Draft Preview: Interior Offensive Line

March 27, 2026

by David Earl

Washington’s Interior Offensive Line

Washington’s offensive line finished 15th in the NFL in sacks surrendered per game, with 2.2, and 19th in sack rate, with a rate of 7.31%, and gave up a total of 37 sacks. This unit was about middle of the road among all league offensive lines in average time to throw, allowing a 3.0-second average. While they weren’t exceptional in pocket time allowed, they improved from the 2024 season, reducing the sacks allowed compared to 50 sacks allowed the previous season. As for the run game they were certainly solid but inconsistent at times. While there was a clear upgrade in protection for Jayden Daniels and company (fewer sacks/pressures), the run blocking remained a work in progress – they were functional enough to create a few explosive moments but they didn’t generate nearly enough to help the passing game. After the release of center Tyler Biadasz, the interior offensive line has more question marks beyond right guard Samuel Cosmi. Third year lineman and converted tackle left guard Brandon Coleman still has plenty of refinement after his switch to guard and Chris Paul offers plenty of upside but has shown more inconsistency to this point. The move of guard Nick Allegretti to center also adds more questions than answers heading into the draft.  In other words, it wouldn’t be that surprising to see Washington draft an interior lineman at some point this year.

The overall consensus among the league scouts and general managers is this group of interior offensive linemen offers multiple immediate NFL starters and scheme-versatile prospects, particularly in the guard group. They offer a high-floor in technique and athleticism who excel primarily in run blocking. However, it lacks a clear generational top end talent as many prospects have limitations in raw athleticism, length, or power that cap their ceilings.

Centers

Connor Lew, Auburn, 6’4″, 310lbs

• Strengths: Highly intelligent technician inn making calls and adjustments at the line. Quick and explosive first step with strong hands and quick feet/hips for adjustments. Is a polished pass protector, strong at the point of attack and highly effective in both run/pass schemes.
• Weaknesses: Adequate but not overpowering strength as will need help vs. nose tackles in run game at times. He has limited experience at other positions along the line and injury history may affect immediate readiness.
• Projected draft position: Mid to late second round

Jake Slaughter, Florida, 6’5″, 303lbs

• Strengths: Multi-year starter/team captain with elite football IQ. Has a good refined technique in pass protection. Good play strength, leverage, and balance allowing him to anchor well against power rushers. Understands run angles well as he is a balanced run/pass blocker
• Weaknesses: Not a dominant mover or elite athlete in space/open field as he has average athletic traits overall.
• Projected draft position: Mid to late second round

Logan Jones, Iowa, 6’3″, 299lbs

• Strengths: Exceptionally athletic and experienced with a strong burst off the line. Fluid in open field/zone schemes and disciplined with near-zero penalties.
• Weaknesses: Narrow build and below-average mass thus will struggle to anchor vs. bigger bodies.
• Projected draft position: Third round

Sam Hecht, Kansas State, 6’4″, 303lbs

• Strengths: High IQ with thick frame, solid core strength/anchor and good footwork plus body control. Has good athleticism in space and downfield plus shown improved hand placement. He wins with positioning and balance rather than raw power.
• Weaknesses: Lacks expected power as doesn’t drive defenders back on a consistent basis. Limited arm length as some view him as scheme-specific being better in zone blocking having below-average power.
• Projected draft position: Third round

Parker Brailsford, Alabama, 6’2″, 289lbs

• Strengths: A lightning-quick first step with a great change of direction and open-field speed. Keeps feet moving with leverage with good lateral movement
• Weaknesses: Undersized as he needs to add weight and more core strength development. Can play out of control or miss blocks.
• Projected draft position: Late third to fourth round

Pat Coogan, Indiana, 6’5″, 311lbs

• Strengths: Strong leadership trait and is consistent in his play. Wins with timing, hand placement, angles, and leverage with good blitz identification. Tough run blocker and a reliable pass protector.
• Weaknesses: Doesn’t play as strong as size suggests and not very athletic as he is slow in mirroring more athletic rushers.
• Projected draft position: Sixth round

Matt Gulbin, Michigan State, 6’4″, 310lbs

• Strengths: Intelligent lineman and has experience through playing multi-position on the interior. Has a strong anchor and recovers well having consistent hands with upper-body strength to redirect.
• Weaknesses: Average explosion and inconsistent foot technique makes him more vulnerable to speed rushers and holding calls. While offering a strong anchor his lack of athleticism can create consistency in power.
• Projected draft position: Sixth round

Jager Burton, Kentucky, 6’4″, 312lbs

• Strengths: Elite athleticism and explosiveness out of stance plus excellent range and movement in space. Has good versatile playing all positions on the interior of the line. Has good awareness and hand technique.
• Weaknesses: Lacks power through blocks while lack of good foot work can result in struggling to sustain blocks against bigger and more athletic defenders.

Projected draft position: Seventh round

Guards

Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State, 6’4″, 323lbs

• Strengths: Prototypical guard build with thick, powerful limbs and excellent core strength/body control for leverage and contact balance. Elite pass protector with zero sacks/hits allowed in 2025 over 600+ snaps. He mirrors speed rushers exceptionally well and has violent hands at the point of attack. Explosive and physical run blocker who generates movement at the point of attack with upward strikes, hip roll, and nasty competitive toughness.
• Weaknesses: Run blocking is less consistent than pass pro, especially on the move or in outside zone schemes as he can struggle climbing to the second level or sustaining blocks at times. Slightly shorter arm length and not an elite top-end athlete, which shows in recovery or against elite speed. Occasional high pad level off the snap.
• Projected Draft Position: Mid to late first round

Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M, 6’5″, 315lbs

• Strengths: Long, athletic power guard with elite size and burst. Dominates at the point of attack in the run game, creating displacement and opening lanes with strength and tenacity. Versatile (prior RT experience adds positional flexibility) with good body control and lateral movement for his size.
• Weaknesses: Pass protection needs refinement as he can struggle with length limitations against quicker interior rushers and requires development in technique/anchor consistency. Not always dominant in space or on pulls. He is more of a developmental Day 2 pick than plug-and-play.
• Projected Draft Position: Early to mid-second round

Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon, 6’5″, 318lbs

• Strengths: Massive, well-proportioned build with long arms and a great lower-body explosion. Violent, powerful hands and punch as he is an elite run blocker who climbs to the second level well and pulls effectively. Strong pass protector who anchors vs. bull rush and has shown dramatic improvement. Athletic, mobile, and assignment-sound.
• Weaknesses: Occasional hip stiffness on stunts/twists leads to late reactions as he will lunge or struggle securing combo blocks. Slightly below-elite initial quickness off the snap into the neutral zone.
• Projected Draft Position: Early to mid-second round

Jalen Farmer, Kentucky, 6’5″, 312lbs

• Strengths: Physical tone-setter with ideal size and demeanor. Strong at the point of attack with good power and a nasty streak in the run game. Athletic enough to handle movement schemes. High-motor player who brings toughness and physicality.
• Weaknesses: Technique and consistency need polishing as he can be overly aggressive and lose balance. Pass protection is solid but not elite yet. Need more developmental and technique refinement.
• Projected Draft Position: Mid to late third round

Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech, 6’4″, 316lbs

• Strengths: Thick, strong frame with good power at the point of attack and run-game contribution. Good athleticism showing good quickness and lateral movement off the line. Has the strength to drive defenders and create.
• Weaknesses: Shows flashes but not always dominance as consistency is an issue. Some questions on technique and ability to handle more athletic rushers. Needs a lot of refinement in pass pro and in sustained blocks.
• Projected Draft Position: Early fourth round

Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame, 6’5″, 310lbs

• Strengths: High-level pass protector with excellent technique, balance, and ability to sit in his stance handling rushers. Good size and strength which he utilizes very well in holding blocks especially in pass protection.
• Weaknesses: Medical red flags and injury history are significant concerns for some teams. Run blocking is adequate but not a strength; overall ceiling is capped if durability issues persist.
• Projected Draft Position: Early fourth round

Beau Stephens, Iowa, 6’6″, 315lbs

• Strengths: Reliable player who creates push in the run game and shows good technique and consistency. Tall, long frame with solid athleticism for his size but need work on overall pass protection technique.
• Weaknesses: He was inconsistent early in his career but has improved steadily.  Still developing his overall power and quickness in pass protection as he will struggle against more athletic power rushers. Scheme-specific as he is best in power/gap schemes.
• Projected Draft Position: Early fifth round

Jaeden Roberts, Alabama, 6’5″, 333lbs

• Strengths: Massive, powerful build with elite play strength and anchor in pass protection. Uses size to sit on defenders and control the point of attack. Is a very good athlete for his weight.
• Weaknesses: Can be heavy-footed and struggle on the move or in space. Run blocking is power-based but lacks a strong technique. He is more of a traditional mauler than a scheme-versatile option.
• Projected Draft Position: Early fifth round

Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Kansas, 6’6″, 314lbs

• Strengths: Long, power-oriented guard ideal for downhill/gap schemes. Fires off the ball and moves people at the point of attack. Has very combination of good size and aggression.
• Weaknesses: Limited athleticism in space or pass protection against more athletic speed rushers. He is best in specific systems and needs technique work.
• Projected Draft Position: Mid to late fifth round

Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma, 6’4″, 319lbs

• Strengths: NFL-caliber pass protection with solid anchor and technique. He is a versatile player with experience playing tackle and guard. Strong in tight quarters.
• Weaknesses: Run blocking lags behind pass protection. Has athletic limitations against elite speed and is; more of a developmental depth piece.
• Projected Draft Position: Mid to late fifth round

Tackles Projected Best For Interior Offensive Line:

Brian Parker II, Duke, 6’5″, 309lbs

• Strengths: Size/strength/short-area quickness mix; diagnoses stunts/blitzes well, strong anchor, aggressive run blocker; polished with mental acuity and technical precision. 2025 (at RT): 13 GP/13 GS, 96.3% pass block win rate.
• Weaknesses: Limited length/choppy kicks (harder to stick vs. edge initially); needs to keep feet moving vs. bigger bodies.
• Position: Best projected as a Center

Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M, 6’7″, 312lbs

• Strengths: Length and awareness for stunts/blitzes; quick first step, refined hands, wide base/active feet; effective as interior prospect. 2025: 13 GP/13 GS (mostly LT, some C), 97.7% pass block win rate.
• Weaknesses: Marginal athleticism/high-cut frame; average across the board; challenged vs. nose tackles.
• Position: Best projected as a Center