UCLA offensive lineman Josh Carlin offers NFL teams terrific versatility in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carlin appeared in more than 53 career games at tackle, guard, and center. He was coached by Chip Kelly and Eric Bieniemy.
Carlin recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. He discussed his illustrious career with the Bruins, being coached by NFL-caliber minds, his outstanding versatility, which teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: You strung together a helluva career at UCLA, appearing in 53 games. How will you remember your time with the Bruins?
Josh Carlin: It was a great experience. I was coached by Chip Kelly! This past year, I was coached by DeShaun Foster, [offensive line] coach Juan Castillo, and Eric Bieniemy. I learned a lot about football from those guys.
I was blessed to be in their presence while learning different offensive schemes and systems. Having coach Bienemy was a pleasure. I got better every year and continued to improve my technique. They made me a better football player.
It was an awesome experience. I’m thankful for that program and everything around this incredible school.
JM: You’ve been coached by some of the best. You've played a lot of right guard and center. Do teams see you having that versatility to play all three interior spots at the next level? Is that the feedback you’re getting from NFL teams?
Josh Carlin: Yeah, I think that’s been my biggest selling point throughout this pre-draft process. Teams love that aspect of my game, the versatility. I’m showing these NFL teams that I can bounce around and play multiple positions.
The first two years of my career at UCLA, I actually played tackle. I bumped down to guard and then I played a little bit of center this past season. I moved around the offensive line due to some injuries we had.
It’s definitely one of the bigger aspects of my game. I can snap the ball and also play both guard positions. Wherever they need me at the next level, I can plug a hole and just go.
JM: That versatility is so important. How would you describe your traits and abilities as an interior lineman? Are you agile in space, or a powerful guy in a phone booth? What's your identity as an offensive lineman?
Josh Carlin: I love playing in a phone booth. Obviously, you want to be physical as an offensive lineman. Coach Castillo always said physicality isn’t about being the loudest or biggest guy. It’s about finishing and playing with terrific effort. That shows your physicality as an offensive lineman.
That’s the biggest thing I always tried to highlight in my game. I’m always being physical by coming off the ball with power. I also love playing in space and showing off my athleticism while getting a hat on a hat. I love having our running back and wide receiver work off me.
JM: What's your favorite play to run in the playbook? Something you got excited about hearing in the huddle?
Josh Carlin: When I was playing center this past season, I loved working in the screen game. We had a lot of screen calls in our offense with coach Bienemy running something similar to what he did with the Kansas City Chiefs.
I loved getting out on the edge in the screen game. I love covering those guys up and showing my downfield physicality. At guard, I loved GT counter and GY counter. I was able to pull and kick out that end-man on the line of scrimmage. That’s a lot of fun because you’re going full speed at one guy. Those are awesome plays.
JM: You’re a lot of fun executing those plays. Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this process?
Josh Carlin: I met with the Texans, Cowboys, and Colts at the Tropical Bowl. It was a fun process. Those three teams knew a good bit about me. They like my versatility and how that's the biggest aspect of my game. They appreciate that I’ve had some great coaches and how that played a role in my time at UCLA.
It was a good experience at the Tropical Bowl.
JM: It’s easy to see why teams love that versatility. We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Josh Carlin?
Josh Carlin: You’re going to get a dependable guy who’s going to show up ready to work. I’m going to be tough, smart, and physical. I love to win, I love to compete. I’m going to get better every single day. I’m ready to prove that I’m an asset to NFL teams. I’m a great teammate.
I’m able to produce on the field. I’m going to bring a lot of value.
