Caleb Tiernan

NFL Draft Profile: Caleb Tiernan

Position: Offensive Tackle | School: Northwestern | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'7" | Weight: 329 lbs | Archetype: Pass Blocker (Man Protection)

College Career Summary

Caleb Tiernan enters the NFL draft as a battle-tested veteran of the Big Ten trenches. After redshirting in 2021, he broke into the lineup in 2022 at right tackle before cementing his spot as the Wildcats’ blindside protector at left tackle in 2023. Tiernan is the definition of "reliable," having started over 40 games and logging nearly 3,000 career snaps.

His 2025 season was statistically dominant, headlined by an 86.2 PFF Pass Blocking Grade (top 10 nationally). Protecting quarterback Preston Stone, Tiernan became a "brick wall" against Big Ten edge rushers, allowing zero sacks in eight of nine conference games. His ability to shut down high-end talent, including a flawless performance against Oregon, has vaulted him from a mid-round developmental project to a serious first-round conversation.

Career Stats & Highlights

• Career Starts: 42 (37 at Left Tackle)

• 2025 Sacks Allowed: 3

• 2025 Pressures Allowed: 15

• Pancakes: ~38 (2025 Season)

• Holding Penalties: 2 (2025)

• 2025 Honors: Second-Team All-Big Ten, Academic All-Big Ten.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	@ Miami (OH)	A	Total control; physically overmatched the MAC edge rushers.
2	vs Western Illinois	A+	Flawless. 85.5 PFF grade; erased defenders in the run game.
3	vs Oregon	A+	The Statement. Shut down a top-5 D-line; 0 pressures allowed.
5	@ Washington	A	Clinical pass sets; handled the noise and speed with ease.
7	vs Indiana	B-	Worst Game. Struggled with late-game stunts; allowed 1 sack.
8	@ Maryland	A-	Sound technique; elite second-level blocking on screen passes.
9	@ Iowa	B+	Gritty trench war; handled Iowa’s power but struggled with leverage.
11	vs USC	B	Solid in pass pro; 1 holding penalty on a reach block attempt.
12	@ Michigan	A	The Apex. Dominant against elite talent in the Big House; 0 sacks.
13	vs Minnesota	A-	Consistent; paved the way for a late rushing TD to keep it close.
14	vs Illinois	A	Academic performance; 90+ snap count without a single hurry allowed.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 96/100

• Leadership: High. A vocal leader who "found his voice" in 2025; multi-year captain.

• Mental Toughness: High; survived a 1-11 season in 2022 to lead a 2025 rebuild.

• Competitor: Drive is evident; plays with a workmanlike, disciplined approach.

• Team Player: Credits his "unit" for his success; Academic All-District honors.

• Star Power: Solid; his impact is measured in the "peace of mind" he gives his QB.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Height/Weight: 6'7", 329 lbs. (Exceeds both benchmarks).

• Stamina: Exceptional; one of the highest snap-counts in the Big Ten.

• Durability: Elite. Hasn't missed a start in three consecutive seasons.

• Injury History: Medically clean.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 91/100

• Run Block: Plus; uses massive frame to wall off lanes and climb to the second level.

• Pass Block: Elite. Technically disciplined with an 88.9 pass block efficiency.

• Strength: High; natural core strength allows him to absorb bull rushes.

• Technique: Strength. Masterful hand placement and timing; rarely panics.

• High Motor: Consistent; works until the whistle, especially on second-level blocks.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 84/100

• Speed: Decent; effective at locating linebackers on screens.

• Agility: Solid; though he can occasionally step "under himself" against inside counters.

• Flexibility: Moderate; sometimes plays "high-hipped," leading to leverage battles.

• Acceleration: Good initial burst out of a two-point stance.

• Footwork: Clean and quiet; relies on "big strides" to gain depth.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 98/100

• Awareness: Elite. "Ivy League" level football IQ; elite at passing off stunts and twists.

Scouting Report

• Strengths: Prototypical size and length; elite pass-protection metrics (88.9 grade); exceptional football IQ and stunt recognition; high-floor veteran with 40+ starts; durable "Ironman" profile.

• Weaknesses: Lacks "elite" twitch/explosiveness; rumored arm length concerns (under 33"); pad level can rise, making him susceptible to low-leverage bull rushes; more "workmanlike" than "nasty."

• Scheme Fit: Ideal for a Pro-Style or Zone-Heavy system that prioritizes a stable pass pocket (e.g., Lions, Packers, Bengals).

• NFL Comparison: Morgan Moses / Taylor Decker.

Scout's Final Word

"Caleb Tiernan is the 'safe' pick of the 2026 tackle class. He isn't going to blow you away with a 40-yard dash, but he will give you a decade of clean pockets. His tape against Oregon and Michigan proves he can neutralize NFL-caliber speed. If a team can coach him to stay lower in his stance, he has pro-bowl potential as a plug-and-play Left Tackle. Draft Projection: Late 1st / Early 2nd Round."