The 2025 NFL Draft is less than a week away. The Green Bay Packers have the 23rd overall pick in the first round and eight picks overall. This is the next in a series of articles looking at players the Packers may be interested in selecting in the early rounds of this year’s draft. The only players listed here are realistic possibilities for the Packers GM Brian Gutekunst to pick in the first or second round of the draft or who fill specific needs for the team right now. Today we will examine offensive tackles. Here are five offensive tackles the Packers could select in the early rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The State of the Packers Offensive Tackles Entering the 2025 NFL Draft
As of now, the Packers have three players battling for their two starting tackle spots. Zach Tom will be the starting right tackle. He has been the team’s best offensive lineman in each of the last two seasons. At left tackle, incumbent Rasheed Walker will battle with 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan for the starting job.
Depth is a big issue. Neither Kadeem Telfort nor Travis Glover played particularly well when they were inserted into the lineup.
In addition, Walker and Tom are both scheduled to be unrestricted free agents after the 2025 campaign. While inking Tom is likely to be a top priority for Gutekunst, nothing is certain until a new deal is signed.
So here is a list of possible offensive tackles the Packers may take early in the 2025 draft. They are not listed in any particular order. These are not the best available players but are players the Packers could take if they use the 23rd pick or trade up grab them a bit sooner.
Offensive Tackles the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number One: Kelvin Banks, Texas
Kelvin Banks started for three years at Texas at left tackle. He does have short arms for an NFL tackle, so some scouts think he will be better suited to playing guard. Will Gutekunst like his potential versatility or shy away from using an early round pick at guard?
Banks attained an RAS score of 8.31. He does a good job of picking up stunts and blitzes and uses his hands and leverage well. Banks also plays with the mean streak you want to see from an offensive lineman. He grades out better as a pass protector than a run blocker. His shorter arms create issues for him when run blocking.
Banks has potential and will likely be a late first or early second round pick. But he may not be a great fit for the Packers because of his similarities to last year’s first-round pick, Jordan Morgan.
Number Two: Josh Conerly, Oregon
Josh Conerly possesses the athleticism the Packers crave in their first-round picks. He scored a 9.72 RAS, moves quickly and does a good job of playing the angles when pass blocking. He also has long arms and big hands.
The biggest concern for Conerly is his strength, which he could add with proper coaching. He does struggle with bull rushers because of this.
The Oregon alum started for two years in college and is expected to go late in the first round, exactly where the Packers are going to draft at 23.
Offensive Tackles the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Three: Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Josh Simmons has the talent to excel in the NFL, but he does have injury concerns. He missed the final 10 games for Ohio State last year due to a knee injury. The injury limited his ability to test pre-draft.
Simmons committed just one penalty last season in six games, a false start. He blocks well against the run and he’s a heady pass blocker who knows how to pick up stunts. Simmons has played both left and right tackle, which the Packers always appreciate.
He does need to get a little stronger to maximize his NFL potential, especially against bull rushers. If he checks out medically, he can be a long-term starting left tackle. He is expected to be selected late in the first round.
Number Four: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Aireontae Ersery started three years at left tackle for the Golden Gophers. He’s athletic enough to slide and pick up pass rushers and moves well when run blocking. Scouts regard Ersery as one of the better run blockers in this year’s draft class.
At 6’6” and 337 pounds, his height can work against him at times if rushers get under his shoulder pads and gain leverage. He isn’t as versatile as the Packers prefer and likely can only play tackle. Moving to the right side may also be a challenge for him.
Unlike many other candidates, Ersery has been healthy in college. He started the last 38 games at left tackle for Minnesota. He may need a little more time to improve his technique, but he should develop into a quality starting NFL tackle. Scouts expect him to go in the second round.
Offensive Tackles the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Five: Will Campbell, LSU
Will Campbell has a similar problem to Jordan Morgan, short arms. Some scouts feel he is better suited to play guard in the NFL while others view him as the best offensive tackle prospect in the draft.
Campbell moves well and has the athleticism teams look for He works well with his teammates. He run blocks well and can combo block to create double teams. The LSU alum has fast feet and moves laterally well in pass protection. He allowed only one sack in his final 30 college games.
Campbell will need to fine tune his technique a bit, but that’s true of most NFL rookies. He should be a long-term starter in the NFL. The Packers will likely have to trade up if they want to select him.
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