FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Georgia Tech OC Keylan Rutledge.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Keylan Rutledge
Keylan Rutledge (OG – Georgia Tech)
6’4″ – 330 lbs.
Background
Originally attended Middle Tennessee, where he started the last six games of the 2022 season at right guard, allowing one sack and ten pressures on the year. Started at right guard the following year, with one sack, one hit, and eleven pressures (1-1-11) before transferring to Georgia Tech. Allowed 1-1-4 in 2024 and 0-2-4 in 2025 to conclude his collegiate career.
Positives
Very thick, powerfully-built right guard who has over three seasons of starting experience between two different programs, most recently in the Yellow Jackets’ diverse, pro-style blocking scheme. Shows an excellent work rate through the snap, with nice physicality and competitiveness. Has as much functional strength as you’d expect given his rocked-up frame. Understands positioning, with the short-area quickness to get to his spot and the anchor to successfully wall off in the run game; moves better than you’d think given his frame. Able to pull to the right side of the formation and crack backside pursuers when executing gap concepts. Can climb to the second level and successfully engage linebackers. Has good power in his hands to jolt defenders on contact, and can generate torque effectively with his upper body. Consistently gets his feet churning after contact. Demonstrates the killer instinct to finish off opponents. Drops an early anchor against power when pass protecting. Active with his punch and does a pretty good job of resetting his hands. Keeps his head on a swivel when unopposed and can demolish opponents as a help blocker.
Negatives
Doesn’t have much in-game experience anywhere except right guard. Can get overly aggressive, leading to sloppy reps, especially as a run blocker; has some tendencies to overrun landmarks, lunge at opponents, or engage without a stable base when recovering, leading to balance issues. Falls off of more blocks than you’d expect because of technical issues, rather than a lack of functional strength. Hand placement can sometimes be further outside than you’d like; would like to see him fire his punch directly into the chest pads.
Summary
A bit of a throwback lineman with a very strong build, plenty of power in his hands, and an aggressive, brawling temperament, but who also has impressive short-area quickness and range for the position which give him schematic versatility. As it currently stands, there are a bit too many sloppy reps on tape, so learning to harness his aggression and minimize balance issues should be a priority. Has starting-caliber tools, but might be frustrating if forced onto the field before he’s ironed out the kinks in his game. Could get second-day looks as a high-upside developmental candidate, although there’s some risk there as well.
Projection: Round 3-4
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