2025 NFL Draft: Scouting the Offensive Tackles

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Welcome back to our 2025 NFL Draft Preview Series — where we break down the future stars, position by position, without the fluff.

Today, we’re getting into the trenches. The offensive tackles — the bodyguards, the bouncers, the ones keeping your franchise quarterback in one piece — are a deep and nasty group this year. From polished technicians to pure freak athletes, the 2025 class has a little bit of everything.

We’re not just handing out names, either. We’re diving into the tape, pointing out strengths, flaws, and where each player stacks up heading into a massive draft cycle. If you want real scouting insight — the kind you can’t just Google — you’re in the right place.

Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss the next breakdown. Quarterbacks are coming up next, and trust me, you’ll want a front-row seat.

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1. Kelvin Banks – Texas

Grade: 1st Round

Banks projects as a high-upside prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His strengths lie in exceptional athleticism, showcasing quick footwork and lateral agility that excel in pass protection. Banks maintains a square stance with disciplined inside foot positioning, effectively mirroring speed rushers and anchoring against power moves. His fluid movement shines in zone schemes, where he pulls and engages second-level defenders with explosive pop on contact. A three-year starter, Banks’ experience and football IQ make him a reliable protector, evidenced by allowing just four sacks over 1,544 pass-blocking snaps. His accolades, including the 2024 Outland and Lombardi Awards, highlight his dominance.

However, Banks has areas to refine. His shorter arm length (33½ inches) can lead to leverage issues, causing him to lose inside positioning against savvy defenders. He occasionally overextends, compromising balance, particularly in run blocking, where he struggles to sustain blocks. Hand placement and grip strength need consistency to prevent shedding, and he must improve awareness against stunts and blitzes. While versatile enough for tackle or guard, technical polish will determine his NFL ceiling.

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2. Will Campbell – LSU

Grade: 1st Round

Will Campbell is a three-year starter from LSU with a rare combination of balance, core strength, and competitive intensity. His fluid movement skills and lateral agility allow him to effectively mirror edge rushers, and he consistently recovers to maintain leverage even when pressured. In pass protection, he uses patient technique and reliable hands to control defenders, while his run blocking showcases nimble pulling ability and power at the point of attack. Campbell is known for his toughness, leadership, and relentless motor, having started 38 straight games without missing one due to injury. However, he does face challenges with his average arm length, which can limit his margin for error against elite pass rushers, especially if his punch timing is off. Slight stiffness in his lower body can be exposed by quick inside moves, and penalty issues, particularly false starts, grew worse in his final season. Campbell’s experience is solely at left tackle, offering no versatility across the line. Despite minor concerns, his athleticism, technique, and on-field nastiness project him as a high-end starter, with some teams also considering a potential move inside to maximize his skill set at the next level.

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3. Armand Membou – Missouri

Grade: 1st Round

Armand Membou is an incredibly athletic and powerful right tackle with a strong combination of size, agility, and strength. His body control in pass protection is a standout, as he mirrors rushers with ease and stays balanced throughout his sets. Membou’s hand usage is sharp and well-timed, allowing him to effectively engage defenders and maintain control. His movement skills translate to the run game as well, where he shows impressive drive power, often washing defenders away from the play. Despite his athleticism, Membou isn’t without weaknesses. His height and frame make him susceptible to speed-to-power moves, and he can sometimes be caught off guard when defenders attack with speed. Additionally, his hands can occasionally start wide, making it more difficult for him to secure his punch in tight spaces. While these issues are correctable with coaching, they do leave him vulnerable at times. However, Membou’s remarkable physical tools and development make him a solid candidate to be an immediate NFL starter. His experience and potential as a versatile tackle make him a valuable asset, likely contributing in both pass protection and run blocking from day one.

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4. Josh Simmons – Ohio State

Grade: 1st Round

Josh Simmons is an explosive and agile left tackle with excellent lateral quickness and a smooth pass set. His ability to quickly adjust to speed rushers and mirror their movements shows off his elite footwork, which is key for maintaining a clean pocket. Simmons also has impressive upper-body strength, with a sharp, well-timed punch that helps him neutralize defenders early in the play. His mobility in the run game is another positive, as he has the range to pull and seal defenders, creating running lanes with ease. While his overall technique is solid, Simmons has areas that need refinement. His anchor can be inconsistent, especially when facing stronger rushers who can overpower him at times. He sometimes struggles with leverage, allowing defenders to work their way into his frame and generate pressure. Despite these issues, Simmons’ athletic traits and movement skills make him a highly coveted tackle prospect. His ability to switch between right and left tackle adds to his value, and with proper coaching, he could develop into a cornerstone NFL player on the left side. His projectability at the next level depends on his ability to refine his strength and consistency.

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