April 5, 2026, 3:09 p.m. CT
The 2026’s top five interior offensive linemen prospects shouldn’t be of interest to the Dallas Cowboys. Their interior features All-Pro left guard in Tyler Smith, first-round pick Tyler Booker at right guard, and top-75 pick Cooper Beebe at center. The Cowboys are hoping for a third-year leap from Tyler Guyton, but offensive tackle is still a need; Tyron Smith isn’t walking through the door.
Unless the plan is to move Smith out to left tackle, Dallas is secure on the inside. They even retained T.J. Bass and signed Matt Hennessy to replace Brock Hoffman as depth pieces.
It’s always important to know the best players at every position, regardless, because another team might want to trade up for a player, or if a player falls so far that Dallas can’t pass him up. The New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions could all use offensive line help, so scouting these prospects needs to remain a priority for the Cowboys, even if it’s unlikely they draft one.
IOL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Chase Bisontis is a good-sized offensive guard prospect who has gotten better every season, especially moving from right tackle to left guard. He has good footwork and enough mobility to get to defenders on the move and make impactful blocks. He has always been a plus run blocker, but improved greatly as a pass protector in 2025. He can struggle against lengthy pass rushers if he can’t get his hands on them first. Bisontis is an immediate starter, with a chance to be a Pro Bowl guard if he continues to improve at the rate he did in college.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.IOL Gennings Dunker, Iowa
Gennings Dunker is a Tyler Booker-type guard who might not test well, but uses his incredible strength to impact defenders and move them out of their gaps. He is quick off the snap and has one of the best hand punches in the 2026 draft class. He will have starter ability immediately, with the chance to be special if he can improve his processing against inside stunts and his play against quick pass-rushers inside. High floor starter, but he has a ceiling that isn’t special. Dunker was an offensive tackle in college, but in the NFL, he’s emergency tackle depth.
IOL Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Emmanuel Pregnon is a high-floor run blocker due to his tons of college experience, an excellent frame, and a really high IQ for the position. He is 6-foot-4, 315 pounds with over 33-inch arms and 11-inch hands. He can dislodge and turn defensive tackles with his power, and fooling him with blitzes and twists is rare.
His footwork limits his upside. Pregnon isn’t quick off the snap, and he gets caught out of position or leaning at a higher rate than a team might ideally want. He is a plug-and-play guard who immediately improves an offensive line, with high upside.
IOL Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano was a three-year starter at Utah, with experience at both offensive tackle positions. A team could draft him to be a tackle, but at the NFL level, he could be a much better interior offensive lineman, especially at center. His weaknesses, like anchor, can be mitigated.
His footwork is top-notch, and he has excellent awareness, allowing him to block on the move with precision. A zone running team would be the best fit for Fano. He will develop much better using his athleticism than in a power, gap scheme. He will help offenses break big plays in the screen game for running backs or receivers.
IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane could be the best offensive lineman in the class. Lance Zierlein gives him a player comp of Cooper Beebe, and it fits. Ioane wins with power and awareness, but doesn’t offer much in the athleticism and movement areas of the game. He would be at his best in a power, gap scheme, moving the player in front of him, but won’t hold back a zone rushing attack with poor movement.
He will have his issues in pass protection against Osa Odighizuwa-type pass rushers who win with quickness, but will overpower those types as well. He should be an All-Rookie player and will work his way to a Pro Bowl option and even an All-Pro with time.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast