Matt Williamson, Mike Prisuta, and Max Starks discussed the leading offensive tackle prospects for the upcoming 2026 National Football League Draft in a segment released on Apr. 8. The draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh later this month.
The evaluation of offensive tackles is significant as these players are essential for team performance and often selected early due to the difficulty of finding quality starters at this position. The analysts provided their individual rankings and insights into several key prospects expected to be drafted.
Williamson listed Francis Mauigoa from Miami, Spencer Fano from Utah, Monroe Freeling from Georgia, Max Iheanachor from Arizona State, and Kadyn Proctor from Alabama as his top five picks. He said there is unusual depth among the top seven tackles but noted concerns about whether some might be better suited to play guard rather than tackle at the professional level. “You really have to squint for long term starting offensive tackles in this draft class after this group of players mentioned,” Williamson said.
Prisuta also ranked Mauigoa and Fano highly and included Caleb Lomu (Utah), Proctor (Alabama), and Iheanachor (Arizona State) among his favorites. He highlighted sleeper candidates such as Markell Bell of Miami—nicknamed “The Human Skyscraper”—and referenced comments by NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah: “He’ll be a starter right away.” Prisuta further noted that Blake Miller started all 54 games he played for Clemson, setting a program record for consecutive starts.
Starks echoed many of the same names in his ranking but emphasized positional fit at the next level: “Mauigoa is a hulking right tackle that brings the attitude and run demeanor that would instantly change… any offensive line.” Starks identified Keagen Trost from Missouri as his sleeper pick due to his experience despite concerns about age and ceiling potential.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, who will host this year’s draft at Acrisure Stadium where their Hall of Honor Museum displays artifacts recognizing past contributors, have themselves been recognized with six Super Bowl championships according to their official website. The franchise honors figures like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene through its Hall of Honor as detailed on its official website, contributes to community engagement through historical celebrations according to its official website, and remains an active member franchise within the National Football League based on information from its official site.
As anticipation builds for the draft event in Pittsburgh, observers will watch closely how these highly rated offensive tackles perform both during selection night and once they join professional teams.
