2026 NFL Draft Bible: Guards

All Access Football counts you down to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with our offensive guard big board and scouting reports.

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2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT

OFFICIAL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE: GUARDS

Smart, successful NFL organizations place a greater emphasis on the interior of the offensive line more so than others. It often separates contenders from pretenders. Securing the inside of the offensive line if one of the most critical components of constructing a championship caliber roster, so be leery of those who view offensive guard as a ‘devalued’ position.

In fact, Olaivavega Ioane of Penn State is arguably the premier offensive line prospect in the entire draft. The Nittany Lions mauler is surely worthy of top ten consideration and possesses All-Pro type upside. A tough, gritty brawler, Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech carries a chip on his shoulder the size of Gibraltar and projects as a plug-and-play starter.

Iowa offensive tackle Gennings Dunker found his way to our guard rankings after an up-and-down Senior Bowl performance, where he looked much better-suited playing on the inside. His counterpart Beau Stephens is a true guard who is fundamentally sound and as sturdy as they come.

Another college tackle who projects to guard is Kage Casey of Boise State. However, an underwhelming draft season has somewhat dampened his draft stock, while Chase Bisontis of Texas A&M and Emmanuel Pregnon of Oregon have gained steam headed into the draft.

The second and third day of projected guards features some mammoth size prospects that should have NFL decision-makers giddy.

Below is the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible Guard Big Board, along with 33 in-depth scouting reports on the top prospects in the draft. For our expanded big board, including verified measurements, be sure to reserve your copy of the Draft Bible here (coming in April).

DRAFT WATCH SHOW 2026 POSITIONAL PREVIEW ARCHIVES

• QB & RB PREVIEW SHOW

• WR & TE PREVIEW SHOW

• OT, OG & C PREVIEW SHOW

• DT, ER & LB PREVIEW SHOW

• CB & S PREVIEW SHOW

2026 NFL DRAFT BIBLE GUARD BIG BOARD

RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite]

1. #Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State, Rd1

2. #Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech, Rd2

3. #Gennings Dunker, Iowa, Rd2

4. #Beau Stephens, Iowa, Rd2

5. #Chase, Bisontis, Texas A&M, Rd3

6. #Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon, Rd3

7. #Kage Casey, Boise State, Rd3

8. #Jalen Farmer, Kentucky, Rd4

9. #Jeremiah Wright, Auburn, Rd4

10. #Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M, Rd4

11. #Fernando Carmona Jr., Arkansas, Rd5

12. Caden Barnett, Wyoming, Rd5

13. #Logan Taylor, Boston College, Rd5

14. #Micah Morris, Georgia, Rd6

15. #Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma, Rd6

16. #Joshua Braun, Kentucky, Rd6

17. #Jaeden Roberts, Alabama, Rd7

18. #Dillon Wade, Auburn, Rd7

19. Trevor Brock, Buffalo, Rd7

20. #Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame, HPFA

21. #DJ Campbell, Texas, Sr, HPFA

22. Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State, HPFA

23. #Anez Cooper, Miami, HPFA

24. #Evan Beernsten, Northwestern, HPFA

25. Joshua Thompson, LSU, HPFA

26. Anthony Carter Jr., North Carolina State, HPFA

27. Walker Parks, Clemson, HPFA

28. Giovanni El-Hadi, Michigan, HPFA

29. Temi Ajirotutu, Villanova, HPFA

30. Joe Cooper, Slippery Rock, HPFA

31. Tomas Rimac, Virginia Tech, HPFA

32. Daniel King, North Carolina, HPFA

33. Jacob Rizy, Florida State, HPFA

34. Austin Leausa, BYU, HPFA

35. Albert Reese IV, Mississippi State, HPFA

36. Josh Gesky, Illinois, HPFA

37. Henry Lutovsky, Nebraska, HPFA

38. Fintan Brose, Delaware, HPFA

39. Kobe Baynes, Kansas, HPFA

40. Melvin Priestly, Illinois, HPFA

NFL DRAFT BIBLE GUARD SCOUTING REPORTS

IOANE, OLAIVAVEGA | Penn State | OG | rJr | #71 | Graham, WA | Day 1

Combine: HT: 6042 | WT: 320 | HD: 1048 | ARM: 3268

Pro Day: HT: 6041 | WT: 320 | HD: 1048 | ARM: 3268 | WS: 8058

Evaluation: The massive Ioane has been a model of consistency, stonewalling opponents, as he has not allowed a sack during the past two seasons (just two quarterback pressures allowed). With 44 games played, including 32 starts, Ioane brings vast experience and has exceeded high expectations. A physical monster that repeatedly displays immense raw power, the Nittany Lions mauler has shown to be a player that operates with a tenacious style of play. His most extensive success in the ground game stems from plays that rely on vertical displacement and down blocks that allow Ioane to use his size and strength to overwhelm his opponent (see Ohio State film). Albeit being a good run blocker, the fourth year junior is an even superior pass blocker. Through the 2025 season, Ioane has been nearly flawless when protecting his quarterback and has yet to allow a sack or even a hit on them. The sheer display of power that the Penn State star displays contributes to his elite anchor that enables him to effectively neutralize his opponent. Furthermore, he specializes in maintaining a square frame which keeps him properly balanced and leveraged throughout his set while also delivering a shattering blow that can completely wipe out his target. However, he is not a perfect prospect. There are technical refinements that he must make strides in if he wishes to be dominant lineman at the professional level. His hand technique and strike timing must become more consistent as he occasionally will default to his sturdy anchor which will cause him to miss some opportunities to win his rep sooner. Nevertheless, Ioane has displayed the necessary qualities to be a plug-and-play starter at the NFL level and could be considered one of the more reliable prospects in the draft.

Background: Pronounced (VENG-uh YO-wahn-ay). A fourth-year junior and three-year starter (three-time All-Big Ten selection). A three-star recruit out of Graham-Kapowsin High School; team went 15-0 as a senior and won a Class 4A state championship. Son of Aifai and Tausisi Ioane; one of nine siblings. Has five brothers, Joe, Chico, Avei, David and Tausisi Jr., and three sisters, Hana, Mata and Lili. Enjoys cooking and hiking in his free time.

RUTLEDGE, KEYLAN | Georgia Tech | OG | Sr | #77 | Royston, GA | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6040 | WT: 316 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3328 | 40-YD: 5.05 (1.81) | VJ: 32.5” | BJ: 8-8 | SHTL: 4.54 | 3C: 7.54

Pro Day: HT: 6035 | WT: 316 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3328 | WS: 8138

Senior Bowl: HT: 6033 | WT: 316 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3368

Evaluation: The Georgia Tech ground game is stabilized by strong, mauling guard Keylan Rutledge. The physical, hard-nosed guard utilizes his hands extremely well, showcasing the ability to engage defenders early with violent hands. He plays with a mean streak and attacks defenders with a quick first step, demonstrating sound footwork when entangled with defenders, plus adequate lateral agility to mirror defenders. Rutledge makes excellent use of his lower body strength and churns his legs to push back defenders to seal them from running/rush lanes. He sheds very well and climbs to the second level with ease due to savvy and instincts. Rutledge rarely gets caught out of position and does a nice job not to over-reach, or over-extend himself. A leader on the offensive line who communicates and adjusts well before the snap, he projects as a natural fit in gap schemes, or run-heavy offenses. The polished Rutledge owns the size and build to be a potential plug-and-play NFL guard, making him a solid mid-round investment.

Background: Senior Bowl participant.The first non-specialist Georgia Tech player to earn First-Team all-America recognition since Shaq Mason in 2014. Previously spent two seasons at Middle Tennessee (2022-23), appearing in 22 games (17 starts). A three-star recruit out of high school, where he was an All-State football, basketball and track standout.

DUNKER, GENNINGS | Iowa | OT | rSr | #67 | Lena, IA, | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6050 | WT: 319 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3348 | 40-YD: 5.18 (1.83) | VJ: 32.5” | BJ: 9-0 | SHTL: 4.63

Senior Bowl: HT: 6047 | WT: 320 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3400

Evaluation: A mauler who plays with violent hands and high motor, Dunker possesses great hand usage to engage defenders early in the snap to gain a leverage advantage. He uses a strong upper body to deliver vicious body jabs and drive defenders away from the pocket. Dunker displays the necessary agility needed to seal the edge, along with the footwork to counter edge rushers, plus the ability to change direction and mirror defenders. In addition, he demonstrates stout lower body strength to drive defenders and open up running lanes. The Illinois native plays with great instincts and owns a high football IQ, as evidenced by minimal penalties and pressures allowed. Dunker is well-coached, with sound technique to counter defense and not be moved out of position. He also flashes a strong lower body drive and has shown improvement in pass protection year-over-year. Viewed as one of the Hawkeyes team leaders, Dunker has entrenched himself as one of the upper-echelon of offensive line prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. When speaking to NFL teams, opinions vary as to whether they view him as a tackle or guard at the next level. However, there is no doubt that Dunker projects as an instant impact starter.

Background: Senior Bowl participant. A three-year starter at right tackle at Iowa. Suffered a minor ankle injury requiring cartilage work and cleanup in the spring of 2025. Also missed two games due to injury in 2023. Broke his sesamoid bone in high school, which carried over and required surgery shortly after he arrived at Iowa. This injury ended his first season before it began. a human physiology major. Earned all-state honors as a junior at Lena-Winslow High, where he led the team to two state titles and three appearances in the semifinals. Did not have a senior season due to the pandemic. Also wrestled and participated in track in high school. The son of Michelle and Mike Dunker.

STEPHENS, BEAU | Iowa | OG | rSr | #70 | rSr | Blue Springs, MO | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6054 | WT: 315 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 3118 | 40-YD: 5.35 (1.82) | VJ: 28” | BJ: 8-6

Pro Day: HT: 6054 | WT: 315 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 3118 | WS: 7728 | VJ: 30” | SHTL: 4.85 | 3C: 7.60

Senior Bowl: HT: 6050 | WT: 310 | HAND: 0928 | ARM: 3168

Evaluation: A late bloomer who overcame significant on- and off-field adversity, Stephens possesses the ideal makeup—size, versatility, and plus starter potential. One of the top performers in Mobile, Stephens showcased his swelling frame operating at both guard spots and center in the interior. An exceptional athlete for his size, he moves fluidly with a blend of urgency and nastiness. While he requires further development at center and right tackle, his stout anchor makes him ideally suited for guard—establishing a brick wall-presence. After a stellar senior season anchoring the 2025 Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line and earning several high honors, he must improve his angles, minimizing over extensions in technique, and maintain consistency. Stephens projects as a premier value in the upcoming draft, as a plug-and-play starter who will likely slide to Day 2 due to offensive guards being devalued by NFL teams.

Quotable: “When you’re faced with any kind of adversity in life, it’s hard for adults to keep coming back. To see a kid his age handle things the way he did—he’s just a great example. I’ll tell his story the rest of the years I coach.” – Offensive Line Coach George Barnett on Stephens’ mentality and finding purpose in football, while holding back tears before the 2025 season.

Background: Senior Bowl participant. A three-year starter for the Hawkeyes (2021–25); earned First-Team All American and First-Team All-Big Ten honors while anchoring an offensive line that won the 2025 Joe Moore Award. A team award which was recognized as 2024 Comeback Player of the Year after a season-ending injury limited him to five games in 2023, he overcame multiple injuries during his sophomore year. Diagnosed with ADHD as a freshman; developed strategies to excel on and off the field. A multi-sport athlete (football, basketball, wrestling) and two-way player at Blue Springs High School, he majored in enterprise leadership. He is the son of Valerie and Justin Stephens.

BISONTIS, CHASE | Texas A&M | OG | Jr | #71 | Ramsey, NJ | Day 2

Pro Day: HT: 6050 | WT: 319 | HD: 0958 | ARM: 3200 | WS: 7948

Combine: HT: 6052 | WT: 315 | HD: 0968 | ARM: 3168 | 40-YD: 5.02 (1.76) | VJ: 32” | BJ: 8-9 | SHTL: 4.78 3C: 7.53

Evaluation: A physical guard who plays with a mean, aggressive streak, Bisnotis demonstrates a strong ability to drive defenders backwards using active hands, while showing solid footwork in mirroring rushers. He explodes with a good first step to engage early, displacing opponents through precise hand placement and a powerful punch, maintaining a low pad level with flexibility to sustain blocks and preserve pocket integrity. He excels in winning inside battles in the phone booth by leveraging his strength to maneuver and control defenders, plus he displays adequate athleticism to shed the initial block and climb to the second level. The New Jersey native plays through the whistle, offers positional versatility to handle guard or tackle duties and has proven to be a strong pass protector—allowing only two sacks over the past two seasons—while adding value as a special teams contributor. Although he possesses solid lateral agility overall, he can struggle against quicker speed-rushers, leading to inconsistencies in engagement angles and occasionally over-reaching. These deficiencies resulted in 16 penalties across the past two years. There is no doubt that Bisontis will need to iron out some of his flaws, which can be improved upon and there is a lot of love within the scouting community surrounding this player, leading us to believe that he could be chosen higher than some anticipate.

Background: Last name pronounced (biss-SOHN-tis). bMulti-year starter for the Aggies with 35 career starts over three seasons. Limited to 10 games in 2024 due to a lower leg injury. Earned freshman All-America honors in 2023. Played high school at Don Bosco Prep, where he was rated a four-star recruit and the top recruit in the state. He helped lead the high school to a state championship appearance. Earned All-America honors as a sophomore in the 2020 season.

PREGNON, EMMAUEL | Oregon | OG | rSr | #75 | Denver, CO | Day 2

Combine: HT: 6042 | WT: 314 | HD: 1100 | ARM: 3358 | 40-YD: 5.21 (1.82) | VJ: 35” | BJ: 9-3

Pro Day: HT: 6042 | WT: 314 | HD: 1100 | ARM: 3358 | BP: 30 | SHTL: 4.81 | 3C:7.72

Evaluation: One of the premier guard prospects in the nation, Pregnon possesses an ideal frame that allows him to anchor and establish leverage. A smart player who draws few penalties and rarely makes a mistake, Pregnon draws rave reviews for his football intelligence. In addition, he demonstrates extremely active hands and quick feet, which enables him to counter stunts with effectiveness. In pass protection, he maintains discipline in blocking assignments to maximize protection and pocket integrity. Pregnon possesses natural strength to move defenders away from the pocket, making great use of his length to engage defenders and sheds well to climb into the second level. In run blocking, he demonstrates effectiveness in creating rush lanes, driving defenders away with active feet and consistently pumps his legs. He can recover well if caught overreaching or extending on blocks. The bulk of his snaps have come on the left side of the offensive line but Pregnon is able to play either guard spot. The Denver native should not escape the second day of the NFL Draft weekend.

Quotable: “The aspect of football, it felt like a lot of things that Oregon provided to my growth as a player. It was one of the main targets for me out of the portal. They had what I needed to grow as a player. In terms of just scheme, everything we run as an offense, I’ve been playing for quite a while now, the game of football is ever-expanding.” – Emmanuel Pregnon on why he transferred from USC to Oregon

Background: Last name pronounced (preg-non).Started 15 games at Oregon in 2025. Previously started two seasons at left guard for USC (2023-24); spent three years at Wyoming (2020-22), did not play the first two seasons (opted out of COVID year in 2020) and was named Freshman All-American in 2022. An unranked recruit out of Thomas Jefferson High School.

CASEY, KAGE | Boise State | OT | rJr. | #77 | Happy Valley, OR | Day 2