The Foundation of Success: Why Elite Offensive Linemen Are Essential in the NFL

In the modern NFL, flashy skill-position players often steal the headlines, but the reality is that success starts in the trenches. Teams with dominant offensive lines consistently find themselves in contention, and the 2024 NFL season was yet another reminder of that fact. Playoff teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all prioritized investing in their offensive lines, and their success on the field reflected that commitment. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams searching for stability and long-term success must recognize the importance of elite offensive linemen—especially top prospects Armand Membou, Will Campbell, and Kelvin Banks Jr, who deserve to be selected early in the first round.

The Correlation Between Strong Offensive Lines and Winning

The past NFL season showed just how vital a well-built offensive line is to a team’s success. Let’s look at some of the top playoff teams that emphasized their offensive line:

• Philadelphia Eagles – Despite injuries in 2024, the Eagles’ offensive line remained a strength, anchored by veterans like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. The franchise has made a habit of drafting and developing linemen to maintain stability in the trenches. It also doesn’t hurt that they have one of the best offensive line coaches in the league in Jeff Stoutland. 

• Detroit Lions – The Lions invested heavily in their offensive line, featuring stars like Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow. Their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage was a key reason for their ability to obtain the NFC’s #1 seed in the 2024 postseason. 

• Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens’ ground-and-pound identity is built on their offensive line, which allowed their dynamic duo in running game Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to thrive en-route to a top seed in the AFC.

• Buffalo Bills – Protecting Josh Allen has been a priority, and their improved offensive line played a huge role in their 2024 postseason push. The Bills offensive line played so well in 2024 that James Cook had a career year and is looking for a new contract because of it.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs retooled their offensive line in recent drafts, providing a solid foundation for their offense, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Bucs looks to add even more depth to their O-line in the 2025 Draft.

These teams understood that no matter how talented their quarterbacks and skill-position players were, offensive line play dictates the ceiling of an offense.

Kelvin Banks Jr, Will Campbell, Armand Membou: The Next Elite NFL Linemen

As teams look toward the 2025 NFL Draft, three names stand out as franchise-changing offensive line prospects: Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) Will Campbell (LSU) and Armand Membou (Missouri) 

Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)

Banks has been a dominant force at left tackle for Texas, showcasing elite footwork, power, and agility that make him a plug-and-play starter in the NFL. His ability to neutralize top pass rushers while excelling in run blocking makes him one of the safest picks in the draft. With a league that continues to prioritize elite left tackles to protect franchise quarterbacks, Banks is a top 10 talent who shouldn’t last long on draft night.

Will Campbell (LSU)

Campbell, another elite left tackle prospect, has been an anchor for LSU’s offensive line. At 6’6” and 325 pounds, he possesses the perfect blend of size, technique, and athleticism. His ability to dominate in both pass protection and the run game makes him a high-upside prospect with Pro Bowl potential. Any team in need of a cornerstone tackle should have Campbell high on their draft board.

Armand Membou (Missouri) 

Membou is an incredibly powerful lineman with the versatility to play either right tackle or guard. At 6’5” and 320 lbs., he’s a mauler in the run game and has the quickness to hold up in pass protection. His versatility makes him a great option for teams needing immediate upgrades at multiple spots.

Why Teams Must Prioritize Offensive Linemen in 2025

In recent years, teams that have invested heavily in offensive linemen have reaped the benefits. Whether it’s the Eagles consistently drafting linemen early or the Lions building a dominant front, the blueprint for success is clear. The 2025 NFL Draft will feature plenty of quarterback-needy teams, but those who prioritize protecting their signal-callers with elite linemen will have a major advantage.

Kelvin Banks Jr, Armand Membou & Will Campbell aren’t just first-round talents—they’re future franchise cornerstones. In a league where games are won and lost in the trenches, passing on them could be a costly mistake.