Summer Scouting: Top FCS OT Prospects To Watch In The 2027 NFL Draft

The offensive tackle position has arguably been the most successful in the FCS when it comes to getting drafted. Since 2020, 10 offensive tackles from the FCS level have been drafted, including three offensive tackles in 2025 and 2022, which is tied for the most in a single draft since 2020.

Some of the most notable names are Spencer Brown (UNI), who has started 69 games for the Buffalo Bills since being selected in 2021. Braxton Jones (Southern Utah) has started 44 games for the Chicago Bears, while Trevor Penning (UNI) was a first-round pick in 2022 and has started over 30 games for the New Orleans Saints.

The 2026 NFL Draft was the first year since 2020 that no FCS offensive tackles were selected, but that's set to change this year. This year's class is very talented, headlined by a group of top prospects who possess impressive traits and athleticism.

Trace Thaden (North Dakota)

Height: 6071
Weight: 306 lbs
2025 Stats: Played in 14 games, 468 pass-blocking snaps, 1.9% pressure percentage, 69.3 run-blocking grade

Strengths

Very good length for the position
Quality movement skills with athletic upside
Fluid lateral movement
Patient and smooth in pass protection
Excellent with timing and anticipation on combination blocks

Joshua Sales Jr. (Austin Peay)

Height: 6055
Weight: 300 lbs
2025 Stats: Played in 12 games, 388 pass-blocking snaps, 4.1% pressure percentage, 60.0 run-blocking grade

Strengths

Explosive first step
Quick feet and good lateral agility
Excels in outside zone schemes
Competitive finisher
Quality recovery ability

Desmeal Leigh (Youngstown State)

Height: 6063
Weight: 324 lbs
2025 Stats: Played in 13 games, 469 pass-blocking snaps, 3.4% pressure percentage, 62.7 run-blocking grade

Strengths

Very good overall athleticism
Aggression and explosiveness out of his stance
Powerful combination blocker
Strain and finishing ability
Good change of direction and foot speed in pass protection

Quinten Christensen (South Dakota State)

Height: 6041
Weight: 304 lbs
2025 Stats: Played in 14 games, 492 pass-blocking snaps, 2.4% pressure rate, 60.7 run-blocking grade

Strengths

Good play strength
Strong hand placement to establish control and leverage
Functional movement skills as a puller
Patient pass protector who rarely overextends
Uses frame to widen pass rush lanes

Oyintare Porbeni (Princeton)

Height: 6056
Weight: 303 lbs
2025 Stats: Played in 10 games, 406 pass-blocking snaps, 5.9% pressure percentage, 66.0 run-blocking grade

Strengths

Good athletic traits
Shows good explosiveness out of his stance
Effective combination blocker
Plays with good balance
High developmental upside

Spencer Doan (Harvard)

Height: 6070
Weight: 306 lbs
2025 Stats: Played in 11 games, 403 pass-blocking snaps, 4.2% pressure percentage, 60.3 run-blocking grade

Strengths

Firm at the point of attack
Maintains square shoulders and a wide base for balance
Good hand placement
Firm punch in pass protection
Takes efficient angles when climbing

Freddie Pelling (West Georgia)

Height: 6082
Weight: 321 lbs
2025 Stats: Played in 9 games, 305 pass-blocking snaps, 3.6% pressure percentage, 53.5 run-blocking grade

Strengths

Outstanding size
Strong understanding and feel for combination blocking
Good timing and anticipation on double teams
Takes efficient blocking angles

Biggest Games To Watch In 2026:

Trace Thaden vs. Nebraska (Sep. 19)
Joshua Sales Jr. vs Vanderbilt (Sep. 5)
Desmeal Leigh vs Kentucky (Sep. 5)
Quinten Christensen vs Northwestern (Sep. 5)
Freddie Pelling vs Arkansas State (Sep. 12)

Early FCS OT Superlatives:

Best Pass Protector: Trace Thaden (North Dakota)
Best Run Blocker: Trace Thaden (North Dakota)
Best Athlete: Trace Thaden (North Dakota)
Best Feet: Joshua Sales Jr. (Austin Peay)
Most Powerful: Oyintare Porbeni (Princeton)
Best Zone-Scheme Fit: Oyintare Porbeni (Princeton)
Best Gap-Scheme Fit: Quinten Christensen (South Dakota State)

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