Three Pack of 2025 NFL Draft Prospects- Guards

The 2024 college football season is coming to an end, so you know what that means? The 2025 NFL draft is coming soon, as well. Draft Nation is here to guide you through the prospects and how they can help NFL teams.

Here is a three pack of guards who are looking to get selected in the 2025 NFL draft.

Guard Tate Ratledge, Georgia

6-foot-6 308 lbs

What to like about Tate Ratledge

He is a consistent competitor that plays with a good base and fires off low, giving him the upper hand in one-on-one battles. He is fluid getting to the second level and he has the situational awareness of what the defense is trying to do with stunts and spin moves. He is a mauler in the run game and uses his lower half well to hit and drive opponents through the whistle. He relies on his strength to battle defenders one-on-one and works better in tight quarters than he does in the open. 

Reason for concern

On the downside, Ratledge needs to improve his hand placement and the way he utilizes his initial blow. He relies solely on his strength and this will be less successful at the NFL level. He is not technically or mechanically sound for the position and will need to be taught different techniques by an offensive line coach. He hesitates when pulling and struggles to put a square hit on a moving target. He can be sloppy in his pass protection and his footwork is too choppy for a 6’6” player. Injuries have played a big part in his collegiate career and have cut down on his available game film.

NFL Comparison

Matt Feiler

Feiler has become a solid pass blocker and has had a productive 10 year career adding depth to offensive lines in Houston, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and now Tampa Bay. Ratledge has a bit of a head start on Feiler since he played his college ball at Georgia, but needs to do improve on his techniques when entering the NFL like Feiler did. 

Draft Projection

2nd-3rd round pick

Guard Jaedan Roberts, Alabama

6-foot-5 316 lbs

What to like about Jaedan Roberts

Jaeden Roberts has a nasty demeanor and is a beast in the running game. He consistently drives defenders back and often times onto the turf. Roberts offers flexibility to an offensive line with his versatility, as he has played both guard and tackle positions over his Crimson Tide career. He is very astute and understands each positional assignment while remaining effective at picking up blitzes and stunts. 

Reason for concern

Roberts is not a fluid mover and will struggle to get to the second level of most defenses. He plays too upright and is more of a waist bender than an offensive lineman with a sturdy base. He lacks the starting experience of other top end prospects and his 2024 season will be under a microscope as scouts watch to see how he performs as a full time starter. Roberts has issues with balance because of his lack of patience, often lunging at pass rushers instead of waiting for them.

NFL Comparison

Trey Pipkins III

Trey Pipkins was a third round pick out of Sioux Falls in 2019 by the Los Angeles Chargers, and reminds Draft Nation of what Jaeden Roberts can become. Pipkins was highly touted due to his nasty demeanor and his football IQ, and has become a solid NFL starting guard. However, Pipkins has improved his mobility and his ability to get to the second level, all things that Roberts must continue to do to succeed.

Draft Projection

4th round pick

Guard Luke Kandra, Cincinnati

6-foot-4 323 lbs

What to like about Luke Kandra

Luke Kandra has an explosive first step off of snaps and uses that to hit and drive defenders in the run game. He is a high energy player who always seems to be moving on film. He is excellent at getting to and making blocks on the second level and has the ability to get out in front on screens and sweeps. Kandra has experience at all three interior offensive line positions and possesses the football I.Q. to call out defenses and understands combo blocks and the assignments at each position. Kandra has effective foot work and his blocking mechanics are text book. 

Reason for concern

Kandra's play strength is a work in progress, as he weighed only 297 pounds two years ago and has bulked up to 323, but still has issues with bull rushes and anchoring down against larger defensive lineman. When pass blocking he lacks the strength to withstand some pass rushers and will lose his base by playing too stiff and upright, making his pads higher than they should be. 

NFL Comparison

Jackson Powers-Johnson

When watching tape on Luke Kandra, Draft Nation was reminded of last year's second round draft pick Jackson Powers-Johnson out of Georgia. Kandra is mechanically sound and has the ability to pull and get out in front like Powers-Johnson. Both players have positional versatility and high football IQ. 

Kandra will be a solid draft pick in the mid-rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft and although he may start his career as a depth piece, he should grow into a starting role.

Draft Projection

4th round pick