Cayden Green - Missouri Offensive Tackle - 2027 NFL Draft Prospect

Missouri offensive tackle Cayden Green is a former guard who successfully transitioned to left tackle last season. Green combines NFL size, impressive pass-protection ability, and positional versatility with the experience of competing against SEC-caliber defensive fronts.

At 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds, Green already possesses the frame NFL teams want from a starting offensive tackle. A senior and former Oklahoma transfer, he arrived at Missouri with a blue-chip pedigree and has continued developing into a legitimate NFL prospect. His transition outside proved particularly impressive, as Green earned AP First-Team All-SEC honors in his first season playing left tackle.

Green's performance in pass protection immediately stands out. He surrendered only seven quarterback pressures while regularly facing the speed and athleticism of SEC edge rushers. That experience should translate well to his NFL evaluation, especially considering how quickly Green adapted to playing one of football's most demanding positions.

His greatest strength is his ability to protect the corner against speed. Green moves extremely well for a 324-pound offensive lineman and rarely allows faster edge defenders to run around him. His footwork allows him to stay square, maintain leverage, and force pass rushers to work through him rather than giving them an easy path toward the quarterback.

Green's background at guard also shows in his understanding of leverage and interior blocking concepts. He possesses a high football IQ and offers legitimate positional flexibility. While his NFL future could be at left tackle, teams should feel comfortable moving him inside if necessary. That versatility makes Green particularly valuable because he could potentially provide starting-caliber ability at multiple positions.

There is still development ahead.

Green needs more experience at left tackle. His first season there was impressive, but another full year should help refine his technique and recognition against different pass-rush plans. His run blocking could also become more consistent. Green isn't a liability in that area, but his pass protection is currently considerably further along. With his size, teams will want to see him become more consistently dominant moving defenders at the point of attack.

The physical tools, however, are already present.

Strengths

• Pass Protection:  Allowed only seven quarterback pressures despite facing SEC-caliber edge defenders.

• NFL Size: At 6'5" and 324 pounds, Green already possesses the frame necessary to remain at tackle.

• Protecting the Corner:  Handles speed well and doesn't routinely allow explosive edge rushers to beat him outside.

• Positional Versatility:  Former guard with the ability to potentially start at either guard or tackle in the NFL.

• Football IQ:  Understands blocking concepts and has adapted quickly to a relatively new position.
  

Weaknesses

• Left Tackle Experience: Needs additional snaps at the position before his projection there can be considered completely established.

• Run Blocking:  Solid but not yet as impressive as his pass protection.

• Technical Refinement: Another season at tackle should improve his consistency with angles, hand placement, and leverage.

• Position Projection:  His versatility is valuable, but teams will need to determine whether tackle or guard maximizes his ability.
  

Conclusion

Cayden Green enters the 2027 NFL Draft conversation with an unusually attractive combination of size, experience, pass-protection ability, and positional flexibility. Performing as well as he did during his first season at left tackle against SEC competition only strengthens the argument that his best football may still be ahead of him.

Green's final collegiate season will be important. If he continues shutting down speed rushers while improving his run blocking and overall technique, he could establish himself among the premier offensive linemen in the class.

Draft Nation currently views Green as a potential first-round selection and an NFL swing offensive lineman capable of playing either guard or tackle. His floor is strengthened by his versatility, while his upside at left tackle gives him a chance to become considerably more valuable. Another strong season protecting the blind side could cement Green as one of the first offensive linemen selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.