BEST NFL OL 25 & UNDER.
- 1. Rashawn Slater LT (Los Angeles Chargers): Rashawn Slater is the prototypical NFL Offensive Lineman. Slater measures in at 6’4 315 pounds. The rest of the 25 and under group at offensive line proved ridiculously loaded with talent. With that said, Rashawn Slater has separated himself from the pack. Technique, athleticism, football IQ, versatility in pass setting, and punch timing are all ahead of his experience level. Considering he was only a rookie in 2021, what he accomplished was nothing short of amazing. Pro Bowl and 2nd team All-Pro in year 1. Beyond all the accolades and advanced analytics that won’t be highlighted here, the eye test truly sets Slater apart. He has no holes in his game and that’s the difference between him and the pack. Offensive line play goes widely unacknowledged and to be honest most people don’t know what they are looking at. Chiefly, that’s why Slater and his play is special. Even for someone who has no idea what they are looking at, you can tell he does it at the highest level. There’s no bigger compliment at the position.
- 2. Creed Humphrey C (Kansas City Chiefs): At 6’5 and 309 pounds, Creed Humphrey is unusually tall for the position. Size aside, the thing that makes Humphrey special is his toughness. Admittedly, Humphrey is not a bad athlete by any means, but he’s certainly not a guy that leaps off the screen in that regard. However, he is incredibly strong and powerful. Additionally, Humphrey is as sharp as there is between the ears. His knowledge of the game, especially at the center position, allows for him to play with that toughness that makes him special. When you mix that toughness, size, football IQ and strength with technique, you get Creed Humphrey. There isn’t anything flashy or sexy when it comes to Humphrey. In simpler terms, there are prospects and there are ball players. All-Rookie Team selection Creed Humphrey is the latter and one of the best already.
- 3. Tristan Wirfs RT (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Coming in at 6’5 320 pounds, Tristan Wirfs is a unit. His special trait is his athleticism. During his draft process, a video of him jumping out of a pool went viral. Yes, at 320 pound human jumped out of a pool and landed on his feet. Viral video aside, that athleticism alone doesn’t ensure that you’ll be a good player. Regardless, Tristan Wirfs checks all the boxes. He shows great strength when engaged and does a good job of being consistent in the tempo of his pass sets. The one big area he can visibly improve is his technique. Particularly in run blocking. He doesn’t give up many sacks and doesn’t allow much penetration on runs, but even so, sometimes lapses in basic technique allow defenders to affect the play even if they are not making the play directly. If Wirfs continues to refine the little details, he could find himself going from 2nd Team All-Pro and one of the best in football currently, to one of the best we have seen at the position.
- 4. Trey Smith RG (Kansas City Chiefs): The biggest guy on this list, Trey Smith checks in at 6’6 330 pounds. An unfortunate blood clot issue during his time at The University of Tennessee caused his draft stock to plummet. That led to him being selected in the SIXTH round by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs could not be more excited to pair Smith and Creed Humphrey together for the next decade health permitting. While Smith can improve with the his footwork and timing his punch in pass protection, he has proven to be one of the nastiest players in the NFL at the guard position. One thing i love is that when he is uncovered or his man disappears, he is always looking for work and cleaning up blocks. He gave up 4 sacks, which is not many over 19 games, but honestly I think he can rise to another level in pass pro. Great news is, he is undoubtedly one of the best run blockers in football already. He is the definition of a road grader and people mover. Smith will only improve on his play from the All-Rookie Team year he had in 2021 going forward.
- 5. Penei Sewell LT/RT (Detroit Lions): Sewell is the most unique guy on this list. He’s relatively new to the sport altogether. When you factor in his rawness with his lack of reps, some of the struggles that plagued him in the first half of his rookie season make more sense. Sewell started the season at LT due to Pro Bowler Taylor Decker being injured. Unquestionably, he struggled early on. As time passed, Sewell began to look more comfortable and the traits that got him drafted in the 1st round flashed. During the season, he Sewell made the move from LT to RT and the lightbulb went off. He not only looked comfortable, he stood out. Subsequently, Sewell finished so well he was named to the All-Rookie Team alongside Slater, Humphrey, and Smith. With his home at RT locked in, Sewell’s upside rises higher than it already is. If he continues down the path he is currently on, we could see him mentioned amongst the league’s best for years to come.
HONORABLE MENTION: Jedrick Wills LT (Cleveland Browns). Jordan Mailata LT (Philadelphia Eagles). Alijah Vera-Tucker G (New York Jets). Christian Darrisaw LT (Minnesota Vikings).
Radio Host and Former NFL/Memphis Tiger Standout Gabe Kuhn’s List:
- 1. Rashawn Slater LT (Los Angeles Chargers).
- 2. Creed Humphrey C (Kansas City Chiefs).
- 3. Tristan Wirfs RT (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
- 4. Jedrick Wills LT (Cleveland Browns).
- 5. Trey Smith RG (Kansas City Chiefs) & Jordan Mailata LT (Philadelphia Eagles) TIE.
NFL/XFL/AFL/AAF/USFL Standout & Former UCF Star Jordan McCray’s List:
- 1. Rashawn Slater LT (Los Angeles Chargers).
- 2. Creed Humphrey C (Kansas City Chiefs).
- 3. Trey Smith RG (Kansas City Chiefs).
- 4. Tristan Wirfs RT (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
- 5. Jedrick Wills LT (Cleveland Browns) & Penei Sewell RT (Detroit Lions) TIE.