Two Tennessee lineman are ranked among the top 100 prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Two Tennessee Linemen Ranked Among the Top 100 Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
The University of Tennessee has long been a prestigious program in college football, known for producing top-tier talent across various positions. The Vols have established themselves as a program that consistently produces elite players, and the 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be no different. Two of Tennessee’s most impactful players, both of whom play along the offensive and defensive lines, have earned recognition as two of the top 100 prospects for the upcoming draft. These rankings are a testament to the strength of Tennessee’s program, the development of its players, and the growing reputation of the school’s football program on the national stage.
As the Vols continue their ascent under head coach Josh Heupel, the spotlight shines on Tennessee’s offensive and defensive lines, where they have developed some of the best talent in college football. Among these players, two linemen in particular stand out as future NFL stars: Jeremiah Crawford and Omari Thomas. These two players, who both play pivotal roles on Tennessee’s line of scrimmage, have earned high rankings in the 2025 NFL Draft by several scouting outlets and experts. Their potential to play at the next level is undeniable, and as the draft draws nearer, all eyes will be on these two Vols as they make their mark on the football world.
Jeremiah Crawford: A Rising Star on the Offensive Line
Jeremiah Crawford, a key member of Tennessee’s offensive line, has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 325 pounds, Crawford possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and agility that makes him a standout among his peers. His play on the field, combined with his physical attributes, has led to his ranking as one of the top 100 prospects for the draft.
Crawford’s journey to prominence started long before he ever suited up for the Vols. A native of North Carolina, Crawford was a highly sought-after recruit out of high school, and his commitment to Tennessee was seen as a major win for the Vols. Once he arrived on campus, he wasted no time making his presence felt. Initially serving as a backup, Crawford eventually earned a starting spot on Tennessee’s offensive line, where he quickly became known for his ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for the Vols’ potent offense.
One of Crawford’s most impressive traits is his ability to anchor the offensive line against powerful defensive fronts. His size and strength allow him to hold his ground in both the running and passing games, and his quick footwork helps him mirror defenders and maintain his block. Scouts have been particularly impressed with his versatility. Whether lined up at tackle or guard, Crawford’s ability to adapt to different positions along the offensive line has made him an even more attractive prospect for NFL teams.
In Tennessee’s high-powered offense, Crawford’s role as a key protector of the quarterback has been essential. As a left tackle, he is responsible for keeping the blind side secure, a crucial position on the line that requires quick reactions and awareness. Crawford has displayed an exceptional understanding of how to manage pass rushers and has shown a remarkable ability to keep defenders at bay, even when facing the most formidable pass rushers in the SEC.
Crawford’s improvement throughout his time at Tennessee has been remarkable. His progression from a raw, unpolished prospect to one of the top offensive linemen in the country speaks to his work ethic, intelligence, and commitment to his craft. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, many scouts and analysts believe that Crawford has the potential to be one of the first offensive linemen taken off the board.
Omari Thomas: Dominating the Defensive Line
While Crawford anchors Tennessee’s offensive line, Omari Thomas serves as a force on the Vols’ defensive line. A standout defensive tackle, Thomas has built a reputation as one of the most disruptive players in the SEC. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 305 pounds, Thomas combines size, strength, and explosiveness to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. His ability to collapse the pocket, stop the run, and pressure the quarterback has made him one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Omari Thomas’s journey to the top began as a highly regarded recruit from Memphis, Tennessee, where he was known for his ability to dominate in the trenches. After making an immediate impact during his freshman year at Tennessee, Thomas has only continued to develop as one of the most feared defensive linemen in college football. His natural strength and quickness are complemented by his ability to read plays and make split-second decisions, qualities that have contributed to his rapid ascent as one of the top 100 prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Throughout his time at Tennessee, Thomas has consistently been a game-changer on defense. Whether playing in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive front, his versatility has allowed the coaching staff to deploy him in a variety of roles, from a traditional defensive tackle to an edge rusher in certain situations. His ability to excel in both run defense and pass-rushing scenarios has made him a highly coveted prospect for NFL teams looking for a dominant interior defensive presence.
One of Thomas’s standout performances came against Georgia in a matchup that showcased his ability to dominate against one of the top offensive lines in the country. In that game, Thomas consistently pressured Georgia’s quarterback and helped stuff the running game, earning praise from coaches, analysts, and scouts alike. His combination of power and speed makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators, and his potential to make an immediate impact at the next level has only increased as he continues to develop.
Thomas’s ability to create chaos in the backfield has earned him a reputation as one of the most disruptive forces in the SEC. His performances have been particularly impressive in high-stakes games, where his ability to rise to the occasion has helped Tennessee secure crucial victories. NFL scouts have taken notice of Thomas’s ability to perform at the highest level, and many believe he could be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tennessee’s Rise to Prominence: The Impact of Top Draft Prospects
The fact that two Tennessee linemen are ranked among the top 100 prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is a clear indication of the rising prominence of the Tennessee Volunteers football program. Under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has transformed from a team that had been struggling in recent years to a championship contender. The success of the program is not just about the wins on the field but also about the players who have come through the program and are now poised to make a major impact in the NFL.
The development of players like Jeremiah Crawford and Omari Thomas is a testament to Tennessee’s commitment to developing elite talent, particularly in the trenches. Both players have the potential to be immediate contributors at the next level, and their success further elevates the Vols’ reputation as a program capable of producing top-tier talent.
As both Crawford and Thomas continue to perform at a high level in their final season with Tennessee, their draft stock will likely continue to rise. The combination of their physical attributes, skill sets, and ability to dominate at the college level makes them two of the most exciting prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
What This Means for Tennessee Football
The success of Crawford and Thomas, along with other future NFL prospects on Tennessee’s roster, will likely continue to elevate the stature of Tennessee football. Recruiting will undoubtedly benefit from the increased visibility of the Vols as a program that can develop players into future NFL stars. The rise of Tennessee’s program under Heupel’s leadership is setting the stage for future success and solidifying the Vols as one of the top programs in the nation.
Moreover, the rise of Crawford and Thomas as potential first-round picks demonstrates the importance of having a strong presence in the trenches. Teams that can control the line of scrimmage are often the ones that have the greatest success, and Tennessee’s development of these two players exemplifies that philosophy. As the Vols continue to compete at the highest level, the presence of top NFL prospects like Crawford and Thomas will make them an even more attractive destination for future recruits.
