Arthur J. Rooney Jr. Vice President | Pittsburgh Steelers Website
Arthur J. Rooney Jr. Vice President | Pittsburgh Steelers Website
The final day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium highlighted the offensive linemen, drawing attention to a deep pool of potential starters for the 2025 NFL Draft. According to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, while this year's class may lack elite players compared to last year, it offers numerous candidates ready to play with versatility across different positions.
Jeremiah pointed out four standout players: Tyler Booker from Alabama is seen as "plug-and-play" at guard; Armand Membou from Missouri has experience at both guard and tackle; Grey Zabel from North Dakota State can handle all five offensive line positions; and Donovan Jackson from Ohio State transitioned successfully from left guard to left tackle after an injury in his team.
Booker is noted for his aggressive playing style, describing football as "legal assault" and aiming to make opponents "not love football," according to what he told NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales. Several schools had multiple linemen showcased, including Texas, Oregon, Ohio State, and Georgia—all participants in the 2024 College Football Playoff. Charles Davis of the NFL Network remarked on the correlation between having many linemen at the combine and winning games.
Membou made headlines with a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at over 332 pounds. His performance placed him among a select group of offensive linemen achieving a vertical leap over 30 inches and a sub-5.00-second 40-yard dash since 2003. Despite some questioning his arm length suitability for tackle versus guard roles, LSU's Will Campbell remains confident in his abilities regardless of measurements.
Donovan Jackson faced challenges during drills due to apparent physical discomfort but remained determined despite concerns about his health expressed by Jeremiah and Davis.