As NFL Mocks continues its position breakdowns leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s time to examine the offensive guard class. This year’s group is not as strong at the top as the 2025 class, with only one prospect carrying a first-round grade after three guards were selected in the first round last year. The real value in this class is likely on early Day 3, where I have six prospects graded in the fourth or fifth round.
One team that could invest heavily at the position is the Seattle Seahawks. After selecting North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick last season, Seattle now needs to solidify the right guard spot and could take another guard in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Baltimore Ravens are another team to watch in the middle rounds, as starters Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees allowed a combined 58 pressures last season. The Green Bay Packers will also be active at the position, prioritizing size and physicality up front and likely targeting bigger, more powerful guards in this class.
Here’s a closer look at the prospects.
Top Player: Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Emmanuel Pregnon is the top offensive guard and one with All-Pro potential. He possesses a rare combination of mobility that enables him to reach the second level as a run blocker and strength that makes it difficult for defenders to bull rush him. He is coming off a dominant season after being named an All-American, not allowing a single sack, and finishing as PFF’s highest graded Power Four offensive guard. A possible landing spot for the Duck is the Seattle Seahawks' left guard position after Anthony Bradford struggled this season.
Guy I Would Stand on the Table For: Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
A mid-round prospect I am high on is Kentucky’s Jalen Farmer. He has impressive measurables, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 322 pounds, with 34¾-inch arms. He moves well for his size and can fit in either a gap or zone based running scheme. He also brings a high football IQ, missing only two assignments this season while earning Dean’s List honors. One team that would make sense is the Baltimore Ravens, who need to upgrade their interior offensive line this offseason.
Breakout Player: Beau Stephens, Iowa
While Iowa’s Beau Stephens had a solid 2024 season and was named the team’s Comeback Player of the Year, he established himself as one of the best offensive guards in college football in 2025. He earned All-American honors and led all Power Four guards with an 88.3 PFF grade. His 92.9 pass blocking grade led the nation, and his 85.6 run blocking grade ranked third among all FBS guards. As an NFL prospect, he shows good pop off the ball and is a solid overall athlete. However, his shorter arms and only average power will likely push him into the fifth round.
Biggest Risk: Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
A player with the potential to start in the NFL but with medical red flags is Notre Dame’s Billy Schrauth. As a prospect, he is an impressive athlete who blocks well in space and is one of the more technically sound offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially with his hand usage. Those traits are a big reason he has allowed only one sack over the past two seasons. The concern is his injury history. He missed the final five games this season with a knee injury and missed four games in 2024 with an ankle injury. Because of those durability concerns, expect him to slide to Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
Sleeper: Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma
A sleeper from the SEC this season is Oklahoma offensive guard Febechi Nwaiwu. What stands out most is his athleticism and ability to slide easily in pass protection. That is a big reason he finished as PFF’s highest graded pass blocking offensive guard this season and allowed only two pressures all year. He also brings valuable versatility with experience at both guard and center, giving him the ability to play either position in the NFL. A possible landing spot is the Houston Texans, who may look to upgrade at center over Jake Andrews or fill the guard spot if Ed Ingram leaves in free agency.
Had a Disappointing Season: Jeremiah Wright, Auburn
A player with high upside who struggled in 2025 was Auburn’s Jeremiah Wright. He allowed five sacks this season, one more than he gave up in his first three years combined, and surrendered 22 pressures, two more than he allowed over the previous three seasons. Despite those struggles, I still have a fifth-round grade on him because of his impressive strength and massive 6-foot-5, 340-pound frame. With better technique, which should continue to develop after moving from the defensive line to the offensive line in 2022, his pass protection should improve. A team to watch is the Green Bay Packers, who prioritize size along the offensive line.
Overrated: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Many project Olaivavega Ioane to the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round, but I have a late second-round grade on him. The biggest concern is his limited athletic ability. He struggles with blocking in space and loses his balance too often. On the positive side, he is a physical mauler with the power to drive defenders off the ball and anchor against the bull rush. He will likely develop into a good NFL guard, but taking him in the first round would be a reach.