The 2025 NFL Draft brings a lot of upside in the interior offensive line class, Pro Bowl talent at the top
The offensive line class for the 2025 NFL Draft is going to be a fascinating one. There seems to be a pretty wide range of opinions currently, but most have raised major question marks. On the interior, there is a nice amount of upside, especially when you project a couple of players inside long term. […]
The offensive line class for the 2025 NFL Draft is going to be a fascinating one. There seems to be a pretty wide range of opinions currently, but most have raised major question marks. On the interior, there is a nice amount of upside, especially when you project a couple of players inside long term.
When ranking this class, it becomes apparent how much upside there is, but how many question marks remain. It has a chance to be a solid to good class when all is said and done, but some imagination is needed. Here are the top ten interior offensive lineman currently, as well as several other talented players to keep a close eye on as we enter the 2024 college football season.
1. Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona) – 6050e, 330e
There is going to be a great debate revolving around Savaiinaea: Should he play offensive tackle or move inside on the next level? Both sides have merit in this conversation. Savaiinaea has some incredible feet, which definitely could allow him to stick at right tackle long term. The argument is, however, where the most upside for him lies.
For me, that upside is best served inside. For a player his size, Savaiinaea has some rare foot quickness and flexibility. He also has raw natural power, which is still developing as a younger player. There’s a reality where Savaiinaea develops into a perennial All-Pro player inside at guard. We need to ask ourselves if being a solid offensive tackle outweighs that potential. For me, I’m a fan of putting a player in a position to be the best version of themselves.
2. Tyler Booker (Alabama) – 6044v, 344v
Boasting an insanely powerful frame, and pretty nice overall flexibility, Booker brings some absurd upside to the table. After playing a lot in a swing role in 2022, he started every game as a sophomore. In that first season as a starter, Booker had some incredible moments (just go watch the Texas A&M game). The raw tools he has for a player his size is extraordinary.
The key for Booker is going to be getting in better shape, and becoming more consistent with his approach. Despite being listed over 340 pounds this spring, it’s said that Booker is actually closer to 325-330 pounds right now. If he’s able to play with better body posture, and add a bit more flexibility, the upside is immense. Booker could be a Pro Bowl level player on the next level.
3. Tate Ratledge (Georgia) – 6061v, 315v
Big, strong, and physical, that’s how Georgia has been producing them up front recently. Ratledge is just the next in line. Playing alongside players like Amarius Mims, Broderick Jones, and Sedrick Van Pran the last couple of years, it has caused Ratledge to go largely under the radar. That changes in 2024.
While his frame would tell you that Ratledge is mauling presence, that does not fully quantify the player he is. Yes, Ratledge is powerful and makes his impact felt in the run game. Then there are moments where he is asked to pull and work to the perimeter, and you see that there is a lot more to his game. Ratledge is a much better athlete than he’s going to get credit for, possessing a nice blend of size, power, and movement skills.
4. Brian Stevens (Virginia) – 6024e, 300e
Stevens, for whatever reason, hasn’t been talked about much. It could be because he started his career as a non-scholarship player at Dayton prior to 2023. It could also be because Virginia football hasn’t gotten much fanfare recently. It could also be because Stevens has had some durability concerns in the past. Whatever the reason, many are overlooking potentially the top center in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Recently Stevens was named a part of the 2024 Feldman’s Freak list, so more attention should come on the media side. He is an impressive athlete with really nice hip mobility. Stevens also used a good blend of natural leverage and physicality. You’re looking at a starting center on the next level.
5. Fa'alili Fa'amoe (Washington State) – 6045v, 292v
Some will see Fa’amoe as an offensive tackle, and others will see him inside at guard. The best parts of his game is his insane power, heavy hands, and controlled recklessness. Those traits just work better inside in theory. Also possessing good overall foot quickness, there is substantial upside to work with here. While a lighter frame at sub 300, Fa’amoe has some impressive upside to build off of.
Could he stick at offensive tackle? There’s definitely a reality where he does. It comes down to where his upside is best. Fa’amoe has a plus-starter upside inside at guard, with Pro Bowl potential with proper development. After beginning his career as a defensive lineman, the arrow is pointing up for the talented offensive lineman.
2025 NFL Mock Draft features a historic run on cornerbacks and high-upside EDGE defenders
With football just over the horizon, it is never too early for a 2025 NFL mock draft. This first round includes a historic run on talented cornerbacks and high-upside pass rushers.
6. Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) – 6033v, 318v
After a pretty disappointing 2022 season overall, Jackson was a lot better in 2023. He possesses a nice all around skill set, having a good blend of power, movement skills and a well proportioned frame. Being more consistent on a snap-to-snap basis is the next step. If he can, Jackson has a chance to be a clear top five players in this interior offensive line class.
7. Jaeden Roberts (Alabama) – 6050e, 310e
There are some players every year in Summer Scouting who just aren’t there yet, but seeing the upside is very easy. That’s Roberts right now. From a physical perspective, Roberts is super powerful. He is, at times, the most dominant run blocker in this group. The problem is he plays way too far over his toes at times, seriously affecting his balance. Harnessing his explosiveness and playing with a little more control will be essential for Roberts in 2024.
8. Joshua Gray (Oregon State) – 6040v, 306v
Having played mostly left tackle for Oregon State, Gray is destined to transition inside on the next level. He just doesn’t have the requisite length and power profile to play consistently outside of his frame. What Gray does have is athleticism. He is an extremely smooth lover with really impressive lateral mobility. In an outside zone based running scheme, Gray has starter upside, especially at center where that power profile won’t limit him as much.
9. Eli Cox (Kentucky) – 6042v, 309v
The Kentucky offensive line had moments last year, but was widely inconsistent. The most consistent of the bunch was Cox, who hits all the baseline skills you want at the position. From an athleticism perspective, he is solid but unspectacular. It’s possible that Cox could develop into a low end starter down the road with time.
10. Garrett Dellinger (LSU) – 6044v, 319v
Dellinger has gone very under the radar despite being a former top recruit. When you play on an offensive line with Will Campbell and Emery Jones, that’s bound to happen. The talented offensive guard plays an old school style. Dellinger wants to get his hands on opposing defenders and fight to the whistle.
Others to know
Cooper Mays (Tennessee) 6022v, 303v
There’s nothing flashy about Mays, but he steadily just wins reps. There are some limitations with him in terms of upside, although he could earn a spot with his intelligence, body placement, and tenacity. Mays is a competitor that plays with tremendous effort.
Wyatt Bowles (Utah State) – 6051v, 304v
Bowles has almost no preseason hype but does carry draftable grades across the NFL. Possessing a pretty clean frame, the Utah State standout does have room for further physical development. More of a linear athlete, Bowles is slightly tight through the hips. He does his best work as a drive and down blocker. There is some nice pop on contact, showing the ability to displace defenders at times.
Jackson Slater (Sacramento State) – 6030v, 313v
Compactly built with a well-proportioned frame, Slater is a powerful interior lineman who plays guard for Sacramento State, but also could project well at center. While not overly explosive, Slater is a smooth athlete. He has some developmental upside to tap into, but at worst presents as a nice slot as a swing player inside.
Seth McLaughlin (Ohio State) – 6035v, 305v
There are a lot of jokes about McLaughlin, who struggled mightily as a snapper down the stretch of the season for Alabama, but McLaughlin brings a lot of qualities that could allow him to stick on the next level. He’s a positional blocker who gets himself in proper positioning, and has nuanced hand play. McLaughlin could have a chance to stick in the right situation.
