7 Offensive Lines Under the Microscope for 2025
Football is a funny sport. Especially at the pro level, where all the posters, media guides, and banners are filled with the faces of franchise quarterbacks and dynamic skill position players, with maybe a few defensive stars sprinkled in here and there.
But, when it comes to actually winning football games in the NFL, no position group is more important than the offensive line. A great offensive line can drive success and hide weak areas at the skill positions. Alternatively, a poor offensive line can render a dynamic group of skill position players ineffective. Even the league’s best quarterbacks can’t be at their best.
It makes sense then to talk about some of the most impactful offensive lines heading into 2025. These units will make or break their teams chances at development or even championships. With that in mind, here are 7 offensive lines under the microscope for 2025:
1. Houston Texans 
Lynchpin Starter: Cam Robinson
Cam Robinson, acquired in the offseason, is critical for protecting C.J. Stroud’s blindside after Laremy Tunsil’s trade. His experience anchors a line aiming to rebound from a poor 2024.
What Success Looks Like:
The line, with Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, and rookie Aireontae Ersery, gels to give Stroud time to throw and opens lanes for a very suspect RB room. Stroud returns to form as a consistent Top 10 QB and the Texans offense rolls.
What Failure Looks Like:
Failure sees Robinson struggling to replace Tunsil, with Tytus Howard and rookie Jake Andrews faltering. Stroud faces constant pressure again, leading to a bottom-10 offense and a disappointing 2025.
2. Kansas City Chiefs 
Lynchpin Starter: Josh Simmons
Rookie Josh Simmons, shining in camp, is key to protecting Patrick Mahomes amid tackle uncertainties post-D.J. Humphries and Jawaan Taylor’s inconsistency.
What Success Looks Like:
Simmons solidifies the tackle spot, with Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith anchoring the interior. The line maintains elite pass protection and the Chiefs kryptonite turns into a major strength for another championship run.
What Failure Looks Like:
Simmons fails to translate camp success, and the tackles struggle. Mahomes faces rushed throws, and he gets little help from the run game which limits balance, threatening the Chiefs’ title hopes.
3. Minnesota Vikings 
Lynchpin Starter: Christian Darrisaw
Christian Darrisaw, returning from an ACL/MCL tear, is vital for protecting rookie J.J. McCarthy and stabilizing a revamped interior line.
What Success Looks Like:
Darrisaw regains All-Pro form, and the new interior (Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries) anchor an interior that was suspect late in 2024. This supports McCarthy’s growth, keeping HC Kevin O’Connell’s offense near the top of the league once again, despite the turnover at QB.
What Failure Looks Like:
Darrisaw’s recovery falters, and the interior struggles to gel. McCarthy faces pressure, stunting his development and limiting the impact of an elite receiving corps.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 
Lynchpin Starter: Broderick Jones
Broderick Jones, at his natural left tackle spot now but turning in mixed reviews at camp, is key for a young line. His growth is critical.
What Success Looks Like:
Jones becomes reliable, keeping Aaron Rodgers upright, and the young line, with Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu also leading the way, excels in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy scheme. This fuels a surprise top-12 offense and turns PIT into a real contender in the AFC.
What Failure Looks Like:
Jones’ camp struggles persist, and the line’s inexperience shows. Pass protection falters leaving an athletically limited Rodgers is running for his life, and the run game remains inefficient again in ‘25.
5. Los Angeles Chargers 
Lynchpin Starter: Joe Alt
With Rashawn Slater out, rookie Joe Alt moves to left tackle to protect Justin Herbert’s blindside. His strong 2024 performance makes him the line’s cornerstone in Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy scheme.
What Success Looks Like:
Alt adapts to left tackle, and the interior, with the addition of FA acquisition Mekhi Becton gets a little nastier. The line powers a robust run game, which leads the way for a top-10 offense and playoff berth.
What Failure Looks Like:
Alt struggles with the switch, and the interior continues 2024’s woes. Herbert faces pressure, and an inconsistent run game disrupts Harbaugh and Roman’s preferred playstyle, resulting in a middling offense and no playoffs.
6. Washington Commanders 
Lynchpin Starter: Laremy Tunsil
Laremy Tunsil, acquired from Houston, is the cornerstone for protecting rookie Jayden Daniels and elevating a line that overachieved in 2024.
What Success Looks Like:
Tunsil leads a cohesive line that maintains 2024’s strong performance, giving Daniels time to shine and supporting a robust run game. This drives a top-5 offense and another outstanding year for the 2024 2nd overall pick.
What Failure Looks Like:
Tunsil struggles to mesh with the interior (Brandon Coleman, Tyler Biadasz, Sam Cosmi), leading to poor pass protection and forcing Daniels to play even more hero ball this season. This results in a far less efficient offense and a step back for WAS.
7. New England Patriots 
Lynchpin Starter: Will Campbell
Rookie Will Campbell, the 4th overall pick in 2025, is the cornerstone for protecting Drake Maye’s blindside on a rebuilding line that struggled in 2024.
What Success Looks Like:
Campbell excels, and veterans Morgan Moses and Mike Onwenu stabilize the line, keeping Maye clean and opening run lanes for a dynamic stable of backs, leading to a top-20 offense and signs of progress.
What Failure Looks Like:
Campbell struggles with the NFL transition, and veterans like Moses and Garrett Bradbury decline. Maye faces constant pressure, and a weak run game results in a bottom-5 offense, stalling the rebuild.
For more NFL analysis from Jeremy Betz, click HERE.