A pair of FCS offensive linemen have the chance to be massive risers in the 2025 NFL Draft class
October is almost over, which means more and more NFL teams are going to start looking forward to the 2025 NFL Draft class. It happens every year around this time as teams begin to trend downward, and naturally look forward. When you start to look forward, don’t forget about some outstanding talent on the FCS […]
October is almost over, which means more and more NFL teams are going to start looking forward to the 2025 NFL Draft class. It happens every year around this time as teams begin to trend downward, and naturally look forward.
When you start to look forward, don’t forget about some outstanding talent on the FCS level. That includes in the trenches where there are a couple of really talented offensive line prospects on that level. One of which has the chance to be the highest drafted FCS player when April does come around.
When you talk about the first FCS player who might be drafted in April, William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant might be the clear favorite. A mainstay on the Tribe offensive line over the last several years, Grant’s name is starting to circulate more and more in the NFL Draft space. That should continue in a big way over the next few months.
With over 35-inch arms verified, Grant has the frame and overall athleticism to stick at offensive tackle on the next level. Despite continuing to add good weight to the frame, Grant also has some surprising power in his hands and hips. The movement skills he brings to the table make him an ideal fit into an outside zone blocking scheme, excelling in working to space.
Holding mostly third and fourth round grades this offseason, Grant has a chance to be a huge riser in the 2025 class. Him getting a 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl invite seems like a certainty at this point. There’s a chance he could ride that momentum into a firm Day Two (rounds 2-3) when we get to the Draft in April.
Grant is not the only notable FCS offensive lineman for this class. The other is North Dakota State star Grey Zabel, who feels like he has been playing for the Bison forever. One of the big sells for Zabel is the versatility he brings. During the course of his career, he has started at every offensive line spot other than center. Zabel is currently holding down the left tackle spot this season.
On the next level, Zabel’s physical profile and movement skills do look like they fit better inside. He has good verified size (6054v, 304v) and is a smooth athlete, but the flexibility he brings is only average for an offensive tackle. Zabel also doesn’t have great length, just barely over 32 inches. That could limit him to playing offensive guard.
When you translate his skills inside, Zabel has good attributes across the board. He is a very physical blocker, and finishes with tremendous effort. As a pass blocker inside, his experience at offensive tackle could pay off a ton. There’s a chance that Zabel could rise to the early Day Three (rounds 4-7) range with a good process.
