Writing The Ship: 2026 NFL Draft – Interior Offensive Line Rankings

The NFL draft is just over two weeks away. We are at the time of year where evaluators have watched all the players and now it is just a matter of stacking up their boards. Looking at each position and deciding who you like best relative to the others.

While I look at all of these players through the lens of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are some that I like more than others who might not fit the Bucs needs as much. So this is not a list of best fits, but just my rankings of players. However, based on what they are as players, it’s easy enough to draw conclusions as to who the best fits would be in Tampa.

With that said, here are my 2026 NFL draft interior offensive line rankings.

10) Jalen Farmer – Kentucky

The physical tools and flashes here are really good. Long arms, powerful and mobile enough, Farmer has the makings of a future starting NFL guard. I like his projection in all situations regardless of system, but particularly as a pass blocker at this point. He just needs a little polishing and refinement working in short area spaces as a run blocker before he really becomes a dependable piece on the O-Line.

9) Sam Hecht – Kansas State

There might not be a lineman who is as light on his feet in this class as Hecht. If you’re looking for a wide zone, Kyle Shanahan system type of center, then this is the one for you. What is lacking in power is made up for in movement ability.

8) Matt Gulbin – Michigan State

I’m not sure that Gulbin is a year one starter. However, I like both his mobility and strength; they translate to both the passing and running game. In a worst case scenario, he has started a year at every interior position so he’d make for excellent depth with that type of versatility. 

7) Keylan Rutledge – Georgia Tech

Some players are really good and some players get by on physicality or toughness. Rutledge has all of those things. He’s a powerful run blocker who wants to put defenders in the dirt. This is the kind of player that every team wants.

6) Logan Jones – Iowa

If there was one guy who I would want on my team in a bar fight, then it would probably be Jones. This dude fires off the ball and immediately is looking to push people around. He’s not the biggest or strongest, but he is a very good athlete with the right mentality.

5) Gennings Dunker – Iowa

Dunker played right tackle in college, but I believe his future is on the interior. He’s very mobile and can get to his spot with ease. There is some projection here, but I think this could be the next Cody MaucMauch.

4) Connor Lew – Auburn

Lew isn’t the greatest athlete, but I really like the way he plays the game. Technically sound and plenty of experience despite being a true junior and just 20 years old. I don’t think he has the highest ceiling in the world, but I think this is a rock solid starter. 

3) Chase Bisontis – Texas A&M

An excellent combination of mobility and power, Bisontis can thrive in any offense. This is someone who is always looking for action and wants to punch opponents in the chest. In terms of attitude, agility, and strength, Bisontis is an easy top 50 pick for me.

2) Olaivavega Ioane – Penn State

In terms of ceiling, no interior player is better than Ioane in this draft. He is an absolute brick wall in the passing game. Getting through him to the quarterback feels next to impossible. And while he is very powerful and great on double teams and working to the second level, I find he could be more consistent with that. But if he ever masters every aspect of his game, then he could be an All Pro type player.

1) Emmanuel Pregnon – Oregon

Based on his appearance, it’s hard to say what I think Pregnon would do for a living if he didn’t play in the NFL. Rip cars apart with his bare hands? Fist fight Batman for the fate of Gotham City? Luckily, we don’t have to find out.

Pregnon is an absolute mauler in the running game. He drives opponents backwards one on one and just imposes his will. He also has the athletic ability to work in space, whether it be on pulls or finding work at the second level. I don’t project him as an elite pass blocker at the next level, but I have no reason to believe that he won’t be above average in that area either.