How the NFL’s 2026 Draft Class of Offensive Linemen Could Look

• AP names the offensive linemen who, in 2025, showed promise for new beginnings, and explains why they could thrive in the NFL in the coming seasons.
• AP material includes Walter Nolen, Omarion Hampton, Luther Burden and other prospects, along with Pro Football Focus data on their performances.
• The Athletic also points to a few players who could be early candidates for the 2026 draft, with offensive tackles projected to come off the board as early as 2027.

AP looked at offensive linemen who, in 2025, showed promise for new beginnings, but were not able to turn that into a clear breakout in their first season in the NFL. The author notes that, although the players have not yet had a clear breakthrough, their draft stock could still rise.

Among the AP material is Arizona DT Walter Nolen, who posted 15 tackles for loss and 99 total pressures in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus, with the latter coming on a high rate of sacks. AP also highlights Los Angeles Chargers RB Omarion Hampton, who recorded 545 rushing yards and 4,510 rushing yards in his debut season, while in the same time frame, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater were among the players who helped him.

AP material also includes Chicago WR Luther Burden: he recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Burden’s production is expected to be even more impactful, with 2.69 yards per route run. In Week 17 against San Francisco, he had six catches for 138 yards and a touchdown.

Also among AP’s list is Dallas DE Donovan Ezeiruaku, who in his rookie season posted two sacks and 36 PFF pressures. AP also includes San Francisco DB Upton Stout, whose profile includes the following: a minimum of 1 season with 2 QB hits, at least 1 pass defended, and a forced-fumble stat. AP also highlights Kansas City CB Nohl Williams, who had three interceptions in his first season in the NFL, along with a strong pass-rush impact.

In The Athletic’s forecast, the players who could be early candidates for the 2026 draft include Fernando Mendoza (Las Vegas Raiders), David Bailey (New York Jets), Jeremiyah Love (Arizona Cardinals), and Carnell Tate (Tennessee Titans). The publication adds that the players’ draft stock could rise if they keep developing: one possibility is that they could become first-round picks, while the second possibility is that they could be selected later in the first round.

The Athletic also identifies other prospects who could be early candidates for the 2027 draft. For example, the author says Mansoor Delane (Kansas City Chiefs) could start the season in Week 1, while Fernando Mendoza (Las Vegas Raiders) could make an immediate impact as the season progresses, even if Kirk Cousins is still the quarterback. The publication also notes that for Bailey (New York Jets), the team’s offensive scheme could be ideal for him, which is why he could see the field early.

The Athletic says the draft class for 2027 includes both offensive tackles and other players. The publication notes that there could be as many as 28 offensive tackles, and that the class could be especially strong for tackle prospects, with the top players potentially standing out as early as the first round. The article also names prospects to watch, including Trevor Goosby (Texas), Trevor Lauck (Iowa), Jordan Seaton (LSU), and Jacarrius Peak (South Carolina). It adds that the height and weight of the players could make them particularly difficult to handle, and that their physical profile could help them succeed at the next level.

Tags: Sport/Football