2026 Draft: RT

[manxman2601]

Here's an interesting one. SMU's PJ Williams is a RS Jnr. I've seen no mention of whether or not he has declared for the draft and as far as I can see, he's not on any Senior bowl/Shrine roster. Is it safe to assume he's decided to stay in school?

 

[manxman2601]

Eric Galko who runs the East West Shrine Game said on the roster reveal I'm watching (nerd!!) that Keagen Trost the Missouri RT, had 2nd-4th round grades from NFL teams by mid-season. Said he's a tackle first but that as a guard, "teams have no doubt he's a starter level player in the NFL".

 

[Clonamery]

Here's an interesting one. SMU's PJ Williams is a RS Jnr. I've seen no mention of whether or not he has declared for the draft and as far as I can see, he's not on any Senior bowl/Shrine roster. Is it safe to assume he's decided to stay in school?

I can't find him on the PFSN Draft Simulator....he was there earlier in the week. They removed most of the players that were returning for 2027. Still, couldn't find anything on him - return or portal for 2027 on google.

 

[manxman2601]

I can't find him on the PFSN Draft Simulator....he was there earlier in the week. They removed most of the players that were returning for 2027. Still, couldn't find anything on him - return or portal for 2027 on google.

Nothing about him on X either - either re the portal, the draft or the all-star games. I can only assume he's staying at SMU.

I've posted on the SMU football reddit so maybe they'll help.

 

[Clonamery]

Nothing about him on X either - either re the portal, the draft or the all-star games. I can only assume he's staying at SMU.

I've posted on the SMU football reddit so maybe they'll help.

PJ Williams - Football - SMU Athletics

PJ Williams (59) OL - Redshirt Sophomore (2024): Started in all 14 games, 11 at right tackle … paved the way for Brashard Smith to have the 12th 1,000-rushing-yard

smumustangs.com

Listed on the 2026 Roster

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

Keagen Trost of Missouri is the highest graded of all offensive lineman in this draft at run blocking. Of all draftable tackles, only Spencer Fano gave up less pressures this season (5 to Trost's 7).

 

[Clonamery]

Keagen Trost of Missouri is the highest graded of all offensive lineman in this draft at run blocking. Of all draftable tackles, only Spencer Fano gave up less pressures this season (5 to Trost's 7).

Late 3rd? 3rd round or Day 3?

 

[manxman2601]

Late 3rd? 3rd round or Day 3?

Probably early to mid day 3 because of his age with the 3rd round being the highest he goes in my opinion.

 

[Clonamery]

Probably early to mid day 3 because of his age with the 3rd round being the highest he goes in my opinion.

That's what I thought but some of these X guys and their excitement belie reality.

 

[manxman2601]

That's what I thought but some of these X guys and their excitement belie reality.

Draft silly season incoming. It's only going to get worse.

 

[manxman2601]

I think the favourite options for us as future RTs are currently:

1. Monroe Freeling
2. Blake Miller
3. Max Iheanachor

We will be lucky if any of those make it to 64. I've just seen a mock in which neither Freeling nor Miller make it to 30.

So here are my arguments for some alternatives.

1. Kadyn Proctor - Again, probably won't make it to 64. I'm not enamoured by him but there is real upside to his physical and athletic freakiness and ours is the perfect opportunity for him to develop. For any RT coming to the Pats they're backups in year one to Campbell and Moses but because McDaniels likes to play with a 6th lineman quite a bit, there's plenty of opportunity to get playing time. And Proctor could be one hell of a 6th OL.

2. JC Davis (Illinois) - He's only 6'5", but he has 34.5" arms which alleviates his lack of height somewhat. He gave up 3 sacks last year but two of them came in week 2 so he was largely clean the rest of the year. He's an outstanding run blocker though although he doesn't have any prior RT experience. Guard might be his future but that arm length makes me think he can stick at OT.

3. Austin Barber (Florida) - Another one with no prior RT experience. He is second only to Keagen Trost in run blocking grade this year - he's an outstanding run blocker, equally adept in zone and gap blocking. His pass pro was a little more shaky although that was more apparent in the early season. In his last 6 games he gave up zero sacks and only three pressures. He might be my dark horse.

4. Keagen Trost (Missouri) - I've covered him above so I won't go into detail. suffice to say, the best run blocking lineman in CFB and only Fano gave up less pressures last season. He is a 6th year senior however.

5. Jude Bowry (Boston College) - Much more developmental - he didn't grade all that well this year. However, he's athletic, explodes out of his stance and has an excellent anchor. The BC connection could be useful. Perhaps a long shot but an interesting developmental guy.

By the way, Austin Barber, Max Iheanachor, Jude Bowry and JC Davis are all on the same team at the senior bowl. Pay attention.

 

[mayoclinic]

I have Iheanachor > Miller, personally. Also Caleb Lomu, though I doubt he makes it to 32.

Isaiah World still an option, but not keen on him. Developmental, like Bowry

 

[hornetfb85]

I have Iheanachor > Miller, personally. Also Caleb Lomu, though I doubt he makes it to 32.

Isaiah World still an option, but not keen on him. Developmental, like Bowry

Barring a Moses retirement, developing World for a year wouldn’t be the worst plan.

 

[mayoclinic]

2026 NFL Draft: Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Scouting Report

Georgia OT Monroe Freeling 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report Monroe Freeling enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as one of the more intriguing offensive tackle prospec

nflspinzone.com

 

[manxman2601]

2026 NFL Draft: Georgia OT Monroe Freeling Scouting Report

Georgia OT Monroe Freeling 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report Monroe Freeling enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as one of the more intriguing offensive tackle prospec

nflspinzone.com

I fear we might have to forget about Freeling. He just has too much buzz. It will be interesting to see where Brugler and Jeremiah end up having him.

 

[Clonamery]

I fear we might have to forget about Freeling. He just has too much buzz. It will be interesting to see where Brugler and Jeremiah end up having him.

No! Say it ain't so!

 

[mayoclinic]

I fear we might have to forget about Freeling. He just has too much buzz. It will be interesting to see where Brugler and Jeremiah end up having him.

As Ryan Fowler notes, "Offensive tackles with Freeling’s size, athleticism, and success against SEC competition are rarely available outside the top half of the first round." Bingo.

Cleveland at #6, or with a trade back is a possibility. Armand Membou went #7 last year. Detroit at #17 another option.

I had him pegged as a binky when some boards had him in the 400s.

I don't expect him to be available. If he is, he should be an almost automatic pick.

 

[stelfans]

Well someone will fall.

 

[manxman2601]

Well someone will fall.

To where, 64? I wouldn't count on it. Anthony Belton (54) and Ozzy Trapilo (56) were both off the board by the end of the 2nd round last year which was all the starter potential OTs gone.