Skip to content
Todd McShay

Find the most comprehensive analysis on [Player Name], featuring Todd McShay’s evaluations. Official measurables, advanced analytics, and a scout’s eye provide the most in-depth breakdown of a prospect’s strengths and weaknesses, NFL draft projection, and potential at the next level.

Offensive Tackle

Caleb Tiernan

Grade79 /100
Pos Rank9
OVR Rank62
School
NW

Experience

Played47
Started44
Todd McShay

Position-Specific Grades

COMBINE RESULTS

Height
6' 8"
Weight
323lbs
Todd McShay
ARM
32 1/4"
HAND
9"
Vertical
35
Todd McShay
Broad Jump
9' 3"

The Takeaway

The Player

Tiernan is an athletic, experienced, and versatile offensive lineman who may need to transition from tackle, where he played in college, to guard in the NFL.

As a pass blocker, he remains effective despite his shorter arms and high center of gravity. He gets into his set quickly and smoothly, working with independent hands and rewrapping quickly if he initially misses inside placement. Inside moves don’t faze him—he mirrors well, recovers quickly, and becomes difficult to disengage once he’s locked on. Although power can push him back, he typically regains his leverage and holds up. Even with his limited length, he rarely overextends and consistently picks up stunts and blitzes.

At times, he oversets and allows his feet to narrow too much. His worst outing came against Illinois edge Gabe Jacas, a potential first-round pick, when he struggled more than usual in pass protection.

In the run game, he shows enough strength to lift and drive defenders when he lands inside. He generates movement on combo blocks, including knocking defensive tackles into adjacent linemen. Climbing to the second level, he can overwhelm linebackers, while his mobility allows him to reach front-side defenders and scoop backside defenders in zone concepts. When he gains control, he finishes with authority.

That said, inconsistencies show up. His hand placement can be erratic, and his pads rise too often, causing him to stall or give ground. He leans into contact and falls off blocks more than you’d like, and his footwork can get sloppy. Adjusting to moving targets is another issue, compounded by his lack of length in space.

A three-year starter at left tackle, he also logged five starts at right tackle as a redshirt freshman in 2022. He served as a team captain.

The Draft

Whether he lands at tackle or guard, Tiernan profiles as a top-100 prospect. 

The Projection

Early in his career, Tiernan could fill a swing tackle role while also providing guard depth as he develops into a potential starter. Players like Bernhard Raimann, Luke Goedeke, and Braden Smith have overcome similar length limitations to stick at tackle. There’s also a Northwestern precedent for shorter-armed tackles moving inside and thriving—Peter Skoronski is already among the league’s best. If Tiernan follows that path, Sam Cosmi is a strong stylistic comparison.