In the top 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, there are many teams that need help at offensive tackle. Edge blockers are a premium position in the NFL, and good ones rarely ever become free agents. Veteran tackles are often overpaid and declining players. Tackles and offensive linemen are often safer picks in the first round of the NFL Draft, so all of that combines to push tackles up. This year, there could be a few tackles that go early as usual. However, in speaking to team sources at multiple teams, they feel that none of the 2026 draft prospects are true top-10 picks.
Many team sources were in agreement that none of the tackles this year were true top-10 talents like Penei Sewell, Joe Alt, or Andrew Thomas. Sources said that Utah’s Spencer Fano, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, and Alabama’s Kayden Proctor could easily go in the top-10 this year, but they have issues that make them feel they are not true top-10 prospects right now.
“Fano is not that big, not that long, has flaws and weaknesses, but should be a solid starter,” said an NFC assistant general manager. “Proctor is an athletic freak. He’s very talented, but there are character and weight questions. Mauigoa could be a right tackle, but might end up at guard.”
Earlier in the fall, we reported how some teams were projecting Proctor outside the top 10 because of his weight issues. Sources felt Proctor was too heavy, and they felt he might lose a lot of weight before the combine and pro day, but then balloon back up and have a hard time keeping the weight off in the years to come.
In my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, I have a pair of these tackles going in the top 10. That could easily happen on draft day, but multiple team sources feel these tackles are not true top-10 picks.
