2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Offensive Guard

7/2/24: Banks started at left tackle for the Longhorns in 2023 and had a strong season. He played well against the Crimson Tide and their future pro competitors. Given his body type, Banks might fit best as a guard in the NFL. Banks made an impressive freshman debut, starting at left tackle for the Longhorns. He was a reliable run blocker and showed the potential to be a pass protector. With a quality skill set, Banks has upside and could be a riser for his draft class. He is a candidate to move inside to guard as well.

7/2/24: Booker rotated into the game during his freshman season with Alabama before becoming a starter in 2023. The massive Booker is a large, powerful blocker at the point of attack. Aside from back spasms that held him out against South Florida, Booker was a mainstay for the Crimson Tide. Booker could stand to trim some weight for the NFL.

7/2/24: Truss was the starting left guard in 2023, but an injury to Amarius Mims caused Georgia to move Truss to right tackle for some games. While Truss wasn’t bad, playing on the edge illustrated that Truss is a better fit for guard in the NFL. He is a strong blocker and capable protector when playing on the inside. Truss was the starting left guard for the Bulldogs in 2022 and had a strong season. He was a reliable interior pass protector and an effective run blocker. With his size, weight, and length, Truss is a massive interior blocker. It will be interesting to see if Georgia moves him to right tackle in 2024, and that appears to be the plan entering the season.

7/2/24: Ratledge started at right guard for the Bulldogs. He was solid there and could improve with more experience. His run blocking is better than his pass protection at this point, but Ratledge has a good skill set and the potential to grow into a starting-caliber guard in the NFL.

7/2/24: There were a ton of NFL eyes on the Notre Dame offensive line in 2023, watching star left tackle Joe Alt. While Alt was dominant, Coogan played well next to him, forming a tough left side of the line for the Fighting Irish. Coogan won the starting left guard job during fall training camp, and he could be even better in 2024 now that he has a year of experience. Notre Dame’s scheme is better than most college systems for teaching and developing offensive linemen, so that will help Coogan and his teammates with pro evaluators.