672 replies to this topic

[jamesdean]

The point about 4 years is that you effectively can't use the 5th year option or franchise tag on a Guard because you have to pay them Tackle prices for that. We just saw that play out with Linderbaum.

NFL should consider regrouping linemen into Outside and Interior or something like that. I think you'd see more Guards and Centers in the 1st round if that were the case. It's tough to decide to take an interior lineman with such a valuable commodity as a 1st round pick because you immediately are eliminating 20% of it's value by only having 4 years of control instead of 5.

Very well may be the right choice in this draft, though, even with the contractual drawbacks. I'm guessing it's either Ioane or Sadiq. I'll say Sadiq if you make me pick one.

I do think its a relatively small minority that regards Ioane as such a lock to be great as a guard. I don't see high odds of an All-Pro from most evaluators. He's less regarded than Linderbaum was 4 years ago, IMO.

You must be reading different analysis than me because just about everyone I've looked out considers him not only the best guard but maybe the top OL in the draft. All of them see him as an immediate starter with All-Pro potential. Not only an elite road grader but superior pass blocking skills. Other than the fear of losing him to injury, its a no brainer to me relative to what they need. I wouldn't be upset with them picking Fano or if one of the top defensive guys fall to 14, but Ioane to me, is the safest and ultimately rewarding option.

[makoman]

.......or extend him before you have to worry about the fifth year tag?

It always seemed like the Ravens were interested but Linderbaum wasn't. Some guys want to max their earnings, and it worked out for him. But yeah if you can extend and not worry about the options and such that helps.

 

What we need is more guys to come a day late and risk missing a year of service time, we always get nice extensions there.

[Mackus]

You must be reading different analysis than me because just about everyone I've looked out considers him not only the best guard but maybe the top OL in the draft. All of them see him as an immediate starter with All-Pro potential. Not only an elite road grader but superior pass blocking skills. Other than the fear of losing him to injury, its a no brainer to me relative to what they need. I wouldn't be upset with them picking Fano or if one of the top defensive guys fall to 14, but Ioane to me, is safest and ultimately rewarding option.

 

What have you seen that compares him favorably to Zack Martin or Quentin Nelson? 

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Hes not at that Martin or Nelson level for sure. Which is why he shouldnt be a top half of the first round pick. But this is a weak draft so maybe its acceptable at 14.

[jamesdean]

What have you seen that compares him favorably to Zack Martin or Quentin Nelson? 

How do we know he won't be on that level before he's even had one snap as a pro? I don't buy into that at all. Maybe he won't be as good and this draft turns out to be a lemon as a whole. Or maybe he becomes a generational talent for the guard position. I genuinely don't get all the paranoia when it comes to him.

[Mackus]

How do we know he won't be on that level before he's even had one snap as a pro? I don't buy into that at all. Maybe he won't be as good and this draft turns out to be a lemon as a whole. Or maybe he becomes a generational talent for the guard position. I genuinely don't get all the paranoia when it comes to him.

As prospects. Martin and Nelson were extremely highly regarded draft prospects and that's why they went so high despite being guards. I haven't seen anything that puts Ioane at that level. You're saying you have so I'm wondering what that is and if you can share it.

[jamesdean]

Vega Ioane is being labeled a generational guard because he combines a rare package of size, strength, technique, and consistency that few offensive guards have in a single player — traits that make him a top‑tier prospect for the 2026 NFL draft.

Elite physical profile and build
Ioane stands 6'4" and carries around 320–330 lbs with thick limbs, a broad frame, and a powerful core NFL+1. His size and strength allow him to dominate in the run game, moving defensive tackles against their will and climbing to the second level to attack linebackers Sports Illustrated. His grip strength and hand fighting are exceptional, enabling him to anchor against bull rushes and set quick anchors against power NFL+1.

Exceptional technique and contact balance
PFF and other analysts note his impressive core power, body control, and contact balance on both base blocks and double teams NFL. He uses his hips and hands for leverage, rolls under his hands, and snaps off twisters with force. His ability to wash out angle blocks and stay tight as a drive blocker is a hallmark of elite guards.

Pro‑ready production and versatility
In 2025, Ioane started 11 games at left guard and earned first‑team All‑Big Ten and second‑team All‑American honors NFL. He’s a true first‑off‑the‑bus enforcer, yielding zero sacks or hits across 613 blocking snaps in 2025 Sports Illustrated. He’s played both left and right guard, showing adaptability.

Leadership and work ethic
Coaches and teammates praise his leadership by example and relentless work ethic Sports Illustrated. This intangibles factor further elevates him beyond typical draft‑board metrics.

Generational label context
While he lacks the elite foot quickness of some move‑blockers, his combination of size, power, technique, and consistency makes him a rare “prototypical” guard who can thrive in physical run schemes. Scouts see him as a high‑floor, pro‑ready starter who could be an early‑round pick, with the potential to be a franchise‑level interior lineman if he refines his pad level and hand fighting NFL+1.

In short, Ioane’s blend of physical dominance, technical mastery, and proven NFL‑level production — all in one player — is what separates him from other top guards and earns him the “generational” tag.

(this is from one of several websites supported by the NFL, although when I tried to present at a link, the forum said it wasn't allowed for some reason. So, I copy/pasted the final analysis.)

[Mike B]

Vega Ioane is being labeled a generational guard because he combines a rare package of size, strength, technique, and consistency that few offensive guards have in a single player — traits that make him a top‑tier prospect for the 2026 NFL draft.

Elite physical profile and build
Ioane stands 6'4" and carries around 320–330 lbs with thick limbs, a broad frame, and a powerful core NFL+1. His size and strength allow him to dominate in the run game, moving defensive tackles against their will and climbing to the second level to attack linebackers Sports Illustrated. His grip strength and hand fighting are exceptional, enabling him to anchor against bull rushes and set quick anchors against power NFL+1.

Exceptional technique and contact balance
PFF and other analysts note his impressive core power, body control, and contact balance on both base blocks and double teams NFL. He uses his hips and hands for leverage, rolls under his hands, and snaps off twisters with force. His ability to wash out angle blocks and stay tight as a drive blocker is a hallmark of elite guards.

Pro‑ready production and versatility
In 2025, Ioane started 11 games at left guard and earned first‑team All‑Big Ten and second‑team All‑American honors NFL. He’s a true first‑off‑the‑bus enforcer, yielding zero sacks or hits across 613 blocking snaps in 2025 Sports Illustrated. He’s played both left and right guard, showing adaptability.

Leadership and work ethic
Coaches and teammates praise his leadership by example and relentless work ethic Sports Illustrated. This intangibles factor further elevates him beyond typical draft‑board metrics.

Generational label context
While he lacks the elite foot quickness of some move‑blockers, his combination of size, power, technique, and consistency makes him a rare “prototypical” guard who can thrive in physical run schemes. Scouts see him as a high‑floor, pro‑ready starter who could be an early‑round pick, with the potential to be a franchise‑level interior lineman if he refines his pad level and hand fighting NFL+1.

In short, Ioane’s blend of physical dominance, technical mastery, and proven NFL‑level production — all in one player — is what separates him from other top guards and earns him the “generational” tag.

(this is from one of several websites supported by the NFL, although when I tried to present at a link, the forum said it wasn't allowed for some reason. So, I copy/pasted the final analysis.)

Good Stuff.   I think it is possible Ioane goes before 14.  I also think if he is there at 14 they likely take him.  My pause is they seem to really like Emory Jones. so maybe they go elsewhere but I think Vega becomes a Raven.

[BaltBird 24]

Good Stuff. I think it is possible Ioane goes before 14. I also think if he is there at 14 they likely take him. My pause is they seem to really like Emory Jones. so maybe they go elsewhere but I think Vega becomes a Raven.

I'm not passing on Ioane just because we have John Simpson and Emory Jones.

[Mike B]

I'm not passing on Ioane just because we have John Simpson and Emory Jones.

100% agree, and I wasn't suggesting they should.  My thought is can Jones play center.  He is very athletic.  

I would be very happy with Ioane at 14.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Some solid Day 2 or even Day 3 TE prospects i this draft. Thinking Sadiq is pretty unlikely at 14. If we stay at 14 Ill be surprised if its not OL. Just appears that either Fano or Mauigoa will fall there. Ioane seems to be mocked right around there. Or maybe even a surprise like Proctor who is getting top 17 love. I guess if Bain fell to 14 that might put a wrench in drafting OL but not sure anything else will. Tyson is now destined for top 10 so I can cross that off.

[Mackus]

I'm still saying it'll be Siddiq.  Just a guess.  Any OL wouldn't be surprising as well.

 

Hoping to see a trade back but am highly doubtful it happens.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

For shits and gigs I took Saddiq on Fanduel at +700. Hes +425 on DK so I figure there may be a little value.  Kinda want him or Fano to be the pick.  Or Mauigoa gets pushed down because of his medicals

[BSLChrisStoner]

CBS Sports: Prisco's 'What teams should do' mock draft: Giants take Dexter Lawrence replacement, Cowboys add to defense

https://www.cbssport...ock-draft-2026/

 

 

Olaivavega Ioane IOL

Penn State • Jr • 6'4" / 323 lbs

Projected Team Baltimore PROSPECT RNK 15th POSITION RNK 1st

 

He plays guard, so position value isn't as good as other positions, but he might be the cleanest player in this draft. He's a plug-and-play starter.

[BSLMikeLowe]

As the draft approaches it seems like there is growing unanimity in the media, both national and local, that it will be Ioane. Either they’re trying to speak it into existence or this is what they are all hearing will be the pick.

[jamesdean]

As the draft approaches it seems like there is growing unanimity in the media, both national and local, that it will be Ioane. Either they’re trying to speak it into existence or this is what they are all hearing will be the pick.

I've felt that way from the beginning but I still think there's an outside possibility that one of the edge rushers/linebackers could fall to the Ravens. At that point, does EDC resist the temptation and still go with the safest and most logical pick or does he cave and go defense? I'm not convinced he won't.

[BSLMikeLowe]

I've felt that way from the beginning but I still think there's an outside possibility that one of the edge rushers/linebackers could fall to the Ravens. At that point, does EDC resist the temptation and still go with the safest and most logical pick or does he cave and go defense? I'm not convinced he won't.

I would hardly call it caving if a clear Top 10 pick falls to 14. It sure doesn’t look like he caved when he scooped up Hamilton at 14th despite already having Chuck Clark and Marcus Williams. I do feel increasingly pessimistic that one of those guys will fall this year though, as this is a less than ideal draft in terms of available talent and it’s hard to imagine someone slipping, or someone above them being willing to trade for less than a ransom.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Yeah Ioane is heavily juiced to be picked before 15. Hes not going top 9. Ive heard NY or Mia could have some interest in him at 10 or 11 but if not 14 is a good landing spot. It is what it is. I think they would take Fano or Mauigoa over him but neither are likely to be there.

[Biggsy]

I'm still saying it'll be Siddiq. Just a guess. Any OL wouldn't be surprising as well.

Hoping to see a trade back but am highly doubtful it happens.

Would love to trade out and pick up a 2nd and a 2027 first. 2 firsts next year could be huge. I know that doesn't help this seasons team, but long term, could be a massive move. Next years draft could be one of the stronger classes in a long time.

Realistically, I could see it being a number of guys. Ioane and Fano seem the most likely to me. Kind of want McCoy the closer we get. Wouldn't mind Sidiq, but I'm not sure it would move the needle much for next season.

Dream, .0001% chance of happening scenario would be Bailey somehow free falling to 14.

[BaltBird 24]

Don't know if you can get a 2nd and 1st next year for the 14th overall pick, probably not anyone of quality to give up that kind of loot for in this draft.