2025 NFL Draft preview: Will Campbell leads versatile offensive guard class

Which players stand elite amongst offensive guards?
Will Campbell is OG #1
Will Campbell is OG #1 | Jonathan Bachman/GettyImages

The 2025 NFL Draft features one of the deepest offensive guard classes in recent history, headlined by LSU’s Will Campbell, who stands out as the premier prospect at the position.

The 2025 offensive guard class is one of the most underrated groups in the NFL Draft, offering both high-end talent and remarkable depth. Leading the pack is Campbell, who is projected to go 9th overall in NFL Mock’s latest mock draft. Overall, six offensive guards on my board have either first or second-round grades, making this one of the strongest offensive guard classes in NFL history.

In addition to top-tier talent, this class also boasts impressive depth, with 18 players earning draftable grades. Among the potential steals later in the draft is Garrett Dellinger from LSU. No matter how you analyze it, this is truly an exceptional class of offensive guards.

Scouting the 2025 NFL Draft offensive guard class

Top player: Will Campbell, LSU

Will Campbell was a dominant left tackle at LSU, earning first-team All-American honors. However, his best position at the next level may be offensive guard due to his shorter arm length, which could present challenges at tackle. Despite this, Campbell possesses All-Pro potential at guard, showcasing elite strength, exceptional body control, and outstanding leadership. If he’s still on the board when the Chicago Bears pick at No. 10 in the draft, he could be an excellent fit for their offensive line.

Guy I Would Stand on the Table For: Tate Ratledge, Georgia

Georgia’s Tate Ratledge is the second-highest-rated offensive guard on my board and one of the most well-rounded linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, he combines size, strength, and mobility, making him a natural fit in both zone and gap schemes. A first-team All-American in 2024, he allowed just one sack and seven pressures across 498 snaps at right guard, despite missing four games with an ankle injury. His 87.4 pass-blocking grade in 2023 ranked third among Power Five guards. Ratledge moves well in space, excels as a puller, and can mirror athletic pass rushers, though he can be vulnerable to the bull rush due to inconsistent pad level. With his well-rounded skill set, he projects as a quality NFL starter.

Tate Ratledge
Tate Ratledge is one of the more well-rounded offensive guards in the 2025 NFL Draft | Todd Kirkland/GettyImages | Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Breakout player: Addison West, Western Michigan

After spending five seasons without earning All-MAC honors, Western Michigan’s Addison West emerged as one of the top guards in college football this year. The consensus All-American put together a dominant season, earning a staggering 96.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus—more than eight points higher than any other FBS guard. West led the nation in both PFF pass-blocking and run-blocking grades, playing a key role in the Broncos' MAC-leading offense, which averaged over 28 points per game. While he’s projected as a late-round pick, his strength and relentless motor makes him an ideal fit for a gap-blocking scheme.

Biggest Risk: Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M

Carson Vinson from Alabama A&M stands out as the biggest risk among the offensive guards in the 2025 NFL Draft. His potential is undeniable, but his rawness makes him a gamble. Vinson needs significant development in his technique, particularly with his footwork and the timing of his initial punch. Despite these challenges, his upside is hard to ignore. Standing at 6-foot-7 with 35 ⅛" arms—the second longest at the Senior Bowl—he possesses elite length that scouts covet. Additionally, his mobility is impressive for his size. With the right coaching and environment, Vinson could blossom into a reliable NFL starter. However, if he lands in the wrong situation, his career could be short-lived, possibly ending within a year or two.

Sleeper: Garrett Dellinger, LSU

An offensive guard who could be a great value on Day 3 of the NFL Draft is LSU’s Garrett Dellinger. At 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, he brings a physical style of play, finishing blocks with authority and showing the power to open up running lanes. He is especially effective in pass protection, allowing just one sack over the past two seasons and earning an impressive 80.9 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024. While he lacks elite agility to consistently operate in space, he has the strength and grip to excel in a gap-blocking scheme. 

Overrated: Luke Kandra, Cincinnati

Some have projected Cincinnati’s Luke Kandra as a future Pro Bowler, but I have him graded as a seventh-round prospect. While his intelligence on the field is impressive, evidenced by just two penalties in over 2,000 snaps, and he shows good initial burst, his athletic limitations are concerning. His power is merely average, and his high pad level prevents him from maximizing his strength. Additionally, he lacks elite agility, struggles with change of direction, and spends too much time on the ground. While Kandra could carve out a role as a backup offensive lineman, labeling him a future Pro Bowler seems like a stretch.

Small school standout: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

North Dakota State has built a reputation for developing top-tier offensive linemen, with standouts like Mason McCormick and Cody Mauch making their mark. The next elite prospect emerging from the program is Grey Zabel, who is coming off a dominant All-American season. Zabel allowed just one sack all year and earned an outstanding 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His greatest asset is his strength, which, when paired with his refined technique, makes him a second-round talent on my draft board.