Oregon has been one of the most consistent programs in college football over the past few years. The Ducks won the Big Ten in 2024 and are fresh off back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. A significant reason for their sustained success is talent in the trenches. Penei Sewell, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Josh Conerly Jr. all played for Oregon before becoming early draft picks. Guard Emmanuel Pregnon is the next premier offensive lineman hailing from Eugene. Pregnon only played one season for the Ducks, but he was arguably the best guard in college football. What makes him such a well-rounded prospect, and is he worth a first-round selection?
2026 NFL Draft: Emmanuel Pregnon Scouting Report
Measurables
Height- 6-foot-5
Weight- 318 pounds
Background
Pregnon was an unranked prospect in the Class of 2020 coming out of Jefferson (Colorado). He committed to Wyoming, where he spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career. Pregnon didn’t see any action in his first two seasons, but showed promise in 2022. In 11 starts as a redshirt freshman, he allowed just seven pressures and two sacks at right guard. While Pregnon was overlooked by major programs coming out of high school, he caught their attention after just one season with the Cowboys. He entered the transfer portal and landed at USC, moving to left guard. The position change suited him well, as Pregnon played predominantly at left guard his last three seasons. He was a solid piece on the Trojans’ offensive line for two seasons, giving up zero sacks in 2023 and 2024.
After two seasons in Los Angeles, Pregnon again entered the transfer portal and went to Oregon for his final collegiate season. He was one of the breakout stars in the 2025 season and was named an AP First-Team All-American. Pregnon allowed only five pressures and one sack in 15 games with the Ducks. He posted an 86.7 PFF grade this season, good for the second-highest among all guards.
Strengths
The physical traits of an NFL offensive lineman are evident with Pregnon. He has the ideal frame for a guard, measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds. His athleticism is also impressive for the position, showing great movement skills. Pregnon excels as a run blocker, using his athleticism to attack the second level of the defense. He finishes reps well, routinely taking blockers to the ground. Pregnon is also great in pass protection, giving up just one sack over the past three years. His instincts are exceptional, consistently picking up stunts as a pass blocker. Pregnon can work in open space as a pulling guard and serve as a lead blocker.
Weaknesses
There isn’t much not to like about Pregnon as a prospect. While pass blocking is a strength overall, there are times he gives up interior pressures through the A-gap. He is also an older prospect, spending six seasons in college football, and he didn’t emerge as an elite prospect until 2025.
Overview
Pregnon is one of the most complete prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. His combination of size and athleticism gives him tremendous upside at the next level. He has proven effective in both pass protection and run blocking. While Pregnon is an older prospect and can improve when it comes to allowing inside pressures, he’s an excellent pick for a team looking to bolster its interior offensive line. He is a first-round caliber talent, but guards tend to slide in the draft. Pregnon has a case as the best interior offensive lineman in this class alongside Vega Ioane. His floor should be an early second-round pick, but he can easily be taken late in the first round. The Chargers, Texans, and Seahawks all make sense for Pregnon, as they can all improve their offensive lines.
