MOBILE, Ala. — The Las Vegas Raiders will be looking to improve their offensive line this season, and one 2026 NFL draft prospect the Raiders should be interested in is Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge. The former Yellow Jacket is currently projected to be a fourth-round pick, according to NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, and is a physical run blocker who would fit in well in Las Vegas.
I got a chance to sit in on Rutledge’s press conference during the Senior Bowl’s media day, where he dove into his play style and mindset.
Q: You talk about your mindset and physicality. Were those things that you had innately, or did you need to work at them to get to where you are?
KR: I think I’ve always been a tough guy, always battled adversity, always been resilient. So that’s just part of who I am. But obviously, over time, you get tougher, you get more resilient, and stuff like that.
Q: How do you get in the right mindset to play that way?
KR: I don’t really gotta go to a place [to get into that mindset]. That’s just who I am.
Q: What should a fanbase expect of you if you get drafted to their team?
KR: I’m a finsher. I’m the most physical guy in the room. I’m just going to punch you in the face for 60 minutes, and that’s just what I do.
Even better, Rutledge doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to his physical play; he lives it, and the draft community has taken notice. That mentality is one of the first traits noted by Bleacher Report’s and well-respected offensive line analyst Brandon Thorn’s scouting report on the former Yellow Jacket.
“Rutledge is a long, broad-framed mauler with heavy hands and bad intentions, who can rag-doll defenders. He has progressively provided more highlight-reel blocks as the season has played itself out. He does present inconsistent footwork and pad level, which lead to erratic sustain skills, but possesses can’t-teach physical traits that can be molded into a potential NFL starter.”
From the sounds of it, Rutledge was born to be a Raiders offensive lineman.
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