The 2025 NFL Draft offensive tackle class may not feature the same level of high-end talent as the 2024 group, which saw seven tackles selected in the first round. However, this class is still rich in talent, led by Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, who possesses the athleticism and quick feet to become a long-term starter at left tackle.
This year’s class also offers solid depth, with 20 offensive tackles earning draftable grades on my board. A couple of mid-round prospects worth watching include Charles Grant from William & Mary, one of the top ten FCS players in the draft, and North Carolina State’s Anthony Belton, who could be a great fit for a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, known for favoring bigger offensive linemen.
Scouting the 2025 NFL Draft offensive tackle class
Top player: Josh Simmons, Ohio State
While most draft analysts have either Kelvin Banks Jr. or Will Campbell (whom I project as a guard) as their top offensive tackle, my top choice is Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, despite his season-ending knee injury. What sets him apart is his elite athleticism, allowing him to slide effortlessly in pass protection and reach the second level as a run blocker. He also brings valuable versatility, having played both left and right tackle, earning recognition as Bleacher Report’s most versatile lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Guy I would stand on the table for: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
One of the offensive tackles who has impressed me the most is Josh Conerly Jr., and I would be surprised if he doesn’t develop into a long-term, high-quality starter in the NFL. The first trait that stands out with Conerly Jr. is his exceptional foot quickness, which enables him to mirror even the most dangerous pass rushers. This was evident in his matchup against Abdul Carter and Penn State, where he played the entire game without surrendering a single pressure. His talent was further recognized when he was named the Senior Bowl Offensive Lineman Practice Player of the Week, solidifying his status as a first-round prospect.
𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮: Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. was named top OL on National squad in vote from DL & LB position groups at Practice Player-of-the-Week awards ceremony today at 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl. 📈#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/R3JYheAFu9
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 31, 2025
Breakout player: Armand Membou, Missouri
Missouri’s Armand Membou entered the season as a projected late third-round pick but has since risen to be considered one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL Draft. His rapid ascent is largely due to his significantly improved play, as reflected in his Pro Football Focus grade, which jumped from 67.1 in 2023 to 90.4 this season. As a prospect, Membou showcases elite strength and explosive power in the run game. While his skill set may be better suited for guard at the next level, he is expected to hear his name called within the top 45 picks this April.
Biggest Risk: Cameron Williams, Texas
Texas offensive tackle Cameron Williams possesses the physical traits to excel at the next level, boasting a rare combination of size and speed. He also plays with impressive power, making him a strong fit for a power-gap blocking scheme. However, he comes with significant concerns. Williams allowed 26 pressures this season, with 10 occurring in the two College Football Playoff games Texas took part in. Additionally, his technique issues led to 16 penalties, often due to poor hand placement and a tendency to stop his feet, resulting in frequent holding calls. While his raw talent is undeniable, Williams remains more of a project than a polished prospect. Any team drafting him will be taking a considerable risk, betting on his potential rather than proven production.
Sleeper: Anthony Belton, North Carolina State
North Carolina State’s Anthony Belton is a promising offensive tackle prospect with a consensus fourth-round draft grade from analysts. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5 and 345 pounds with 34 ⅝-inch arms, Belton possesses the ideal size for an NFL right tackle. Despite his massive frame, he moves well and displays impressive quickness off the line of scrimmage. His mobility and initial burst make him an intriguing developmental player. However, to reach his full potential as a quality starting right tackle, Belton must refine his run blocking—improving his initial punch and maintaining better engagement on blocks will be key areas of focus.
Had a disappointing season: Emery Jones Jr., LSU
Once considered a potential top-ten pick, LSU’s Emery Jones Jr. has seen his stock drop to a third-round grade on my board. The biggest concern with his game this season has been his overall technique. His hand placement remains a significant issue, as he frequently gets his hands outside the defender, leading to nine penalties this season. Additionally, he needs to improve his pad level and eliminate his tendency to lunge, which often results in him losing balance and ending up on the ground.
Small school standout: Charles Grant, William & Mary
William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant entered the season as a projected late-round pick, but his stock has steadily risen, making him a potential Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Grant’s standout trait is his elite athleticism, highlighted by some of the quickest feet among offensive tackles in this draft class. His agility translates to exceptional pass protection, as evidenced by allowing just four sacks over his five-year college career. Additionally, he excels as a run blocker, demonstrating the ability to operate effectively in space, making him a perfect fit for a zone-blocking scheme.
Overrated: Marcus Mbow, Purdue
One offensive tackle I’m lower on than most is Purdue’s Marcus Mbow, whom I view as a late-round prospect despite his consensus second-round draft grade. The biggest concern with Mbow is his lack of strength. He is frequently knocked backward in pass protection and struggles to generate push in the run game. Additionally, his 6-foot-4 frame lacks ideal length for a tackle, leading some scouts to project him as a guard at the next level. However, if he struggles against college defensive ends, it’s difficult to see him holding up against the bigger, stronger defensive tackles in the NFL.