2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

Injuries right before or during the pre-draft process are simply the worst for these prospects, especially those who had pre-draft events planned. On the one hand, any momentum or chance of raising your draft stock is nearly impossible. But it does give NFL teams a unique opportunity to acquire a premium player at a lower cost. One prime example is Oregon's Isaiah World.

World tore his ACL in late January, but should teams still view World as a top tackle talent? Let's talk about it.

World, a former three-star recruit out of San Diego Lincoln High School in San Diego, California, originally committed to Nevada, where he would spend four years with the program, developing into the eventual top transfer portal prospect before moving to Oregon. World was replacing Josh Conerly Jr. at left tackle and stepped up in a major way protecting Dante Moore.

Isaiah World is a mountain of a man. Standing 6'8, he has NFL-ready measurables, including a gigantic wingspan. This allows him to land his punches with force early. Folks were curious how he'd handle the change in play speed from Nevada to Oregon, but he handled it well, showcasing solid agility for a player his size. His background in basketball helps him remain balanced when speed rushers get inside. High IQ player, recognizing stunts and not allowing himself to be fooled. Pass protection got better every year he was in school, too.

While he has grown in pass protection, he still remains inconsistent in the run game. His pad level runs too high at times, losing leverage when trying to create gaps. He has strong hands, but his placement needs cleaning up. Too often on tape, he lands outside the numbers, giving his defender a chance to re-engage and get inside. I understand he is a tall drink of water, but his first kick out of stance is a tick slow. NFL teams are also going to worry about that knee and when he will be back fully healthy.

Isaiah World is someone who can grow into an NFL starting left tackle. Players of his size with his skills don't grow on trees, even if he is built like one. While I do worry about the knee and his availability early on, I still landed on a third-round grade for World, and would be someone teams should target if they have an aging veteran World can learn under.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft scouting report on Oregon OT Isaiah World