From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Penn State offensive linemen, Olaivavega Ioane.
#71 OLAIVAVEGA IOANE/ OG, PENN STATE (SENIOR) – 6-4, 323 pounds.
Measurements
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
Olaivavega Ioane 6-4/323 N/A N/A N/A
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
N/A N/A N/A
The Good
— Good size and thick frame
— Good snap quickness and pad level
— Heavy hands and incredibly good grip strength
— Impressive leg drive, effort to move defenders
— Solid agility on reach blocks and when pulling
— Recognizes the moment he has an advantage and uses it
— Plays with a mean streak and blocks to the whistle
— No sacks allowed over the last two seasons
— Independent hands, strong punch in pass pro; refits well as needed
— Good lateral footwork to mirror pass rusher
— Recognizes stunts/twists
— Good anchor vs. power rushes
The Bad
— Overall foot speed is merely adequate
— One-gap defenders can get into his space
— Inconsistent timing climbing to second level
— Not highly effective on screens
— Pass rushers can beat him across his face
— Adequate recovery vs. spin moves
Stats
— 44 games/32 starts, 2-year starter
— 2025: second-team All-American by FWAA, Walter Camp Football Foundation, AP
— 2025: first-team All-Big Ten (media)
— 2024: second-team All-Big Ten
— 2023, 2024 Academic All-Big Ten
— Finalist for the 2025 Polynesian Football Player of the Year Award
— 2023: All-Big Ten honorable mention
— Down 25 pounds from when he entered Penn State
— Zero sacks allowed in 2024 and 2025
Injury History
— 2025: missed the Iowa game in October due to an ankle injury
Background
— In high school, named a 2021 MaxPreps second-team All-American
— Team went 15-0 as a senior and won a Class 4A state championship
— Rated a consensus three-star prospect by 247Sports, On3, Rivals and ESPN
— One of nine siblings; five brothers and three sisters
— Enjoys cooking and hiking in his free time
— Team player helping equipment “teammate”
Tape Breakdown
Oliavavega Ioane is a multi-year starter and decorated offensive lineman. He had good height and very good weight with a thick frame, big bubble, and very good play strength. Primarily, he aligned as the left guard at Penn State, but the Nittany Lions moved him around the offense particularly in short yardage. He lined up at tight end on either side, as a stand-up blocker in the slot, and occasionally at fullback.
As a run blocker, he plays with good snap quickness and pad level. His hand placement and strength are very good and allow him to lock onto defenders with his hands placed properly inside. On down and double-team blocks he employs good aggressiveness and leg drive to displace defenders. He displays solid agility and effort on reach blocks in both directions, often executing blocks across gaps. Pulling in either direction, he shows solid athleticism and is good at identifying the most dangerous defender to kick out or pin inside.
An assortment of run blocks.
Ioane has a mean streak and if he feels he has the advantage he uses it to drive or pancake defenders.
As a pass blocker, he has good snap quickness, balance, and pad level. He works with independent heavy hands to stun and slow pass rushers. His lateral agility is good to mirror the rusher. On twists and stunts, he has solid awareness and uses his heavy hands to jolt the penetrator before engaging the looper. When uncovered he looks to help teammates. He displays a good anchor and core strength even when initially at a disadvantage, refitting his hands to win the rep.
Displaying impressive upper-body strength and heavy hands, Ioane shoves two players out of his path on this play.
His foot speed is adequate to get into the right position on some second-level and move blocks. Ioane wouldn’t be a good fit for an outside-zone scheme. Smaller, quicker defensive linemen can shoot into his gaps and beat him to the spot. Timing on climbing on combo blocks is inconsistent. On screens he has adequate mobility and speed.
Players shooting into his gaps and his foot speed getting to blocks.
Defenders working across his face and using spin moves gave him some trouble.
Conclusion
Ioane is an experienced, well-built offensive lineman with a bit of a mean streak. He is a physical blocker with a high football IQ. He plays with good pad level, leg drive, and hand placement on power blocks. On move blocks, he has solid agility and athleticism to move and locate his blocks. As a pass blocker, he uses heavy hands, good hand placement, and lateral agility to mirror and shut down pass rushers.
Areas to improve include defending against quicker, smaller defensive linemen who can get into gaps or cross his face. Adding more consistency on his move blocks outside and on the second level would be beneficial.
Ioane is an impressive blocker. When he locks onto a defender with his hands, he is a consistent winner. He looks to bury defenders or escort them downfield until the whistle blows. Essentially, he is what everybody wants to see on their offensive line. He could play left or right guard, but he looks very comfortable on the left. Best fit would be a power or inside-zone scheme.
The Steelers have made a concerted effort to improve the offensive line in recent years and it’s working. There could be an opening at the left guard position this season and Ioane could slide right in there if they chose to go that way.
As a player comp, I’ll give you Cooper Beebe. A thick-bodied people mover with a good anchor and heavy hands.
NFL Projection: First RoundSteelers Depot Grade: 8.9 (Long-time Starter)Grade Range: 8.2 – 9.2Games Watched: 2025 – Oregon, At UCLA, At Ohio State, vs Indiana, At Rutgers
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