Draft Day Gold: Why Interior Offensive Linemen are Key in the 2025 NFL Draft

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where games are often decided by mere inches, the importance of a dominant offensive line cannot be overstated. While the spotlight often shines on quarterbacks and skill position players, savvy general managers understand that building a championship-caliber team starts in the trenches. As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, interior offensive linemen are poised to be the hidden gems that can transform a team’s fortunes. Just look at the Washington Commanders who were expected to have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, but they ended up being ranked #7 by PFF.

The Unsung Heroes of the Gridiron

The interior offensive line, consisting of the center and two guards, is the engine room of any successful offense. These players are responsible for:

Protecting the Quarterback: Interior pressure is often the most disruptive, collapsing the pocket and forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws or sacks. A strong interior line provides a secure pocket, allowing quarterbacks to make reads and deliver accurate passes.
Establishing the Run Game: Guards and centers are crucial for creating running lanes, using their strength and technique to move defenders and open up opportunities for running backs. A dominant interior line can turn a mediocre running game into a potent weapon.
Communication and Coordination: The center is the quarterback of the offensive line, responsible for making pre-snap reads, identifying blitzes, and communicating adjustments to the rest of the unit. Effective communication is essential for a cohesive and successful offensive line.

The Evolving NFL Landscape

The modern NFL is characterized by sophisticated defensive schemes and athletic defensive linemen who can exploit weaknesses in pass protection and run defense. As a result, the demand for versatile and technically sound interior offensive linemen has never been higher.

Stopping Interior Pressure: Defensive tackles like Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs and Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants have proven the ability to wreck games by collapsing the pocket from the inside. Teams must invest in interior linemen who can neutralize these threats.
Adapting to Multiple Schemes: With the rise of zone blocking and RPOs (run-pass options), interior linemen must be athletic and intelligent enough to execute a variety of blocking schemes. Versatility is a highly valued trait in today’s NFL.
Finding Value in the Draft: While elite offensive tackles often command top draft picks, quality interior linemen can often be found later in the draft. Identifying these prospects is crucial for building a strong and sustainable offensive line.

Top Interior Offensive Linemen Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft boasts a deep and talented class of interior offensive linemen, offering teams a variety of options to bolster their offensive lines. Here are some of the top prospects to watch:

Will Campbell (G, LSU): Campbell is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the entire draft class. He has been a starter since his true freshman season. His athleticism, physical profile, lateral mobility, and physicality make him a Day One starter at either left tackle or guard in any blocking scheme.
Tyler Booker (G, Alabama): Booker earned 2nd-Team AP All-American and 1st-Team All-SEC honors in 2024, showcasing his elite pass protection with zero sacks allowed on 371 pass-blocking snaps. A team captain and versatile blocker, he started 25 games at left guard and made one start at left tackle during his career at Alabama.
Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State): Jackson is a unique prospect as he filled in for Josh Simmons at left tackle for the remainder of the season last year, and did a great job while unveiling a possible ceiling as a starting left tackle in the NFL. However, his projection is better at guard where he can battle in close quarters or climb the second level to seal off backside defenders while holding his own against the best pass rushers and defensive linemen college football had to offer.
Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia): There are plenty of fans of Ratledge in the draft community. He gets after it in all facets, showing great leg drive and generating movement at the line of scrimmage. When Ratledge gets his grips on opposing defensive linemen, he can steer them away from the play and create monster holes. He looks to be a fit in any blocking scheme he gets drafted to in the NFL.
Jared Wilson (C, Georgia): Wilson is one of the most athletic center prospects to come out of the college ranks. You see that with his ability to get to extended landmarks in the run game and fly out to space on screen plays. Yet, what’s most impressive to me is how quickly he erases space to a three-technique on a back-block if one of his guards is pulling or how he can get his hips around on shade-nose tackles on quick combos, so his teammates can almost instantly climb off those.
Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State): Zabel is a versatile offensive line prospect with explosive traits who played four of the five offensive line positions in college. He’s got a big frame with room to add muscle, and he plays with a toughness teams will love on film.

Teams in Need of Interior Offensive Line Help

Several NFL teams will be targeting interior offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft to address weaknesses and improve their overall offensive performance. Some of the teams with the most pressing needs include:

New England Patriots: Drake Maye impressed in his rookie season despite playing behind what Pro Football Focus categorized as the worst offensive line in the NFL, so it would be fun to see what the young passer could do behind a group closer to league average.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars have made free-agent investments in their other areas of need, but there’s still room to add on at each spot, with receiver and offensive line depth essential to giving Trevor Lawrence a chance to put together a complete season.
New York Giants: The Giants still have to find a long-term solution to their quarterback problem after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Beyond completing that mission, they can afford upgrades on the offensive and defensive lines.
Houston Texans: Houston’s moves this offseason, including trading away Laremy Tunsil, put the offensive line front and center on the needs list heading into the draft.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings could still use starting-caliber players at left guard and cornerback, while finding a safety who can eventually take the baton from 36-year-old Harrison Smith should be on the radar.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts need a new starting right guard and their starters at both offensive tackle spots are a year away from hitting free agency.

Overlooked No More

As the NFL continues to evolve, the importance of a strong and reliable offensive line will only increase. The 2025 NFL Draft presents a golden opportunity for teams to invest in interior offensive linemen who can provide immediate impact and long-term stability. These unsung heroes of the gridiron are poised to become the foundation of championship-caliber offenses for years to come.