Caleb Tiernan Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Alex Boyko/The Daily Northwestern)

School: Northwestern

Class: Redshirt Senior

Position: OT

HT: 6’7

WT: 325 lbs

Background: Caleb Tiernan was a consensus 4-star offensive tackle in the 2021 class. Out of Livonia, Michigan, Tiernan was a top 10 player in the state and top 25 offensive tackle in the country. Caleb played both offense and defense and was an all-state selection for Detroit Country Day. He also lettered in basketball all 4 years. Tiernan chose to play for Northwestern over Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.

College: Tiernan redshirted in 2021 before taking over the right tackle spot in 2022. In 2023, Tiernan started all 13 games at left tackle while also being named Academic All-Big 10. He once again started all 12 games in 2024 and was named All-Big 10 Honorable Mention and Academic All-Big 10. Tiernan started every game for the Wildcats in 2025 at left tackle. He was named an All-Big 10 Second Team selection after another prolific season.

Strengths: Tiernan is a powerful offensive tackle. He anchors firmly in pass protection to absorb contact in the phone booth. He has a strong lower half that seemingly cements his feet to the grass. Caleb has noticeable length that he uses to knock defenders off their rush with quick and powerful strikes. He looks like he is shadowboxing at the line of scrimmage; his hands are constantly moving into the frame of the rusher. He moves well for his size and can hit landmarks consistently in the run game. He is an excellent offensive tackle in gap schemes where he can pull across the line and become a lead blocker.

Weaknesses: Tiernan plays with poor leverage. His pad level is often too high and he allows defenders to get into his chest, knocking him off his foundation. Tiernan can be seen giving up on plays before the whistle. He does not finish his assignments into the ground, which sometimes results in the defender getting back into the play. More importantly, he doesn’t have that mean streak that frustrates defenders or takes them out of their game. He needs to play nastier.

Conclusion: Caleb Tiernan is a long offensive tackle with powerful and quick hands. He has a natural feel for pass protection with that firm anchor. His athleticism allows him to move in open space as a run blocker. I want to see him play meaner and with more aggression, it will serve him well. Tiernan should be looked at as a Day 1 starter.

Best Team Fits: HOU, NE, NYG

Player Comparison: Abraham Lucas

Player Grade: Round 2 (87.0)