Top 3 Offensive Line Prospects and a Player You Should Get Familiar With
- Duke Doyle
- Feb 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 4
The offensive line is the foundation of any successful team, yet its impact often goes unnoticed. These guys do the dirty work in the trenches protecting the quarterback and setting the tone for the ground game. While their contributions don’t always show up on the stat sheet, their influence on the game is undeniable. With the NFL Draft approaching, I’ve been diving deep into this year’s offensive line prospects. In this post, I’ll break down my top three picks and spotlight a sleeper who could turn out to be one of the biggest steals on draft day.
1. Will Campbell (OT) LSU, 6’6”, 232lbs
Strengths:
Elite Anchor & Strength: Campbell is a straight-up wall in pass protection. He’s got the lower-body strength to absorb power rushers and rarely gives up ground.
Tone-Setting Run Blocker: Plays with that nasty edge you want in a tackle. He’s aggressive, finishes his blocks, and constantly looks for extra work.
Athletic for His Size: Moves well for a big guy. His footwork is clean, and he can mirror pass rushers, recover when needed, and pull in the run game without looking sluggish.
Weaknesses:
Hand Placement Needs to Be Tighter: Tends to get a little wide with his hands, giving defenders an opening to get inside leverage or draw holding calls. Needs to be more consistent.
Balance Can Be a Little Hit-or-Miss: He occasionally overextends, especially against rushers who set him up with inside-out counters. Keeping his weight centered will help.
Punch Timing Is Inconsistent: When he lands his punch clean, it’s game over. But when he mistimes it, he exposes his chest and lets defenders dictate the rep. Needs to refine that part of his game.
Campbell is exactly what you want in a franchise left tackle big, athletic, nasty, and battle-tested in the SEC. He’s got the strength to dominate in the run game and the footwork to hang with NFL pass rushers. While he’ll need to clean up some technique issues, he’s got the mentality and skill set to be an instant starter. His ceiling? A cornerstone tackle for the next decade. His floor? A solid starter who plays with an edge. Either way, he’s a top-10 pick for a reason.
2. Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT) Texas, 6’4”, 320lbs
Strengths:
Explosive First Step: Banks gets out of his stance quickly, which helps him handle speed rushers off the edge. His quickness allows him to set the tone early in pass protection.
Strong Hands & Grip Strength: Once he latches onto a defender, it’s game over. His grip strength is elite, and he controls blocks well in both the pass and run game.
Versatile Blocking Ability: Can thrive in both gap and zone schemes. He moves well in space and has the power to displace defenders in the run game.
Weaknesses:
Pad Level Can Get High: At times, he plays too upright, which limits his power and leverage, especially against stronger defensive linemen.
Footwork Needs Refinement: His base can get too wide, which makes it harder for him to recover against inside counter moves.
Still Developing at the Next Level: Only a sophomore, so he’s still refining his technique. With more reps, he’ll clean up his inconsistencies.
Banks has all the traits you look for in a future franchise left tackle. He’s got the size, strength, and athleticism to handle elite pass rushers while still being a force in the run game. His football IQ and competitive edge separate him from other young linemen, and while he’s still fine-tuning his technique, the upside is undeniable. He’s a first-round talent with the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle. At worst, he’s a dependable long-term starter who brings toughness and consistency to an offensive line. Teams in need of a physical, high-upside tackle won’t hesitate to take a chance on him.
3. Tyler Booker (OG) Alabama, 6’5”, 325lbs
Strengths:
Dominant Run Blocker: Booker excels in the run game, consistently displacing defenders with his power and strong base. His ability to control the point of attack makes him an asset in any rushing scheme.
Strong Hands & Grip: Once engaged, Booker maintains control with elite grip strength, preventing defenders from shedding blocks. His hand placement and ability to sustain contact give him a clear advantage in the trenches.
Athletic for His Position: Possesses impressive mobility for an interior lineman, allowing him to pull effectively, reach the second level, and execute blocks in space. His movement skills make him adaptable to both gap and zone schemes.
Weaknesses:
Refinement in Pass Protection: At times, he plays with a high pad level, which can limit his ability to anchor against powerful interior rushers. Maintaining a lower stance will improve his balance and effectiveness.
Hand Placement Consistency: While strong, his hands can drift wide, allowing defenders to gain inside leverage. More disciplined technique will maximize his power and efficiency in one-on-one matchups.
Development Against Elite Competition: Still refining his technique against top-tier pass rushers. Additional experience and reps will be crucial in his transition to the next level.
Booker is a high-upside interior lineman with the size, strength, and athleticism to develop into a premier NFL guard. His ability to dominate in the run game and move efficiently in space makes him a scheme-versatile prospect. While his pass protection requires some refinement, his physical traits and competitive mentality provide a strong foundation for long-term success. His ceiling projects as a Pro Bowl-caliber guard with the ability to anchor an offensive line, while his floor remains that of a reliable, physical starter. Teams in need of a powerful presence on the interior will find Booker to be a highly valuable addition.
The Player You Should Get Familar With Is...Jack Nelson (OT) Wisconsin, 6’7”, 316lbs
Strengths:
Ideal Size & Length: Nelson has the prototypical frame for an NFL tackle. His long arms allow him to keep defenders at a distance, making it difficult for pass rushers to get into his chest.
Powerful Run Blocker: Plays with an aggressive edge and generates strong movement off the ball. He consistently creates running lanes and finishes blocks with authority.
Quick & Controlled Footwork: Moves well for his size, showing the ability to mirror defenders in pass protection. His footwork allows him to adjust to counter moves and stay engaged through the rep.
Weaknesses:
Leverage & Pad Level: At 6’7”, he can struggle with maintaining leverage. Playing lower will help him maximize his power and improve his anchor against bull rushers.
Hand Placement Needs Consistency: Can get too wide with his hands at times, allowing defenders to gain inside leverage. Refining his punch timing and placement will improve his ability to control blocks.
Balance & Recovery: While he moves well, he can occasionally get off balance when facing speed rushers with quick counters. Improved core strength and technique will help him maintain control.
Nelson has everything you want in an NFL-caliber tackle size, strength, and movement skills. His physicality in the run game and ability to hold his ground in pass protection make him a strong prospect, but refining his technique will be key to taking his game to the next level. He plays with a competitive edge and has all the tools to develop into a high-level starter. With the right coaching, he has Pro Bowl potential. At worst, he’s a steady, reliable presence at tackle who brings toughness and consistency to an offensive line.
