All articles tagged with #offensive tackle
With a declined fifth-year option and a crowded tackle room, former Steelers lineman Trai Essex says Broderick Jones should consider requesting a trade to protect his value, noting his youth and athleticism could fetch a mid-round return if he clears medically after neck surgery; Pittsburgh could move him for depth, potentially to a team like Buffalo, though co-host Charlie Batch remains skeptical about a move.
Pride of Detroit staff roundtable debates the Lions' 2026 picks and converges on Blake Miller as their favorite, praising his fit, cost-effective selection at 17, and potential to start at right tackle after Taylor Decker. While Miller is the clear pick for most, Jeremy Reisman notes Keith Abney as a potential late-round starter, underscoring the value of late-round steals in a thinner class.
San Francisco used its final 2026 draft pick to select Kansas offensive tackle Enrique Cruz Jr. in the fifth round (No. 179), adding a developmental projection behind starters Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz. Cruz is a 6'6", 313-pound lineman who ran 4.94 in the 40 at the combine, started at left tackle for Syracuse before moving to right tackle at Kansas and earned honorable mention All-Big 12. He projects as depth with the potential to develop on the bench or practice squad, while Vederian Lowe remains the swing tackle and Carver Willis was picked earlier in the draft; the 49ers also balanced the class with eight total selections after trading up from six.
With the 179th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Enrique Cruz Jr., an offensive tackle from Kansas who previously played at Syracuse. Cruz started 18 games at Syracuse (15 at left tackle, 3 at right tackle) before transferring to Kansas in 2025, where he started all 12 games at right tackle and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. At the NFL Combine he showcased length and athleticism (6-foot-5, 313 pounds; third among OTs with an athleticism score of 91), pairing explosive power with solid footwork and balance that projects to the pro game.
On Day 2 the Eagles added tight end Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) at 54 and tackle Markel Bell (Miami) at 68, then traded two 2026 third-round picks and a 2027 seventh for edge defender Jonathan Greenard, who signed a four-year, $98 million deal. Stowers offers elite athleticism but needs blocker development; Bell provides rare size and versatility, potentially starting later if development goes well; Greenard could be a meaningful rush contributor if he returns to form. Grades given in the piece: Stowers B+, Bell B, Trade B.
Philadelphia selected Markel Bell, a 6'9", 346-pound Miami offensive tackle, with the No. 68 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bell is a raw, highly lengthened developmental prospect whose athletic testing wasn’t strong; he figures as a long-term swing tackle behind Jordan Mailata and a potential future starter if coaching unlocks his frame and technique.
With the 68th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell. Bell stands 6'9" tall and weighs 346 pounds, presenting a massive blocking presence with surprisingly good movement for his size; he played left tackle at Miami and is expected to be developed at right tackle behind Lane Johnson, as the Eagles maintain a preference for massive linemen even amid a new offensive scheme and the departure of longtime OL coach Jeff Stoutland.
Cleveland Browns’ first‑round tackle Spencer Fano says he’s glad he won’t have to block Myles Garrett on Sundays, noting that daily practice against Garrett should accelerate his development as a rookie.
The Miami Dolphins drafted Kadyn Proctor despite Nick Saban's warning about his weight discipline, passing on Caleb Downs and Rueben Bain Jr. after trading down for extra picks; the plan is for Proctor, paired with Patrick Paul, to form a strong tackle duo, with his Krispy nickname rooted in his Krispy Kreme donuts habit.
New England traded up to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round, a developmental blocker for Drake Maye; Lomu is one of two Utah tackles taken in the round, continuing the Patriots’ recent focus on strengthening the offensive line.
New England moved up three spots to draft Utah tackle Caleb Lomu at No. 28, adding long-term tackle depth behind Morgan Moses and Will Campbell. Lomu isn’t expected to start as a rookie, but national outlets graded the selection highly (A-/A), while Pats Pulpit gave mixed to positive scores. The team paid a fourth-round pick (125th) to move up and aims to protect Drake Maye, with Lomu likely developing behind the current starters before potentially taking over at right tackle next year.
Detroit used the 17th pick to take Clemson tackle Blake Miller, a size-savvy, experienced blocker seen as a fit for Detroit’s culture and a potential Day 1 starter at right tackle behind Penei Sewell, with the possibility of Sewell moving to left tackle. National grades ranged from A to B+,
The Cleveland Browns kicked off the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the No. 9 pick and Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the No. 24 pick, boosting their offensive line and receiving corps.
Detroit stays at No. 17 and selects Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, a high-floor, gritty blocker whose durability and run/pass-blocking traits align with the Lions’ plan to rebuild the offensive line under coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes.
New England moved up to pick Utah tackle Caleb Lomu at No. 28 in the 2026 NFL Draft. The 21-year-old is viewed as a versatile blocker who could eventually start at right tackle behind veteran Morgan Moses, aided by a 9.78 Relative Athletic Score, 0 sacks allowed in 2025, and Utah’s 3,462 rushing yards last season, underscoring his elite athleticism and run/pass protection potential.