We move from the offensive skill positions to the big fellas who do the dirty work. We start with the pass protectors who give the quarterbacks time to work and find open receivers.
1. Broncos
Starters: LT Garett Bolles, RT Bobby Massie
After a rough first couple of years, Bolles has turned into one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Last season he gave up just a half-sack in 15 starts.
Massie too was considered a middling starter for most of his career but has quietly stepped up the past few seasons as the starting right tackle in Chicago. A solid 2018 season earned him a 4-year extension, but injuries ended his past couple of seasons.
2. Chiefs
Starters: LT Orlando Brown Jr, RT Mike Remmers
Brown comes over in a trade with the Ravens, becoming the division’s only Pro Bowl tackle. Brown has been to two Pro Bowls in three NFL seasons. The Chiefs lost former first overall pick Eric Fisher to injury and managed to replace him with a potential upgrade.
Remmers stepped in at right tackle for the injured Mitchell Schwartz last season and earned a return as the starter. In ten starts, Remmers didn’t give up a single sack.
3. Raiders
Starters: LT Kolton Miller, RT Alex Leatherwood
Miller has improved each season, playing into the level of one of the more solid left tackles in the league. He gave up a respectable two sacks in 2020 in 14 starts. His run blocking has been better, but could still use some work.
The Raiders made former Alabama left tackle Alex Leatherwood their pick at 17 overall in the draft and will put him at right tackle. Leatherwood is known as a strong run blocker but has some concerns as a pass protector. He will get his shot at right tackle to see if he can hold up.
4. Chargers
Starters: LT Rashawn Slater, RT Bryan Bulaga
Veteran Bryan Bulaga is a proven talent. Though he is coming off a down season, giving up 3.5 sacks in just ten starts. He is joined by 13th overall pick Rashawn Slater, widely considered one of the top tackles in this draft. Then again, left tackle in the pros isn’t always an immediate transition.
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