The Cincinnati Bengals had one of the top offenses in the NFL during the 2024 season, averaging 27.8 points per game, which was good enough to be the 6th best offense in the NFL. Despite the success of Cincinnati’s offense, they had a significant weak link, an offensive line that struggled to find chemistry and consistency. This off-season, the Bengals hired modern offensive line guru and the creator of the “Tip of the Spear” blocking program, Scott Peters; Peters is a protege of longtime Bengals offensive line coach and consultant Jim McNally. While the Bengals plan on focusing on defense in this draft, they need to pick up a quality offensive guard during the later rounds of the 2025 draft for Scott Peters to mold into his vision of what wants to be known for on this Bengals offensive line.
1. Tyler Booker – Alabama
Alabama guard Tyler Booker is the top-rated offensive guard prospect in the 2025 NFL. Traditionally, offensive guards are not usually in high demand during the early rounds of most NFL drafts, and once again, that appears to be the case in 2025. The 6’5″, 325-pound Booker is a robust and well-built interior offensive line prospect, and scouts have noted that he is very competitive. Those are all very positive traits on the offensive line in the NFL, and Booker also has a reputation for having a high football IQ. Critics have noted that Booker tends to have a poor first step and struggles with balance, which will need to be corrected once Booker starts working with the offensive line coach for the team that drafts him.
2. Tate Ratledge – Georgia
Georgia guard Tate Ratledge has the prototypical size to excel as an interior offensive lineman in the NFL. The 6’6″, 320-pound Ratledge is known for being a powerful downhill blocker, and he will be an excellent addition to a team that runs a heavy gap and man schemes on offense. NFL scouts have also noted that Ratledge is an above-average pass protector in close-quarters situations. Ratledge does not possess dynamic athleticism, but he is perfect at overpowering defensive linemen who are not skilled enough to avoid him in the box.
3. Miles Frazier – LSU
LSU guard Miles Frazier has established himself as a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing any position on the offensive line, making him an excellent “swingman.” The 6’5″, 325-pound is a little short to be viewed as a top offensive tackle prospect, making him an excellent guard prospect in the draft. One weakness of Frazier is that he needs to get stronger, which could make for a difficult transition into the NFL unless the team that drafts him sets him up for success in the form of solid double-team partners.
4. Dylan Fairchild – Georgia
Georgia guard Dylan Fairchild projects to be a prospect with a low ceiling whose role will be to contribute as a good depth player along the interior offensive line in the NFL. Fairchild has developed a reputation for being very consistent regarding his pass-protection skills. The 6’5″, 315-pound Fairchild has a great build to be successful on the line of scrimmage in the NFL. Still, he is often criticized for lacking functional strength if he intends to be a starter, which leads to the assessment that he will be a developmental project.
5. Willie Lampkin – North Carolina
North Carolina guard Willie Lampkin has demonstrated that he is a technician along the offensive line while playing for the Tarheels, and his determination is a notable intangible strength. Lampkin played five college football seasons, giving him time to mature and develop great technique. At 5’11”, 290 pounds, there are concerns about his size, and he could find himself converted from a guard into a center. While playing in college, Lampkin only played one game at center, so that move could be more difficult than it looks on paper.
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