Much like the stock market, an NFL draft prospect’s value can fluctuate drastically over time. Throughout the pre-draft evaluation period, certain key events cause teams to reassess a player’s long-term outlook. The NFL Combine, like a quarterly earnings report, is one of the defining tentpole moments in a prospect’s draft cycle.
Below are several top offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft whose draft stock has changed dramatically over the course of the evaluation process.
Riser: Billy Schrauth, OG – Notre Dame
Pre-February PFF
ranking: Not Ranked (NR)
Current PFF ranking: 128th
Analysis: Schrauth declared for the NFL Draft as a junior following a mid-season MCL sprain that ended his season. Draft evaluators must have given Schrauth glowing feedback for him to declare a year early despite the injury.
His sudden appearance on PFF’s draft board is directly tied to his announcement as a participant in the NFL Combine. In a weaker and older class, Schrauth represents a high-potential player at a discount. Schrauth was a team captain and started at left and right guard at Notre Dame. He possesses ideal size at 6′ 4″ and 310 pounds for guard.
Faller: Isaiah World, OT – Oregon
Pre-February PFF Ranking: 89th
Current PFF Ranking: 130th
Analysis: World has an all-world physique at 6’8” and 315 pounds. With one of the quicker kick-slides and first steps in the class, World was a first-round prospect in early October. However, his College Football Playoff film combined with a deeper analysis into his technique identified inconsistencies that will be an issue at the next level.
Then, he tore his ACL in the Peach Bowl against Indiana. The injury will prevent him from participating in the NFL Combine and likely delay his availability for training camp and the start of the season. He’s essentially fallen from a top 30 pick to a Day Three developmental roster stash.
Riser: Sam Hecht, OC – Kansas State
Pre-February PFF Ranking: 204th
Current PFF Ranking: 66th
Analysis: Fewer players made themselves more money during the Senior Bowl than Hecht. The two-year starter at center for the Wildcats was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy; the “Academic Heisman” of college football. Yet was his quick, lateral movement and ability to stall much larger defensive tackles that had draft analysts buzzing in Mobile, Alabama.
The sub-300-pound center is a fast mover both on tape and in draft evaluations. For teams who utilize a zone run scheme, Hecht will be a second-round worthy center. For others, he lacks the density to withstand sizable DTs.
Faller: Parker Brailsford, OC – Alabama
Pre-October PFF Ranking: 57th
Current PFF Ranking: 200th
Analysis: At 6’2”, 290 pounds, Brailsford’s light stature has deterred teams from his draft profile. His three years of starting experience (one at Washington and two at Alabama; he followed head coach Kalen DeBoer) makes him a tantalizing prospect for teams. He needs to add 10-15 pounds to his frame without losing his athletic profile to regain interest from teams.
Riser: Monroe Freeling, OT – Georgia
Pre-January PFF Ranking: 128th
Current PFF Ranking: 28th
Analysis: In January, Freeling was beginning to look a lot like a “my guy” of the offensive tackle group. Left and right tackle experience, an extremely athletic profile, great in space, and SEC film to boot. His fourth-round grade didn’t last long as teams identified his technical acumen along with his elite true pass blocking grade as indicators of a resume worthy of a first round pick.
Freeling was my choice for the Texans’ first-round pick in my recent seven-round mock draft. Freeling’s stock continues to rise and he’s now being predicted to be a mid-first round pick.
Faller: Gennings Dunker, OG/OT – Iowa
Pre-January PFF Ranking: 32nd
Current PFF Ranking: 73rd
Analysis: Dunker was initially evaluated as a back-end of the first round ‘plug-and-play’ right guard who could move out to tackle if needed. Then teams fell out of favor with his footwork at the Senior Bowl; he was not a fluid mover in space and struggled to quell bull rushers when he was moved inside. Teams who projected him as a guard, a position he’s never played in college, were disappointed by his lack of comfort at the position.
His re-evaluation as a third-round pick represents the league’s general apprehension with his profile. Either he is a low-ceiling offensive tackle or a project at offensive guard. Neither is worth a first-round pick.
Honorable Mentions:
Riser: Max Iheanachor, OT – Arizona State; fascinating Senior Bowl practices
Faller: Jake Slaughter, OC – Florida; limited athletic profile and a waist bender
Riser: Keyland Rutledge, OG – Georgia Tech; ideal frame and elite PFF blocking grades
Faller: Brian Parker Jr., OT – Duke; rose then fell due to “tweener” label
Riser: Jalen Farmer, OG – Kentucky; dominant Senior Bowl
