Brandon Thorn - Worth a Watch

[mayoclinic]

I didn't know where to put this, thought there was enough insight to merit it's own thread. Good watch:

 

[mayoclinic]

Nice stuff about similarities between OT and press-man CBs, and on scheming around OT deficiencies.

Thorn says there are about 18 good LTs in the league, and about 12 good RTs.

 

[mayoclinic]

Thorn's OL "Trench Warfare" guide is out:

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Notebook: O-Line Class Introduction

An overview of the 2026 OL Class with quick-hitting film study notes on select, top-graded prospects from the first 35 players studied so far

trenchwarfare.substack.com

I don't subscribe, but some interesting comments from the webpage:

From my vantage point, there have been a group of 12-15 prospects that have established themselves as potential top 100 picks. I can build a case for several additional prospects having starter-caliber upside on Day 3.

In my six years of doing this, I have never had a grade above 9.1 (Joe Alt). This year, the highest-graded player so far is a 8.0 (Utah RT Spencer Fano). I don’t see an elite OL prospect in this class as of right now, but I do see a lot of ‘good’ ones who can contribute early and become multiple contract starters.

 

[mayoclinic]

Thorn says there are about 17 "good" LTs in the NFL and about 12 good RTs.

I count about 18 potential starting caliber RTs (* denotes position change):

Spencer Fano
Francis Mauigoa
Kadyn Proctor*
Isaiah World*
Caleb Lomu*
Fa'alili Fa'amoe
Austin Siereveld*
Monroe Freeling*
Gennings Dunker
Blake Miller
Lance Heard
Trevor Goosby
Cayden Green*
Kage Casey*
PJ Williams
Carter Smith
Dametrious Crownover
Max Iheanachor

Not all will enter the 2026 draft, not all will play RT in the pros. But that's a really deep group.

 

[mayoclinic]

Best Offensive Line Targets for Patriots with Brandon Thorn | Patriots Daily - CLNS Media

CLNS Media’s Taylor Kyles and SI’s Mike Kadlick are joined by NFL draft expert Brandon Thorn to break down the top offensive line targets in this years class, taking a look at the draft through a Patriots-centric lens. 0:00 – Welcome in Guest 4:05 – Thoughts on Patriots offensive line...

www.clnsmedia.com

 

[mayoclinic]

Some of Thorn's thoughts:

- Very high on AVT, really likes him

- Thinks Pats are ideal spot for Max Iheanachor, would grade him more highly for the Pats than overall

- Likes Travis Burke day 3 as a swing tackle, might possibly develop into a starter in 2-3 years

- Never discusses Keylan Rutledge when discussing RG options, seems fixated on a Onwenu type at RG

- Likes Zion Young, DDS and Keyron Crawford as EDGE options

 

[Water Boy]

On check the Mic he was low on Blake Miller.

 

[mayoclinic]

He pretty much ignored Miller here. Went from Iheanachor to Tiernan to Burke.

 

[Water Boy]

I think he's not impressed with him tape wise. Perhaps his measurables not showing up on the film?

 

[manxman2601]

I think he's not impressed with him tape wise. Perhaps his measurables not showing up on the film?

He's not high on Miller or Iheanachor. I think he has them both with a 3rd round grade. He's about the only one to have them ranked so low though.

 

[manxman2601]

He's not high on Miller or Iheanachor. I think he has them both with a 3rd round grade. He's about the only one to have them ranked so low though.

Or not apparently on Miller at least.

 

[DaBruinz]

Or not apparently on Miller at least.

Gotta wonder if he'll be in play for Atlanta with McGary retiring..

 

[mayoclinic]

Thorn also said very complimentary things about Iheanachor on the video. Clearly thinks he shouldn't be rushed in, but said he would be a perfect fit for the Pats in terms of scheme, coaching and OL room mentoring.

Atlanta has no 1st round pick, can't see this tier of OTs being available for them.