Keylan Rutledge enters the NFL draft as one of the more physically imposing and battle-tested interior offensive linemen in his class. Standing 6’4” and weighing 316 pounds, he combines size, strength, and an aggressive play style that consistently shows up on film. After starting his collegiate career at Middle Tennessee State from 2022 to 2023, Rutledge elevated his profile at Georgia Tech from 2024 to 2025, where he developed into a high-level performer against stronger competition. A former three-star recruit out of Franklin County High School in Carnesville, Georgia, Rutledge steadily built an impressive resume. He earned First-Team All-CUSA honors in 2023 before stacking accolades at Georgia Tech, including two First-Team All-ACC selections, two First-Team All-American nods, and the 2025 Piccolo Award, an award from the ACC for his courage. His durability also stands out, as he started 26 consecutive games to close his career. That consistency is even more notable considering he missed spring practices in 2024 while recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident, including a toe injury that required multiple surgeries.
Rutledge’s physical profile immediately stands out. He has a wide frame with large shoulders and good overall length for an interior lineman. His quick first step off the snap helps him establish early leverage, and he shows good vertical athleticism for his size. His play strength is evident in both the run and pass game, especially when he is driving defenders off the ball. However, he can play with stiff knees and inconsistent hip bend, which holds him back from maintaining leverage and adjusting in tighter spaces. While he is a capable lateral mover, he is not consistently fluid when reacting to quick interior defenders. In the run game, Rutledge is a violent player. He looks to finish blocks with authority and consistently plays through the whistle. In gap and power schemes, he generates strong movement at the point of attack, using his leg drive and strength to displace defenders. He works well on double teams and shows good awareness when climbing to the second level. As a puller, he is quick enough to turn the corner and locate targets, and he does a solid job keeping his head up to identify defenders in space. His effectiveness carries into zone concepts, where he demonstrates good timing on climbs and consistent hand usage at the second level. He does a good job gaining leverage and maintaining balance, though he false steps off the snap at times, which can make him lose leverage. Even so, his ability to recover and finish blocks violently makes him a reliable contributor in zone-heavy systems.
As a pass protector, Rutledge flashes NFL tools but is inconsistent. His two-hand punch is powerful and can stop defenders in their tracks when properly timed. He reacts quickly to moves that cross his face and has the foot speed to recover when initially beaten. However, he can struggle with stunts, sometimes losing track of assignments when the line has a lot of traffic. His footwork can also become inconsistent, particularly when he feels rushed, leading to uneven sets and compromised positioning. One of his limitations is his ability to open his hips against upfield rushers. Combined with his stiffness, this can make it difficult for him to stay in front of quicker defensive linemen. His anchor shows similar inconsistency. When he sets with a wide base, he can absorb power effectively and maintain the pocket. But, he is inconsistent with his anchor and establishing it, because of his stiff knee bend. He can be vulnerable to bull rushes, especially against defenders who convert speed to power.
Overall, Rutledge is a powerful and athletic lineman who is the toughest player in this class. He can fit in multiple schemes and with development, can be an important piece on an OL.
Throughout his college career, Rutledge primarily played right guard, though he did take snaps at center during Senior Bowl practices, suggesting some positional flexibility. While guard remains his most natural fit, the ability to provide depth at center could increase his value at the next level. Rutledge projects as a player who can compete for a starting role early in his career, with the potential to develop into a high-end starter over time. His physical tools, toughness, and flashes of dominance make him an attractive option for teams running either gap/power or zone-based schemes. Teams with IOL needs, such as the Giants, Patriots, and Dolphins, could find value in his skill set and developmental upside. His play style and overall profile reminds me of Christian Haynes, as both players bring aggression and athletic ability while working through technical inconsistencies. With a grade of 5.43 and a Round 2 projection, Rutledge is expected to be part of a run of OL in the middle of round 1 into round 2. If he can refine his footwork, improve his processing, and play with more consistent technique, he has the tools to become a reliable long-term starter in the NFL.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit: Multiple fits
Can play in a gap/power scheme, can play in a zone-heavy scheme. Teams like the Giants, the Pats, and the Dolphins could use him
NFL Player Comp: Christian Haynes
Both players are very aggressive in space and athletic, but have had technical issues. Similar frames as well
Projection: Low-End Starter Y1 / High-End Starter Y3
Will be a starter for any team with guard (or center) needs. Development over time can make him a high-level starter in the NFL.
Grade: 5.43
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