As I continue to finalize my position rankings in the lead-up to the draft, we have one of the more all-encompassing position groups today. Interior offensive line covers both guards and centers, as well as tackles who project to move to the interior in the NFL.
For my post-college football season rankings update, I left prospects where they were listed, but for my final edition I am projecting some college tackles to play guard (or even center). If you don’t see a name here you expected, it’s most likely because I’m still evaluating them as a tackle and they will be included in my offensive tackle rankings.
Today I ranked the top 20 interior offensive linemen. The top 10 have full scouting reports, while the rest have shorter writeups that still explain their strengths, weaknesses, and why I have them ranked where I do. Stay tuned for more draft content and position rankings as I continue the series, and check out the other final position rankings below:
Final Position Rankings:
1: Will Campbell, LSU
A four-star recruit and three-year starter at LSU, Campbell anchored the offensive line at left tackle for multiple iterations of the potent Tigers offense. With multiple All-SEC and an All-American award in his college trophy case, heโs one of the most decorated linemen in this class. Campbell allowed just 54 total pressures on 1,593 pass blocking snaps in his career and had an 80.9 pass blocking grade from PFF in 2024.
At 6-6, 319, Campbell cuts an imposing figure on the end of the line. His footwork and agility are off the charts, with coordinated hand and foot movements making an impenetrable wall for rushers to try and assault. He plays with good leverage against both speed and power, creating a powerful base without compromising his fluidity or ability to adjust mid-play. Defenders have a tough time getting around him, as he relentlessly cuts off their angles of attack, but they have an equally hard time going through him, as he never sacrifices strength for agility in his pass sets.
In the run game, he blows defenders up in space, tracking them well on the move and making sure, consistent contact. When he gets his hands on you, the rep is dead, as he has a vise-like grip and the mentality to play through the whistle on every snap. Whether heโs pulling in space, drive blocking on the line, or executing complex reach blocks and double-teams, Campbell plays technically sound and fundamentally strong.
Campbellโs 33-inch arms have been dissected to death, but theyโre worth discussing here. Unlike previous top tackle prospects with similar concerns (Chargers LT Rashawn Slater comes to mind), Campbellโs lack of length shows up on tape. Pass rushers get into his chest too easily, and he can lose the leverage battle against bigger, more athletic defenders. Itโs a consistent enough issue that I have doubts about whether he can stick at tackle in the NFL. All his tough games came against the sorts of players heโll see every week on Sundays.
Fans love to mock the various arm length thresholds in the league, and Campbell himself insists it was never a criticism until the official numbers came in. But while he would be an adequate NFL tackle, he could be an All-Pro at guard. Heโs undeniably the best offensive lineman in this draft, the question is just what position he plays. Practically a lock to go in the top 15, Campbell is a high-floor player with elite footwork and athleticism. But projecting better to guard than tackle potentially drops him out of the top-five discussion.
2: Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
A stalwart on the Buckeyesโ line, Jackson was a consensus five-star recruit coming out of high school. Originally from Texas, he played sparingly as a freshman, mostly on special teams, before taking over as the full-time starter at left guard in 2022. Thus began one of the most impressive runs for an offensive lineman in conference history, with Jackson being named consensus first-team All-Big 10 each of the next three seasons. Entering his senior year in 2024, he was known as one of the best guards in the country and a premier draft prospect. With the midseason injury to starting LT Josh Simmons, Jackson took over, struggling initially before settling into his new role. During Ohio State’s playoff run, Jackson allowed two total pressures, putting his versatility and reliability on display.
At 6-4, 315, Jackson is well-built to play either tackle or guard at the NFL level. He generates a lot of power on contact, both from his natural strength and his explosiveness. Off the snap, he has the athleticism to make first contact and get to his marks quickly, dictating the rep and playing on his terms. When tasked with moving people, Jackson has little trouble doing so โ there werenโt many defensive linemen in college football who could put up resistance to Jackson driving them off the line scrimmage and carving out space behind him. He can climb to the second level with ease and agility, with no difficulty connecting on reach blocks or pulls in space.
Jackson uses his size well in pass protection, offering a wide base and strong anchor that makes it difficult for pass rushers to move him. Quick feet and smooth hips let him mirror rushers effortlessly on the interior, a skill he proved he could extend to the edge as well. Attempts at bull-rushing him are met with a brick wall, as Jackson sets a strong foundation in his pass sets without sacrificing mobility. Coaches will love his mentality, as well, with plenty of pancakes and โthrough the whistleโ plays on his tape that set the tone for an offense.
There are a few areas of Jacksonโs game that could use some refinement. His hand usage can be inconsistent, letting defenders get into his chest and neutralize his natural length advantages. When on the move, he loses leverage, playing a bit high. This impacts his ability to sustain blocks at the second level. But these are things that can be coached up and I have few concerns about them being long-term issues at the NFL level.
Though Jackson demonstrated positional versatility down the stretch for Ohio State, heโll be a guard at the next level. While he could kick out in a pinch due to injury โ like he did this past season โ thatโs not his ideal fit. He took a big step forward this year, harnessing his athleticism into more consistent production, and scouts are taking notice. His experience at tackle will be a boon, and heโs played his way into the first-round conversation. Even though he doesnโt play the most valuable position, his combination of floor and ceiling outcomes rarely make it past Day 1.
3: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
A three-sport high school athlete from South Dakota, Zabel was an undersized and under-recruited player who transformed his body at the best FCS program in the country. He was a first-team FCS All-American in 2024, earning a 90.4 PFF grade and anchoring one of the best offenses in the country. Zabel started at four different positions during his time with Bison and won two FCS national titles, cementing himself as one of the best players at that level. After dominating the Senior Bowl and proving his production could translate, Zabel has serious first-round hype as we approach draft day.
Though Zabel ended his North Dakota State career at tackle, heโll play on the interior in the pros. At 6-6, 312 pounds, he has NFL size and strength, with the frame to add more muscle over time. Despite being tall for a guard, he has no problem winning the leverage battle, sinking low in his stance and playing with impeccable balance. Being so disciplined in his leverage lets him forklift defenders and dictate the rep at the point of attack, initiating contact and driving defenders off the ball. When he gets his hands on someone, he doesnโt let go, locking them up and preventing them from getting back in the play.
In space, Zabel excels. Heโs a fluid athlete with the movement skills to locate and connect on blocks in the open field, and heโs adept at executing reach and climb blocks without overextending himself. In pass protection, he sets firmly without overcommitting to either shoulder, staying light on his feet and anchoring as needed. Switches, stunts, and blitzes pose no trouble for Zabel, as heโs a clean communicator on the line and can handle tough assignments.
Most of Zabelโs issues on tape come at tackle. His lack of arm length makes it difficult to keep edge rushers away from his chest, and he can get off-balance trying to stay in front of them. He gets called for holding too often against speed rushers, struggling to match their arc and subsequently being forced to grab them. At times, Zabel is caught lunging or reaching instead of playing with proper patience, though this was cleaned up for the most part as a senior.
Zabel dominated the Senior Bowl, arguably the best player in attendance and cementing himself as a name to be considered in the first round. He owned the line of scrimmage against some of the best interior defenders in this class. While he offers some positional versatility, heโll be a guard or center in the NFL, and offers intriguing upside at both positions. Zabel likely comes off the board somewhere in the 20-40 range, where he projects as an immediate starter and ceiling-raiser on the offensive line.
4: Marcus Mbow, Purdue
Mbow might not be a household name, but heโs one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in this draft. The 6-4, 303-pound Milwaukee native was a three-star high school recruit and redshirted before starting for three consecutive seasons on the Boilermakersโ offensive line. As a freshman, he played right guard, moving to right tackle for the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. Heโs been a stalwart on Purdueโs line, consistently excelling despite a lot of personnel and scheme changes around him over his four years on campus.
The power Mbow displays in his game is impressive. Rushes die on contact with him, as he has the lower body and core strength to stand strong in his stance and hold his ground. He pairs that strength with incredible agility and fluidity in his movements. When pass rushers attack his outside shoulder, he has the foot speed to mirror their rushes to the outside without having to lunge or turn his hips. With strong, efficient hand placement, he effectively redirects rushers around the pocket and away from the play.
In the run game, Mbow operates comfortably in space, whether heโs pulling as a lead blocker or driving to the second level. He seeks contact with linebackers and safeties, removing them from the play, and can quickly identify his reach blocks and stack multiple assignments on the same play. Mbowโs kickslide is smooth and efficient, and you can see that same quickness on display when heโs sealing backside or trapping in the secondary. Heโs a versatile, scheme-friendly lineman.
Much like with Campbell, Mbow has short arms and will lose some leverage battles. Heโs already started a full year at guard and teams may be more comfortable playing him there, especially since his limitations are evident on tape. Functional power in the run game can also be an issue for Mbow, as he doesnโt consistently drive defenders off the line of scrimmage when needed. A good offensive line coach should be able to get the same strength he displays in pass protection out of him when asked to run block.
A high-floor Day 2 prospect, Mbow is an excellent pick for a team looking for a versatile lineman with upside. He has stupid athleticism and has some of the most ridiculous offensive line reps youโll ever see, covering space in a flash and defending multiple angles of attack. Mbow is one of the few prospects in this class who can truly play all five spots on the line effectively, and some evaluators have proposed center as his best fit. If he were to stay at tackle, heโd likely be best as a swing tackle rather than a weekly starter, but his upside on the interior is immense.
5: Tyler Booker, Alabama
A 6-5, 321-pound true junior from Connecticut, Booker is a former four-star recruit who quickly rose up the depth chart in Tuscaloosa. After rotating at both guard spots as a freshman, Booker became the full-time starter at left guard in 2023 and 2024. He made his mark for the Crimson Tide, earning back-to-back first-team All-SEC recognition. As a junior, he was named to several All-America teams and continued to up his game, entering the 2025 draft cycle as the top interior offensive lineman on most evaluatorsโ boards.
Bookerโs strength and power are his greatest attributes. Alabamaโs rushing attack leaned into this at times, getting him out in front where he could locate defenders and drive them into the dirt. In a phone booth, Booker has the leg drive to move people off the line, making him ideally suited for a gap-scheme rushing attack. Though heโs not the most nimble, Booker is a terrifying sight for a defender as a lead blocker, and the space he clears at the point of attack is game-changing.
In pass protection, Booker has a strong anchor and expert hand usage. There isnโt a more refined hand fighter in this class โ Booker masterfully keeps his chest clean with tight punches that redirect rushers off the snap. He plays with timing and quickness, never afraid to reset and hold his ground. He plays under control and with a competitive fire that will endear him to his teammates.
Although Booker is a massive human being, heโs not a plus athlete. His Combine performance left a lot to be desired, and it quantified some of his deficiencies. Booker lacks the foot speed and easy movement ability to operate cleanly in space, being a step slow on reach blocks and climbing to the second level. Additionally, although he has a natural disadvantage being on the taller side for a guard, smaller defenders can wiggle past him or fight through him at times.
There might not be a more straightforward prospect in this draft than Booker. For a team looking for a starting guard in a gap-heavy scheme, look no further. Booker owns people in a phone booth, but struggles more on the move and when asked to block in space. As a result, heโs not a fit in every scheme, and more versatile prospects are ranked ahead of him. But he has fans in the first round, and it wouldnโt be surprising at all to hear his name called on Day 1.
6: Tate Ratledge, Georgia
A four-star prospect and the No. 12 overall recruit in the 2020 class, Ratledge chose to stay in his home state and play for the Bulldogs. Although he barely played his first two collegiate seasons, he started at right guard in 2022 and had a breakout season as a senior the next year. Between 2023 and 2024, Ratledge continued locking down Georgiaโs right guard spot, earning back-to-back first-team All-SEC honors, and getting a few All-America nods as well. He helped anchor one of the nation’s best offensive lines and developed a reputation as one of the best road-graders in the SEC.
At 6-6 and a half, 308 pounds, Ratledge is a tank on the offensive line. In pass protection, he knows how to manipulate defenders with his hands, locking them up and keeping his chest clean. He can play both guard positions effectively, having no difficulty with the differences in footwork and angles when swapping sides of the line. With a strong anchor, pass rushers have a tough time going through Ratledgeโs chest โ once he sets his feet, youโre not moving him.
But run blocking is where Ratledge excels, and where heโll make his money in the NFL. Heโs best suited to gap schemes, where he can use his raw strength to move people at the point of attack. Despite his taller frame, he gets low in his stance, generating exceptional power through his legs. He finishes plays with regularity, always wanting the last word in on a play, and can climb to the second level or connect on reach blocks to pave the way for an offense.
Ratledge isnโt a laterally quick athlete, and that leads to some struggles in pass protection. He can get off-balance trying to reach and make up for his lack of length, and smaller, shiftier rushers give him problems. A long injury history will have to be vetted by interested teams, as well.
At the Combine, Ratledge proved himself an explosive athlete, which came as a bit of a surprise. Heโs still not the bendiest or most agile, but heโs fast and powerful off the line. Those testing numbers described a ceiling outcome I didnโt think he had, and it changed his evaluation. A solid Day 2 pick, Ratledge projects as an immediate starter in the NFL.
7: Emery Jones Jr., LSU
Despite playing out of position at right tackle, Jones has made a name for himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the SEC. A Louisiana native, he started every game he played in an LSU uniform, making him a rare true freshman and three-year starter. After winning numerous freshman accolades, Jones was named second-team All-SEC in both 2023 and 2024. Heโs put together a strong pre-draft process and is an intriguing, versatile prospect.
At 6-5, 315, Jones exudes power. His initial punch staggers rushers and lets him set the tone for the rep. Wise edge rushers did their best to avoid first contact altogether and attempt to glance around him, which is easier said than done. Jonesโs wide frame and quick feet let him reset rapidly to handle speed rushers, able to redirect them with his long arms. Heโs impressively light on his feet at his size, with the balance to handle a variety of pass rushers.
But strength is the calling card of Jonesโs game, and his grip strength and leg drive make him a force to be reckoned with. He knows how to use his leverage and square up on defensive linemen, driving them off the line of scrimmage. Itโs almost impossible for rushers to drive through Jonesโs chest, as he has an exceptional anchor and core strength. Jones moves people, and heโs a fluid enough athlete to fit in outside zone schemes and climb to the second level.
At guard, Jones possesses great agility and quickness. At tackle, not so much. To handle the speed threat posed by the faster edge rushers he faced in college, Jones was forced to over-set and leave himself vulnerable to counters. Heโs just not fast enough to keep up at tackle, but his natural home is at guard anyway. A move inside erases this concern and turns a weakness into a strength. Other than that, Jones does need to improve his hand usage, as itโs currently too easy for defenders to get into his chest and win the leverage battle.
Jones was a fan-favorite tackle prospect coming into the year, but his best fit was always at guard. Heโll likely come off the board on Day 2 and he does provide some positional flexibility, able to kick out to tackle in a pinch, which adds to his value. Heโs a mauler in the run game with enough โdancing bearโ to his game to be a plus pass protector, as well, and should be a fit in almost any scheme.
8: Luke Kandra, Cincinnati
A three-star lineman from Cincinnati, Kandra played three seasons at Louisville before returning home to play his final two collegiate seasons with the Bearcats. With just eight total pressures allowed as a senior, he was a stalwart, starting every game at right guard in his two years at Cincinnati. Earning back-to-back first-team All-Big 12 honors, Kandra gained a reputation as one of the nastiest play-finishers in the league and took his talents to the Hula Bowl to continue his ascent to the NFL.
Standing at 6-5, 319, Kandra has ideal NFL size and length. In the run game, he thrives in gap schemes, capable of clearing multiple defenders out of the hole for his running back. Kandra is elite at executing both combo and reach blocks, winning quickly with contact and having the foot speed to reach his marks and beat defenders to the punch. Teammates and coaches rave about the way he plays on the field, finishing blocks with fire and punishing defenders for getting in his way.
Kandra might be an even better pass blocker, offering interior rushers little purchase as he stonewalls them off the snap. He has the quickness and hip flexibility to mirror in pass pro and operate well in space when pulling or climbing into the secondary. The first step explosiveness he plays with lets him dictate reps, making first contact in both phases and establishing early positioning. On top of that, heโs rarely flagged, with no accepted penalties in his time in Cincinnati.
If thereโs one thing Kandra needs to get better at, itโs using his hands. When he does lose pass pro reps, itโs because the defender is able to fight through his block and win the leverage battle, getting Kandra off-balance. Better, more disciplined hand-fighting techniques would help with this. Additionally, Kandra played at a lower weight than he measured in with at the Hula Bowl, something to monitor as he continues the pre-draft process.
The fact that Kandra is my iOL8 goes to show just how deep this class is. I was very impressed with his tape and the advanced numbers might be even more favorable. Heโs a solid Day 2 prospect, and Iโd have him in the second round right now. Heโs an NFL starter right away and unlike others in this class, can play in a variety of schemes and positions along the offensive line.
9: Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
A redshirt junior native to Georgia, Fairchild was a four-star recruit who chose to stay in his home state. He saw limited action as a freshman before taking over as the starter at left guard in 2023, now with two years of starting experience under his belt. With just sixteen pressures allowed and 83 positively-graded run plays over his two starting seasons in Athens, Fairchild continues to step up his game, earning second-team All-SEC in 2024.
Checking in at 6-5, 318, heโs an exceptional athlete, with a quick first step that lets him fire off the ball to establish early positioning. Despite his taller frame, he settles into a low stance and plays with a good pad level, preventing his opponents from establishing any leverage advantages. That, combined with his foot speed, means he can initiate contact from an advantageous position before the defender can react, making first contact and winning the early leverage battle. In space, Fairchild showcases above-average flexibility and movement skills, with no trouble executing complicated reach blocks or putting defenders on their back in space.
In pass protection, Fairchild uses that plus agility and speed to mirror rushers, keeping up with their movements and rarely getting out of position. He has advanced hand-fighting skills, battling down low to prevent defenders from getting into his chest. As a run blocker, Fairchild is best used in zone schemes that take advantage of his natural athleticism to get him on the move. While he can succeed in gap schemes, itโs not his best fit.
Most of Fairchildโs weaknesses come down to a lack of ideal power for the NFL. Itโs why gap schemes arenโt the best fit, as he doesnโt have the leg drive to consistently displace defenders off the line of scrimmage. While his anchor is sufficient, he just doesnโt generate space in the trenches often enough, and this can be an issue at times in short-yardage situations.
Fairchildโs tape was a pleasant surprise. I see him as an advanced pass protector who can thrive in certain schemes. Think of an offense like Miamiโs that asks its linemen to get out on the move and block in space; Fairchild would be an exceptional fit in a scheme like that. As a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, he can start right away, upgrading a guard spot for a team in need.
10: Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
A four-star recruit out of Alabama, Webb initially committed to Georgia and saw minimal playing time there over three seasons before being dismissed from the team. He transferred to Jacksonville State in 2023 and has started almost every game at right guard since, becoming one of the best guards in college football. With just 13 pressures allowed over two seasons with the Gamecocks, Webb has multiple All-America nods and participated in the Senior Bowl as one of the top prospects in this yearโs draft.
Checking in at 6-3, 312, Webb is an elite run blocker. He paves lanes behind him, driving defenders off the line of scrimmage and connecting on blocks at the second level. Webb has a powerful leg drive and good agility in the open field, allowing him to be comfortable blocking in both gap and zone schemes. He can pull and deliver hits in space or move people at the point of attack off the snap.
As a pass blocker, Webb carries that movement skill into effective mirroring techniques. He doesnโt have the strongest anchor, but he makes up for it with solid fundamentals. Getting around Webb is difficult โ he displays advanced hand usage and understands leverage, getting to his spots and keeping his chest clean. When faced with speed rushers, Webb has the quickness to keep up with them without overextending or getting out of position.
The main issue with Webb is his size. He measured in at 310 at the Senior Bowl and 312 at the Combine, but his listed weight at Jacksonville State was 290. It remains to be seen how the extra 20 pounds will affect his play on the field, if he even carries that weight into the season. If he doesnโt, then he becomes an undersized interior lineman again, which could be a problem. There were also some off-field issues that led to his transfer from Georgia, and NFL teams will need to do some work to make sure theyโre comfortable drafting him. It was a few years ago now, but itโs worth monitoring as teams begin meeting with prospects.
Webb is a solid mid-round prospect with some upside. Potential character concerns aside, heโs solid in both pass pro and run blocking, is scheme versatile, and has a ton of college experience. Thatโs a valuable combination, and as long as he interviews well, should generate fans in NFL buildings. He did well at the Senior Bowl, too, holding up against top competition after two years at a lower level. Iโm not sure heโll go as high as the third round, but in the fourth or fifth, he can be a factor on a depth chart right away.
The Next Ten
11 โ Miles Frazier, LSU:
A transfer from Florida International, Frazier is one of the best pure pass blockers in this class. At 6-6, 317, he completely shuts down interior pass rushers. He can track stunts and blitzes well and has no issues picking up complex rush packages, keeping his feet nimble and his head on a swivel. With a strong anchor and wide set, no one is going through his chest, and theyโll have a hard time going around him, too. He keeps his chest clean and is a master in hand-fighting techniques to frustrate pass rushers, stalling them out consistently.
As a run blocker, Frazier leaves a lot to be desired. His smooth movements in pass pro donโt translate in space, where heโs consistently a tick late getting to his blocks. In drive-blocking scenarios, Frazier lacks the leg drive to move people off the line, and canโt reliably clear space behind him. But heโs a plug-and-play pass blocker at the next level with All-Pro-level upside in that department. Even if he never improves as a run blocker, his work in pass pro makes him a long-term starter.
12 โ Jared Wilson, Georgia:
A ridiculous athlete from North Carolina, Wilson turned heads at the Combine by running a 4.84 40-yard dash at 6-3, 310 pounds. A freakish mover on the offensive line, Wilson has footspeed and lateral agility for days. He mirrors interior rushers like no other, getting the initial punch and staying in front of his man. To no surprise, Wilson excels in space, connecting on blocks against much smaller players and sustaining them through the whistle. Thereโs a fight and tenacity in his game that coaches will love, and he has no issues getting dirty in the trenches.
Wilsonโs power profile isnโt nearly as strong. He lacks the natural leverage to keep rushers out of his chest and he can get walked back by powerful bull rushes. Without a lower half to match his opponentsโ, he doesnโt generate a ton of movement off the snap, leading to stalled runs in short-yardage situations. But all in all, Wilson is a great pass protector with a high floor at center in the third or fourth round.
13 โ Jake Majors, Texas:
Checking in at 6-3, 306, Majors has natural length to make initial contact with a punch that displaces defenders and interrupts the momentum they generated off the snap. He is a good pass protector, using expert hand-fighting techniques to keep defenders at bay. His quick feet and natural lateral athleticism let him mirror well in pass pro, keeping up with even the fastest interior defenders. That movement ability extends to the run game, where Majors is a natural in space. He can drive defenders off the line and create space in short-yardage situations as well as execute complex blocking schemes on the move.
Majors was a fairly inconsistent run blocker in 2024. He turned it on near the end of the season and in the playoffs, but he struggled at times with overextending and letting defenders get him off-balance. Additionally, Iโd like to see him anchor better against dedicated bull rushes โ he has the lower-body power, as evidenced by his success in drive-blocking assignments, but he needs to utilize it better. Majors is one of the top center prospects in this class and should hear his name called in the third or fourth round.
14 โ Jackson Slater, Sacramento State:
A 6-3, 311-pound FCS star, Slater is an explosive run blocker. Heโs at his best in space, whether pulling or climbing, able to connect on difficult blocks and stick on his targets on the move. Powerful hands let him control the man in front of him, setting the tone in the run game and locking down in pass pro. His pass sets are impressively smooth, with the mirroring ability to stonewall rushers and the fluid movement to avoid falling victim to counters and stunts.
A lot of Slaterโs skills are still raw, and this shows up a lot in his hand usage. His initial punch is inconsistently placed and often wild, leaving him off-balance and sometimes missing altogether. He wonโt win many leverage battles against longer defensive tackles and his core strength isnโt up to NFL standards, though some time in a professional weight room could help with this. As a mid-round pick, Slater offers a ton of upside, but also represents some risk coming off a significant knee injury.
15 โ Addison West, Western Michigan:
A 6-3, 300-pound sixth-year senior, West excels off the snap, using his initial punch to slow the rusherโs momentum and take control of rep, stymying defenders through expert hand usage and leverage. He has some serious leg drive for a man his size, capable of moving defenders off the line of scrimmage. He can sustain blocks in space, playing through the whistle and dominating once heโs locked onto his target. Thereโs a violence to his game, a controlled aggression, that coaches will love. He consistently delivers big hits and sets the tone without drawing penalties.
West is undersized for the NFL and heโs not a great athlete. Thatโs a tough combination when trying to project what heโll be at the next level. He lacks the explosiveness and agility in space to be a plus in movement blocking schemes, and his anchor and power profile donโt usually translate to gap schemes. But his production and experience speaks for itself, and he projects to be a solid backup at worst as a later-round pick.
16 โ Connor Colby, Iowa:
Colby measures at 6-6, 309, and moves well at that size, with quick feet in space and the bend to execute longer reach blocks or connect on blocks against smaller defenders in the open field. When running zone blocking schemes, Colbyโs movement abilities are on full display, washing defenders out of the play and carving lanes through the defense for his running back. In pass protection, Colby uses his hands well, locking up the defenderโs pads and dictating movement from there. He fires off the snap and, despite his natural leverage disadvantages, gets under the defensive tackleโs pads.
Colby struggles to displace defenders on the line of scrimmage. While heโs great in zone blocking schemes, heโs less effective in gap, where linemen are required to create a lot of space through the middle of the defense. Additionally, heโs still learning to overcome his leverage disadvantages, and defenders know how to exploit his balance issues โ Colby has a tendency to overextend and get himself into trouble. Still, he projects as a backup with starter potential at the next level and could be a value add in the middle rounds.
17 โ Willie Lampkin, North Carolina:
The outlier of all outliers, Lampkin is only 5-11, 270 pounds, but plays the game to technical perfection. Leverage is the name of the game on the offensive line, and Lampkin is masterful at manipulating it. He plays fundamental football and wins rep after rep by getting under his opponentโs pads and neutralizing his length, almost forklifting defenders at times to limit the power they can generate. As you might expect, heโs excellent in space, executing double-teams and climbing to the second level or pulling and nailing his block in the open field without issue. Heโs flexible and has serious power in his lower half, making him comfortable across schemes.
Lampkin is the smallest offensive lineman in Senior Bowl history and is such an outlier that he will be off many teamsโ draft boards altogether. Though they are few, he does have reps where he gets bulldozed into the backfield and there isnโt much he can do about it. His desire to finish blocks can occasionally lead to him overextending and losing control of his man, something heโll need to clean up at the next level. Thereโs a chance Lampkin can stick at center in the league as a late-round pick, after he impressed at the Senior Bowl.
18 โ Joshua Gray, Oregon State:
A seventh-year senior whoโs seen plenty of ups and downs in his career, Gray stands at 6-5, 299 pounds and is a surprisingly excellent athlete. With the quickness and strength to dominate the trenches, Gray is almost impossible for defenders to dislodge once heโs locked onto them. He knows how to time his initial punch and is a technician in pass protection, walling up and using choppy feet to present a tough target.
Limited explosiveness and mobility in space caps Grayโs ceiling. Heโs an average drive blocker and struggles to redirect once beaten, often left grasping for air and drawing flags. His lack of length makes him vulnerable to longer defensive tackles, putting him at a disadvantage. But I love Grayโs floor as a later-round depth piece, and he could factor into NFL depth charts for years to come.
19 โ Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State:
A longtime starter at Alabama, McLaughlin has three years of starting power conference experience between Tuscaloosa and Columbus. At 6-4, 304, heโs well-built for a center, and he creates consistent displacement at the line of scrimmage. Heโs best utilized in gap schemes that let him push the defense backward, finishing through the whistle. In pass protection, heโs a cerebral player with his years of experience showing up on tape. He can pass off and pick up blocks with ease, using quick hands to keep rushers off-balance and establishing initial contact off the snap.
McLaughlin relies on his quickness to win reps early because he lacks the natural leverage to win those battles. In space, he struggles with plus athletes, getting outflanked and outmaneuvered. He doesnโt have the foot speed to adjust on the fly, but he usually plays with enough patience to overcome this. A major Achilles tear suffered in November puts his availability into question, but should be recover cleanly he can develop into an NFL starter.
20 โ Tyler Cooper, Minnesota:
A once-unheralded recruit from Wisconsin, Cooper measures at 6-6, 302 and plays with all the experience of a sixth-year player. His long arms let him dictate contact on each rep, getting his punch in and moving into his sets. A good pass protector, Cooper is at home in a phone booth, coordinating with his fellow offensive linemen to handle blitz pickups and stunts and stonewalling the man in front of him. In the run game, Cooper knows how to operate in space, connecting on blocks and making the right reads.
Cooper is a below-average athlete for the NFL, and this shows up in both offensive phases. He lacks the core strength to drive block effectively, leading to clogged rushing lanes. Quick, wily interior rushers can outmaneuver him, and he can be a step slow on reach blocks. Still, Cooper offers a high floor as a projected backup and depth piece, and isnโt someone youโd panic if you had to play him for a game.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on X.com and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!







HA HA HA HA HA HA HA