodes into pass protection with clean feet and good load in his elbows.
You also see the big man’s athleticism on display, climbing to the second level in the run game.
At this point, he does need to make the most of his gifts by acquiring an elite punch in pass protection to match everything else. Bendy EDGEs can get the better of him. Still, he’s got everything you want from a Day 2 development tackle, and I wouldn’t rule out the left side.
Delby Lemieux, C, Dartmouth
The only FCS representative in this positional group is Dartmouth’s Delby Lemieux. It’s safe to say that intelligence is probably a checked box.
Lemieux played left tackle for the Big Green, but he’s already preparing to work inside at the Senior Bowl due to a smaller frame and smaller arms. That was Grey Zabel, a year ago, from a small school, too.
I think his size means he’s a center-only prospect, but he’s certainly earned a step up in competition after allowing just six pressures in 271 pass-blocking reps this past season. It’ll be great to learn more about him in Mobile.
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Though Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane has seemingly clamped down the spot for best guard in the draft, Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon has a chance to make it a conversation at the Senior Bowl.
Pregnon has elite size (6’5″ and 318 pounds) for an NFL guard and incredible tape. He is regularly able to lift and unseat defenders in the run game with tremendous leverage, and he’s got a stout, impactful punch with good hand placement as a short-area pass protector. He had just one penalty in 910 snaps during the 2025 season, too.
The former transfer from USC got a bag from Phil Knight for a reason. Other than getting crossed over at times from being too aggressive with his punch, there just aren’t many holes in the prospect’s game.
Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
Keylan Rutledge is a gosh darn football player.
Perhaps best known for barely caring that he was pouring blood against Clemson this year, Rutledge was a captain and professional mover of people for the Yellow Jackets as a full-time starter each of the last two seasons.
RELATED: Emmanuel Pregnon NFL Draft Projections: 5 Potential Landing Spots for Oregon OG
At this point, Rutledge is at his best in a gap-blocking scheme where you ask him to plow downhill. Like most collegiate guards in that scheme, pass protection is definitely a work in progress in terms of both hand placement and footwork. He often gets caught lumbering in space or twisted out of position.
Rutledge overcame a serious car accident where his foot was nearly amputated in 2023 to play at an All-American level. There might not be a tougher dude in Mobile.
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Potentially due to a challenging year at Penn State, Drew Shelton is leaving Happy Valley as an early declaration. I’m not sure it was the right move.
The 6’5″, 305-pound tackle is extremely small for the position at the NFL level, and that is a concern coming from a strength and conditioning program like the Nittany Lions have.
He’s experienced (34 career starts) between both tackle spots and possesses the type of footwork and athleticism you’d expect from an undersized player who made such a good living there.
However, I have extreme concerns about his anchor and play strength in pass protection. Having played next to Ioane, Shelton also had a much larger margin for error when it comes to inside moves than most collegiate tackles, as well.
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
As the second Gator on this list, Jake Slaughter is hard to ignore on tape.
You can tell the two-time team captain in Gainesville is mature and puts in copious work on signals and blocking assignments. He does a great job picking up stunts and has a good feel of traffic when climbing to the second level.
However, there are physical limitations here — particularly in the lower half. Some of his least successful reps are key third downs, where he’s left isolated against mammoth, powerful nose tackles. In those moments, he just lacks the play strength to win the rep.
It’s easy to see Slaughter going after the start of Round 3 to a team that would be comfortable having him call the signals in a pinch during his rookie season.
Beau Stephens, G, Iowa
There wasn’t a funnier tape on the list than Iowa’s Beau Stephens.
He’s regularly slamming grown human beings to the ground with intensity and physicality that you love to see from your left guard. That comes from great hand placement and tremendous lower-half coordination.
If you want a guard to get downhill and hit someone, he might be the very best among this group. However, if there’s something that seems like a real point of emphasis for him, it’s understanding the flow of the play and the position of the quarterback rather than winning his individual assignment.
Stephens isn’t very quick in space, but there’s a lot to like here. He was second across the country in PFSN’s College player Offensive Line Impact (OLi) this season.
Logan Taylor, OT/G, Boston College
Versatility is in vogue among NFL offensive linemen, so Logan Taylor will be on several lists with collegiate starts at four different positions.
At 6’7″, 312 pounds, Taylor has tremendous size and arm length to play right tackle, but issues with his base and quickness in pass protection might make guard his optimal pro position.
The Canadian’s hand placement and punch are pretty sturdy. Other than a tendency to play upright, it’s not hard to see him contributing at multiple positions — which offensive line coaches will love to get from a Day 3 pick.
Carver Willis, OT, Washington
All things considered, Carver Willis did a great job for a difficult ask in 2025.
After playing right tackle in 2025 at Kansas State, Willis transferred to Washington and was asked to man Demond Williams Jr.’s blindside. He put on 17 pounds from a 295-pound listing at KSU as a junior, but that didn’t wane his effectiveness as the sixth-highest graded offensive tackle in the Big Ten, per PFSN’s college grading system. That was despite tearing his MCL against Ohio State.
Like Shelton, Willis has quick feet and great athleticism that help him overcome his size issues. The Day 3 pick will have to overcome those concerns at the next level, though.
Jeremiah Wright, G, Auburn
Auburn fans’ favorite offensive lineman was Jeremiah Wright.
Wright was a pancake generator for War Eagle, and he’ll tip the scales (348 pounds) among the heaviest offensive linemen in Mobile at 6’5″. For a big guy, he does a nice job squaring himself in pass protection, as well.
However, Wright might have been more successful in a different era of the NFL. His frame comes with heavy, lumbering feet that might struggle badly with stunts, and his recovery was a problem in college.
I’m sure he can help a pro team immediately in short-yardage situations, but Wright might have to wait quite a while for a team to call his name in April.
Trey Zuhn III, G, Texas A&M
We’ll start talking arm length at the NFL Scouting Combine in March, and that’ll be Trey Zuhn III’s biggest obstacle.
With 31.8″ arms, Zuhn’s pro future seems destined to be at guard despite being a four-year starter at left tackle for the Aggies. You see it manifest on tape sometimes, in reaching or struggling with defenders who change tempo and break his anchor.
However, Zuhn’s lower half is impressive, and he’s naturally athletic and quick. Sort of like Will Campbell a year ago, it’s hard to argue with allowing just two sacks in 910 snaps against a great strength of schedule.
One of those sacks came from a high-end prospect in Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr., though. That’s the problem as he transitions to the NFL.
