2025 NFL Combine: Ranking Tyler Booker and the top five prospects at interior offensive line ahead of the combine

Abhinav Sharma: Over the past three seasons, Booker has established himself as one of college football's most reliable and productive offensive linemen. During that time, he earned the role of team captain and dominated the line of scrimmage throughout the 2024 season, showcasing clear plug-and-play starter potential for the NFL.

As a run blocker, Booker possesses powerful hands and brute strength, allowing him to drive defenders off the ball and create space. He excels at locking onto defensive tackles and using his physicality to control gaps. In an era where uptempo and spread offenses have reshaped the game, Booker stands out as a rare, old-school enforcer entering the NFL Combine with a physical edge.

He plays through the whistle, shoves defenders aside, and finishes blocks with authority. His raw power consistently pushes defenders out of position, opening lanes in the ground game.

Booker will be a major force as a run blocker at the next level, particularly in short-yardage or goal-line situations, making him a valuable asset for any NFL offense.

Alastair Talbot: Alabama has long been a factory for top-tier offensive line talent, and Tyler Booker is the latest in that lineage. The 6-foot-5, 335-pound mauler is a nightmare for defenders, showcasing an elite blend of strength and mobility.

Booker's ability to generate movement in the run game makes him an ideal fit for power-heavy schemes, while his pass protection has improved each season.

His raw power and violent hands make him a plug-and-play NFL starter, with a ceiling that could see him become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard.

AS: An unsung pillar of Ohio State's National Championship run, Donovan Jackson has looked destined for the NFL since his high school days. Arriving in Columbus as a five-star recruit, the top-ranked interior lineman, and the seventh-best prospect overall, the expectations were sky-high. In 2024, he emerged as a leader on the Buckeyes’ offensive front, wrapping up his college career with 2,571 snaps over four seasons.

Jackson has been a foundational piece for the Buckeyes’ offensive line for years. Standing at 6ft 4in and weighing 320 pounds, he boasts the ideal frame, length, and interior strength for an NFL guard. His smooth transition to left tackle during Ohio State's constant shuffling on the offensive line this season has only strengthened his already impressive collegiate résumé.

AT: Jackson has been an anchor for the Buckeyes, displaying a rare combination of brute force and technical refinement.At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, he thrives in both zone and power-blocking schemes, showing nimble footwork and a strong initial punch.

His ability to dominate in one-on-one situations against elite defensive linemen makes him one of the most NFL-ready prospects at his position.

Jackson’s tenacity in the trenches and high football IQ suggest he’ll be an early-round selection capable of starting immediately.

AS: Grey Zabel's rise from an overlooked 240-pound high school lineman to a dominant FCS standout is a testament to his relentless work ethic and determination. The two-time FCS national champion bulked up to 305 pounds while retaining the athleticism that made him a three-sport standout at T.F. Riggs High School. His adaptability was on full display at North Dakota State, where he notched 41 starts across four different offensive line positions.

Zabel's senior year in 2024 was his crowning achievement, earning First Team All-America honors while anchoring an offensive line that topped the FCS in first downs and team passing efficiency. His protection was instrumental in quarterback Cam Miller setting school records for completions and passing yards, while also clearing paths for freshman breakout star CharMar Brown, who led all FCS freshmen in rushing yards. The former unranked recruit demonstrated incredible durability, starting the final 36 games of his career without interruption.

Capping off his college journey with a second national championship in 2024, Zabel's influence extended beyond accolades. Despite his towering 6ft 6in frame, he showcased exceptional leverage, consistently winning pad level battles and generating movement in the run game with powerful hip drive.

AT: Coming from the FCS ranks, Zabel is an intriguing prospect with the potential to follow in the footsteps of small-school linemen who have thrived in the NFL. Originally an offensive tackle, Zabel transitioned inside and excelled, demonstrating excellent hand placement and the versatility to play multiple positions along the line.

His ability to adjust to higher levels of competition will be a key storyline during the pre-draft process, but his dominance in the run game and solid lateral movement make him a name to watch.

AS: During his stint at Georgia, Jared Wilson was often labeled as a rare athletic marvel for an offensive lineman. He showcased impressive mobility, moving fluidly while maintaining the size needed to stand firm against some of the nation’s top interior defensive linemen. Though his starting experience in college was limited, it quickly became clear he didn’t need an extensive resume to prove his potential.

In the run game, Wilson excels at overpowering defenders, effortlessly creating space at the point of attack and controlling reps with authority. While he may not be the most explosive athlete in his class, Wilson moves smoothly in open space and bursts off the line with quickness.

He seamlessly reaches defenders at the second level and has the agility to adjust to rushers with ease. Despite limited starting experience, Wilson displays sharp awareness, effectively handling stunts, reading blitzes, and managing protection schemes with sound processing skills.

AT: A key piece of Georgia’s powerhouse offensive line, Wilson has been a steady force in the interior. He has a thick frame 6-foot-4, 320 pounds and excellent pad level allow him to generate leverage against defensive linemen.

Wilson’s run-blocking prowess is well-documented, but his ability to hold up in pass protection against SEC pass rushers makes him an appealing option for NFL teams looking for an immediate contributor. With Georgia’s track record of producing elite linemen, Wilson’s draft stock is only expected to rise.

AS: Ajani Cornelius, the Oregon Ducks’ offensive tackle, possesses the ideal size to compete at the NFL level. However, his draft projection is muddied by certain technical flaws and athletic limitations that surface in his game.

Cornelius often struggles with leverage and maintaining a low pad level, primarily due to limited flexibility and stiffness in his frame. These challenges are further magnified by his average foot speed, leaving his edges vulnerable to quicker pass rushers. Additionally, he has a tendency to overcommit to the initial pass-rush move, which can leave him out of position.

In the run game, Cornelius has the sheer size to overpower smaller defenders. Still, he needs to remain disciplined to avoid penalties, especially when quicker opponents attempt to escape his grasp. It’s fair to expect future growth for Cornelius. A strong performance during workouts and interviews could quickly shift perceptions and boost his draft stock.

AT: Cornelius’ blend of size (6-foot-5, 315 pounds), length, and movement skills makes him an enticing IOL prospect. The Oregon standout has shown flashes of dominance, particularly in the run game, where his ability to climb to the second level sets him apart.

While he may need to refine some aspects of his pass protection, Cornelius’ raw athleticism and strength give him tremendous upside. NFL teams that value versatility and explosiveness in the trenches will find his skill set intriguing.

Beyond these top five, several other interior linemen have put together strong seasons and could be in the mix for early draft selections:

Tate Ratledge (Georgia, Senior): A technically sound blocker with impressive footwork in pass protection. His ability to maintain balance and strength while shuffling makes him a reliable presence in the trenches. His grip strength and combo-blocking ability make him an excellent fit for both zone and power-blocking schemes.

Luke Kandra (Cincinnati, Senior): An intelligent and disciplined lineman who dictates contact on his own terms. His awareness and well-distributed weight allow him to stay balanced against twists and stunts. With a strong grip and the ability to erase second-level defenders, he could develop into a valuable asset for an NFL offense.

Willie Lampkin (North Carolina, Senior): A rising prospect with excellent movement skills and an aggressive approach in the run game. Though he needs to refine his strength to be a reliable man/gap blocker, his quickness and technique make him an intriguing option in a zone-heavy scheme.

With the demand for elite interior linemen growing, this year’s class offers a diverse mix of power, agility, and technique. As the draft approaches, expect these prospects to continue climbing boards as NFL teams search for difference-makers in the trenches.