Editor’s note: This is the eighth installment of Dane Brugler’s 2026 Summer Scouting series. Previous rankings: Edge rushers | Running backs | Defensive tackles | Tight ends | Linebackers | Interior offensive linemen | Cornerbacks

Based on my initial viewing, I expected edge rusher to be early favorite as deepest position in the 2026 NFL Draft. But then I watched the offensive tackles — and there is a new frontrunner in the clubhouse. There are multiple seniors to get excited about, but it is the draft-eligible underclassmen who could make for a tackle-rich first round next April.

(Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a “v” representing verified measurements and “e” for estimated measurements.)

Best trait: Rare explosive power

Proctor is simply built different. He is a naturally massive human with a wide frame, smooth muscle throughout and a thick lower half (big thighs, burly calves, large bubble).

And what stands out even more than his size is his ability to uncoil hellish power as a blocker. He uses long arms and upper-body strength to launch defenders or overpower them at contact. His nasty play style fits him well.

Proctor’s power profile and sheer size are the headlines, but he isn’t a slug. For a 360-pounder, he stays nimble on his feet.

Must improve: Conditioning

One of the more frustrating things in scouting is when a prospect doesn’t play up to his measureables. But it was clear from the jump I wouldn’t have to worry about that with Proctor because of his knock-back, mauling power.

However, Proctor needs to stay in top shape to achieve consistent leverage against NFL defenders. He wouldn’t take plays off effort-wise on last year’s tape, but there were times he would cut corners and rely on size over technique, especially in pass pro.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

A five-star recruit out of high school, Proctor was one of the top players in the 2023 class and became a freshman All-American at left tackle for the Tide. After a brief transfer back home to Iowa, the Des Moines native returned to Alabama and earned second-team All-SEC honors last season.

It will be easy to lump Proctor in the same bucket as Evan Neal or D.J. Fluker and expect him to be the next massive Alabama linemen to fall short of expectations in the NFL. And Proctor is far from a finished product (see last year’s Michigan tape). But when you focus on his freaky talent, at that size, it is easy to understand why NFL scouts talk about him as a future first-round pick.

Best trait: Balance through engagement

There is a ton to love about Fano’s tape.

In the run game, he is a fluid mover with vice-grip hands and the innate desire to drive his target from the spot. As a pass blocker, he uncoils out of his stance with light feet, firm punch and smooth redirect. The common theme from his tape is an ability to stay balanced from the point of attack through the finish, regardless of the action required.

Must improve: Filling out his frame

NFL teams have Fano listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, with average overall length. There isn’t much he can do about his arm length, but there is room on his frame to add weight and strengthen his base. He said he added 10 pounds of bulk this offseason, and it will be interesting to see how that impacts his performance.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

One of the highest-ranked recruits in Utah history, Fano immediately earned his way onto the field as a true freshman as the Utes’ starting left tackle. He kicked over to right tackle as a sophomore last season and was even better, earning multiple All-America nods. With arguably the best offensive tackle tandem in college football, Kyle Whittingham thinks his 2025 group will be the “best offensive line” at Utah since he became head coach 21 years ago.

A sticky blocker, Fano is one of the 10 best prospects I have studied this summer. NFL scouts share the same excitement, and they also praise his intelligence and no-ego mindset.

Best trait: Natural power/length

With his size and lateral movements, Chaplin is able to kick out and cut off speed rushers. But his power and length are most evident as a run blocker, and Virginia Tech often found success running behind its left tackle. (Chaplin transferred to Auburn this past offseason.)

Chaplin is able to torque, turn and run his feet to violently move defenders where he wants them to go. He has the mobility to cut off on the backside or wash the three-technique from the designed lane.

Must improve: Sloppy habits

Though very gifted for a man his size, Chaplin is still a work in progress in multiple areas. His overaggressive tendencies will backfire on him, causing him to lunge and disrupt his balance. He doesn’t have top-tier body flexibility and can do a better job protecting against that, especially in space, to avoid penalties.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

A lesser-known high school recruit, Chaplin redshirted at Virginia Tech in 2022 before becoming the Hokies’ starting left tackle the last two seasons. Once he jumped into the transfer portal, Auburn made him a priority to round out its offensive line.

Because he is both raw and incredibly talented, there is a wide range of outcomes for Chaplin as a pro prospect. If he continues to develop his body and discipline, the power, length and talent are there for him to be a first-round pick. Scouts are excited about his potential, but they also need to see continued progression this season before stamping him with an NFL-starter grade.

Best trait: Strong as a bull

Mauigoa is a decent mover off the ball and in space, but it’s his play strength that makes him so effective. He can sit down and anchor versus power rushers or use his upper-body strength to rework his hands and slow down speed off the edge.

It isn’t always pretty in the run game as he continues to fine-tune his hand technique, but once he latches, Mauigoa can uproot his target.

Must improve: Inconsistent weight transfer

Mauigoa has adequate feet and mobility, but his balance can be disrupted by inconsistent weight transfer. At times, he gets over his skis and too far out front in the run game. Other times, he puts too much momentum on his outside foot mid-slide, leaving himself open to inside rush counters.

However, Mauigoa’s hands are both skilled and strong, which often can get him out of those compromised positions.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

According to most recruiting outlets, it was a two-man race between Proctor and Mauigoa for the OT1 spot in the 2023 high school class (both were consensus top-10 players in the country). Because of his trust in the coaching staff, Mauigoa signed with Miami — and his older brother, Francisco, joined him in Coral Gables (and ultimately was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Jets).

A left tackle as a senior at IMG Academy, Mauigoa has started all 26 games at right tackle in his two college seasons. Some NFL scouts see him as more of a guard than a tackle down the line, but they all expect him to be a future NFL starter with first-round potential.

5. Caleb Lomu, Utah (6-6e, 305e)*Best trait: Pass-pro quickness

With his light feet, quick hands and athletic frame, Lomu is very natural in his movement patterns as a pass blocker. He explodes off the snap and maintains knee bend, balance and eager hands to easily shield speed rushers.

Only a redshirt freshman in his first season as a starter last season, he has plenty that needs improving. But Lomu has natural pass-protection feet and body quickness, both of which will always be coveted in the NFL.

Must improve: Play strength

When he stays square and keeps rushers off his frame, Lomu is dominant on pass-pro reps. Against power or rushers who get into his chest, however, he often breaks down or loses his balance. At times, he is able to regain leverage and stay engaged, but Lomu needs to get stronger to improve his recovery chances and be more of a force in the run game.

The player on the 2024 tape wasn’t ready for NFL power. I expect that to change in 2025.

2026 NFL Draft outlook

One of the top recruits out of Arizona in the 2023 class, Lomu committed to Utah over Michigan and was Whittingham’s second-highest-ranked recruit that year (behind Fano). He spent the 2023 season developing his body for the college level, then became a starter for the 2024 season. Considered more of a natural left tackle, Lomu breaking into the starting lineup pushed Fano to right tackle.

Still a very young player, Lomu isn’t a polished technician at this point and needs to continue developing his body and core strength before he is ready for NFL snaps. But he is an easy mover with the athletic tools and body type that have NFL teams bullish about his future. Based on long-term potential, it could be argued Lomu belongs ahead of Fano.

Preseason top 25 seniors (all measurements are NFL-verified)

1. Drew Shelton, Penn State (6-4 7/8, 303)
2. Isaiah World, Oregon (6-5 1/4, 321)
3. Max Iheanachor, Arizona State (6-5 1/2, 322)
4. Gennings Dunker, Iowa (6-3 1/2, 317)
5. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern (6-7 1/2, 320)
6. Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State (6-6, 333)
7. J.C. Davis, Illinois (6-3 7/8, 333)
8. Austin Barber, Florida (6-6 7/8, 316)
9. Fa’alili Fa’amoe, Wake Forest (6-5 1/8, 318)
10. Micah Pettus, Florida State (6-6 7/8, 353)
11. Jeff Persi, Pittsburgh (6-7 1/4, 308)
12. Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M (6-6 3/4, 335)
13. Blake Miller, Clemson (6-6 1/2, 314)
14. Diego Pounds, Ole Miss (6-5 5/8, 337)
15. McKale Boley, Virginia (6-4 7/8, 320)
16. Izavion Miller, Auburn (6-5 3/8, 305)
17. Garrett DiGiorgio, UCLA (6-6 5/8, 326)
18. Tristan Leigh, Clemson (6-4 5/8, 309)
19. Chris Adams, Memphis (6-4 1/2, 300)
20. Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin (6-7 7/8, 321)
21. Trevor Brock, Buffalo (6-4 5/8, 319)
22. Mason Murphy, Auburn (6-5 1/8, 324)
23. Hunter Zambrano, Texas Tech (6-5, 305)
24. Logan Taylor, Boston College (6-6 1/2, 309)
25. Ka’ena Decambra, Arizona (6-3, 312)

Preseason top 15 draft-eligible underclassmen (all measurements are estimates)

1. Proctor
2. Fano
3. Chaplin
4. Mauigoa
5. Lomu
6. Jude Bowry, Boston College (6-5, 310)
7. Kage Casey, Boise State (6-5, 315)
8. Monroe Freeling, Georgia (6-7, 315)
9. Brian Parker II, Duke (6-5, 300)
10. Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame (6-6, 295)
11. Ryan Baer, Pittsburgh (6-7, 325)
12. Trevor Goosby, Texas (6-7, 310)
13. Earnest Greene III, Georgia (6-4, 320)
14. PJ Williams, SMU (6-5, 315)
15. Conner Moore, Michigan State (6-5, 310)

(Photo of Kadyn Proctor: Bryan Lynn / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)