2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Northwestern’s OT Caleb Tiernan

Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan has steadily developed into one of the most reliable linemen in the Big Ten, anchoring the Wildcats’ offensive front with consistency, intelligence, and toughness. As Northwestern has leaned on discipline and execution to compete in a rugged conference, Tiernan’s presence on the edge has been a stabilizing force. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, he profiles as a technically sound tackle whose game is built on fundamentals, awareness, and dependability.

Tiernan has been a multi-year contributor for Northwestern, earning meaningful snaps early in his career and growing into a trusted starter. Playing in an offense that often faces complex defensive fronts and pressure looks, he has been tasked with protecting the quarterback against some of the nation’s most physical pass rushers. His experience in the Big Ten has sharpened his understanding of leverage, timing, and defensive tendencies.

Physically, Tiernan brings an NFL-ideal frame for the tackle position, with good length and functional strength. He is not a flashy athlete, but he plays with balance and control, keeping a wide base and maintaining proper pad level through contact. In pass protection, Tiernan shows patience in his sets, allowing rushers to declare before using strong hand placement to guide them past the pocket. He rarely panics, even when initially stressed, and does a good job recovering when challenged by counters.

In the run game, Tiernan is an assignment-sound blocker who understands angles and leverage. Northwestern has relied on him in zone and gap concepts, where his ability to seal the edge and sustain blocks has helped create consistent lanes. While he may not overwhelm defenders with raw power, his effort and technique allow him to stay engaged and finish plays.

Strengths

Pass Protection Technique

Tiernan plays with patience, balance, and sound hand placement, limiting clean pressures off the edge.

Football IQ

Shows strong awareness against stunts and blitzes, with consistent communication and adjustments.

Consistency

Provides steady, assignment-correct play snap to snap with few mental errors.

Run Blocking Discipline

Effective at sealing the edge and sustaining blocks through effort and leverage.

Big Ten Experience

Battle-tested against physical defensive fronts and pro-style schemes.

Weaknesses

Top-End Athleticism

Does not possess elite quick-twitch traits compared to top-tier tackle prospects.

Anchor vs. Power Rushers

Can continue to add functional strength to better absorb heavy bull rushes.

Finish Strength

More positional than punishing as a run blocker.

Scheme Projection

May be better suited to certain offensive systems that emphasize technique over movement skills.

Conclusion

Caleb Tiernan projects as a high-floor offensive tackle prospect whose value lies in reliability, intelligence, and technical proficiency. His experience in a demanding Big Ten environment and his ability to execute consistently give him a clear pathway to contributing at the NFL level, even if he is not the most athletically gifted lineman in the class.

Draft Nation currently views Tiernan as a Day 2 prospect. With added strength and refinement, Tiernan has the tools to become a dependable swing tackle early in his career, with the upside to grow into a starting role in the right system.