By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
In today’s preview of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects from the West, we look at the highest-rated people movers.
As many as nine players from the region could hear their names called over the three days next week in Green Bay.
Some of them are surefire Day One stars while others are long shots who hope to get the chance to impress.
Here is a look at the offensive linemen who could be drafted.
1. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State, IOL — Late 1st/Early 2nd Round
Zabel is a versatile OL who played all over the line in college. In the NFL he will almost certainly be an interior lineman.
His footwork is excellent, and his lateral movement is a serious plus in pass protection.
However, Zabel could struggle with elite edge rushers in the NFL, hence the move inside to guard.
He could be an impact player on the line as a rookie.
2. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon OT — Late 1st/Early 2nd Round
Conerly shows excellent movement in space to open up the run game.
He reads twists and blitzes early and can slide over to assist inside when needed. And he has the size to muscle up defenders.
Conerly could have issues early with the speed of NFL linebackers and will need to work on positioning and technique to combat that but should develop into a solid NFL lineman.
3. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona, IOL — 2nd/3rd Round
Savaiinaea is a space-eater inside and will be tough to beat quickly off the ball inside.
His strong upper body will help him with initial contact and prevent defenders from getting good angles.
Savaiinaea can locate and make blocks at the second level.
His footwork can be an issue as he relies on the upper body a bit too much.
4. Joshua Gray, Oregon State, OT/IOL — 4th Round
Gray’s ability to play any position on the line will be a huge strength for the former Beaver. He’s a smart player with good movement to fit any run-blocking scheme.
Sometimes he relies on his hands rather than footwork, causing him to get grabby, which is never a good thing for a lineman.
Gray could play tackle but most likely will be a guard.
Perhaps a bit of a project, but he is strong, durable, and smart—all things an NFL line coach can work with.
5. Jackson Slater, IOL, Sacramento State — 5th Round
Slater plays smooth and does a good job of staying low and getting leverage. He can play center as well as guard, which is always a bonus in the eyes of NFL scouts.
His strong upper body allows him to latch on and maintain the block longer after leverage is lost.
Slater’s lateral footwork could be an issue and he has had problems effectively getting to the second level of blocks.
6. Ajani Cornelius, Oregon, IOL — 6th/7th Round
Cornelius is another player who was a tackle in college but will probably make the switch inside if he is to stick in the NFL.
His long arms and lower-body strength help him create leverage on defenders.
His footwork could be a problem in the NFL, though, and he needs to get quicker, with both his feet and hands.
7. Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, OT, Oregon State — Late 7th/UDFA
Christian-Lichtenhan will be a project at the next level, but his intangibles make him intriguing.
At 6-foot-8 with an 85.5-inch wingspan, he has the physique to play in the NFL.
He may struggle getting leverage and his angles need to improve a bunch.
8. Marcus Wehr, IOL, Montana State — Late 7th/UDFA
Wehr is an effective run blocker and was excellent in the zone run schemes.
He’s quick off the ball and that helps get drive in the run game. His pass-blocking skills could hold him back.
Wehr’s limited lateral movement may cause him to struggle with the speed of the NFL and get overpowered in the pass rush.
9. Caleb Etienne, OT, BYU — Late 7th/UDFA
At 6-7 and 328 pounds, the former Cougar has the size to play in the NFL.
He has flown under the radar for the most part this offseason but could be buoyed by a huge performance at BYU’s pro day.
Etienne’s athleticism should make him worthwhile as a late flyer for a pro squad.
His major weakness is his agility, which could get him in trouble against the speed of NFL pass rushers.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
