Much like the stock market, an NFL draft prospect\u2019s value can fluctuate drastically over time. Throughout the pre-draft evaluation period, certain key events cause teams to reassess a player\u2019s long-term outlook. The NFL Combine, like a quarterly earnings report, is one of the defining tentpole moments in a prospect\u2019s draft cycle.<\/p>\n
Below are several top offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft whose draft stock has changed dramatically over the course of the evaluation process.<\/p>\n
Riser: Billy Schrauth, OG – Notre Dame<\/p>\n
Pre-February PFF ranking: Not Ranked (NR)<\/p>\n
Current PFF ranking: 128th<\/p>\n
Analysis: Schrauth declared for the NFL Draft as a junior following a mid-season MCL sprain that ended his season. Draft evaluators must have given Schrauth glowing feedback for him to declare a year early despite the injury.<\/p>\n
His sudden appearance on PFF\u2019s draft board is directly tied to his announcement as a participant in the NFL Combine<\/a>. In a weaker and older class, Schrauth represents a high-potential player at a discount. Schrauth was a team captain and started at left and right guard at Notre Dame. He possesses ideal size at 6\u2019 4\u201d and 310 pounds for guard.<\/p>\n Faller: Isaiah World, OT – Oregon<\/p>\n Pre-February PFF Ranking: 89th<\/p>\n Current PFF Ranking: 130th<\/p>\n Analysis: World has an all-world physique at 6\u20198\u201d and 315 pounds. With one of the quicker kick-slides and first steps in the class, World was a first-round prospect in early October. However, his College Football Playoff film combined with a deeper analysis into his technique identified inconsistencies that will be an issue at the next level.<\/p>\n Then, he tore his ACL in the Peach Bowl against Indiana. The injury will prevent him from participating in the NFL Combine and likely delay his availability for training camp and the start of the season. He\u2019s essentially fallen from a top 30 pick to a Day Three developmental roster stash.<\/p>\n Riser: Sam Hecht, OC – Kansas State<\/p>\n Pre-February PFF Ranking: 204th<\/p>\n Current PFF Ranking: 66th<\/p>\n Analysis: Fewer players made themselves more money during the Senior Bowl than Hecht. The two-year starter at center for the Wildcats was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy; the \u201cAcademic Heisman\u201d of college football. Yet was his quick, lateral movement and ability to stall much larger defensive tackles that had draft analysts buzzing in Mobile, Alabama.<\/p>\n The sub-300-pound center is a fast mover both on tape and in draft evaluations. For teams who utilize a zone run scheme, Hecht will be a second-round worthy center. For others, he lacks the density to withstand sizable DTs.<\/p>\n Faller: Parker Brailsford, OC – Alabama<\/p>\n Pre-October PFF Ranking: 57th<\/p>\n Current PFF Ranking: 200th<\/p>\n Analysis: At 6\u20192\u201d, 290 pounds, Brailsford\u2019s light stature has deterred teams from his draft profile. His three years of starting experience (one at Washington and two at Alabama; he followed head coach Kalen DeBoer) makes him a tantalizing prospect for teams. He needs to add 10-15 pounds to his frame without losing his athletic profile to regain interest from teams.<\/p>\n Riser: Monroe Freeling, OT – Georgia<\/p>\n Pre-January PFF Ranking: 128th<\/p>\n Current PFF Ranking: 28th<\/p>\n Analysis: In January, Freeling was beginning to look a lot like a \u201cmy guy\u201d of the offensive tackle group. Left and right tackle experience, an extremely athletic profile, great in space, and SEC film to boot. His fourth-round grade didn\u2019t last long as teams identified his technical acumen along with his elite true pass blocking grade as indicators of a resume worthy of a first round pick.<\/p>\n