The 2025 NFL Draft needs a boost on the offensive line, several sleepers have a chance to bolster it
It’s the preseason, which means that we are all anxious for real football to pick back up. That also means that various draft analysts and draftniks are busy evaluating for Summer Scouting. The 2025 NFL Draft class has received some varying reports in terms of talent on the offensive line. As is the case in […]
It’s the preseason, which means that we are all anxious for real football to pick back up. That also means that various draft analysts and draftniks are busy evaluating for Summer Scouting. The 2025 NFL Draft class has received some varying reports in terms of talent on the offensive line.
As is the case in almost every position group, there is value to be found. That includes several sleepers who fans need to become familiar with. They could rise up draft boards quickly this fall.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
There was a similar moment when watching Ersery on film that created a flashback to former Oregon State, and now current New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga. Like Fuaga, Ersery is massive. He was verified at a legitimate 6’6” and 325 pounds this spring, and has a physical stature that appears even bigger.
When you see an offensive tackle that big, you get a preconceived notion about them. It’s possible they could be a bit stiff; maybe the foot quickness isn’t quite to the level you would want. Both players do not fit those stereotypes. Ersery is a gifted athlete that does some freaky stuff athletically working on the backside of zone runs.
He is also more than long enough to stick at offensive tackle on the next level, just needing a little more attention in pass protection due to the nature of the heavy RPO Golden Gopher offense. There hasn’t been much top 100 buzz on Ersery so far, but there very much should be.
Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
One player that there hasn’t been much buzz on but the NFL appears to like quite a bit is Grant, who is one of the more athletically gifted offensive linemen in the 2025 class. He possesses tremendous foot quickness and flexibility, really excelling in the Tribe’s heavy outside zone running scheme. This also serves Grant well in pass protection.
The big question that has surrounded Grant is about his size, more specifically his weight. He is rumored to have around 35-inch arms, which is an incredible number for an NFL offensive tackle. During the 2023 season, Grant played around the 285-pound range, which will raise some eyebrows. Despite playing at that weight, Grant possesses some outstanding core strength and pop in his hands.
That surprising power profile is all over his film. When you combine that with the length that Grant possesses, you have the building blocks for a massive riser in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
The major question is going to surround that aforementioned weight. Luckily for Grant, it appears he has been steadily adding that mass this offseason. He was in the 290s this past Spring, and is reported now to be up to 301 pounds currently. If Grant can hold that weight and not compromise his impressive athleticism, Day Two draft value could be well in his future.
Brian Stevens, OC, Virginia
Why is nobody talking about Stevens? It’s a question that doesn’t seem to have a clear answer. For me, it’s possible that Stevens could be the best center on film in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Get familiar with him before it is too late.
It has been a fascinating journey for Stevens, who was a 230-pound offensive and defensive lineman coming out of Milford High School in Ohio. Stevens ended up at Dayton, which is a non-scholarship FCS program. In his four years there, Stevens became a stellar player and captain for the Flyers. Playing between offensive tackle and guard, Stevens entered the transfer portal and eventually found a home with the Cavaliers.
After starting a couple of games at guard early in the season, Stevens found a home at center. He flourished down the stretch of the season. Now over 300 pounds, Stevens is ready to put the college football world on notice.
