Nick Sirianni Olaivavega Ioane
Getty
Fantasy Pros's Mike Fanelli predicted Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft to select guard Olaivavega Ioane.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The saying could apply to the guard Olaivavega Ioane and the Philadelphia Eagles on draft night according to one NFL mock draft expert.
In his latest mock draft, Fantasy Pros’s Mike Fanelli predicted the Eagles to move up in the first round. Fanelli sees Philadelphia executing a trade up for Ioane should he begin to fall on draft night.
Specifically, Fanelli proposed the Eagles move up four spots to No. 19 to grab the Penn State lineman.
“Some believe Ioane should be a top-1o pick. Others will argue that the former Penn State star is a guard and therefore shouldn’t get picked in the top 20,” wrote Fanelli. “However, the Eagles have a massive hole at right guard and value offensive line play more than most teams.
“If Ioane starts to slide on draft night, Philadelphia is a team to watch trading up for him.”
Landon Dickerson, who flirted with retirement this offseason, and Tyler Steen will enter 2026 as Philadelphia’s projected starting guards.
NFL draft analysts consider Ioane one of the top guards in the 2026 draft class. ESPN’s Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates all ranked Ioane the No. 1 guard in the class on March 18.
The general consensus on Ioane is he will be ready to significantly contribute in the NFL during his rookie season.
Why Penn State Guard Olaivavega Ioane Could Be a Top Pick in 2026
As Fanelli explained, the positional value isn’t there for Ioane because he plays guard. But there are plenty of instances where teams have drafted guards in the top 20 and not regretted it.
Ioane is an elite guard prospect worthy of perhaps even top 10 consideration according to some pundits. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked the Penn State guard at No. 12 on his 2026 big board.
Ioane is more likely to receive top 10 consideration from an NFL team looking for run blocking upgrades.
“Prototypical guard for physical run schemes with thick limbs, a broad frame and plus core strength. Ioane plays with excellent contact balance and technique on both base blocks and double teams,” Zierlein wrote. “He uses his hips and hands for leverage and displacement when drive blocking. However, he lacks athleticism and foot quickness to operate effectively as a move blocker.
“He pass sets with good posture and a firm punch and can anchor against power. Though quicker at a lighter weight in 2025, he will struggle with twitchy interior defenders who cross his face in the run game and attack his edges in protection.
“Despite scheme dependence, Ioane projects as an early starter with a high floor.”
Do the Eagles Really Need at Guard?
Fanelli argued the Eagles could move up for Ioane because they desperately need a guard. Other pundits, though, might push back on that idea.
Right guard Tyler Steen previously struggled in his career. But in 2025, Steen scored high marks in the Pro Football Focus player grades.
He significantly improved in run and pass blocking from 2024.
With Dickerson back, the Eagles also have their 3-time Pro Bowl guard returning.
Philadelphia could add guard depth in case Dickerson again considers retiring next offseason. But Ioane will likely be ready to start in 2026. If the Eagles draft Ioane, they likely won’t have a place to start the Penn State product right away.