NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Penn State OT Nolan Rucci

Nolan Rucci is a broad-framed, athletic offensive tackle with fluid pass-set movement, effective combo-and-climb ability and pedigree/bloodlines supporting an upside-leaning projection.

Below-average functional strength and anchor consistency limit Rucci against power, but his physical profile and developmental runway give him a realistic path to ascending into a swing tackle role in the NFL with added mass and refinement.

Rucci is a 6'8", 305-pound tackle prospect who originally committed to Wisconsin as a 5-star recruit in the 2021 class. He spent three seasons there before transferring to Penn State in 2024.

Rucci started 18 games at right tackle during his college career. Both his father and grandfather played in the NFL, and both his brother and mother were Division I collegiate athletes.

The former Nittany Lion participated in the Shrine Bowl and is training for the draft at OL Masterminds in Frisco, Texas.

Brandon Thorn is the author of the Trench Warfare newsletter, which focuses exclusively on offensive and defensive line evaluation. He also contributes as an analyst to Establish the Run, serves as the scouting coordinator for OL Masterminds and is a selection committee member for the Joe Moore Award. 

Highlights

Nolan Rucci Highlights

00:52

Scroll down for the complete scouting report.

Where He Wins

Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

— Broad frame with room to continue adding lean muscle mass.

— Solid athletic ability and movement skills.

— Fluidly comes out of his stance to reach his landmark on time in his pass sets.

— Good combo and climb run-blocker with the necessary burst to close space and intersect 'backers.

— Pedigree and bloodlines point to untapped developmental upside.

Areas of Improvement

Ric Tapia/Getty Images

— Underdeveloped frame and below-average play strength limit his ability to absorb and redirect power.

— Shaky anchor and ability to root his feet against power down the middle of his frame.

— Struggles closing space when defenders stack and create separation, leaving him prone to overextending and losing his balance.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

GRADE: 6.1 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Jack Nelson (5.9 in 2025), Blake Freeland (5.8 in 2023), Chandon Herring (5.9 in 2021)

OVERALL RANK: 211

POSITION RANK: OT18

PRO COMPARISON: Frank Crum

Measurables and Testing Data

George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Height: 6'8"
Weight: 305
Arm: 33 ⅜"
Hand: 10 ⅜"

40-Yard Dash: NA
10-Yard Split: NA
Vertical: NA
Broad: NA
Shuttle: NA
3-Cone: NA
Bench: NA