Editor’s note: The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 23-25). Here are his top 10 interior offensive linemen, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

1. Olaivavega Ioane (Jr., Penn State, 6-foot-4, 320 pounds)

Ioane was one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions last season, earning second-team AP All-American recognition. He’s a phone-booth mauler who wins with raw power, leverage and heavy hands. He’s the kind of interior presence that changes your run game personality, while featuring impressive movement skills for a man his size. The former three-star recruit didn’t allow a sack or commit a holding penalty in his two years as a starter. Projected: Round 1

2. Chase Bisontis (Jr., Texas A&M, 6-5, 315)

Bisontis was the top-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2023 class. The former four-star recruit has double-digit starts at left guard (22) and right tackle (12), but his short arms and temperament mean he’ll find a home in the pros on the interior. He’s athletic (9.85 Relative Athletic Score), he likes finishing, and he never looks panicked when defenders start running games up front. Bisontis’ pass-protection profile doesn’t need a publicist, but his ceiling depends on how much nastier and more consistent the run-blocking becomes. He was one of just six prospects at the combine (out of 319) that competed in every drill. Projected: Rounds 1-2

3. Keylan Rutledge (Sr., Georgia Tech, 6-4, 316)

The former three-star recruit earned first-team All-CUSA recognition and was a team captain as a sophomore at Middle Tennessee before joining the Yellow Jackets in 2024. Rutledge became the first Georgia Tech player since Calvin Johnson to earn first-team All-America honors in back-to-back years and was selected team captain his senior season. He’s a tone-setter with real pass-pro chops and a run-game temperament that shows up every snap. Senior Bowl usage at guard and center is a clue on how teams are viewing him: potential starter inside with versatility. Projected: Rounds 1-2

4. Logan Jones (Sr., Iowa, 6-3, 299)

Jones was the 26th-ranked defensive tackle in the 2020 class. He moved to center two years later, where he started 51 straight games and became a two-time team captain to conclude his collegiate career. He is the kind of prospect O-line coaches treat like found money: NFL-ready technique, nasty demeanor and rare athletic testing for the position. The Hawkeyes started the same five offensive linemen every game and gave up only 18 sacks in 13 games in 2025, winning the Joe Moore Award with all five earning All-Big Ten honors and three earning All-America recognition. The awards stack (Rimington + unanimous All-American) plus the Combine (9.63 RAS) will make Jones extremely hard to pass on once the board hits the top-75 range. Jones turns 25 in October. Projected: Rounds 2-4

5. Emmanuel Pregnon (Sr., Oregon, 6-4, 314)

Pregnon is a previously unranked recruit who played for Wyoming (2020-2022) and USC (2023-2024) before joining the Ducks. The first-team All-American and two-time All-Big Ten honoree hasn’t allowed a sack in three seasons and only allowed two hurries last year. He’s also a “people mover” in the run game, using his size, athleticism (9.16 RAS) and heavy hands to uproot defenders. Pregnon turns 25 in October. Projected: Rounds 2-3

6. Jake Slaughter (Sr., Florida, 6-5, 303)

The former three-star recruit became a two-time All-American and two-time team captain for the Gators. Slaughter was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy last season. He is one of the cleaner evaluations in this class. He’s smart, steady, athletic (9.97 RAS) and polished in pass protection. He wins with control and awareness more than brute force, which should make him attractive somewhere in the top-100 range. Centers with his brain and pass-pro consistency do not last forever. Projected: Rounds 2-4

7. Connor Lew (Jr., Auburn, 6-3, 310)

Lew is wired like a line-of-scrimmage air-traffic controller, which is why scouts talk about him like a plug-and-play pivot if the medicals check out. He’s a team captain recovering from a torn ACL suffered last October. The former four-star recruit is smart, tough, technically sound and already comfortable driving the operation. If the ACL checks out and the movement returns, he’s the kind of pick that instantly upgrades an offense. Lew doesn’t turn 21 until August. Projected: Rounds 2-4

8. Jalen Farmer (Jr., Kentucky, 6-5, 312)

The three-star recruit was buried on the depth chart at Florida for two years before he joined the Wildcats in 2024. Farmer has heavy hands, a real anchor — and a mean streak. The question is whether his athletic flashes get paired with consistent technique, so he’s more than a power-scheme brawler with occasional balance issues. He has legit reach for a guard (34 1/4-inch arms) and moldable athleticism (9.83 RAS). Projected: Rounds 2-4

9. Brian Parker II (Jr., Duke, 6-5, 309)

Parker is one of the more interesting projection cases in this group because the resume says proven tackle, while some teams may see inside flexibility or even a center conversion — he practiced there extensively during the East-West Shrine Bowl. With over 2,300 snaps, 33 starts (at both tackle positions), second-team All-America honors and better-than-expected testing (9.13 RAS), he has enough movement skill and experience to sneak into the top-100 conversation. Projected: Rounds 3-4

10. Trey Zuhn III (Sr., Texas A&M, 6-6, 312)

The former four-star recruit turned into a four-year starter at left tackle with an impressive resume. Zuhn earned All-SEC honors each of the past two seasons and shared the 2025 SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy (top blocker in the SEC) with Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor. He’s also a two-time team captain with elite 2025 pass-pro production. Short arms will likely necessitate a move inside, but his skill set will play there. The league always has room for steady, versatile O-linemen who are allergic to getting their quarterback hit. Projected: Rounds 3-5

11. Logan Taylor (Sr., Boston College, 6-7, 314)

The former four-star recruit spent two years at Virginia before joining the Eagles in 2023. Taylor’s athletic (9.20 RAS), has a huge frame, was selected as a captain his senior year, and earned All-ACC recognition in each of the last three seasons. His ceiling may be tied to his ability to handle speed and leverage matchups, but he has the profile of a valuable swing reserve with starter upside at guard. Taylor is one of the few prospects in this draft class that can say he has logged significant snaps at four of the five offensive line positions (everywhere but center). Projected: Rounds 4-7f

12. Sam Hecht (Sr., Kansas State, 6-4, 303)

After three seasons as a walk-on, Hecht earned a scholarship and became a starter his final two seasons. He’s a smart, assignment-sound center who handles stunts and communication well. His game is built on leverage and precision while his athleticism pops when he’s activated in space. If the strength catches up to the polish, he’s a long-term starter. If it doesn’t, he’s still the kind of interior lineman coaches keep active because he won’t beat himself. Projected: Rounds 3-4

13. Anez Cooper (Sr., Miami, 6-6, 342)

The former three-star recruit earned All-ACC recognition in each of the last three seasons at right guard for the Hurricanes. Cooper is enormous, and there is no mistaking his power. You can see him from the parking lot, and I’d want him on my side if a fight broke out in the club. The question is whether an NFL staff can refine the movement and consistency enough to turn the size into something more than intriguing depth. Projected: Rounds 4-6

14. Billy Schrauth (Jr., Notre Dame, 6-5, 310)

Schrauth was the seventh-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2022 class. The team-captain label and All-American honors help, but the real selling points are his sturdy frame, strong hands and a physical style that works in tight quarters. He missed the final five games of last season because of a left MCL sprain. He also had ankle surgery his sophomore season, and foot surgery after his senior year in high school, so his durability will be scrutinized. Projected: Rounds 3-4

15. Beau Stephens (Sr., Iowa, 6-5, 315)

The former four-star recruit looks like an Iowa-built guard prospect in the best sense: sturdy anchor, dependable hands and the kind of tough, no-frills game offensive line coaches trust. Stephens may not wow scouts with rare traits, but the floor is solid and the fit is easy. He’s decorated, battle-tested and coming out of the Hawkeyes’ Joe Moore Award-winning front. What more could you ask for on Day 3? Projected: Rounds 4-5

16. Ar’maj Reed-Adams (Sr., Texas A&M, 6-6, 314)

Reed-Adams spent four years at Kansas before joining the Aggies in 2024 and becoming a team captain his senior season. He possesses tackle length, but he’s a classic interior mauler. He plays with force, displacement power and a clear edge. His athletic deficiencies show up in pass protection. Reed-Adams turns 25 in November. Projected: Rounds 5-6

17. Parker Brailsford (Jr., Alabama, 6-2, 289)

The three-star recruit spent two seasons at Washington, where he was a starter on a Huskies’ O-line that won the Joe Moore Award, before following his head coach Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa after Nick Saban retired. Brailsford earned second-team All-American honors his first year with the Crimson Tide, and followed that up with All-SEC recognition after becoming a team captain his final season. He’s undersized, but centers survive in the NFL by being right, quick and under control. He checks those boxes, and teams that value leverage and mental processing over bulk will see the appeal. Projected: Rounds 4-5

18. Febechi Nwaiwu (Sr., Oklahoma, 6-4, 316)

Nwaiwu was a walk-on at North Texas, and spent three productive years there before joining the Sooners in 2024. He feels like one of those prospects coaches appreciate more than draftniks do. He is experienced, sturdy and capable of giving a line room flexibility, even if the upside is more practical than exciting. Nwaiwu was the recipient of the Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award, which goes to the player that best exemplifies character, intelligence, sportsmanship and service. Projected: Rounds 4-5

19. Pat Coogan (Sr., Indiana, 6-5, 310)

The former three-star recruit spent four years at Notre Dame, including two as a starter, before joining the Hoosiers ahead of their historic season. Coogan earned Rose Bowl offensive MVP as a center, All-Big Ten honors and showcased obvious leadership value throughout the campaign. He is probably capped athletically, but he is smart, tough and versatile enough to hang around as an interior backup who can stabilize a room. He may not wow anyone athletically, but he’s the kind of interior backup coaches trust implicitly. Projected: Rounds 5-6

20. Fernando Carmona (Sr., Arkansas, 6-5, 316)

A former three-star recruit at tight end, Carmona spent three years at San Jose State where he transitioned to the O-line before joining the Razorbacks in 2024. He earned All-SEC recognition in both seasons at Arkansas, and was voted a team captain as a senior. He has double-digit starts at both left tackle (37) and left guard (12). Carmona brings tenacity, experience and the kind of calm, functional play style that earns camp opportunities. He is more reliable than dynamic, but reliable keeps linemen employed. He was also one of just six prospects at the combine (out of 319) that competed in every drill. Projected: Rounds 5-7

21. Nick Dawkins (Sr., Penn State, 6-4, 305)

Dawkins checks the boxes NFL staffs care about late in the process: two-time team captain, Wuerffel Trophy winner, and major-program experience with impressive testing (9.77 RAS). The reason he sits in the fringe-draft bucket is simple: he needs to get stronger. Dawkins’ father (Darryl) was a first-round pick (No. 5) in the 1975 NBA draft and played 15 seasons (1975-89) for four teams. His cousin (Brian Dawkins) is a Pro Football Hall of Fame safety who played 16 seasons (1996-2011) in the NFL. Projected: Round 7-PFA

22. Alex Harkey (Sr., Oregon, 6-6, 313)

Harkey started 14 games at right tackle for a playoff-caliber, Joe Moore finalist line and did not look overwhelmed despite inadequate length. He is older (turns 25 in July) and took an unconventional road to get here — Tyler Junior College (Texas) to Colorado to Texas State to Oregon — which can scare some teams off, but a strong, nimble mover with tackle-guard flexibility is the exact type of prospect you should target in the late rounds. Projected: Rounds 5-7

23. Caden Barnett (Sr., Wyoming, 6-4, 316)

The former three-star recruit was also a standout wrestler, powerlifter and track athlete in high school. Barnett is thickly built, possesses a guard-friendly temperament and provided enough pro-day juice (9.54 RAS) to keep teams interested. He can move people in tight quarters, has double-digit starts at both right tackle (23) and right guard (12), but the recovery skills and overall fluidity needs more consistency. Projected: Rounds 6-7

24. Josh Gesky (Sr., Illinois, 6-4, 305)

The former three-star recruit received heavy Ivy League interest, including offers from Columbia, Harvard and Princeton, but Gesky opted to stay close to home and play in the Big Ten. He became a three-year starter for the Illini, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten each season, got a Hula Bowl invite, and helped himself with a solid pro day that reportedly included a sub-5.00 40, a 33-inch vertical and 30 bench reps. There’s enough size, movement skill (9.62 RAS) and multi-spot utility here to make him a legitimate late-round or priority free-agent target. Projected: Round 7-PFA

25. DJ Campbell (Sr., Texas, 6-3, 313)

Campbell was the top-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2022 class and ranked No. 10 overall nationally. He started 43 straight games at right guard to finish his college career, earning third-team All-SEC last season. Campbell has enough experience and raw ability to warrant a late-round look, but the evaluation comes down to consistency. Teams betting on him are betting their coaching staff can get more out of the tools. Projected: Rounds 6-7

26. Garrett DiGiorgio (Sr., UCLA, 6-7, 319)

The former three-star recruit became a four-year starter and team captain for the Bruins. Forty-nine starts (second in program history), honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition and experience at tackle and guard make him a useful swing depth candidate, even if there is not one truly standout trait pushing him up boards. He was also a bit of a flag-magnet, including nine as a senior (seven false starts, two holds). Projected: Rounds 4-7

27. Matt Gulbin (Sr., Michigan State, 6-4, 305)

The former three-star recruit spent four years with Wake Forest before transferring to East Lansing for his final season of eligibility. Gulbin was named a team captain just a short time after joining the Spartans (Jan. of 2025). He has extensive experience at guard and center — double-digit starts at all three interior positions — and elite 2025 grading in the run game. The short arms and modest testing cap the ceiling a bit, but the floor looks like a useful NFL backup with spot-starter appeal. Projected: Rounds 4-7

28. Micah Morris (Sr., Georgia, 6-5, 334)

Morris was the ninth-ranked offensive tackle in the 2021 class. The flashes and the athletic testing (9.96 RAS) look far better than a Round 7 label. On his best snaps, he looks like a first-round talent, but the full body of work leaves enough doubt to keep him in the fringe-draft tier. Projected: Round 7-PFA

29. Joshua Braun (Sr., Kentucky, 6-6, 325)

The former four-star recruit spent three years at Florida before transferring to Arkansas in 2023. After two seasons with the Razorbacks, Braun transferred again, joining the Wildcats for his final season of eligibility. He’s older (turned 25 in January) and battle-tested, but he is fighting in a crowded bucket of big interior linemen who need to prove they bring more than size. The SEC pedigree alone will get him a camp opportunity. Projected: Round 7-PFA

30. James Brockermeyer (Sr., Miami, 6-3, 298)

Brockermeyer was the 13th-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2021 class. He spent three seasons at Alabama where he barely touched the field. After Nick Saban retired, Brockermeyer transferred to TCU, where he earned All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition, before joining the Hurricanes for his final season of eligibility. He was an underrated part of Miami’s run to the national championship game. He wins with savvy and technique, not overwhelming power. He fits the mold of a system-dependent center who can stick if he lands with a coaching staff that values precision. Brockermeyer’s father (Blake) was an All-American offensive tackle at Texas (1992-94) and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round (No. 29) in 1995. Projected: Round 7-PFA

31. Delby Lemieux (Sr., Dartmouth, 6-5, 309)

Lemieux is an intriguing FCS/Ivy developmental bet with workable tools (9.30 RAS). He’s a two-time FCS All-American who was the first Dartmouth player invited to the Senior Bowl in more than 40 years. He held his own with interior reps, considering he’s only ever played left tackle for the Big Green. Projected: Round 7-PFA

32. Bayo Kannike (Sr. San Diego State, 6-5, 322)

Kannike spent four years at Utah Tech, an FCS program, where he played every offensive line position except center. The Los Angeles native primarily played right guard for the Aztecs, where he showcased consistent form in pass-pro, and earned honorable mention All-Mountain West. He features NFL size and length, plus enough fluid movement (7.71 RAS) to make him a finisher in the run game as well. The appeal is the multi-spot utility and sheer mass. Projected: PFA

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