Editor’s note: The U-T’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 24-26). Here are his top 10 offensive tackles, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

— Will Campbell (Jr., LSU, 6-foot-6, 319 pounds)

Campbell was the fourth-ranked offensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class and started at left tackle for the Tigers as a true freshman. He features premier athleticism (9.91 RAS) for the position. He earned the honor of wearing LSU’s No. 7 as the team’s top playmaker his last two seasons. Campbell wore a patch with the single digit since he couldn’t wear that jersey number as a lineman. The tradition began in 2008 with Patrick Peterson, with players such as Tyrann Mathieu, Leonard Fournette, Ja’Marr Chase and Derek Stingley Jr. following in Peterson’s footsteps. Campbell’s talent and tape are indisputable, but so is his mediocre arm length. That being said, I’m not ready to throw Campbell out with the bathwater because of one less-than-ideal trait. He was baptized in the fire of the SEC, and thrived. If he’s forced to move inside in the pros, so be it, he’s still a top-tier prospect. Projected: Top-10

— Armand Membou (Jr., Missouri, 6-4, 332)

Membou was one of the standouts at the combine, running the fastest 40-yard dash (4.91) of any offensive lineman who was at least 6-4 and 330 pounds since 2003 (according to NFL+). He measured an inch taller than what had previously been reported, and showcased his top-tier movement skills throughout his on-field workout. Membou started 30 games at right tackle for the Tigers, but he’s a tick below what we would consider prototypical size for an NFL offensive tackle (he’s 6-4 with 33 1/2-inch arms). Regardless, he’s a technically sound pass-protector with exceptional body control, elite athleticism (No. 39 on Bruce Feldman’s 2024 Freaks List) and agility. He’s also a finisher in the run game. Membou may be only scratching the surface of his potential. Projected: Top-15

— Kelvin Banks Jr. (Jr., Texas, 6-5, 315)

Banks was the third-ranked offensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class, and like LSU’s Campbell, started at left tackle for the Longhorns as a true freshman. He was just the sixth offensive lineman in Texas’ history to be selected as an unanimous All-American, while also winning the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy last season. Arm length (33 1/2 inches) concerns may necessitate a move to the interior, but Banks is a natural in pass protection. His size and athleticism (8.32 RAS) play anywhere. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— Josh Conerly Jr. (Jr., Oregon, 6-5, 311)

Conerly was the second-ranked offensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class and allowed only one sack in his first season as a full-time starter, protecting Bo Nix’s blind side as a sophomore. He was chosen first-team All-Big Ten in the Ducks’ first season in the conference, holding his own against Penn State’s Abdul Carter in the Big Ten Championship. Conerly allowed only five total pressures in protecting Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel, but he still needs some polish in pass pro. He’s athletic (8.84 RAS) enough to recover when beaten, but he’ll need to improve his play strength against NFL power rushers. Conerly’s already an asset in the run game, especially as a puller, and he has the range to get to the second level, where he consistently erases defenders as a lead blocker. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— Aireontae Ersery (Jr., Minnesota, 6-6, 331)

A former three-star recruit, Ersery became a three-year starter at left tackle for the Gophers. He features an impressive athletic profile (9.42 RAS) for such a massive frame. The 2024 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year is a pro-ready run blocker, who is less polished as a pass protector (especially against speedy rushers). Ersery’s heavy hands are capable of halting most defensive linemen in their tracks. It might take a few seasons of NFL coaching to get the best out of him, but he’s improved each of the last three years, so the arrow is pointed in the right direction. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— Charles Grant (Sr., William & Mary, 6-5, 311)

Grant started 41 games at left tackle for the Tribe, and was voted team captain his senior year while earning FCS All-American honors his last two seasons. He was taller and slightly heavier than expected at the combine (a good thing). His combination of long arms (almost 35 inches) and fluid athleticism set him apart in this tackle class. He’s a finisher in the run game and more technically sound in pass pro than many of the prospects coming out of Power Four conferences these days. Grant needs to continue adding muscle mass to manage the massive leap in competition, but the football IQ, mindset and requisite skills are already here. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— Josh Simmons (Sr., Ohio St., 6-5, 317)

A former four-star recruit (and standout at Madison and Helix High), Simmons spent two seasons at San Diego State before joining the Buckeyes in 2023. He suffered a season-ending knee injury (patella) in October against Oregon, but should be ready for training camp. He was making a play to be this draft’s top tackle before getting hurt, not allowing a sack or pressure in the six games he played. If fully healthy, Simmons has the prototypical size and features the fluid movement skills to handle NFL-caliber speed off the edge. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— Cameron Williams (Jr., Texas, 6-6, 317)

Williams only started a single season at right tackle for the Longhorns, but he features prototypical size and length you just can’t teach. He’s still sashimi raw, with a mauler mentality in the run game, but his technique remains a work in progress. Williams has already shown dominant flashes in pass pro, but he’d benefit from a gap year to build towards his high ceiling before he sees the field in the pros. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— Ozzy Trapilo (Sr., Boston College, 6-8, 316)

Trapilo is a former four-star recruit with NFL bloodlines. He was a three-year starter at both tackle positions for the Eagles. His massive build, nasty temperament and extensive experience in a pro-style offense are key selling points. There are occasional balance issues due to his height, and his hands need to be more consistent, but he’s a bully in pass protection who immediately looks for extra work if he neutralizes the edge quickly. His father, Steve, was an All-American guard at Boston College who was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round in 1987. He provided the key block for Doug Flutie on Flutie’s iconic Hail Mary pass to beat Miami in 1984. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— Hollin Pierce (Sr., Rutgers, 6-8, 341)

A former no-star recruit who was a walk-on for the Scarlet Knights, Pierce became a four-year starter with 50 career starts almost evenly split between left (26) and right (24) tackle. He’s massive with the wingspan of a condor — 88 1/4 inches was largest wingspan at the combine. Pierce routinely makes first contact, and that’s usually all she wrote. He can be knocked off balance if a rusher can reach his chest, but good luck with that. There are agility limitations due to his size, but he’s a diligent worker, and already technically refined. Pierce will be 24 on draft day. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— Anthony Belton (Sr., NC State, 6-6, 336)

A former no-star recruit, Belton spent two years at Georgia Military College before joining the Wolfpack in 2021. He took over for Ickey Ekwonu (No. 6 overall pick in 2022), starting the last three seasons at left tackle (he turned 24 in February). He eclipses defenders in pass pro, and doesn’t have a problem moving them wherever he wants as a run-blocker when he’s locked in. Belton plays with an edge, which sometimes morphs into a lack of discipline. He carries his weight well, but it will need to be monitored in the pros. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— Jalen Travis (Sr., Iowa St., 6-8, 339)

Travis was a two-year starter at Princeton, earning second-team All-Ivy honors twice as a team captain, before joining the Cyclones last season. Travis is physically imposing and surprisingly mobile (9.08 RAS). He’s more refined in pass pro than run blocking, but once he gets his hands on you, you’re finished either way. Travis was one of the few linemen to earn a win in one-on-one drills against Marshall’s Mike Green at the Senior Bowl. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— Logan Brown (Sr., Kansas, 6-6, 311)

Brown was the fourth-ranked offensive tackle in the 2019 recruiting class (he turns 24 a week before the draft). He spent four years at Wisconsin before being kicked off the team midway through the 2022 season after reportedly striking a teammate during practice. He’s spent the last two years with the Jayhawks, starting 11 games at right tackle last season, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. Brown has ideal size and length. He was one of only six players in Indy with a wingspan of at least 84 inches. Only LSU’s Campbell and Mizzou’s Membou have a better athletic profile (9.50 RAS), but he hasn’t played much meaningful ball in college, and his dismissal from Wisconsin needs to be looked into. A left foot injury required season-ending surgery in 2023 (he missed 11 games). Projected: Rounds 4-5

— Carson Vinson (Sr., Alabama A&M, 6-7, 314)

The former two-star recruit became a five-year starter at left tackle for the Bulldogs, earning second-team FCS All-American honors last season. Vinson was only the third player in Alabama A&M’s history to receive an invitation from the Senior Bowl. The other two were Pro Football Hall of Famer John Stallworth (1974) and Kendrick Rodgers (2001). Vinson held his own in Mobile, dominating Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart in one-on-one drills during practice. He features prototypical size and length, and has proven capable of climbing to the second level to pick-off linebackers in the run game. There’s a lot to work with here, but the overall technique is a work-in-progress, and he turns 24 in November. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— Myles Hinton (Sr., Michigan, 6-7, 325)

Hinton was the sixth-ranked offensive tackle in the 2020 recruiting class, and spent three years at Stanford before joining the Wolverines in 2023. He has double-digit starts at left (12) and right tackle (19). Hinton features the prototypical size and length desired in the pros, and the athleticism to be an asset in the run game. He appears too reactive in pass pro. He hardly ever dictates the dance. Hinton’s father, Chris, was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the No. 4 overall pick of the 1983 NFL Draft, but traded to the Baltimore Colts as part of the John Elway trade on draft day. He was an All-American tackle at Northwestern, and became a five-time All-Pro in the league. Hinton’s brother, Christopher, will battle for a roster spot on the Chargers at nose tackle this summer. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— Ajani Cornelius (Sr., Oregon, 6-4, 312)

A former no-star recruit, Cornelius spent three years at Rhode Island before joining the Ducks in 2023. He made 50 straight starts at right tackle to cap his collegiate career. As a run-blocker, Cornelius excels in space and features a mean streak. In pass pro, speed rushers give him fits, but he does have a Plan B when things go awry. A move to the interior may unlock his best version. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— Jack Nelson (Sr., Wisconsin, 6-7, 318)

A former four-star recruit, Nelson was honorable mention All-Big Ten three times at both left tackle and right guard for the Badgers. He features prototypical height with functional length, good instincts and functional athleticism (he’s shown more consistency as a run blocker). Nelson needs to get stronger, and develop discipline (too many penalties). His father, Todd, was a three-year starter at guard for Wisconsin and drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in the 12th round (No. 318) of the 1989 NFL draft. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— Chase Lundt (Sr., Connecticut, 6-7, 303)

A former three-star recruit, Lundt became a four-year starter at right tackle for the Huskies, and allowed zero sacks with only one hit his final season. He can afford to add more mass to his frame, but he’s an efficient mover with quick feet. He has the range to fly around and make plays in the run game. Lundt’s anchor is lacking in pass pro vs. power rushers, and his technique could use some polish. He suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee in 2021, and missed the Senior Bowl and combine with a sprained MCL. Lundt turns 25 in June. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— Xavier Truss (Sr., Georgia, 6-7, 309)

A former four-star recruit, Truss started 42 games at four O-line positions for the Bulldogs — right tackle (26), left guard (16), right guard (two) and left tackle (one). He earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2023. His play strength, functional athleticism (7.02 RAS) and versatility are the selling points. The lack of explosiveness might relegate him to a backup role. Truss turns 24 in July. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (Sr., Florida, 6-7, 316)

A former three-star recruit, Crenshaw-Dickson spent five years at San Diego State before joining the Gators last season. He had double-digit starts at both tackle spots (29 on the right side, 18 on the left). Crenshaw-Dickson features prototypical size and length, but he’s still developing an anchor. His frame can hold another 15 pounds. He’s more developed in pass pro, but he’s a competitor and plays through the whistle as a run blocker. Crenshaw-Dickson will be 24 on draft day. Projected: Rounds 6-7

____

©2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.