Tree Babalade PFF Evaluation

[biscuitgaze01]

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Interior Offensive Line Overview

PFF Lead NFL Draft Analyst Trevor Sikkema offers his breakdowns for 24 interior offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Gennings Dunker, Connor Tollison and more.

www.pff.com

Tree Babalade,​

Strengths​

• Most of his weight is held in the chest and midsection; built like a guard
• Very nimble and fast footwork, especially in pass protection

Weaknesses​

• Doesn't pack much of a punch when making contact
• Needs to get his hands raised and ready to fire more consistently; low and late in 2024
• Pre-snap pad level is too high

Scouting Summary​

Babalade earned some early starting experience as a true freshman but his playing time was more limited (and he even redshirted) in 2024. He has a big build, but he looks like a guard more than an NFL tackle. He is light and nimble on his feet, which is impressive given that he's listed at 330 pounds. He doesn't seem to have much of a punch on contact, which is a reason why rushers have been able to get off his blocks quickly. He also needs to have his hands up and at the ready more consistently. As of now, he will likely convert to guard in the NFL.


Sounds like he could slide inside and play guard. Hopefully we add Heard from Tennessee and can hang our hat on this offensive line for 2026.

 

[realbp]

Hopefully we add Heard from Tennessee and can hang our hat on this offensive line for 2026.

Is this possible or is this an NU fan pipedream? Is there any chance here?

 

[biscuitgaze01]

Is this possible or is this an NU fan pipedream? Is there any chance here?

Idk but if we’re serious we write a blank check and make it happen. I’m operating on an optimistic forecast.

 

[Ext. 55]

For once, I think we are barking up the right Tree here!

 

[ChocaEgg]

Is this possible or is this an NU fan pipedream? Is there any chance here?

No chance, but would be amazing.

 

[ShortSideOption]

For once, I think we are barking up the right Tree here!

 

[2010sarenevercomingback]

Is this possible or is this an NU fan pipedream? Is there any chance here?

Idk but if we’re serious we write a blank check and make it happen. I’m operating on an optimistic forecast.

Tennessee posters saying he was asking for $3,000,000.

They were also rather down on Heard, especially relative to his hype (and that was before the portal announcement).

He started his career at LSU, and sounds like he may be a target of theirs to return. I don't have any info or evaluation beyond that scrolling, but this one seems unlikely to me.

 

[kaz36]

Tree Babalade,

​

Weaknesses​

• Doesn't pack much of a punch when making contact

Looks like a pretty good punch to me. 😛

 

[Toe]

Sounds like the evaluation is from last year? Wonder how he looked this year...