We’re just hours away from the kickoff of Ohio State and Oregon’s rematch, but the larger scope of the 2025 NFL Draft will remain a focus for scouts and executives expected to attend in Pasadena. While quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Will Howard, along with superstar freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith, will holster headlines—and rightly so—Buckeyes right tackle Josh Fryar has a chance to continue to elevate a rising draft stock.
The former No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Indiana and a four-year contributor for Ohio State at three positions, Fryar has become one of the more intriguing prospects in the upcoming class. While his name, publicly, has yet to generate the same buzz as other tackles in the class, Fryar's blend of versatility, experience (1,890 career snaps), and steady improvement makes him a compelling option for teams in need of fresh legs up front.
Looking back to last fall, Fryar entered the 2023 campaign as a relatively unheralded piece of Ohio State's offensive line. Following the departures of standout tackles Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, Fryar was tasked with filling one of the tackle spots for head coach Ryan Day. The transition wasn’t seamless, but Fryar quickly proved his worth as a reliable protector for then-QB Kyle McCord.
At 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, Fryar possesses the ideal frame for a future contributor at the position. What separates him from other linemen, however, is his versatility and the ability to not only align but succeed at a variety of spots. Before solidifying himself at tackle, Fryar spent time at guard and even took snaps at center during his collegiate career—an ability that holds weight for teams when paralleling prospects.
In an Ohio State offensive scheme that relies heavily on establishing the run, Fryar’s ability to relocate bodies up front has been instrumental in paving the way for fellow future draft picks in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. His ability to generate movement at the point of attack and create running lanes is evident on film, where he consistently showcases a strong base, powerful hand, and a nastiness to staple defenders to the dirt.
In pass protection, Fryar has shown steady growth throughout the season, allowing just one sack in 376 pass pro reps. While he lacks elite lateral quickness, he compensates with sound technique and an understanding of angles and the good ol’ leverage battle up front. His hand placement is disciplined and he does a good job anchoring against pass-rushers that look to win through his chestplate.
Currently, Fryar’s NFL draft stock remains fluid. While he won’t hear his name called on night one, he has the traits and potential to develop into a reliable starter or a key sixth-man in a rotation with the skill set to play multiple spots. For teams looking for value and developmental upside, Fryar is a name to become familiar with. Additionally, teams that run inside zone-heavy schemes or prioritize versatility along the offensive line are likely to prioritize Fryar.
Although may not be a household name in the NFL draft conversation just yet, his skill set and versatility make him a player worth monitoring, especially as the spotlight on his game grows the longer Ohio State is in the CFP. As the NFL places an increasing emphasis on linemen who can adapt to multiple roles, Fryar’s experience and football IQ remain valuable assets.
