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Go Birds! 2026 Draft Preview: Offensive Guard Rankings With Emory Hunt

34 min
Apr 11, 20267 days ago
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Summary

Emory Hunt, author of the 2026 NFL Draft Guide, joins the Go Birds! podcast to break down the offensive guard and tackle classes for the 2026 draft. The discussion focuses on interior offensive line prospects, with emphasis on technique, versatility, and fit for the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive scheme.

Insights
  • Technique is a foundational skill that compounds over a player's career, providing a higher floor than raw athleticism alone, especially for interior offensive linemen who must adapt to NFL schemes quickly
  • The 2026 interior offensive line class is deep with multiple first-round caliber guards, offering teams flexibility to address positional needs without reaching for elite prospects
  • Smaller-school and HBCU prospects can compete effectively against FBS competition when given opportunities at all-star circuits, suggesting draft evaluation should extend beyond Power 5 programs
  • The Eagles' historical success with late-round offensive line picks stems from their ability to stay patient and let talent fall rather than aggressively trading up, combined with strong positional coaching
  • Athletic versatility at the offensive line position is increasingly valued due to limited game-day roster sizes and the need for depth across multiple positions
Trends
Increased emphasis on interior offensive line evaluation in draft analysis, challenging traditional 'tackle propaganda' that prioritizes edge protectionGrowing recognition of technique-first evaluation methodology over pure athletic traits, particularly for positions where NFL coaching has limited impactRise of smaller-school and HBCU talent visibility through all-star circuits (Senior Bowl, Hula Bowl, HBCU Legacy Bowl) as legitimate evaluation platformsShift toward shorter career expectations for NFL players, reducing age-related concerns for prospects entering the league at 24-25 years oldIncreased cross-training of offensive linemen at collegiate level to play multiple positions, creating more versatile prospects for NFL teamsGeorgia and Alabama offensive line programs serving as reliable talent pipelines with consistent coaching and player development standardsAthletic offensive linemen with ability to reach second level becoming more valuable as offenses emphasize movement and pulling playsWeight management and physical conditioning becoming critical evaluation factors, with examples like Jordan Davis demonstrating performance improvements through disciplined training
Companies
Philadelphia Eagles
Primary focus of draft analysis; team needs offensive line help at guard and tackle positions for 2026 season
Los Angeles Rams
Signed Willie Lampkin as backup center after he impressed in preseason, demonstrating confidence in smaller-frame center
People
Emory Hunt
Guest expert providing detailed prospect evaluations and draft grades for 2026 offensive line class
Jalen Farmer
Top-graded guard prospect in 2026 class; praised for technique, youth, and consistency despite Kentucky's offensive s...
Caden Proctor
Highly athletic tackle with first-round grade; discussed as potential Eagles pick at 23rd overall despite weight conc...
Monroe Freeling
Ranked as top offensive tackle prospect by Hunt; praised for elite technique, pad level, and consistent execution
Willie Lampkin
Undersized center (5'10") who exceeded expectations at multiple levels; example of technique overcoming physical limi...
Jeff Stoutland
Former Eagles offensive line coach who trained Willie Lampkin; no longer with team but established coaching legacy
Jordan Davis
Example of successful weight management improving NFL performance; model for how Caden Proctor could improve conditio...
Landon Dickerson
Current Eagles guard potentially considering retirement; creates positional need for 2026 draft
Tyler Steen
Eagles guard entering free agency after subpar 2024 season; part of offensive line concerns driving draft needs
Cam Jurgens
Eagles center who underperformed in 2024; part of interior offensive line evaluation for potential upgrades
Francis Mauigoa
Versatile prospect who can play multiple positions; ranked second among offensive tackle prospects by Hunt
Spencer Fano
Top-three offensive tackle prospect; discussed as potential target if Eagles trade up from 23rd pick
Emmanuel Pregnan
First-round guard prospect; praised for run game dominance and efficiency despite age concerns at 24-25 years old
Jennings Dunker
Tackle prospect from Iowa; consistent off-the-ball movement but hand placement issues; projected day two pick
Keelan Rutledge
Fifth-ranked guard prospect; praised for power at point of contact and ability to execute pulling plays
Chase Basantis
Sixth-ranked guard prospect; versatile player (3 positions in college) with good angle attack but inconsistent feet
Jeremiah Wright
Seventh-ranked guard prospect; powerful blocker who finishes through whistle; performed well at Senior Bowl
Markel Bell
Fourth-ranked tackle prospect; large frame (6'9", 345 lbs) with athletic ability; first-round grade
Carver Willis
Athletic guard/tackle prospect; lighter frame (6'4", 305 lbs) but demonstrates good footwork and movement
Michael Morris
Athletic Georgia guard prospect; demonstrates good footwork and twitch typical of Georgia offensive linemen
Quotes
"Technique raises your floor because you know, you know, we love the idea of NFL coaching. Right. But we know what coaching looks like at the NFL. It was all scheme."
Emory Hunt~22:00
"I love the technique. It's consistent. Hands stay inside his feet move constantly. So he's always getting movement up front."
Emory Hunt~18:00
"Big tackle propaganda has gotten everybody. It's on the edges, but it's really guards in the guards where you have success offensively."
Emory Hunt~8:00
"Size is not a skill. And so, you know, I'm fully expecting, you know, this as I'm watching to be like, all right, so I can't get this is why I can't, you know, like him."
Emory Hunt~35:00
"The Eagles do a great job like Baltimore, just staying pat and letting the board fall to them. And they get a great player."
Emory Hunt~95:00
Full Transcript
Go birds! What's going on everybody? Let's go, let's get into it. Let's get on the clock with another edition of the Go Birds 2026 NFL Draft Preview. And today we're talking about, we did the offensive tackles yesterday. Today we're going to go to the interior. A position the Eagles really do need potential help with, maybe in that Tyler Steenspot, maybe for the future with Landon Dickerson. So when it comes to these positions, I always got to bring in the experts. I'm not an interior breakdown guy. So I got one of the best out there, Emery Hunt, author of the football game plan 2026 draft guide. Emery, what up man? How you doing? I'm doing fine man. It's great to be on a show bro. Excited to have you. So like I said, so you're from the Jersey area, I think you said. I don't know how closely dug in you are with the Eagles, but the offensive line was not a good position for them last year. So we're having an historic 2024 season and going into this year, you look at offensive tackle for them and I'm sure we'll talk about some players that can swing inside and outside. But the interior of the line is a question for them beyond 2026. Landon Dickerson already potentially thinking about retiring. There's been reports about that. Tyler Steen, a free agent and only had an okay year last year. And then Cam Jergens, we won't do a ton of center stuff today, but didn't have a great year. So I guess my first question for you would be before we dive, dive into some of the prospects, how do you view this class from the interior of the offensive line? Do you view it as a strong class, a weak class? Is it a versatile class? Just how do you view the interior of this draft? I view it as a deep class to be completely honest, man. I truly value the interior offensive line as a former college running back. I love it. How the run game happens, guards in a guard play. I've always joked that big tackle propaganda has gotten everybody. It's on the edges, but it's really guards in the guards where you have success offensively. So this is a very good class, a lot of good talents. And I'm of the mindset. I don't mind taking guards in round one because or centers because I realize how valuable they are. And so this is one of those classes where the Eagles can definitely get better. So you're talking to a recent convert here. I have used to be, I used to be against taking a tier alignment in the first round. I am maybe one of the top tackle propagandists. You talk about the tackle position is obviously important, but you saw last year with the Eagles, they could not run the ball up the middle. They couldn't even do the tush push up the middle at the rate they normally did. So I think you're slowly going to have people convert to your side in terms of taking interior offensive linemen. But one thing that is important for the Eagles, I think, is whatever guard they take, ideally can move to the outside if needed. Now, I think what tackle is moving inside, it's probably a little more important if you're looking for the lane replacement. But do you view this as a class that has guys that are versatile enough to potentially play guard for the Eagles, move out to tackle if needed, play both sides of the line? Like, what do you, how do you view the versatility of this class? We're seeing a lot of versatility at the collegiate level to where guys are getting cross trained. So guys are getting experience in playing, you know, multiple positions. So like we've seen Alabama have guys go through the car wash. They'll start at left tackle, end up at right tackle, but in the middle of their career, they've played all five spots, right? So you get that type of versatility at the collegiate level. I think you can see guys kind of play both sides. I know Francis Maui Noah is one of those guys. You know, you think about Spencer Fano is another one of those guys, you know, so you have some of those players that are able to cross train and play inside or outside, but if you find someone that excels at that one thing, listen, man, just, just do the one thing, just do it at a high level. But I get why the NFL loves that versatility because you only dress 50, what 40 something, 47 on game day. And your offense line is usually not the deepest on game day. So you need guys to be able to play multiple positions. And that's why, you know, you tend to see the value of the class coming into this this year. Yeah. And I mean, you know, the Eagles last year at injuries along the offensive line, they put Fred Johnson in there. But one thing I think is definitely true around the league is a lot of teams can't even field five good offensive linemen, let alone have six or seven. So having depth at that position is tough. All right, let's get into it. Let's talk about some of these top players. So like I said, we'll start at the top of the draft or at least the top of the class, and it seems like Venga, Yohane, I believe is how it's pronounced. You can correct me if that's wrong from Penn State seems like the top interior guy. Do you view him at the top of the class and how do you view him as a prospect overall? I have three first round grades, so to speak, on interior off on guards. Yeah. And my number one guard is Jalen Farmer out of Kentucky. I am a big fan of Woody Bringson's table now. Yohane is is is third for me, but has the same grade as Pregnan. So they both have first round grades. But, you know, if you told me you wanted Yohane as number one, I wouldn't put up a fight, you know, so that's how I view these three. I just like Farmer a little bit better than those two. What do you like? Let's start with Farmer then. What do you like about Farmer? The Eagles Draft 23rd, you have a first round grade on him. So a little background for those listening. Farmer, just under 22 years old, six, five, three hundred and twelve pounds only played the right guard spot, I believe in college that you correct me if that if that's wrong. Why do you have Farmer at the top of the class? And do you think at 23 he's a good peck? Here's the thing. When I when I grade prospects, the baseline, one thing I value more than and probably most is technique, because as you get older, speed away, athleticism away, your strength away, your technique will stay with you forever. You know, and that's how guys get to play so long at such a good level, if not a high level. So I love this technique. It's consistent. Hands stay inside his feet move constantly. So he's always getting movement up front. It was fascinating to watch that Georgia game and just how they were able to consistently own the line of scrimmage. And he was having so much success. It was just surprising that Kentucky stunk offensively, despite having a very good offensive line. Five of these dudes going to play on Sundays. But Farmer was so consistent with this technique, his quickness, his burst. I love the youth. So that's a rarity. You know, with the guys now being 24 to 25 years old, you get a young guy that has the athleticism, has the technique, has the upside. So all of that just balled up in consistency was was there for me on tape. Now, Ioni was, you know, obviously he has just natural strength. It's just core strength and dominant as a finisher. When he connects, he connects with power. He's literally getting guys about the paint. And so you love that to him and also pregnant go about their wins the same way. And you can't go wrong with the Utah offensive linemen, Oregon offensive linemen, Penn State offensive linemen, the KC, offensive linemen. Those are those are the type of places where his sight unseen. I'm so, you know, I don't even have to play, but both pregnant and Ioni or are very good players. I just like the consistency, the youth and the athleticism of Farmer a little bit more. So you said something there. I want to touch on, because I think it's interesting that you value technique a lot. Right. I think one thing the Eagles really value are unique physical traits. And you look at you look at Farmer, he is six, five, right? That's tall for a guard. I guess guards are becoming bigger and bigger. Landon Dickerson, I think is about six, six. He's a big guy. But I wonder for you as a former player, but also a draft analyst, like, do you think it's easier to take a guy that is ultra athletic and teach him? Or do you feel like coming into the NFL with that technique is just such a step above? You look at Devonte Smith, I'll talk about a position I'm more comfortable breaking down like Devonte came into the NFL in elite route runner elite off the line of scrimmage and it helped him so much. I just wonder for you, how do you value? Because sometimes you'll see the technique guys that come in, they're just they might not have that NFL athleticism and it's so hard to pass on those traits. So I'm just wondering for you, how you balance that. I love the way you framed that because technique raises your floor because, you know, you know, we love the idea of NFL coaching. Right. But we know what coaching looks like at the NFL. It was all scheme. And so you better have technique ready to go so that way you can learn the scheme and, you know, execute and apply it. And that's why they have all these special trainers that these guys work with in the off season to help teach them technique and all of those things. Only a few have the coaching on staff to really help elevate their technique. You want to know something else? You know who my number one center was last year in the class? It was Willie Lampkin, who's right now the backup. There you go. Yeah. He was five, ten. I couldn't care less about that height. I love the technique and he was winning his way in that in that realm. So I've always been big on technique. And so when you think about someone like Farmer having that technique, it's cool. And it was half jokingly, what I said about sight unseen. But there's a big reason why you like prospects coming from certain schools because, you know, the coaching and the the the floor tends to be about the same. You know what you're going to get, even though sometimes the head coach may change. They may keep certain positions, positional coaches that tend to teach the same thing. And that's why you tend to see a lot of the same type of talents come out those programs. Well, the Eagles certainly subscribe to that, drafting everyone they can off of Georgia. They're basically Georgia and Alabama light at this point. I got to ask you Willie Lampkin question. I wasn't expecting to do it, but you had him. You said is your number one center last year. You mentioned the size I stand next to him. I'm like five, nine. I feel like I'm mostly eye to eye to him. I don't think I can play center in the NFL. He's got a little more muscle, you know, to say than me. But like, what do you like about Willie Lampkin so much? Because I'm sure Eagles fans were excited here. You say that I was when I was grading his film last year and people know me. I am always size is not a skill. And so, you know, I'm fully expecting, you know, this as I'm watching to be like, all right, so I can't get this is why I can't, you know, like him, you know what I'm saying? And as I'm watching, I'm like, yo, every big run, Omari and Hampton had came right behind this dude and in the ACC, you know, North Carolina is not playing in the swag. That's the ACC. You know, these legit dudes is going to be playing on Sunday that he's moving up out the way. And if you're consistently doing it, you're always going to do it consistently. And so it goes all the way back for me. I was a big Kyle friend fan out of Temple, you know, shorter center, but dominant when Temple was rolling with PJ Walker and those guys. And so I look at, OK, this dude is superseding his his size. Obviously, the rest of them background help. He understands how to play at his height. It got up to that level to where he's at North Carolina. And you saw him in the preseason with the Rams. Yeah. Dominating there. And so to me, that's why, you know, this is someone would always say when people look for changes and positional feels, feels easy, whatever. Sometimes the answer may already be on the roster. And so someone like Lampkin is someone I'm high on. And if he had to step in, I would feel confident in him stepping in, because we saw him do it at multiple levels. Yeah. And I mean, last year, he got a full year to learn under Jeff Stoutland. Stoutland, obviously not with the team anymore, but has had a full year to recover from his injury. The Eagles, I'm sure the Rams weren't too happy when they plucked him the way they did. But all right, the next player I wanted to talk to you about played tackle predominantly in college. And I know with some of these guys, some people view him as tackle, some people view him as guards, but Jenning Dunker out of Iowa, six, five, just about to be 23. So getting a little on the older side, 320 pounds. What are your thoughts on a dunker? Here's the thing about dunker. I love how consistent he is in getting off the ball. Iowa is another one of those spots. My number one center this year is actually Logan Jones. So dunker to me fits right in. And I felt like, you know, you know how it gets when you go to the All-Star Game Circuit. Some guys have great weeks and they get talked up. I felt like people like the idea of dunker because he, you know, quirky, has a hair as the also. Yeah, the Eagles love their line with personalities by the way. Right. Yeah. But he has to be more consistent in resetting his hands because a lot of times his hands get on the outside and he's losing leverage and he ends up either holding or just in a bad spot to where the defensive lineman can slip his block. And I feel like he gives up too much of his chess. So he's not keeping his hands inside to combat that. And when you do it like this and now you get that free access, now you get the defender a chance to stay in control. And so now it makes you have to work twice as hard to get some semblance of movement. So he has some work to do. But again, Iowa offensive linemen tend to be solid. That would be someone I would probably look toward maybe on a day two type deal as opposed to in the first round. And you do see him at guard or tackle? I see him as a guard. You see him. I'm sorry. He's a tackle. I see as a tackle. You see him as a tackle. I see him as a tackle. And here's my thing about that, too, because when I look at and sometimes you can kind of overthink things, each individual team sees things differently. So instead of like trying to get in the head of all 32 individual offensive line coaches, I'm going to just grade your film on what you did at the collegiate level. I may put a note in there like, you know, he has the footwork of a guard, too, or has the length of a tackle. I'll put it in the Scouting Report, but I'll let the team decide where they want to put you because I can only grade you on what you've done. Yeah. And I think for the Eagles, too, especially with Lane potentially retiring in a year, I could definitely see them going a route of somebody that played tackle in the NFL that they personally, to your point, feel could play guard. But you have that in your back pocket that he played it in college. I wanted to pick your brain a little bit more about Emmanuel Prignan from Oregon. I know you touched on him. You said he's one of your top first round guys. Now he is almost 25 years old, I believe. So like that's a that's a bit concerning, right? I mean, you're talking about someone where if he sits for a year, even if he gets right in there, his second deal, he's 28, you know, maybe 29 years old, but he did play both sides of the line, played left guard and right guard in college. So he's shown an ability to move around. What do you can you just talk a little bit more about what you like about him and how much is the age of concern for you there? I like the the efficiency and effectiveness in the run game. I think he's dominant in the running. And that right there yields itself to him being fine and filling because of, you know, what Philly is predicated on, right? I think when you ask him to block on the move, he's proficient in that as well. Sometimes you get liming to get out there and they don't have a plan. They just trying to make contact and end up blocking nobody. But he's efficient in the track he takes to the target on a move. And he strikes with efficiency as well. Now you want to see him, you know, consistently bring his feet with him. Sometimes you get liming that they tend to make great initial contact and a feet stay stuck in cement. And, you know, when the moving target moves, they struggle to move. That leads to waist bending and getting the block being slipped. He has to consistently bring his feet with him. And that's how you maximize movement. The age I'm not too much concerned about. At this point in time, you know, hell, we got guys that were young that now already contemplate retirement. So remember how we used to say, Oh, this guy's going to be your player for the next five to ten years, man, if you just get three years out these dudes, you're good. You know what I'm saying? And then you worry about that. That bridge when you come to it. So I don't have a problem with the age at this particular position because of how quickly we've seen, you know, teams move on from guys after the year three or what not. Yeah, I remember when Carson Carson Wentz was the quarterback, it was he's going to be the guy for ten years. One injury happens in in LA. And the next thing you know, he's gone in two years. So I, you know, I get what you're saying for sure about the about the shorter career some of these guys can have. So two other players that caught my attention reading through both your draft guide and, you know, around the internet, Chase Basantis out of Texas A&M. Just under 22 years old, six, five, three hundred and fifteen pounds. What stood out to me about him is played three different positions in college. Left guard, right tackle and right guard. And then Keelan Rutledge out of Georgia Tech, six, four, three hundred and sixteen pounds, not as versatile, but not even 23 years old yet. So with those two guys, where do you view them? You know, what grade would you put on them? And what are your thoughts on them? It's funny. I'll start with how I have them graded. Rutledge is my number five guard. Okay. Basantis is my number six guard. So what I like about Rutledge is that he has excellent power at the point of contact. So when he hits you, he has the ability right off the snap to stymie you right there. And when you're you're stunned, now you reset your hands and you're getting guys moved on off out the way. He has he's always in a good football position, probably because he's a little bit squattier, he's your typical guard, like six, three. And so he's someone that's already having the natural leverage to get up underneath your pads to move you up out the way. And he's he's always on the move. So you talk about pulling plays, traps, whams, he can execute those flawlessly. I think at times where because he's your natural squad guard, defenders that have length that are technically savvy are able to tie him up a little bit. And that's where he can get into trouble. Now with Basantis, I love how he attacks angles. So I talked about that with pregnant how guys he has a plan. Basantis does a good job in knowing how to effectively attack an angle. So you may have a situation where he can't quite get there, but he sees the best angle to attack and he's able to execute the block. And he's one of these guys I feel like make great contact. But another example of, you know, not having the amount of power with them. But also if you're going to make great contact, you got to keep bringing your feet with them. And sometimes they're inconsistent in that regard, which doesn't allow him to get that movement. But again, a very good player, consistently well upfront for Texas A&M. Another one of these offensive lines that we saw have a ton of success in college. So you view them both as like day one potential starters and you have them pretty high. Like, and it sounds with the technique. You think they're both guys that could step in day one and start. Absolutely. And it's funny to even look at, you know, the eagles tend to have a good bead on tackles because I had high grades last year on Holland Pierce and also Cam Williams. So the eagles either bought the draft guide or we're seeing things. You know, well, Holland Pierce, let me tell you, first of all, they love their big offensive tackles. Obviously, see that with my lot of Holland Pierce is one of the largest humans I've covered in my time around the NFL. And Cam Williams did develop well. Like at the end of the season, I thought he played well in that final game when he got in there. Definitely had a rough training camp. You can see why the physical traits had him drafted, but also why the technique had him fall. So, yeah, no, they're two guys for sure that I think have some future there. Now, who are some guys you see on day three of the draft at the guard position that Eagles fans should should learn more about? I would. I would. That's a great question. Because, you know, when we're talking about day three, now we're talking about diamonds in the rough, right? I'll say guys that I've seen on the All Star Game Circuit. I'll scroll down and give you a small school name just to be sure. Cody Bracken. I had him. I had him written down. That makes me feel good. Go ahead. McNeese, right? Yes. And again, as a former Raging Cajun running back, it breaks my jaw to speak highly of McNeese because that's one of our old rivals. But I will say this, there's no bad football in the state of Louisiana. You have nine FBS slash FCS football playing colleges. All of them are good. And so Bracken is someone that is a tremendous talent. I was at the college group on showcase and he had a really good week there. And it's funny, you and watch the game against my Raging Cajuns. You go watch the game against LSU. You can see him have some success up front. And this is someone that is good on both ends of offense. Past pro and also in the run game. He's what, six, three, three, oh eight. So again, some, some ability there. Deondre Towns, blue of Jackson State is another one that really stood out on the circuit at the HBCU Legacy Bowl. A six four, three, 34. So big burly guard that can really do his thing. There has the size and frame for the position. He played well against the FBS competition. 2024, you go watch the game against UL Monroe. This past season, the game against Southern Miss, who had a really good defensive lineman. He held up his own as well. He looks the part physically and he plays the part as well. So this is putting you a bit on the spot, but the senior bowl, right? You talk about the, I saw your, your credential picture on Twitter. You, you were at them all, right? One thing the Eagles do truly value is the senior bowl. You look at their history of the draft and if a player performs well there, they value that highly. So if you look at the interior line position, or really you could kick it out the tackle to if you wanted, but who are some offensive linemen when you were down at the senior bowl, either a really stood out to you or B, you think from talking to the people that you're around when you're down there really helped their draft status. You know, this was somebody that I saw last year when I was grading film and I put a, you know, asked you by his name, I brought him down my notebook of guys that, Hey man, I kind of like what I'm seeing here. And it was Jeremiah Wright, the guard from Auburn. Yep. Um, just phenomenal talent. You know, he is my number seven guard. So you're talking about five, six and seven. Yeah. And right there. And he was at the senior bowl. So for me, he's powerful. Um, and Auburn has one of the more unique run games. So when they, when we talk about run game, this is someone that gets it. Um, and when he gets his hands on you, he does a great job in blocking through the whistle. So he finishes blocks. Well, that's exactly what you want from an interior offensive linemen. Cause a lot of times these guys make the, we talked about guys that make good contact, but not bringing their feet. He brings his with them. Now he doesn't have the type of quickness. So he's more of a like combo and climb guy. So he's going to block down with, with power. And then if he gets that line back at second level, he's evacuating him out of out of a spot pretty quickly. Um, but that was one dude at the senior bowl that really I thought had a, had a good week. So also, you know, you just mentioned they're getting to the second level. The Eagles really value athletic offensive linemen. Guys that can get to that second level the way they run the ball, some of the stuff they're going to want to do on offense this year, there's going to be a lot of movement. You see the success they've had with athletic offensive linemen. Um, this is kind of a, a vague open ended question, but who are some of the most athletic interior offensive linemen that you maybe like in this draft that you think maybe don't have the size or whatever, but just guys that can really get to that next level quickly. Well, one was jail and farmer. That's all that's also what stood out to me was how, you know, efficient he moved Michael Morris of Georgia is another one that can move as well. What I love about those Georgia offense alignment, they have skinny ankles. Um, so they, they, they, they have twitch, they can move. Um, they're not playing around. And he is one that, that definitely has the footwork. Also like a Carver Willis, um, from Washington, I think he played tackle too. And now he's playing guard. Um, but that's someone as well, six, four, three or five. So he's a little, a little bit lighter, but definitely can get out there and get on the move. So when I first message you about coming on, I wanted to talk safeties, then I moved to offensive guard and I appreciate that. While I have you, I have to get some of your takes on the offensive tackles, if you don't mind, because we talked about that yesterday on the pod, but the conversations really are pretty intertwined when you talk about it. So when you look at the offensive tackle position, I think Kate and Proctor is a name Eagles fans have been on for a few months. He checks basically every box you could talk to from an Eagles perspective, like tall, ultra athletic. Um, but you know, still, I think somewhat, I don't want to say I'm proven, but some of the scouting portraits, maybe some technique work needs done there. Where do you view Kate and Proctor? What grade do you put on him? And, you know, do you have like a 23? Do you think that'd be a good pick for the Eagles? He's my number one tight end in the club. Like we saw. I know he runs the ball, he catches the ball. Yeah, he can do it all. They want my lot in a run to ball. So maybe they can be a dual backfield at one point. Oh my God, right? Don't don't don't give them ideas, but I know he's my, I have a first round grade on Proctor, although he's my number five offensive tackle. Oh wow. Okay. So you have him lower than most people. Lower, but he's still have a first round grade. Again, I grade so many that, you know, guys just got a rank in file. I mean, five, five with how many offensive tackles do you have with first round grades? Cause if you have a fit, four, four other ones, well, maybe I would, you know what? No, I'm looking now seven. So seven guys that I would feel comfortable with taking in the first round. Okay. Would you, if you don't mind, would you tell me who this, who the seven are? How do you, how you view that? Oh, I'll go in order. My name is Freeling. Okay. So that's who my guy yesterday said Monroe Freeling number one. Okay. And, and I graded tackles before the combine. So I had this take of Monroe Freeling before you were early. I were, we're, we're a take podcast. So I love a good early take there. So that's good. Next. Second would be Francis. My Rinoa. Yep. Um, third would be Spencer Fano. Okay. Four would be Markel Bell of Miami. Yeah. I like being him. Big guy that can move, you know, six nine, I think, right? He's a, he's a big dude. He's all of six nine, two and three 45. Then Caden proctor, Travis Burke is number six. Okay. Uh, Memphis. Yep. Very good. First round grade on him. Mm hmm. And, uh, Caleb Lomo is the, the, the last one. Okay. So this, I mean, this is encouraging. I think for Eagles fans to hear because the Eagles really do need some youth on the offensive line and at the tackle position, Monroe Freeling. Let's talk about him and Caden proctor. Like you said, you were early on Freeling. You're not following all the other draft boards. What do you like so much about him? And then also if you could compare him to Caden proctor, if it comes down to the Eagles at 23, having to choose how it, I mean, sounds like you would go Freeling, but how do you view those two players and comparing them? Freeling is the quintessential love tackle. And what I love about him and what stood out to me initially, obviously his technique is peerless. So hands inside, they're at chest level. Feet are at a good with a good base with it. So he's, he's never out of position. So all his blocks are executed rather well on top of the fact that you don't see, and this is why I had a high grade on Ozzie Trapillo last year too, was you don't see guys at his height have that type of knee bend. Like he's, he's not playing too tall. He's not waist bending. He's not doing all those things you see some guys that have bad pad level do. He does a great job in just playing consistently well with great pad level in a good football position on top of the fact that he has the upside because of his youth and how, how well he's able to execute these blocks, both in passing and also in Russia. And again, someone that stepped in right away and played extremely well. Um, and he's three 15. Now, sometimes he, when he fires off the run game, he may miss the target. He's being a little bit too eager. Got to combine that, that, that balance between patience and aggressiveness. Now, Caden Proctor, I love the fact that he could play either tackle spot. You can see him probably playing inside of the guard. Um, we know he has power. We know he does a good job in, uh, in recovering. So he rarely gets beat, um, on second chance opportunity. If he's getting beat, it's probably because a guy got a great jump and he's just not as nifty with his feet to get around the, have them run the hoop. Um, but I want to see that. And he did a better job of it this year, but I want to see that three 60. Kind of keep going in that direction, going toward three 45. Yeah. I think the guy I talked to yesterday who I believe had talked to Kate and said, he wants to try to get to that three 40, 350 range to play at. Cause that's, that's the difference between, that's why I have Markel Bell ahead of him. Bell has three 45, you know what I'm saying? Yes. It's nine. So he's carrying it a little bit better. And even though athletically gifted as Proctor is, you still worry about that number being three 60. So, you know, as he continues to work toward that goal that he wants to set for himself, um, you'll see the quickness improve. You'll see the longevity, uh, be a little bit more clearer to see down the line. And I think the future is bright for him because he has the want to and him, he already got down to three 60. So, you know, he's, he's committed to get down to more. Well, the Eagles have one of the best examples of losing weight in Jordan Davis. Talk about how much that's elevated his game. So I would think they feel comfortable feeling we can get this guy in our building and if he has to cut 15 pounds, a he can get on that peloton with Jordan Davis, but also they, they have a plan there. Last question I have for you. Um, it's, I mean, I might know the answer, but you obviously viewed as a deep class at tackle, especially in that first round, that being said, the Eagles are sitting at 23. I'd imagine one or two would go off the board. Spencer Fano out of Utah, right? Um, what is he someone you would trade up for? Or do you think they're, they, they are good enough just sitting at 23. I like how, how aggressive would you be if you were the Eagles to go up for that top guy in your class? Do you see a big difference between him and who they would get at 23? Not, not necessarily. And it also depends on, and you know this, you covered a league for a long time, how it depends on when the run on a certain position start. Cause we get a run on tackles early or receivers early or corners. Or so whichever run starts that pushes, you know, players down. So if they're starting to run on, if a tackle goes two or three, you might have to make a move, you know what I'm saying? You gotta get in front of the lions there. Right. Or a team. Yeah. So, and so if it starts at six with the Browns, you're still in a good position. Um, and so, but it depends on when that, that run starts. Even the Browns may be a little bit shaky. Cause if they take the tackle early, um, then now you got to worry about the lines. You got to worry about, you know, other teams, possibly going, you know, dolphins, you got to worry about those type of teams. Right. So, um, it all depends, but I feel like the Eagles do a great job like Baltimore, just staying pat and letting the board fall to them. And they get a great player. We all say, well, how the hell this person fell, you know, I, so I don't see them being that aggressive, but I can see, uh, if the run starts early, then yes, but I don't foresee that. Um, but you know, crazy things have happened in the draft. Yeah. No, I mean, it feels like every time I cover the Eagles, everyone's asking how, how he did it, right? Jalen Carter falls to him. John Campbell last year, Quinn Young really didn't fall. I guess he actually did fall. He was the first corner taken that year. So they've had some good luck with that. And was lucky to have you on the pod today, man. You are unbelievable. As I said, everyone should be checking out your draft guide and just following you on Twitter, uh, the football game plan, 2026 draft guide. Uh, you can find them on Twitter. I'll put the information in the, in the bio of the pod, but it's f ball game plan on Twitter. So thank you so much for coming on, man. Really, really appreciate it. Appreciate it. I'll give you one go away, uh, sleep or tackle. Oh, go for it, man. Go for it. Ryan Shenecki of Kutztown, six, seven local guy. Yeah. The hula bowl was outstanding. Keep an eye on him. All right. Maybe he's listening to the pot and he'll hear that. So I appreciate it, man. So thanks again. And, uh, hopefully talk to you soon. Appreciate it.