Owain Jones: Top 10 OT Prospects In The NFL Draft - Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks & More

By Owain Jones

The 2025 NFL Draft features a solid group of offensive tackle prospects, but it lacks the clear-cut, franchise-altering talent at the top that we’ve seen in recent years. While this class doesn’t feature a surefire top-10 pick at the position, it still offers a variety of intriguing players who bring a mix of size, athleticism, and potential. From sturdy road graders in the run game to nimble protectors in pass protection, this class is deep with tackles who could develop into quality starters.

TOP 10 OT 2025 NFL Draft Rankings

10: Jack Nelson, Wisconsin

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Jack Nelson epitomizes the traditional Big Ten offensive lineman—rugged, powerful, and consistent. A mountain of a man at 6’7” and 316 pounds, The Badgers’ LT has the size and strength to dominate the running game, driving defenders off the ball with ease. Though he’s not the quickest off the line, his solid technique and ability to finish plays in the trenches make him a steady presence.

9: Hollin Pierce, Rutgers

Hollin Pierce is a powerful and imposing tackle who stands out for his sheer strength and physicality. At 6’8” and 354 pounds, he is a bulldozer in the run game. A mauler who thrives at moving defenders off the ball with his brute force, the Rutgers swing tackle operates with devastating power. 

However, with 100th percentile weight, Pierce plays heavily. His kickslides are clunky, and his heavy footwork doesn’t allow him to correct and counter effectively enough. 

8: Ajani Cornelius, Oregon

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Ajani Cornelius is an intriguing blend of power and length. A well-built tackle with a quick first step, his ability to anchor against bull rushes and move his feet in space makes him an intriguing prospect, but his technique can sometimes get sloppy. The Oregon RT is intelligent and has been an exception pass protector in Eugene. However, his lack of overall athleticism and flexibility may show up when operating on an island in the NFL.

7: Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College

At 6’8” and 309 pounds, Ozzy Trapilo operates with exceptional refinement in pass protection, where his low center of gravity and grippy hands allow him to control leverage. His quickness in space is impressive, but his tall frame can sometimes make him vulnerable to bull rushes from stronger, more powerful defenders who can get under his pads.

6: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota

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Aireontae Ersery combines grit and athleticism. He combines a powerful punch with surprising lateral movement. He’s a tenacious blocker who thrives in run blocking and often dominates defenders with his strength and drive.

However, Ersery can be inconsistent with his technique, getting off balance or losing leverage against quicker pass rushers. At 6’6” and 330 pounds, the Minnesota LT is as strong as an ox and projects best in a run-heavy scheme where he can continue to refine his pass protection technique.

5: Cameron Williams, Texas

Cameron Williams has all the physical traits NFL teams look for. At 6’5” and 335 pounds, the Texas RT has an outstanding combination of size, strength, and athleticism. His explosive power and short-area movement allow him to work laterally.

However, as just a one-year starter, Williams is extremely raw. He is off-balance far too often, and he needs to anticipate stents and crossers better if he is going to hold up at the NFL level. With 13 penalties in 2024, The Longhorns OT needs to evolve his technique. Although, his physical profile is extremely enticing meaning he will likely be drafted in the first 50 picks.

4: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

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A solid athlete who offers super size, grippy hands, and refined pass protection, many view Banks as one of the top tackles in the 2025 NFl Draft. He has the quickness to close space and the arsenal of counters to shed blocks and displace rushers.

However, Banks’ footwork is exceptionally clunky and heavy. He is left wanting far to often in the run game, losing leverage. It may be that the Texas LT will be better as a guard in the NFL. But, as his issues are with technique he has the frame and size to fail at tackle before moving inside.

3: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

Josh Conerly Jr. is a phenomenal athlete with incredible upside and is still going underrated in the 2025 NFL Draft. His quick feet and smooth technique make him a fluid pass protector who can handle speedier edge rushers, while he has the length and athleticism to dominate in space and his ability to mirror defenders in pass protection.

What keeps Conerly from being OT1 in the 2025 NFL Draft is his play strength. Too often, the Oregon LT gets caught flatfooted in the run game, unable to drive defenders back with a mauling mentality. His lack of power means he can get caught hesitating with his anchor, and defenders target his inside shoulder to get after the quarterback.

2: Josh Simmons, Ohio State

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If it wasn’t for a season-ending ACL tear in October 2024, Josh Simmons would likely be OT1. He didn’t allow a single pressure in his six starts in 2024, and he demonstrated remarkable strength and fluid movement to transition to the NFL.

The San Diego State transfer is highly experienced, with 31 career starts – 18 at LT and 13 at RT. His fluid body control, quickness, and urgent footwork allow Simmons to mirror defenders in pass protection while he has the hand placement, intelligence, and instincts to combat twitchy edge rushers.

1: Armand Membou, Missouri

Armand Membou is the crown jewel of the 2025 offensive tackle class, combining elite athleticism with raw power. A complete package, Membou excels in both the running and passing games, using his quick feet, powerful hands, and natural athleticism to dominate at the line of scrimmage.

At 6’3” and 332 pounds, the Missouri RT uses his length and agility to shut down speed rushers while his strength can overpower defenders who try to challenge him 1-on-1. While Membou needs to work on improving keeping his hands active because powerful rushers can strike his open chest, meaning he loses leverage, his combination of bend, drive, and power make him an obvious candidate for OT1 in the 2025 NFL Draft.

OWAIN JONES

NFL & NFL DRAFT ANALYST

OWAIN COVERS EVERYTHING NFL & NFL DRAFT. COMING WITH PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE, OWAIN IS ALSO A WRITER FOR PRO FOOTBALL NETWORK AND PREVIOUSLY WAS THE NFL DRAFT EDITOR AT NINETY-NINE YARDS WHERE HE CREATED DRAFT TALK, A NFL DRAFT PODCAST FOR NINETY-NINE YARDS. YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @OWAIN_JONES_

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