Auburn’s Massive Offensive Tackle Xavier Chaplin Projected as Surprise First-Round Selection in Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Auburn’s offensive line has quietly been on the rise under head coach Hugh Freeze, and one of the key pieces anchoring that resurgence is starting to grab the attention of NFL scouts and draft analysts alike. That player is none other than mammoth offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin, who has officially been projected as a first-round pick in a recently released 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

It’s been a remarkable rise for Chaplin, who came into Auburn as something of an under-the-radar recruit. At nearly 6-foot-7 and tipping the scales at over 350 pounds, Chaplin has always had the raw physical tools scouts love to see at the tackle position. But over the last two seasons, the towering lineman has transformed from a developmental project into a legitimate force protecting Auburn’s quarterbacks and paving the way for the Tigers’ run game.

Now, his combination of size, athletic ability, and technique has experts projecting him to hear his name called early on the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Chaplin’s journey has been anything but conventional. A product of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Chaplin flew somewhat under the radar during his high school career, largely due to playing in a less nationally publicized region. However, Auburn’s coaching staff saw something special in him from the start — a rare blend of size, natural strength, and surprising mobility for a man his size.

After redshirting his freshman season to get acclimated to the speed and complexity of SEC football, Chaplin slowly began to emerge in the rotation during his second year on campus. It wasn’t long before his dominance in practice and flashes of brilliance during live snaps made it clear he was ready to take on a full-time starting role.

By the 2024 season, Chaplin had firmly entrenched himself as Auburn’s starting left tackle, the most coveted position along the offensive front. Facing off against some of the best edge rushers in college football week after week, Chaplin consistently rose to the challenge. His wide frame, long arms, and powerful lower body made him a nightmare for opposing pass rushers trying to get around the edge, while his ability to generate movement in the run game helped open up lanes for Auburn’s stable of talented running backs.

What truly sets Chaplin apart, though, is how much he has refined his technique. Coming out of high school, Chaplin was viewed as raw — all the size and physical upside in the world but lacking the polish needed to succeed at the next level. That perception has changed dramatically over the last two seasons.

Chaplin has worked tirelessly with Auburn’s offensive line coach and strength staff to improve his footwork, hand placement, and overall balance. His improved technique, paired with his overwhelming physical tools, has scouts salivating over his NFL potential.

In fact, one prominent draft analyst described Chaplin as a “dancing bear” — a term reserved for big men who can move with surprising agility and fluidity. His ability to mirror speed rushers, absorb bull rushes, and still get to the second level on run plays makes him a rare commodity at the tackle spot.

It’s no secret that NFL teams place an enormous premium on franchise-caliber offensive tackles, particularly those capable of holding down the left side and protecting a quarterback’s blind side. The modern game demands linemen who can handle elite pass rushers in one-on-one situations, and Chaplin has shown he can do exactly that.

Several NFL scouts have reportedly been tracking Chaplin’s development closely, attending Auburn’s practices and games to get a firsthand look at his growth. His name has now surfaced in the first round of multiple early mock drafts for 2026, with some experts even suggesting he could be one of the first offensive linemen off the board.

One recent mock draft released by a major national outlet had Chaplin slotted as the No. 17 overall pick, landing with a playoff-contending franchise looking to bolster its offensive line. The analyst praised Chaplin’s “elite frame, functional athleticism, and improving technique,” calling him one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the upcoming class.

For Chaplin, though, the focus remains squarely on helping Auburn win football games. The Tigers are aiming to climb back into SEC and national contention, and the big man in the trenches knows his role is critical to that mission.

In interviews, Chaplin has maintained a humble, team-first approach, deflecting praise and emphasizing the collective goals of the program. He often credits his coaches, strength staff, and fellow offensive linemen for helping him elevate his game to this level.

Still, it’s impossible to ignore the buzz building around him. Auburn fans have taken notice, proudly watching as one of their own earns recognition as a potential NFL star. Chaplin represents the type of player Freeze and his staff want to build around — physically gifted, hardworking, and committed to improvement.

His projected rise into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft also serves as a major recruiting tool for Auburn. It sends a clear message to high school prospects across the country: if you have the talent and the work ethic, Auburn can develop you into an NFL-caliber player.

For Chaplin, the next season will be critical in solidifying his draft stock. Scouts will want to see continued improvement in his pass protection, especially against the elite edge rushers populating the SEC. His ability to stay healthy, maintain consistent performance, and dominate in the trenches will all factor heavily into his final evaluation.

If he continues on his current trajectory, though, it’s easy to see why draft analysts are so high on his potential. Offensive tackles with Chaplin’s size, athletic ability, and upward developmental arc don’t come around often, making him a coveted asset for NFL teams.

The Tigers’ coaching staff, meanwhile, will lean heavily on Chaplin to set the tone up front. His leadership, both through his play and his example in the locker room, will be vital as Auburn looks to navigate a challenging SEC schedule and reassert itself among the conference’s elite programs.

The 2026 NFL Draft may still be several months away, but for Xavier Chaplin, the path is clear: continue dominating in the trenches, showcase his growth, and let the rest take care of itself. If he does that, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Auburn will once again have a first-round pick to celebrate — this time, in the form of their towering offensive tackle who has transformed himself into a future NFL star.