As the 2025 NFL season approaches, executives, coaches, and scouts have come together to evaluate the league’s top offensive tackles. Topping this year’s rankings is Trent Williams, who at 36 years old shows no sign of slowing down as he repeatedly hosses on the world’s best pass rushers. To be fair to him, his performance over the last ten years has been nothing short of miraculous. He demonstrates quickness and explosiveness that’s equal to or better than any point in his career. This article examines the ten best offensive tackles. It aims to amplify their strengths, follies, shortcomings, missteps, and impact on their respective teams.
Trent Williams takes the top spot again after finishing first last year, an indication of how great he still is at age 35. Although he came out of the gate last season fairly slow, he’s gotten better and better and run consistently at a high level ever since. Darius Slater is another big success story in this year’s rankings. He exhibited top-notch run-blocking ability, allowing the fewest run-block losses of any player to earn votes. On the other side, Jake Matthews has made some serious strides in his ability to anchor against elite edge rushers. At 31 years old, Taylor Decker might be the best offensive tackle available. Lane Johnson, 12 seasons of excellence with no down seasons, rounds out this exclusive club.
Trent Williams: The Ageless Wonder
At 36 years old, Trent Williams still does the impossible. He plays like a 25-year-old, and it’s been well over a decade. His agility and strength remain high on the field, keeping him a prime asset for his team. Last year, in the playoffs, he completely established himself as one of the best in the league, further building on that reputation.
“Washington wouldn’t have done what they did if he wasn’t immensely talented,” – NFL personnel director
Now, Williams is both surviving and thriving. He got off to a slow start last season but soon found his form and was an invaluable part of his club’s run to glory. He blends experience with raw talent, demonstrating once again why he continues to be one of the best NFL offensive tackles today.
Williams is frequently lauded for his extraordinary cold-blooded poise under pressure. One of these things is that he has always been at his best in schemes that prioritize movement over physicality.
“When he’s clicking, there’s still nobody better,” – veteran NFL offensive coach
It’s this rare combination of strength, agility, and body control that has turned him into perhaps the most indispensable player in football. Williams is still a force to be reckoned with on the field. He inspires us to remember that talent has no age restrictions.
Darius Slater and His Emerging Dominance
Offensive tackle Darius Slater has made himself the best-kept secret in football, establishing a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable tackles. Last year, he had the fewest run-block losses (68) of any player to earn a vote, which speaks to his elite quality when running the ball. Even if he shouldered the blame for being called for two penalties in last season’s 904 snaps, it’s all impressive after all for Slater.
“With the penalties, when they happen they seem to pile up, which makes you wonder whether he has the mental strength to wash the bad plays and move on,” – NFL personnel director
His unique technique and artistic approach to design, paired with a fierce discipline, has set Slater apart from his contemporaries. He might not have the highlight reel cuts of other tackles but his ability to do everything consistently goes a long way.
“He just gets the job done consistently,” – AFC scout
His knack for keeping QB pressure to a minimum and limiting penalties and turnovers helps make him a key cog in the wheel of any great O-line. Whether he decides to give full-time professional golf a go or not, his future for greatness seems to be limitless.
The Strengths of Other Top Tackles
Jake Matthews has notably improved at his ability to anchor against more powerful rushers this year. His development hasn’t been lost on NBA scouts or college coaches. He has an incredible natural base that he has been able to build on to improve his craft against the best of the best.
A third worthy mention is Taylor Decker, who placed fourth overall last year. At 31 years old, he’s still one of the most impressive players in terms of his reliability and production on the field. Decker’s experience and versatility would bring instant pedigree to any offensive scheme.
And as formidable a force as Johnson is, he’s not the only athletic freak on Philly’s line. Even coming off the bench after 12 seasons in the league, he has netted no real pronounced decline in performance. Johnson’s resilience is reflected in the two extensions he signed with Buffalo since 2020. It’s his consistency that gives him the ability to absorb all challengers.
“He can handle whatever you want out there and won’t look particularly stressed doing it. Rare combination of size and athleticism,” – NFC executive
Finally, David Bakhtiari is blowing up the curve at 30. He allowed an average time to pressure of 3.78 seconds last season, showcasing his ability to protect his quarterback effectively.
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