The very good, but maybe not great, 2025 NFL Draft offensive line class
Apr 23, 2025
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Join draft expert Dane Brugler, known for his insights on offensive linemen, and Brandon Thorn, a specialist in offensive line analysis, as they dissect the 2025 NFL Draft's offensive line class. They explore standout prospects like Will Campbell and Josh Connerly, highlighting their unique skills and potential fit for NFL teams. The duo tackles injury recovery timelines and team strategies for integrating new talent, all while emphasizing the importance of matching player skills to team needs. It's a deep dive into a solid yet unremarkable group of future NFL stars!
The 2025 NFL Draft offensive line class is solid overall, featuring several players who could become reliable quality starters rather than future All-Pros.
Experts discussed standout offensive tackles, like Will Campbell, emphasizing their importance to team success despite concerns over specific attributes.
The guard prospects, including Tyler Booker and Tate Ratledge, are noted for their valuable foundational skills and ability to enhance NFL team depth.
Versatile center prospects like Gray Zabel demonstrate depth in the class, which presents both promise and concerns regarding future performance and experience.
Deep dives
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The Draft Cycle Overview
The episode features a comprehensive breakdown of the offensive line group for the 2025 draft, focusing on tackles, guards, and centers. With insights from experts, the discussion outlines the potential first-round prospects while also highlighting talented players who may go in later rounds. The offensive line class demonstrates a range of skills and depths, drawing comparisons between numerous players and assessing their fit in various team schemes. This exemplifies the intricate analysis needed when evaluating positions that are crucial for a football team's success.
Assessment of Offensive Tackles
The discussion around offensive tackles reveals a class that is solid yet not overly flashy, with many players viewed as worthy selections in the early rounds. The experts examine players like Will Campbell, who stands out for his technique and productivity, despite some concerns about length. The potential impact of offensive tackles, particularly in helping teams balance their offensive lines, is emphasized as a critical need among franchises. This year's class appears to present a mix of prospects with higher floors than many previous years, suggesting a strong offensive line presence will emerge from this draft.
Deep Dive into Guard Prospects
Exploring the guard prospects, the hosts identify potential stalwarts like Tyler Booker and Tate Ratledge who possess the physical attributes equal to their football intelligence. These players not only demonstrate solid foundational skills but also the ability to contribute immediately to NFL teams. The episode highlights that many of these interior linemen may not have the high-end flash of elite tackles but are expected to provide valuable depth and reliability. The insights show that the guard class is filled with players who can significantly enhance offensive lines in need of stability.
Center Position Evaluation
Evaluating the center position in the 2025 draft class reveals a range of prospects, with Gray Zabel leading the conversation as a versatile player transitioning from college tackle to center. His impressive senior bowl performance positions him favorably for teams looking to add depth at the position. The analysis also touches on Jared Wilson and Seth McLaughlin, who both exhibit good movement skills and solid play, signaling their promise as versatile options within an NFL offense. Additionally, concerns regarding their lack of experience and potential injury recovery timelines add layers of complexity to their evaluations.
Underrated Day Three Players
As the conversation shifts to prospects outside the traditional first three rounds, attention is drawn to players like Willie Lampkin and Jalen Rivers, who present intriguing options for later picks. Lampkin's unique stature as a center only prospect showcases the value of athleticism and leverage, rather than size alone, in the league's evolving offensive landscape. Meanwhile, Rivers stands out as a versatile lineman capable of contributing in multiple roles, solidifying the depth of the positional talent available. These players reflect the strategy of targeting less heralded prospects who may become impactful contributors at the next level.
Player Comparisons and Assessments
Throughout the episode, the speaker pairs player evaluations with historical comparisons to highlight the potential trajectories of each prospect. For instance, the conversations about Will Campbell and his fitting into various team schemes reveal the multifaceted considerations teams must weigh. Comparisons like Rodney Hudson for Jared Wilson illuminate what scouts value not just in stats, but in versatility and potential. These assessments emphasize the importance of context in player evaluation, suggesting that NFL teams must remain adaptable to capitalize on each player's unique strengths.
A great comedy movie isn't going to win any Oscars, but it's a fun two hours at the movies. That's the offensive line class in the 2025 NFL Draft. It may not be stocked with potential future All-Pros, but it does have more than its fair share of players who project as quality starters. Dane Brugler and Brandon Thorn from the Trench Warfare Substack join Robert Mays to break down the class on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.
