In the rapidly approaching 2025 NFL Draft, the offensive tackle position looms as a tantalizing prospect. A new crop of blue-chip athletes is emerging, ready to make an immediate impact in the trenches. These towering behemoths possess a unique blend of size, power, and athleticism that has scouts salivating. As the draft approaches, let’s delve into the captivating world of the top tackle prospects in the 2025 class.
One of the most intriguing storylines in this year’s draft revolves around the rise of Evan Hull. Hailing from the powerhouse program of Ohio State, Hull is a mountain of a man at 6’7″ and 330 pounds. His exceptional size and strength make him an immovable force in the run game, while his athleticism and quick feet allow him to excel in pass protection. Hull’s combination of physical dominance and technical prowess has him firmly entrenched as the top tackle prospect in the class.
Another standout prospect in the 2025 draft is Caleb Presley from the University of Alabama. Despite being a true freshman, Presley has already made a name for himself as one of the most promising offensive linemen in the country. With his agile feet and lightning-fast reflexes, Presley can easily mirror edge rushers and disrupt their plans. Additionally, his impeccable technique and football IQ make him a reliable anchor in the Alabama offensive line. As Presley continues to develop and refine his skills, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant tackles in the NFL.
Future Stars Emerge: Top Tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft
No. 1: Kelvin Banks, Texas A&M
Prepare to be awed by Kelvin Banks, the phenomenal offensive tackle from Texas A&M who stands an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighs a formidable 325 pounds. This colossal athlete boasts an exceptional combination of size, strength, and agility that makes him an impenetrable force on the gridiron. Banks’s raw power allows him to dominate opponents in the trenches, while his impressive footwork and athleticism enable him to neutralize even the most elusive pass rushers.
Physical Attributes and Technique
Kelvin Banks’s physique is a testament to his dedication to his craft. His broad frame provides him with an expansive reach, giving him the leverage to control defenders with ease. His quick first step and lightning-fast acceleration allow him to gain ground on his opponents, creating a clear path for his running backs. Banks’s technique is impeccable, relying on a strong base, sound body positioning, and effective hand placement to anchor himself against opposing linemen.
Versatility and Potential
Beyond his physical attributes, Banks also possesses remarkable versatility. His size and strength make him an ideal candidate for either tackle position, allowing him to adapt to different offensive schemes. His ability to both protect the quarterback and create running lanes showcases his adaptability and versatility. With his exceptional talent and unwavering work ethic, Kelvin Banks is poised to become an elite tackle in the NFL and a cornerstone of any franchise lucky enough to draft him.
No. 2: Evan Hull, Northwestern
Evan Hull, the highly touted offensive tackle from Northwestern, is an ascending star with boundless potential. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 300 pounds, Hull possesses a formidable frame that makes him a formidable presence in the trenches. His athleticism and physicality are matched by his exceptional technique and football IQ.
No. 3: Blake Freeland, BYU
Blake Freeland, the dynamic offensive tackle from BYU, has emerged as a top prospect in the 2025 draft. His impressive size, strength, and athleticism make him a standout performer on the field. Freeland’s relentless pursuit of perfection and his exceptional work ethic have earned him a reputation as a future star.
| Height | Weight | College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelvin Banks | 6’8″ | 325 lbs | Texas A&M |
| Evan Hull | 6’5″ | 300 lbs | Northwestern |
| Blake Freeland | 6’7″ | 310 lbs | BYU |
Evaluating Elite Pass Protectors: Breaking Down the Top Tackle Prospects
Breaking Down the Number 2 Tackle Prospect: Josh Conerly Jr.
Josh Conerly Jr., a 6’5″, 285-pound tackle from Seattle, Washington, stands as one of the most highly touted tackle prospects in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Conerly Jr. boasts an impressive combination of athleticism, size, and technique that has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top left tackles. His exceptional length allows him to keep defenders at bay and maintain a wide base, which is crucial for protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
Physical Attributes: Conerly Jr. possesses a long, lean frame with excellent flexibility and agility. His footwork is quick and fluid, allowing him to adjust to defenders’ movements with ease. He also demonstrates exceptional balance and power, which translates to effective run blocking and drive protection.
Technical Skills: Conerly Jr.’s technique is equally impressive. He excels in pass protection, utilizing a wide stance and strong anchor point to fend off edge rushers. He also possesses a keen understanding of leverage and angles, allowing him to gain the upper hand against opponents. Additionally, his ability to mirror defenders’ movements ensures that he stays in sync with the play’s development, mitigating the risk of sacks and pressures.
Projected NFL Impact: With his combination of physical attributes and technical prowess, Conerly Jr. is expected to become an immediate starter in the NFL. His elite pass protection skills and ability to open up running lanes will make him a coveted asset for any team looking to bolster their offensive line. He has the potential to develop into one of the league’s most dominant left tackles in the years to come.
| Name | Position | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Conerly Jr. | Offensive Tackle | 6’5″ | 285 |
Strength and Size: Assessing the Physical Attributes of Future Offensive Anchors
Evaluating the physical attributes of potential offensive tackles for the 2025 NFL Draft is crucial. Size and strength are paramount in this position, as tackles are responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes.
Height and Weight: Elite offensive tackles typically stand over 6’5″ tall and weigh in the 320-pound range. Size provides a physical advantage in blocking and creates a larger frame for pass protection.
Arm Length: Long arms are an important asset for tackles. Extended reach allows them to engage with defenders more effectively, control opponents with leverage, and prevent pass rushers from rounding the corner. Players with arm lengths over 34 inches are highly sought after.
Strength: Measuring a tackle’s strength through metrics like bench press, squat, and power clean is essential. Functional strength in the trenches is key for holding blocks, moving defenders, and anchoring the offensive line. Moreover, core strength is vital for stability and balance, particularly in pass protection.
Strength and Weight Benchmarks
The following table showcases approximate strength and weight benchmarks for elite offensive tackles:
| Attribute | Benchmark Range |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’5″ – 6’8″ |
| Weight | 320 – 340 lbs |
| Arm Length | 34 inches or more |
| Bench Press | 225 lbs x 35 reps or more |
| Squat | 405 lbs x 30 reps or more |
| Power Clean | 315 lbs x 10 reps or more |
These benchmarks are approximate and can vary slightly depending on individual traits, technique, and athleticism.
Footwork and Agility: The Importance of Athleticism for Tackles
In today’s fast-paced game of football, tackles are required to possess exceptional footwork and agility to keep up with the dynamic movements of opposing players. These athletic traits are not only crucial for effective blocking, but also for maintaining balance, quickly changing direction, and reacting to sudden bursts of speed from defenders.
Good footwork allows tackles to maintain a stable base and distribute their weight evenly, ensuring they can withstand the force of impact during collisions. Agility, on the other hand, enables them to quickly adjust their feet and body position to block defenders from different angles and in various situations.
Speed, Quickness, and Burst
Tackles with exceptional speed, quickness, and burst have a significant advantage on the field. Speed allows them to reach their blocking assignments quickly, while quickness and burst enable them to make sudden changes of direction and accelerate out of their stance explosively. These attributes are particularly valuable in pass protection, where tackles often need to react quickly to the movements of blitzing defenders.
Here is a table summarizing the importance of speed, quickness, and burst for tackles:
| Attribute | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Speed | Reaching blocking assignments quickly |
| Quickness | Quickly changing direction |
| Burst | Accelerating out of stance explosively |
Technique and Refinement: Identifying Prospects with Strong Fundamental Skills
Strong Stance and Balance
Elite tackles possess a wide, balanced stance that allows them to control their opponents and generate power. Look for prospects who maintain their feet shoulder-width apart, with their knees slightly bent and their toes pointed forward. Good balance ensures they can adjust to sudden movements and avoid being knocked off their feet.
Quick Feet and Agility
Tackles must be agile and have quick feet to react to the movements of opposing linemen. They should be able to shift their weight quickly and move laterally with ease. Assess prospects during drills that involve quick step-backs, lateral slides, and mirror footwork.
Powerful Hand Placement and Punch
Dominant tackles have strong hands and a powerful punch that can control the opposition. Pay attention to their hand placement, ensuring it’s inside and under the defender’s pads, and observe the force of their punch, which should drive the defender backward and disrupt their timing.
Body Control and Leverage
Tackles must be able to control their bodies and use leverage to gain an advantage. They should be proficient in techniques such as the “power-step” and “swim move,” which involve using their upper bodies to gain leverage and move the defender out of position.
Improved Run Blocking and Second-Level Blocking
In addition to pass protection, tackles play a critical role in run blocking. Identify prospects who demonstrate strong run-blocking skills, including the ability to create holes for running backs and sustain blocks for multiple seconds. Also, pay attention to their ability to block at the second level, which is essential for screen plays and outside runs.
| Prospect | Stance | Feet | Hands | Body Control | Run Blocking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Smith | Excellent | Quick and Agile | Strong and Precise | Exceptional | Dominant |
| John Jones | Balanced and Wide | Average | Adequate | Good | Solid |
| Thomas Green | Narrow and Unstable | Slow and Stiff | Weak | Poor | Inadequate |
Versatility and Positional Flexibility: Tackles Who Can Play Multiple Positions
In today’s NFL, versatility and positional flexibility are highly valued qualities for tackles. Teams are increasingly looking for players who can play multiple positions along the offensive line, providing them with roster flexibility and depth. Here are some of the top tackles in the 2025 draft class who possess exceptional versatility:
1. Bryce Anderson, OT/OG – Michigan
Anderson is an athletic and powerful tackle who can excel at both tackle and guard. He has a strong frame, quick feet, and excellent technique, making him a potential Pro Bowl-caliber player.
2. Evan Hull, OT/TE – Northwestern
Hull is a unique prospect with exceptional size and athleticism. He has the potential to play tackle, tight end, or even fullback. His versatility and adaptability make him a highly intriguing prospect.
3. Cade Mays, OT/OG – Tennessee
Mays is a highly experienced tackle who has played both left and right tackle at Tennessee. He is a physical and dominant blocker who can handle any defensive lineman.
4. Domani Jackson, OT/DT – USC
Jackson is a rare combination of size and athleticism. He can play tackle on one side of the field and defensive tackle on the other. His versatility and raw potential are off the charts.
5. Josh Conerly Jr., OT/G – Oregon
Conerly is a highly polished tackle with excellent balance and footwork. He has the versatility to play both tackle and guard, and he could be a day-one starter in the NFL.
6. Kelvin Banks, OT/G/C – Texas
Banks is the most versatile tackle in the 2025 draft class. He has starting experience at left tackle, right tackle, left guard, right guard, and center. His exceptional versatility and athleticism make him a highly coveted prospect.
|
Name |
Position |
Versatility |
|
Kelvin Banks |
OT/G/C |
Played all 5 positions along the OL |
|
Domani Jackson |
OT/DT |
Can play tackle on offense and defensive tackle on defense |
|
Evan Hull |
OT/TE |
Can play tackle, tight end, or fullback |
Leadership and Character: Off-Field Qualities that Set Top Tackles Apart
In the NFL, tackles play a crucial role in protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes for the offense. While on-field performance is paramount, off-field leadership and character qualities can also significantly set top tackles apart and enhance their overall draft stock.
Commitment to Community Service
Top tackles often demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back to their communities. They volunteer their time at local schools, youth sports programs, and charitable organizations, showcasing their compassion and willingness to make a difference.
Work Ethic and Discipline
Tackles are known for their physicality and determination, but their work ethic extends far beyond the football field. They set high standards for themselves both on and off the field, consistently working to improve their skills and push their limits.
Academic Achievement
While football takes center stage for many top tackles, they also prioritize their academic pursuits. They maintain high GPAs and demonstrate a commitment to intellectual growth, recognizing the importance of education both on and off the gridiron.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Tackles are integral members of a team, and their ability to work effectively with others is essential. They foster strong relationships with teammates, coaches, and support staff, creating a cohesive and productive environment.
Integrity and Sportsmanship
Top tackles exhibit high levels of integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. They respect opponents, referees, and fans, demonstrating their character and commitment to fair play.
Maturity and Poise
Tackles face immense pressure on the gridiron, and their ability to remain composed and make sound decisions is critical. They demonstrate maturity and poise both in the heat of competition and in daily life.
Mentorship and Leadership
Top tackles often take on leadership roles within their teams and communities. They mentor younger players, share their knowledge and experience, and inspire others to achieve their goals. They recognize the importance of providing guidance and support to those who follow in their footsteps.
Draft Projections: Predicting the Landing Spots for the Best Tackles
8. Tyler Booker, OT, Alabama Crimson Tide
Towering at 6’8″ and weighing in at 325 pounds, Tyler Booker is an absolute behemoth of an offensive tackle. At Alabama, he has quickly established himself as one of the top pass-blocking tackles in the nation, with exceptional athleticism, quick feet, and superb technique. Booker’s long arms and powerful frame allow him to dominate in the trenches, giving opposing pass rushers fits. In the run game, he displays impressive strength and size, effectively moving defenders off the line of scrimmage. As the 2024 college football season approaches, Booker is primed to cement his status as one of the most sought-after tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft.
| Year | Team | Round |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 1st (12th Overall) |
With a combination of raw talent, size, and athleticism, Tyler Booker is a player who has the potential to be a cornerstone offensive tackle in the NFL for many years to come. His NFL landing spot will undoubtedly be heavily influenced by his performance in the upcoming season, but his projection as a first-round talent places him firmly in the top tier of tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Scouting Report: In-Depth Analysis of the Top Tackle Prospects
9. Emery Jones (LSU)
Strengths:
- Elite length and wingspan, providing a massive frame to protect the quarterback.
- Excellent athleticism for his size, with quick feet and fluid lateral movement.
- Effective as a run blocker, with a strong base and powerful leg drive.
- Capable pass protector, showcasing good hand placement and body control.
Weaknesses:
- Needs to improve his technique in pass protection, particularly against speed rushers.
- Lacks the strength and grip to consistently anchor against bull rushes.
- Occasionally struggles with balance in his pass sets, making him vulnerable to inside moves.
- Can be overaggressive at times, leading to penalties or getting out of position.
Jones possesses the physical tools and athleticism to be a dominant tackle in the NFL. With improved technique and consistency, he has the potential to become a top-tier pass protector and run blocker. His upside and development trajectory make him an exciting prospect to watch in the upcoming draft.
| Measurables | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’8″ |
| Weight | 325 lbs |
| Wingspan | 86″ |
| 40-Yard Dash | 5.05 seconds |
| Bench | 20 reps |
Rookie Impact: Assessing the Potential Impact of Top Tackles in the NFL
10. Zach Rice, North Carolina
Zach Rice is a massive left tackle, standing at 6’6″, 325 pounds, and possesses a remarkable combination of size and athleticism. He displays excellent footwork, mobility, and agility, allowing him to mirror pass rushers and protect the blindside of quarterbacks. Rice’s strong grip and long arms provide him with excellent leverage to anchor and block effectively in the run game. Furthermore, his ability to create movement off the line of scrimmage and sustain his blocks makes him a valuable asset in the NFL’s zone-blocking schemes. Rice is expected to make an immediate impact as a starting left tackle in the NFL, offering long-term stability and protection to his team’s quarterback.
Projected NFL Role:
Starting Left Tackle
Potential NFL Impact:
Pro Bowl caliber tackle with the potential to be an All-Pro selection. Provides a strong foundation for both the passing and running game. Anchors the offensive line and protects the quarterback’s blindside.
NFL Comparison:
David Bakhtiari (Green Bay Packers)
Draft Projection:
Top 10 overall selection
Top Tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but there are already a number of talented tackles who are expected to be available. These players have the potential to be impact players at the next level, and they could be key pieces for NFL teams in the years to come.
Here is a look at some of the top tackles who are expected to be available in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Evan Neal, Alabama
- Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
- Josh Conerly, Oregon
- Trevor Keegan, Wisconsin
- Justice Finkley, Texas
These players all have the size, strength, and athleticism to be successful in the NFL. They are all capable of protecting the quarterback and opening up holes for the running game. They could all be valuable additions to NFL teams in the years to come.
