Tiernan is a surgeon in pass protection — patient in his sets, technically precise with his hands, and eerily composed against speed and power alike. He's built his game on intelligence and leverage rather than overwhelming physical tools, and it's worked: an 84.3 PFF pass blocking grade in the Big Ten against Oregon, Penn State, and Ohio State says the technique translates against top-tier competition. The run game is where skeptics live. The 60.9 PFF run blocking grade exposes a real gap between his pass pro polish and his ability to move people at the point of attack, and 32¼-inch arms on a 6-8 frame will give NFL evaluators pause about sustaining blocks on the edge. In the right zone-heavy system, Tiernan's floor is an immediate swing tackle who keeps you clean in the passing game, with a realistic ceiling as a starting left tackle in a pass-first offense — though a move inside to guard wouldn't be shocking and might actually maximize his skill set.

• 🛡️Elite pass protection technique — hand placement, punch timing, and mirror ability are NFL-ready day one
• 🧠Outstanding mental processing: reads stunts, twist games, and delayed pressures at an advanced level
• 🦬Reliable anchor against bull rushers; absorbs power through his core without losing ground
• 👑Exceptional experience and durability — 43 career starts, nearly 3,000 snaps, team captain
• ⚡Combine-validated lower-body explosiveness (35.5-inch vertical, best among all 2026 OL)

• 🪵Short arms for his frame (32¼ inches at 6-8) create issues sustaining blocks and sealing the edge
• 🪵Run blocking is a clear tier below his pass protection — inconsistent leg drive and too many stalemates
• 🪵Tight hips limit redirect ability on combo blocks and second-level climbs
• 🦬Lacks nastiness and physicality as a blocker — more finesse/workmanlike than punishing