The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but it’s never too early to start looking at the top prospects. One position that is always in high demand is offensive tackle. Here are a few of the top tackles who could be available in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Importance of Offensive Tackles
Offensive tackles are some of the most important players on any football team. They are responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side and opening up holes for the running backs. Without good offensive tackles, it is difficult to have a successful offense.
Benefits of Drafting a Top Tackle
There are many benefits to drafting a top tackle. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Protection for the quarterback: A good offensive tackle can help to keep the quarterback upright and protected from opposing pass rushers.
- Improved running game: A good offensive tackle can also help to improve the running game by opening up holes for the running backs.
- Increased chances of winning: A good offensive tackle can help the team to win more games by giving the quarterback more time to throw and the running backs more room to run.
Historical Context
There have been many great offensive tackles in NFL history. Some of the most famous include:
- Anthony Munoz
- Walter Jones
- Jonathan Ogden
- Orlando Pace
- Joe Thomas
These players were all dominant forces in their prime, and they helped their teams to achieve great success. The top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft have the potential to be just as good as these legendary players.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but it’s never too early to start looking at the top prospects. The offensive tackle position is one of the most important positions in football, and the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft have the potential to be some of the best in the league.
1. Size
Size is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. They need to be big and strong enough to handle the powerful pass rushers in the NFL. Offensive tackles typically measure between 6’5″ and 6’8″ tall and weigh between 290 and 320 pounds. They need to have a strong lower body to anchor against the pass rush and long arms to keep defenders away from the quarterback.
-
Height: Taller offensive tackles have a longer reach and can keep defenders further away from the quarterback. Some of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who have good height include:
- Samson Okunlola (6’9″)
- Josh Conerly (6’8″)
- Kadyn Proctor (6’8″)
-
Weight: Heavier offensive tackles are stronger and can better anchor against the pass rush. Some of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who have good weight include:
- Daughtry Atkins (325 pounds)
- Evan Hull (315 pounds)
- George Pettaway (310 pounds)
-
Arm length: Longer arms give offensive tackles a greater reach and allow them to keep defenders further away from the quarterback. Some of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who have good arm length include:
- Daughtry Atkins (35.5″ arms)
- Evan Hull (34.5″ arms)
- George Pettaway (34″ arms)
Size is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL teams will be looking for offensive tackles who have a combination of height, weight, and arm length. These players will be better equipped to handle the powerful pass rushers in the NFL and protect the quarterback.
2. Athleticism
Athleticism is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. They need to be able to move well and change direction quickly to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs. Offensive tackles need to have good footwork, agility, and balance. They also need to be able to accelerate quickly and change direction quickly.
There are a number of drills that can be used to evaluate athleticism in offensive tackles. These drills include the 40-yard dash, the short shuttle, and the vertical jump. NFL teams will also look at an offensive tackle’s performance in game film to evaluate their athleticism.
Some of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who have good athleticism include:
- Samson Okunlola: Okunlola is a 6’9″, 325-pound offensive tackle who is considered to be one of the best athletes in the 2025 NFL Draft class. He has good footwork, agility, and balance. He also has a good burst off the line of scrimmage and can change direction quickly.
- Josh Conerly: Conerly is a 6’8″, 315-pound offensive tackle who is another top athlete in the 2025 NFL Draft class. He has good footwork and agility. He also has a good burst off the line of scrimmage and can change direction quickly.
- Kadyn Proctor: Proctor is a 6’8″, 310-pound offensive tackle who is considered to be one of the most athletic offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class. He has good footwork, agility, and balance. He also has a good burst off the line of scrimmage and can change direction quickly.
Athleticism is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL teams will be looking for offensive tackles who have good footwork, agility, balance, and burst. These players will be better equipped to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs.
3. Technique
Technique is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. They need to be able to use their size and athleticism effectively to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs. Offensive tackles need to have good footwork, hand placement, and body control. They also need to be able to read defenses and adjust their technique accordingly.
- Footwork: Good footwork is essential for offensive tackles. They need to be able to move their feet quickly and efficiently to stay in front of defenders and protect the quarterback. Offensive tackles also need to be able to change direction quickly to adjust to the movements of defenders.
- Hand placement: Hand placement is another important aspect of technique for offensive tackles. They need to be able to place their hands on defenders in a way that gives them leverage and control. Offensive tackles also need to be able to use their hands to push and pull defenders away from the quarterback.
- Body control: Body control is also important for offensive tackles. They need to be able to control their bodies and maintain their balance when they are being pushed and pulled by defenders. Offensive tackles also need to be able to adjust their body position to protect the quarterback from different angles.
- Reading defenses: Offensive tackles need to be able to read defenses and adjust their technique accordingly. They need to be able to identify the different types of blitzes and stunts that defenders may use. Offensive tackles also need to be able to communicate with their teammates to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Technique is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL teams will be looking for offensive tackles who have good footwork, hand placement, body control, and the ability to read defenses. These players will be better equipped to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs.
4. Experience
Experience is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. Offensive tackles who have played a lot of football at a high level will be more prepared for the NFL. They will be more comfortable with the speed of the game and the different techniques that defenders use. They will also be better able to read defenses and adjust their technique accordingly.
-
Playing time: Offensive tackles who have played a lot of snaps in college will be more prepared for the NFL. They will have more experience blocking different types of defenders and will be more comfortable with the speed of the game. Some of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who have a lot of playing time include:
- Samson Okunlola: Okunlola is a 6’9″, 325-pound offensive tackle who has started 25 games at Michigan.
- Josh Conerly: Conerly is a 6’8″, 315-pound offensive tackle who has started 20 games at Oregon.
- Kadyn Proctor: Proctor is a 6’8″, 310-pound offensive tackle who has started 15 games at Alabama.
-
Level of competition: Offensive tackles who have played against top competition in college will be more prepared for the NFL. They will have faced the best pass rushers in the country and will be used to playing at a high level. Some of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who have played against top competition include:
- Samson Okunlola: Okunlola has played against some of the best pass rushers in the country, including Aidan Hutchinson and Zach Harrison.
- Josh Conerly: Conerly has played against some of the best pass rushers in the country, including Kayvon Thibodeaux and Nolan Smith.
- Kadyn Proctor: Proctor has played against some of the best pass rushers in the country, including Will Anderson and Dallas Turner.
-
Playoff experience: Offensive tackles who have played in the playoffs will be more prepared for the NFL. They will be used to playing in big games and will be able to handle the pressure of the playoffs. Some of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft class who have playoff experience include:
- Samson Okunlola: Okunlola has played in the College Football Playoff with Michigan.
- Josh Conerly: Conerly has played in the Pac-12 Championship Game with Oregon.
- Kadyn Proctor: Proctor has played in the SEC Championship Game with Alabama.
-
National championship experience: Offensive tackles who have played in the national championship game will be more prepared for the NFL. They will be used to playing in the biggest game of the year and will be able to handle the pressure of the national championship game. The only top tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft class who has played in the national championship game is:
- Kadyn Proctor: Proctor played in the national championship game with Alabama in 2022.
Experience is an important factor for offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL teams will be looking for offensive tackles who have a lot of playing time, have played against top competition, have playoff experience, and have national championship experience. These players will be better prepared for the NFL and will be more likely to succeed at the next level.
5. Potential
Evaluating the potential of offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft is crucial, as it helps teams identify players with the raw talent and upside to develop into future stars. Potential encompasses several key facets that NFL scouts and analysts consider when assessing offensive tackle prospects.
- Athletic Traits: Elite athletic traits, such as size, speed, agility, and explosiveness, are essential for offensive tackles to excel at the NFL level. Scouts look for tackles with a combination of height, weight, and athleticism that suggests they can handle the rigors of protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes.
- Coachability and Football IQ: Players with a strong work ethic, desire to learn, and high football IQ are more likely to reach their full potential. Scouts evaluate a tackle’s ability to understand complex blocking schemes, adjust to different defensive fronts, and make quick decisions on the field.
- Technical Refinement: While some tackles may enter the NFL with advanced technical skills, others may possess the potential to develop those skills with proper coaching and dedication. Scouts assess a tackle’s footwork, hand placement, and overall technique, identifying areas where they can improve and maximize their effectiveness.
- Consistency and Competitiveness: Top tackles consistently perform at a high level, regardless of the competition. They display a competitive spirit, a willingness to block anyone lined up across from them, and a relentless drive to dominate in the trenches.
NFL teams value potential in offensive tackles because it gives them the opportunity to mold and develop players into the cornerstone protectors of their offensive lines. By identifying prospects with the right combination of athleticism, coachability, technical refinement, and competitive spirit, teams can invest in the future and potentially build a dominant offensive line for years to come.
FAQs
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but many fans and analysts are already looking ahead to the top prospects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Question 1: Who are the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft?
There are a number of talented offensive tackles who could be available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some of the top prospects include Samson Okunlola (Michigan), Josh Conerly (Oregon), and Kadyn Proctor (Alabama).
Question 2: What are the key factors that NFL teams will be looking for in offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft?
NFL teams will be looking for a combination of size, athleticism, technique, and experience when evaluating offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. They will also be looking for players with good football IQ and a strong work ethic.
Question 3: How important is size for offensive tackles?
Size is an important factor for offensive tackles, as they need to be big and strong enough to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs. However, it is important to note that size is not the only factor that NFL teams will be looking for in offensive tackles.
Question 4: Which top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft have the best athleticism?
Many of the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft have impressive athleticism. Some of the players who stand out in this area include Samson Okunlola (Michigan), Josh Conerly (Oregon), and Kadyn Proctor (Alabama).
Question 5: How can I stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis about the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft?
There are a number of ways to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis about the top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft. You can follow NFL Draft experts on social media, read NFL Draft blogs, and watch NFL Draft analysis videos.
Question 6: What are the key takeaways for NFL teams when evaluating offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The key takeaways for NFL teams when evaluating offensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft are to look for players who have a combination of size, athleticism, technique, and experience. They should also look for players with good football IQ and a strong work ethic.
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but it is never too early to start evaluating the top prospects. By understanding the key factors that NFL teams will be looking for, fans can get a better idea of which players could be the future stars of the NFL.
Transition to the next article section: The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a very exciting one, with a number of talented players who could make an immediate impact at the next level. Be sure to follow NFL Draft analysis and news to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Tips for Evaluating Top Tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but it is never too early to start evaluating the top prospects. Here are five tips for evaluating top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Tip 1: Focus on size and athleticism.
Offensive tackles need to be big and strong enough to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs. They also need to be athletic enough to move well and change direction quickly.
Tip 2: Look for good technique.
Offensive tackles need to have good footwork, hand placement, and body control. They also need to be able to read defenses and adjust their technique accordingly.
Tip 3: Consider experience.
Offensive tackles who have played a lot of football at a high level will be more prepared for the NFL. They will be more comfortable with the speed of the game and the different techniques that defenders use.
Tip 4: Evaluate potential.
Some offensive tackles may not have all of the physical tools or experience, but they may have the potential to develop into great players. NFL teams will be looking for players with good athleticism, technique, and coachability.
Tip 5: Compare to other prospects.
When evaluating offensive tackles, it is important to compare them to other prospects in the draft class. This will help you identify the players who have the best combination of size, athleticism, technique, experience, and potential.
By following these tips, you can get a better idea of which offensive tackles are the best prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Key Takeaways
- Size and athleticism are important factors to consider when evaluating offensive tackles.
- Good technique is essential for offensive tackles to be successful in the NFL.
- Experience is a valuable asset for offensive tackles, but it is not the only factor to consider.
- Potential is an important factor to consider when evaluating offensive tackles, as some players may not have all of the physical tools or experience, but they may have the potential to develop into great players.
- It is important to compare offensive tackles to other prospects in the draft class to identify the players who have the best combination of size, athleticism, technique, experience, and potential.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but it is never too early to start evaluating the top prospects. By following these tips, you can get a better idea of which offensive tackles are the best prospects in the draft class.
Closing Remarks on Top Tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the evaluation of top tackles becomes increasingly crucial. These players serve as the cornerstone of any successful offense, protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the ball carriers. By carefully assessing their size, athleticism, technique, experience, and potential, NFL teams can identify the future stars of the gridiron.
The top tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft possess an impressive combination of physical attributes and football acumen. They are expected to make an immediate impact at the professional level, providing stability and dominance to their respective offensive lines. By recognizing the significance of these prospects, teams can make informed decisions that will shape the future of their franchises.