The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.
Joshua Gray is one of the most seasoned offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Oregon State prospect started 56 games during his time in Corvallis, with 44 of those starts coming at left tackle and 12 at left guard.
The battle-tested offensive linemen could be a Day 3 target for the Green Bay Packers and checks in at No. 96 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Gray came to Oregon State as a three-star recruit out of California and earned the starting left tackle job as a redshirt freshman in 2020. Following 44 straight starts at left tackle, Gray kicked inside to left guard for his final season as a Beaver.
“Not only was Gray the best lineman on the roster for most of his extended stay at Oregon State, but he was also loyal to the program at a time when it needed leadership the most,” Carter Bahns, a reporter for 247sports, said. “When most of the team’s best players entered the transfer portal amid the coaching change and transition out of the traditional Pac-12, Gray returned for one final year and became a multi-year team captain. His blocking ability made him a star, but his intangibles made him an all-time Oregon State great.”
It’s no secret that NFL teams love offensive linemen who can play multiple positions, and the Packers have had a ton of success turning college offensive tackles into all-pro caliber guards. While Gray never took a snap at center during a game, he is listed as center on the Shrine Bowl website and will likely get looks at center, guard and tackle during Shrine Bowl week in Texas.
“Most of Gray’s career came at the left tackle spot, where he was the most valuable piece of an offensive line that regularly ranked among the nation’s most elite units and Joe Moore Award contenders,” Bahns said. “His NFL projections favored him on the interior, though, so he moved to guard ahead of his final year at Oregon State. The Beavers put a premium on versatility and taught all of their offensive linemen to play multiple positions, and that aided Gray in thriving at the guard spot.”
Gray is a powerful run-blocker, who is aggressive with his hands to initiate contact. He plays with the right about of tenacity to bully defenders. The 56-game starter can move in space and looks nimble as a puller.
“Run blocking has always been Gray’s forte,” Bahns said. “Oregon State regularly boasted one of the nation’s best-rushing attacks throughout his career. His Pro Football Focus run blocking grade ranked No. 8 in the Pac-12 in 2021 and No. 3 in 2022.”
Gray has seen it all. He is alert in pass protection and keeps his head on a swivel. He’s patient in his pass sets and uses a timely punch to get into the frame of rushers. According to PFF, Gray gave up one sack and 13 pressures while playing his new position at left guard this past season.
“What Gray lacks in that elite size NFL teams covet in their tackles, he makes up for in sheer athleticism and effort, and that shows in pass protection,” Bahns said. “He was a lockdown pass blocker on the blind side year after year because of his high motor, discipline and explosiveness.”
Fit with the Packers
Green Bay’s depth along the offensive line was tested during their Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Jordan Morgan already on injured reserve, the Packers had to first turn to Travis Glover after starting left guard Elgton Jenkins left the game with an injury. After the rookie flamed out, the Packers turned to Kadeem Telfort.
With Josh Myers headed for free agency, it’s a safe assumption that Brian Gutekunst will target an interior offensive lineman or two this offseason.
Gray likely isn’t somebody you want starting at left tackle on a full-time basis, but he could kick outside in a pinch and potentially offers five-position versatility.
“Gray is a proven standout at multiple positions along the offensive line, who developed across a six-year career under one of college football’s most accomplished offensive line coaches in Jim Michalczik,” Bahns said. “He is about as refined and experienced as college linemen come. That, plus the fact that he is a model teammate and longtime captain, makes him a complete package who should make an impact early in his pro career.”
Brian Gutekunst has had success finding quality offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft with picks like Myers, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker Jon Runyan Jr.
With his versatility, experience, run-blocking prowess and football IQ, Gray could be high on Green Bay’s board when Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around.