Diego Pounds 2026 NFL Draft Profile
Teams searching for a tackle with the tools and size to protect their quarterback’s blind side are looking into Diego Pounds. His frame and production in 2025 – zero sacks in almost 500 pass-blocking snaps make scouts salivate at what they see. Combined with his physical traits and Combine results, he stands out. Pounds has some areas of concern, however. He struggles with speed rushers and can play higher than he should, leaving him vulnerable against top defensive ends and tackles.
Diego Pounds 2026 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 325 Pounds
School: Ole Miss
2026 NFL Draft Diego Pounds Scouting Report
Strengths
- Solid against the pass rush in 2025, allowed no sacks and just 13 quarterback pressures;
- His measurables are solid: 33.75” arms, 9’4” in the broad jump, 30” vertical jump(5.15 in the 40 yard dash is not spectacular, but solid for an offensive tackle);
- Strong frame and long arms give Pounds an advantage in moving tackles out of the way;
- 84.5 inch wingspan – with this mammoth man at tackle, he is equipped with the frame and tools to protect a quarterback’s blind side;
- Graded higher as a pass protector than a run blocker in 2025;
- High motor, he plays with intensity until the whistle;
- Didn’t allow a sack in almost 500 pass blocking attempts in 2025
Diego Pounds is a OT prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 8.51 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 231 out of 1548 OT from 1987 to 2026.https://t.co/6UaYkD48id pic.twitter.com/b4NyiRvQku
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 22, 2026
Weaknesses
- Film shows inconsistency, and he struggles when lined up with speed rushers;
- Hip flexibility is a concern and was observed against top competition;
- Needs work on making an impact on second level blocks;
- His footwork needs attention, often causing Pounds to lose his balance and fall victim to pressure situations;
- Pounds has lacked proper fundamentals in using his hands, and defenders have exploit his sloppy hand placement;
- He stands too upright at times, impacting his center of gravity and ability to withstand bull rushers;
- Pounds tends to struggle with sustaining blocks after initial contact;
- Turns 24 in his rookie season, causing some scouts to question if he has already reached his peak as an offensive tackle
NFL Comparison: Marcus Gilbert
Teams With Need At Position: Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cleveland Browns Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Houston Texans Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Las Vegas Raiders Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers
Projection: Rounds 4-6
Bottom Line on Diego Pounds
He has the size and physical traits teams look for in a developmental offensive lineman. Inconsistencies in technique and overall polish keep Pounds from climbing into the early rounds. Pounds will be a solid backup to start his career and will become an effective starter if a team can develop his game. His footwork and hand placement are concerns. Pounds already understands pass rush fundamentals though, making him an intriguing offensive tackle prospect.
Multiple teams are interested in Pounds, with clear signs the New England Patriots have their sights set on adding him to their offensive line mix. Pounds is also a solid fit for five other teams: Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
