The offensive linemen wrapped up the on-field drills at the 2026 NFL Combine and produced a plethora of impressive performances. With Al Karsten focusing on evaluating the Top 5 winners from the center prospects, this article will close up our Combine coverage by taking a closer look at the offensive tackles and guards who impressed in Indianapolis.
Spencer Fano, RT, Utah (6-foot-5 1/2, 311)
With Miami’s Francis Mauigoa not participating at the Combine, Fano was presented with the opportunity to steal the show, and he didn’t disappoint. With an all-important 1.72 10-yard-split and overall RAS score of 9.76, Fano checked a lot of boxes that should make him one of the top picks in this year’s draft.
Fano simply glided through on-field drills, making everything look easy. He’s a natural kick slider (from both sides), staying low, balanced, and under firm control. His quick feet and easy movement allow him to glide through change-of-direction drills, smoothly covering ground with elite lateral quickness. Pulling was clean, showing a one-step-and-gone impact; his switch-dip-and-pull arcs were efficient, and he was able to string techniques together effortlessly. Oh, and he also worked out at center after his workout.
Monroe Freeling, LT, Georgia (6-foot-7 1/2, 315)
Freeling was one of the biggest risers in the draft process entering the Combine, and he was able to keep that momentum moving in a positive direction with his elite measurables and terrific on-field performances. His 1.71 10-yard split was the best among the tackles, and second for all offensive linemen (Alabama center Parker Brailsford ran a 1.7 split), and at the end of the day, Freeling earned a 9.99 RAS score.
In on-field drills, Freeling showed good overall technique and natural athleticism. He consistently bends at the knees to control his movement, keeps his chest out, his weight low in his hips, allowing him to anchor at will, and throws strikes with power. When on the move, Freeling had a good shuffle, was speedy in the open field, and showcased his natural skills on pulls. His base did get too wide in some drills, leading to him slipping, but that could be attributed to youth at the position and wanting to prove his range.
Feeeling is firmly in contention with the next prospect on this list to be the third tackle selected in the first round, and the Lions could end up with their Taylor Decker replacement if he lasts until pick No. 17. As for would the Lions pull the trigger, Lions coach Dan Campbell made it clear at the Combine that they are in the market for a longterm replacement who may be abel to spot start this season:
“I love Deck, he’s got some things that are going to need some management, and that’s kind of where we’re at. So, one way or another, we’re going to need somebody who can play over there (left tackle). If we need them in a crunch, or if we need them as a starter.”
Kayden Proctor, LT, Alabama (6-foot-5 1/2, 352)
A mountain of a prospect, Proctor arrived at Alabama weighing over 400 pounds and listened to the NFL when they told him that he’d need to lose weight to start at the next level. Now at 352 pounds, Proctor is a scary athlete for his size, running a 1.84 10-yard-split and earning a 9.28 RAS.
Proctor explodes with his first step, displaying light feet and lateral agility. He was great in pass protection drills, mirroring with a solid gate, wasting little movement, and not relinquishing any ground. His pass pro slide was average in speed, but when he anchored and engaged the bag, he hit it with so much power that it knocked the coach back, and his hat flew off his head. When moving laterally, there was more hopping (both feet off the ground) than I would prefer, but he showed strong pulls when allowed a smooth corner, and ran into more difficulty when asked to plant and change direction. His dip-and-pull was on equal level with any guard, and proved more efficient when allowed to let his momentum roll.
As for fit with the Lions, the NFL broadcast brought it up multiple times, comparing his size and athleticism to that of Penei Sewell (though they were quick to remind that this comparison was to size/weight/speed), and analyst Charles Davis even went as far as to say, “he just looks like a Lion”, at least twice.
Caleb Lomu, LT, Utah (6-foot-6, 315)
Lomu’s quick feet consistently showed up in on-field and measured drills, running a 1.74 10-yard-split and earning a 9.88 RAS. He presented a big, controlled kick slide—shining more on the left side—and lateral footwork to quickly gain a lot of space. Lomu’s biggest weakness is his core power, which was evident in his strikes and in the mirror drill. While smoothly and efficiently shadowing the coach’s direction, Lomu slowly drifted backwards, likely an unconscious habit from bracing for impact. Still, his movement skills were those of an NFL left tackle, showing the athleticism to succeed in multiple pull drills.
Blake Miller, RT, Clemson (6-foot-7, 317)
Miller showcased a very balanced day, performing well in almost every aspect. His 1.75 10-yard-split is great, but his 9.94 RAS certainly exceeded expectations. The veteran tackle got in and out of his pass protection slide in the blink of an eye, showing positive and controlled skills in the mirror and slide drills. Miller displayed natural pulling skills, an impressive dip-and-pull, and fluidity when on the move. The most surprising skill Miller showed off was the timing and power in his strikes, flashing the elite impact that comes from 54 career starts.
Max Iheanachor, RT, Arizona State (6-foot-6, 321)
Iheanachor is still very raw for the position (he didn’t start playing football until Junior college), but he’s such a natural athlete with unlimited upside that he’s positioned himself as a potential top 50 pick. His 1.73 10-yard split is wonderful for his size, and his 9.91 RAS was very impressive. Iheanachor presented a consistent knee bend, a square and upright form, proved to have a natural kick-slide from both sides, and displayed smooth and powerful lateral movement. His lower body moves quickly, and while he can be a bit labored at the snaps (especially on pulls), once he gets going, he’s a load to slow down. The natural pop in his hands is one of his best tools in a developing skill set.
Caleb Tiernan, LT, Northwestern (6-foot-8, 323)
While Tiernan did not participate in measured activities, his on-field performance showed potential. He’s a smooth lateral slider with a very clean and controlled slide-and-strike pass protection move. While Tiernan was most recently a left tackle for Northwestern, he has right tackle experience and looked more natural on that side in drills. His height was an issue during pulling drills, but he did showcase some athletic movement in open space. I’m not sure he’s a top 50 player, but there are intriguing traits to develop.
Vega Ioane, LG, Penn State (6-foot-4 1/4, 320)
The “best offensive lineman in the draft,” according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Ioane did not run or jump in at the Combine, but his on-field drills checked the boxes. Consistently under control with his movements, Ioane is a power strider, with a quick get off. He drops weight on the edge and explodes out of his breaks. He displays quick, clean feet and an easy mirror match, stays square at all times, and has a ton of pop in his punch. If he’s there at pick No. 17, and the Lions decide to move Tate Ratledge to center, Ioane would solve a lot of problems in the Lions’ interior offensive line.
Chase Bisontis, LG, Texas A&M (6-foot-5, 315)
After Ioane, Bisontis is likely the OG2 on the Lions board due to his ability to excel in zone blocking schemes. His 1.76 10-yard-split is solid, but his 9.85 RAS was on display in pon-field drills. Bisontis showed off nice lateral quickness, above-average reaction skills, and a fast pull technique paired with a controlled turn and run. He is explosive at the snap, has quick feet and an easy slide, allowing him to cover a lot of ground and hit his marks accurately, whether laterally or upfield.
Emmanuel Pregnon, LG, Oregon (6-foot-4, 314)
Pregnon is the top challenger with Bisontis for an OG2 spot, and while he excels in more of a GAP-oriented blocking scheme, that wouldn’t be an issue with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s experience in this area. With a 1.82 10-yard-split and a 9.42 RAS, Pregnon displays power in everything he does. He presents a strong base, with a big, powerful first step, both when moving laterally or pulling. He aggressively attacks his edges, showing smooth dip-and-pull movement and a controlled angle slide. He’s a bit of a short strider, but that aids him in his punch, as he consistently delivers knock-back strikes.
At this time, I don’t know if I’ll value another guard inside the top 50 beyond Ioane, Bisontis, and Pregnon, but there were two guards that stood out as challengers to that thought process.
Kaylan Rutledge, RG, Georgia Tech (6-foot-4, 315)
Rutledge ran a 1.81 10-yard split and earned a 9.52 RAS, but he was most impressive in his on-field performance on Sunday. Known for being a tough, “dirtbag” blocker, Rutledge impressed with an attacking downhill approach. He displays a good base and is very fluid when pulling, but the overriding presence of power in his movement would be very appealing in the Lions’ scheme. In fact, Rutledge was naturally efficient in every aspect of the pulling drills at the Combine, which I would argue made him the clear best pulling lineman of both groups. His pass protection slide was also very controlled, as was his mirror (which was also very fast), and his dip-back strike was impactful. I walked away highly impressed.
Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa (6-foot-5, 319)
Dunker was Iowa’s right tackle, but he’ll need to shift inside at the next level and could thrive in doing so. Simply put, despite an 8.6 RAS score, Dunker was too slow in tackle drills, requiring an extra step in his kick slide and choppy lateral movement (his knee movement slows him down), though he certainly put in a ton of effort to overcome his natural hitches. While he doesn’t move naturally enough to live on an island in the NFL, he does move like a guard, displaying powerful strides and easy pulling traits. He attacks the edge on his pulls, has a ton of pop in his hands, and lands his strikes with knock-back power. A move inside will accentuate his strengths and personality.
