Summer is officially in the air, and for football fans, that means one thing: scouting season is here. Our annual Summer Scouting series is back to help you get a head start on the college football landscape, highlighting names you'll want to track as the 2027 NFL Draft approaches. Whether these prospects end up in Minnesota, Chicago, or Pittsburgh, knowing who they are makes you a more informed fan—and that's the whole point.

This time, we're turning our attention to Stanford offensive tackle Niki Prongos, a fascinating developmental prospect with a unique background. Prongos didn't start playing football until his senior year of high school, and before that, he was on the Lithuanian national baseball team for the 2021 European Championship Qualifier. Yes, you read that right—baseball first, football second.

Despite his late start, Prongos has already shown impressive growth in just 22 college games. His physical traits are undeniable: he anchors well, displays solid lower-body mechanics, and uses his natural size to gain an advantage over defenders. He also has the awareness to pick up on blitzes and stunts, a sign that his football IQ is developing rapidly.

For the 2026 season, Prongos remains very much a project, but the ceiling is high. With more reps and continued development, he could make a significant leap. If you're looking for a sleeper offensive tackle with raw tools and a sky-high upside, Niki Prongos is a name worth filing away for draft weekend.