2026 Draft: Interior OL

[manxman2601]

I don't know. IMO the red zone issues are a result of the interior linemen not being able to bully defensive fronts. I know Bradbury is part of that issue, but I feel like Onwenu, despite his size, is also part of the issue. If they can get an interior OL in free agency, then get a right tackle like Caleb Lomu in the first round, and a Center or Guard day 2 they will have fixed their OL completely, and long term. I think it's the biggest priority they have, and I want it addressed with great prospects.

I'm not sure Lomu is the answer to fixing our run game. He's undersized and not all that strong.

 

[Huckleberry1]

I'm not sure Lomu is the answer to fixing our run game. He's undersized and not all that strong.

I agree that he's more developmental, but he's an exceptional athlete and he has the frame to put 20 pounds on. My priority at tackle is athleticism, because of the athleticism of the edge's they have face every week. I think you can put weight and strength on in pro programs, you just to have more patience with the player. I also think he has the ability to go to left tackle if Campbell is out, and I want any Right Tackle they draft to have that flexibility.

 

[manxman2601]

I agree that he's more developmental, but he's an exceptional athlete and he has the frame to put 20 pounds on. My priority attacked is athleticism, because of the athleticism of the edge's they have face every week. I think you can put weight and strength on in pro programs, you just to have more patience with the player. I also think he has the ability to go to left tackle if Campbell is out, and I want any Right Tackle they draft to have that flexibility.

Good argument.

 

[manxman2601]

Another RG name to get to know

 

[dliverey44]

In my initial ridiculously early off-season plan I was open to either cutting Onwenu, or keeping him with a pay cut. But I feel we can do better with the $17M saved. Onwenu is inconsistent, seems less than motivated at times, and is not very effective in opening running lanes.

For $17M in cap space we could sign a quality veteran IOL (Linderbaum, Teller), or invest the money elsewhere.

The 2026 is deep and fairly strong at IOL, with a dozen or so potential starters. True guards like Vega Ioane, Emmanuel Pregnon, Chase Bisontis, and Keylon Rutledge; tackles with guard experience like Austin Siereveld and Cayden Green; tackle converts like Carrer Smith, Kadyn Procter, Gennings Dunker, or Brian Parker.

I'm not 100% opposed to keeping Onwenu at a reduced price, but I think we can do better.

Honestly with the 25M Owenu is due to earn we could probably grab a couple of starting OGs. I say OGs because I really think that Wilson needs to move back to OC. According to Spotrac Tellers AAV market value is 10.2M and Ed Ingram is 12.7M, I am just using those as examples.

Would love to see the run game perform better on a consistent basis.

 

[manxman2601]

Another RG name to get to know

6'4", 320 lbs

Consistent grades.


2025

73.7 run block grade
77.7 pass blocking
0 sacks
11 presuures
6 penalties

2024

69.1 run block
78.9 pass block
0 sacks
7 pressures
6 penalties

 

[manxman2601]

I've seen him do this block in two separate videos. Nice blocks but I don't think he's the most athletic. He's the RG #70





Good hand usage

 

[Clonamery]

I've seen him do this block in two separate videos. Nice blocks but I don't think he's the most athletic. He's the RG #70





Good hand usage

A little stiff, not much knee bend

 

[manxman2601]

If he does some of this today against Ole Miss, then yes please.



Edit: Only 293lbs though. That's a shame.

 

[manxman2601]

Why isn't Iowa's LG Beau Stephens being talked about more? Is it just that there's an assumption that Iowa OLs benefit from scheme? He's the best graded pass blocker amongst interior OL and second only to Pregnon for run blocking (barely). He's only allowed 3 pressures and zero sacks on the year, the same as Pregnon. And yet, Stephens barely gets mentioned in draft commentary. PFF still don't have him on their big board and NFL Mock Draft Database have him ranked at 259. What am I missing?

Also, I've just learned that Pregnon defaults to pregnant in the spell-checker. Any posts about him will need to be carefully edited in the future.

 

[mayoclinic]

I think the Iowa OL get overlooked a bit because they are all so good.

On a similar note, Mike Renner had Iowa LT Trevor Lauck at 38 overall in his top 150:

38. Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
Lauck is unlikely to declare after only one season as a starter even though his tape was extremely clean. He allowed only five pressures all season and showed great body control in doing so.

Renner's 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 150 prospects as pass rushers, wide receivers dominate top of list

There's still a few months to go, but the 2026 draft class is beginning to take shape.

www.cbssports.com

 

[manxman2601]

Beau Stephens (LG) keeping his QB safe



Only the one pancake this time



v Oregon

 

[manxman2601]

If you're into OL play, watch this!

1. Genius social media content by Iowa. I never say this about draft highlight videos, but sound up!

2. A really good look at all the Iowa OL in the run game.



Also, while big draft might not be high on Stephens, the NFL might be as he's a Senior bowl invitee. Not Shrine.

 

[stelfans]

If you're into OL play, watch this!

1. Genius social media content by Iowa. I never say this about draft highlight videos, but sound up!

2. A really good look at all the Iowa OL in the run game.



Also, while big draft might not be high on Stephens, the NFL might be as he's a Senior bowl invitee. Not Shrine.

That’s awesome.

I’ve talked about Stephens earlier. I like him a lot. have him right there with Johnson from Minnesota. I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t come out with 2 interior guys from this draft to bolster the OL.

 

[mayoclinic]

Beau Stephens, G Iowa: 2026 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Stephens was a four-star recruit from Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Mo. in the class of 2021

sportstalk.substack.com

 

[mayoclinic]

Kadyn Proctor profile:

Kadyn Proctor 2026 NFL draft prospect profile, grades, rank, measurements

The Crimson Tide offensive lineman is a top prospect for the 2026 NFL draft, and here's everything you need to know about him.

www.si.com

I agree with much of it, think Proctor is likely a RG at the next level and will probably be overdrafted.

I think Fa'alili Fa'amoe could be a similar type of RG, possibly available 4th round.

 

[bakes781]

I think the Iowa OL get overlooked a bit because they are all so good.

On a similar note, Mike Renner had Iowa LT Trevor Lauck at 38 overall in his top 150:

Renner's 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 150 prospects as pass rushers, wide receivers dominate top of list

There's still a few months to go, but the 2026 draft class is beginning to take shape.

www.cbssports.com

I want them all lol

 

[dliverey44]

I want them all lol

With the 32nd pick of the NFL draft the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots select....the Iowa OL. Wait I don't think thats legal, so they forfeit their draft. That is how we know we are back, Goodell takes all of our picks away

 

[manxman2601]

With the 32nd pick of the NFL draft the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots select....the Iowa OL. Wait I don't think thats legal, so they forfeit their draft. That is how we know we are back, Goodell takes all of our picks away

Here's a question. The Iowa OL v the Indiana Def v the Indiana WRs v Miami edge rushers?

 

[dliverey44]

Here's a question. The Iowa OL v the Indiana Def v the Indiana WRs v Miami edge rushers?

2nd and 3rd rounds? lol