NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Northwestern IOL Evan Beerntsen

Evan Beerntsen is an efficient, mobile blocker with solid pop on contact and a strong understanding of how to play long and steer defenders using leverage. His light, sawed-off build will make it difficult to consistently brace, anchor and sustain in the NFL, projecting him as a quality swing interior backup with spot-start potential — particularly if he can transition to center.

Beerntsen is a 6'3", 301-pound interior offensive line prospect who entered the South Dakota State program as an unranked recruit in the 2019 class. He spent six seasons at SDSU and started 38 games at right guard before transferring to Northwestern for the 2025 season. His arrival at Northwestern reunited him with offensive coordinator Zach Lujan who held the same position at SDSU before being hired in 2024.

The former Wildcat started 13 games at right guard last season before earning a Combine invite and participating in the Shrine Bowl. He turns 26-years old in September.

Brandon Thorn: Brandon 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. 

Where He Wins

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- Surges off the ball and into contact with solid aggression and physicality.

- Does a nice job playing long, striking first and keeping defenders off of his frame.

- Solid short-area quickness with clear eyes to timely combo, climb and intersect backers.

- Good lower half mobility facilitates low pad level, leading to superior leverage and snug fits at the point of attack.

- Processes and sorts basic line games and stunts quickly.

Areas of Improvement

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- Below average weight and arm length.

- Middling square power will leave him stalemated and pried open when isolated against tight/head-up aligned defensive tackles.

- Feet can be tardy when initially stacked, causing him to get slipped quickly if he doesn't establish first meaningful contact.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 6.0 (Developmental Prospect - Round 5)

COMPARABLE GRADE: Hayden Conner (6.3 in 2025), Colby Sorsdal (5.9 in 2023), Cordell Volson (5.7 in 2022)

OVERALL RANK: 226

POSITION RANK: IOL28

PRO COMPARISON: Joe Dahl

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'3"
Weight: 301
Arm: 32 ⅛"
Hand: 9⅜"

40-Yard Dash: 5.25
10-Yard Split: 1.82
Vertical: 32 ½"
Broad: 8'9"
Shuttle: 4.80
3-Cone: 7.65
Bench: 22