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Christian Jones ranks as Texas’ top pass blocker so far this season according to PFF.
The No. 9 Texas Longhorns returned all five starting offensive linemen from last season and now have one of the best pass blockers in the Big 12 conference. Continue reading “Ranking the best pass blockers on the Texas offensive line per PFF”
Texas is among PFF’s top 10 offensive lines in the country in 2023.
Texas’ offensive line was considered one of its weakest position groups under former head coach Tom Herman. Now that Steve Sarkisian and Kyle Flood have taken over, recruiting and development along the line has now become one of their biggest strengths. Continue reading “PFF ranks Texas’ offensive line one of the best in the country”
Not everyone agrees with that analysis, though
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A few days ago we shared our rankings of all 32 offensive lines around the NFL. The formula was simple: we averaged each unit’s ranking at three different sites: Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Reference and Sharp Football. One thing they all agreed on was Seattle has a below-average OL heading into the 2023 season.
Not everyone agrees with that analysis, though. Line play guru Brandon Thorn at Establish the Run has a new ranking of all 32 offensive lines and he has the Seahawks at No. 9 in the league.
“Seattle had a stellar 2022 draft haul with two new long-term starters at tackle in first-round pick Charles Cross and third-round pick Abraham Lucas. Both had their fair share of rookie struggles as last season progressed (particularly handling power-rushers) but that was undergirded by an overall high display of competence, skill and key foundational traits to build off of moving forward. Inside, the team has the underrated tone-setter Damien Lewis at left guard with a four-man competition for the center and right guard spots… This is an extremely young, talented group that has put the team in the rare and advantageous position of spending less than any team in the NFL at the position with a projected tier three level of production.”
To our knowledge, this is the first positive outlook on Seattle’s offensive line in the Pete Carrol era – perhaps going back as far as Walter Jones.
Again, the x-factor here is what happens at center – we believe rookie Olu Oluwatimi represents the team’s best-possible starter, both long-term and in the 2023 season. If he hits the ground running and both OT spots can progress in Year 2, this might really be an above-average OL overall.
More Seahawks Wire stories
Let’s see where the Seahawks offensive line ranks compared to the competition.
Football has evolved a great deal over the last few decades. While quarterbacks and wide receivers reign supreme in today’s pass-happy game, finding a quality offensive line remains one of the best ways to field a competitive team. Let’s see where the Seattle Seahawks offensive line ranks compared to the competition.
To arrive at our rankings, we averaged where each unit is ranked at three different outlets: Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Network and Sharp Football. One thing they all seem to agree on is that Seattle has one of the weaker offensive lines in the league. Here’s how all 32 teams stack up.
Offensive line play is like a symphony playing in the middle of a riot
The importance of a cohesive, capable set of blockers is impossible to overvalue. And yet, they incur a high rate of injury, and the shifting of blockers in and out of the lineup is usually unnoticed despite the significant bearing on success. Unlike every other offensive player, their job is to engage the defense, not try to avoid them.
O-lines deal with injuries, new coaches and schemes, depth chart moves, schedule challenges and the effects of when new quarterbacks and running backs are used. Every play is like conducting a symphony in the middle of a riot.
This 2023 ranking considers where each O-line rated last year in certain metrics, their additions and losses in linemen, the continuity of the unit and scheme, and plus the dynamics of the rest of the offense and schedule. It is slanted towards the value that offensive lines will have on your fantasy players.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ offensive line has been the model that all others strive to be. Running backs get an NFL-best 3.2 yards down the field before anyone touches them. The sack rate is higher than desired but reflects more on Jalen Hurts holding onto the ball too long. They improved from 31% to 21% in the amount of hits, hurries and sacks from 2021. RT Lane Johnson, LG Landon Dickerson, and C Jason Kelce went to the Pro Bowl last year. RG Isaac Seumalo and OT Andre Dillard left in free agency, but second-round pick from 2022 Cam Jurgens is ready to step in for Kelce whenever that is needed and they spent a third-rounder on Alabama’s OT Tyler Steen as the new right guard.
2. Detroit Lions
The Lions spent heavily on their offensive line for the last several seasons and it shows. Both C Frank Ragnow and RT Penei Sewell are Pro Bowlers and they remained solid despite injuries last year. They lost OG Evan Brown but RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai returns from back surgery after missing last year. This is a stable unit of all-star players and contains three former first-round picks. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs won the lottery by landing in Detroit behind this line.
3. Baltimore Ravens
This offense moves by running the ball, whether by the running backs or Lamar Jackson. And the backfield led the NFL with a healthy 4.9 yards per carry even though no individual ranked better than No. 45 (Latavius Murray). Any back in Baltimore is fantasy-relevant behind that line and that will be more apparent if they can remain healthy all year. The Ravens paid up for O-line help with 2022 first-rounder C Tyler Linderbaum exceeding expectations and LT Ronnie Stanley getting older and yet still playing at a high level. Injuries hurt this crew in 2021 but they bounced back last year. They ranked near the bottom in sacks allowed but improved. They lost OG Ben Powers but former third-round pick Ben Cleveland will take his place.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is not the only reason why the Chiefs are the current Super Bowl champs. They not only feature one of the elite offensive lines, they can reshuffle their lineup year to year with stellar results. LT Orlando Brown and G Andrew Wylie both signed big contracts elsewhere in the offseason, but they signed RT Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80M deal. The Chiefs rebuilt their entire line in 2022 with great results, and most came via free agency. They sent Brown, OT Joe Thuney, and C Creed Humphrey to the Pro Bowl and rated as the best with fewer negative runs than any team in the league. It allowed an unknown Isiah Pacheco to step into a productive role and casts even more shade on Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s performance.
5. Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ offensive line has been considered one of the best for several years, particularly when they run. The metrics fell in 2022 but reflect problems at quarterback and the offense overall. Deshaun Watson should help this line as much as they can help him. The Browns lost C JC Tretter in free agency last year, and his replacement Nick Harris missed the season with a knee injury. But Ethan Pocic stepped in and became one of the best at the position. The same line returns from last year for valuable continuity and guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are both Pro Bowl worthy. The Browns also added both tackles from Ohio State for depth.
6. Green Bay Packers
This season answers how much Aaron Rodgers helped the offense. This is a solid set across the line and return the same players from 2022. They added no one and lost no one for great continuity. This unit accounted for Top-10 metrics across the board and may be better with a mobile quarterback stepping in. Even with numerous injuries last season, the Packers’ offense didn’t miss a beat with a talented and versatile set of blockers. There wasn’t a need to add anyone to this group.
7. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons offensive line was below average in 2021 during the first year of the rebuild under HC Arthur Smith but they came together far better than expected last year. Lower marks were assumed with a young group and the inclusion of rookie Desmond Ridder who eventually took over. Marcus Mariota did little to help. But the run blocking was outstanding despite relying on fifth-rounder Tyler Allgeier and aged Cordarrelle Patterson. The upgrade to Bijan Robinson should be spectacular and help Ridder avoid as much pressure as he had last year. Chris Lindstrom went to the Pro Bowl after becoming one of the best guards in the NFL. They spent a second-round pick on Matthew Bergeron from Syracuse to become the new left guard. The Falcons’ offense generates excitement this year, and the offensive line is quietly one reason for the optimism.
8. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys offensive line struggled with injuries last year but still had a solid showing, particularly in pass protection. A drop in rushing metrics is at least tangentially related to Ezekiel Elliott’s decline but the Cowboys also ran more than any other team in 2022. Stopping the backfield was the first goal from opposing defenses. This unit contains three prior first-rounders and Zack Martin is in the argument for the best offensive guard in the NFL. Tyron Smith has been elite for his entire career and remains a difference-maker if he can stay healthy. C Tyler Biadasz was a Pro Bowl Alternate and the newest elite lineman for the Cowboys.
9. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have owned a Top-10 offensive line for a few years now, though they continue to struggle with negative runs while being highly productive in all other metrics. Bringing in Christian McCaffrey further helped an already capable line. LT Trent Williams remains one of the elite blockers in the league. But they lost RT Mike McGlinchey to the Broncos and versatile lineman Daniel Brunskill without adding anyone. There’s concern that they could drop a notch this season but HC Kyle Shanahan has always managed to keep the line from being a liability. Odd too that they ranked so well in pass protection and yet needed three quarterbacks to play last year.
10. Denver Broncos
The Broncos surprisingly struggled in the first year of Russell Wilson taking over and the offensive line did him no favors whenever he dropped back to pass. They gave up an NFL-high 63 sacks. Injuries were a major problem and the O-line was often reshuffled. That should stop this year and there’s reason to expect improvement. They signed RT Mike McGlinchey to a five-year, $88M contract, and G Ben Powers to a four-year, $52M deal. No other NFL team remotely spent as much on their O-line as the Broncos did this season. HC Sean Payton will focus on getting more from the unit but Wilson has to improve as well. There’s optimism that the blocking becomes an advantage this year.
11. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were only 7-10 last season and were coming off a disastrous 5-12 campaign in 2021 when the offensive line was one of the worst. They ranked in the Bottom-5 in virtually every blocking metric. But last year, the Panthers remade their line signing RG Austin Corbett and and drafting LT Ikem Ekwonu (1.06) and C Bradley Bozeman. RT Taylor Morton was the only productive holdover last year and the unit came together nicely over the season, lifting what had been one of the worst units in the NFL into an above-average O-line. They spent their fourth-round pick on G Chandler Zvala to help out with depth. Considering that they lost Christian McCaffrey last year and burned through three quarterbacks, the offensive line was impressive and exceeded all expectations. They should be a strength of the offense and help rookie Bryce Young start his NFL career behind good protection.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are a pass-first team that faced one of the worst rushing schedules last year, and it showed with one of the lowest yards-per-carry in the league. But the pass blocking was stellar and Joe Burrow enjoyed plenty of time when he threw over four of five passes. They rebuilt the line in 2022 with RG Alex Cappa, RT La’el Collins, and C Ted Karras. Adding LT Orlando Brown on a four-year, $64M contract should help the unit continue to improve. Collins’ status isn’t certain as he returns from a torn ACL. Former first-rounder Jonah Williams may take his place.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders offensive line has become a liability by 2021 and expectations were low for the first year of HC Josh McDaniels as he tried to turn the franchise around. They exceeded all expectations, enough so that they didn’t bother adding to the unit in free agency or the draft. They also did not lose anyone in the offseason. The Raiders were Bottom-8 in all rushing metrics in 2021 and then greatly improved under McDaniels, prompting Josh Jacobs to turn in a jaw-dropping career year. McDaniels wisely brought Patriot’s ex-line coach Carmen Bricillo with him to great effect. LT Kolton Miller has evolved into one of the best tackles in the league.
14. Minnesota Vikings
The plus here is that the Vikings did not lose anyone in the offseason – but they added no one as well. LT Christian Darrisaw is the anchor in this line and C Garrett Bradbury re-signed as one of the most highly-rated centers in the league. A young interior line still needs improvement and that includes returning RG Ed Ingram who allowed more sacks (11) than any NFL lineman. But this unit returns intact and hopes to see at least incremental improvement from the younger blockers. The Vikings were among the worst teams at negative runs for the last two years.
15. New England Patriots
The Patriots’ offensive line struggled in most run metrics in 2021, losing both guards last year. Adding first-rounder Cole Strange intended to help compensate for those losses and the second year for Mac Jones was hoped to see improvement from his rookie year. Losing their offensive line coach to the Buccaneers also posed a new challenge. Historically, the Pats enjoyed elite offensive lines for many years, but this unit has devolved into a mostly average one. The Pats lost OT Isaiah Wynn and OT Marcus Cannon and added Calvin Anderson (two-year, $7M) and Riley Reiff (one-year, $5M), along with drafting C Jake Andrews and G Sidy Sow with fourth-round picks. The line improved from 2021, but that’s been mostly average.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
For the second year in a row, the Steelers had average passing metrics and among the worst in rushing stats. Ben Roethlisberger was no longer around but the O-line did a credible job protecting Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. The line play is expected to take a step up after losing no one notable and adding starter LG Isaac Seumalo (three-year, $24M) and OG Nate Herbig (two-year, $8M) for added depth. They also drafted LT Broderick Jones (1.14) as a Week 1 starter. The Steelers faced a daunting schedule in 2022 that lightens up this year. Kenny Pickett enters his second season with an improved line and what should be a more productive offense.
17. Buffalo Bills
The Bills O-line logged Top-10 marks in most blocking metrics which was an upgrade from the average showing in 2021. The Bills had solid returns from an offensive line that doesn’t contain any star players. LT Dion Dawkins is the best but still allowed three sacks. Injuries hit the team later in the year. Guards Rodger Saffold and Ike Boettger are gone but the Bills signed LG Connor McGovern (three-year, $22M) from the Cowboys. They also used their second-round pick on RG O’Cyrus Torrance. Both C Mitch Morse and Dawkins went to the Pro Bowl. Playing along with the mobile Josh Allen can make the unit appear better than they were.
18. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers invested in their offensive line in 2021 with LT Rashawn Slater and C Corey Linsley was considered an advantage but the right side was their weaker area. The O-line dropped in every metric though remained no worse than average against the pass. But they were Bottom-5 in running back yards-per-carry and yards-before-contact last year. Their prized rookie tackle played in only three games but is healthy again. The Bolts didn’t lose or add anyone of any note, so the same crew gets another season to come together. The run-blocking issues were even worse considering that they enjoyed one of the easiest rushing schedules in the NFL last year.
19. Miami Dolphins
Adding Pro Bowl LT Terron Armstead provided the hoped-for boost with the O-line improving in nearly every metric from 2021, even though their rushing schedule strength was the toughest of any team. The biggest issue is keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright which did not happen nearly enough in 2022. There were no additions or losses, so the same unit repeats but it is the same one that ranked No. 27 in the amount that their quarterbacks were hit, hurried or sacked. The hope is that they’ll continue to improve but RT Austin Jackson and LG Liam Eichenberg were considered liabilities last year.
20. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts had an elite offensive line for several seasons, and they ranked No. 2 with 5.3 yards per carry for running backs in 2021. But the carousel at quarterback after Andrew Luck left in 2019 hasn’t done the offense any favors and that heavy reliance on the backfield will change with the new offense under Shane Steichen. Last year, the offense fell apart and the O-line was complicit allowing 60 sacks. LG Quentin Nelson is still an elite Pro Bowler and the expectation is that the continuity and recharged offense should see at least incremental improvement, if not a climb back to average or even above average. The crash-and-burn of 2021 is over and the Colts will see improvement.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
In 2021 during their disaster of a season, nothing worked other than the offensive line that turned in metrics that were split between average and Top-10 marks. Last year, they further improved other than an NFL-worst 53 negative runs by running backs. That’s surprising considering they were No. 4 with an average of 3.2 yards before contact when running backs rushed the ball. RG Brandon Scherff was the pricey addition last year, but they just lost RT Jawaan Taylor, who joined the Chiefs on a monster contract. LT Anton Harrison was the 1.27 pick out of Oklahoma this year. The line play is helped by Trevor Lawrence’s ability to get rid of the ball quickly and effectively. Losing Taylor may make a difference, but this unit has exceeded expectations for the last two years.
22. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks remained static on their offensive line play for the last two years. Both saw solid results in run blocking and they accounted for a 5.1 yard-per-carry average in 2021. But both years were disappointing when they passed. The O-line has been in the Bottom-10 in passing metrics and even worsened in negative run percentage from the previous season. Changing quarterbacks from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith didn’t cause any change. They’ve swapped out centers losing Austin Blythe and signing Evan Brown. They cashed in a fourth-round pick on OG Anthony Bradford and a fifth-rounder on C Olusegun Oluwatimi for depth. The schedule gets tougher both rushing and passing this year, so this unit needs to show improvement.
23. Chicago Bears
Fingers crossed. The Bears are legitimately trying to improve what has arguably been the worst offensive line for the last few years. And the results from 2022 did not change that with an NFL-worst sack rate (13%) and how many pass plays that allowed a hit, hurry or sack (34%). They were No. 32 against sacks allowed and sack rate in 2021. The makeover extends over the entire line other than LT Braxton Jones. OG Teven Jenkins moves from the right to the left so that newly signed RG Nate Davis (three-year, $30M) can move in. Cody Whitehair moves to center after playing guard in 2022. And the Bears spent their 1.10 pick on RT Darnell Wright. That all may not hit the field playing well immediately, but improvement is expected and even becoming average is a major upgrade for this offensive line.
24. New York Jets
The Jets suffered through Bottom-5 pass block metrics in 2021 but then managed to rise to average last year despite the quandary at quarterback. That should be further improved this year with the heady play of Aaron Rodgers. The run-blocking stats dropped from mostly average to lower marks in most metrics, but opponents could key on the run and they never got a full season out of Breece Hall. The upgrade in guards last year between 2021 first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker and coughing up cash for LG Laken Tomlinson helped though injuries impacted their play. The Jets re-signed C Connor McGovern and start much the same line from last year. The play of Aaron Rodgers and the health of Breece Hall will impact the offense, but this unit can regain an average status if they can remain healthy.
25. Houston Texans
The Texans have long suffered with one of the weakest offensive lines, and even bringing in Pro Bowler LT Laremy Tunsil just meant they had a great pass blocker on one end of the line and still little else. The line did improve with their pass blocking last year but Dameon Pierce ran behind arguably the worst (again) offensive line. The Texans locked up Tunsil for three more years at $75M and that will be a major benefit for the rookie C.J. Stroud. The Texans traded for RG Shaq Mason to help out the run blocking and added rookie C Juice Scruggs in the second round. The stats should see improvement this season, but the Texans are installing a new offense with a rookie quarterback and no obvious star receivers, so the O-line will have their hands full, especially early in the season.
26. Washington Commanders
The Commanders’ offensive line is in transition again this year, and they’ve been more of a liability in recent seasons. A lack of success from their quarterbacks impacts the offense, but the O-line actually worsened from 2021. That led them to sign RT Andrew Wylie and LG Nick Gates, plus draft Ricky Stromberg in the third round so that LT Charles Leno is the only lineman that isn’t new or playing in a new position. Like the Texans, the Commanders will install a new offense under OC Eric Bieniemy that will be operated by the rookie Sam Howell.
27. New Orleans Saints
This is another offensive line that spent many years as an elite unit but declined in recent seasons. The passing metrics improved last year though playing in the AFC South has been kind to most quarterbacks, even Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston. But the run blocking has been among the worst for the last two years and the legal situation with Alvin Kamara doesn’t add any clarity to 2023. They lost LT Terron Armstead last year, and his first-round replacement Trevor Penning missed most of the year with a foot injury. The Saints made no changes to their line in the offseason, though getting a healthy year from all would be upgrade enough. OC Pete Carmichael commands the offense for his fifteenth season, but the great O-lines of the past are history.
28. New York Giants
This has been a weakness of the offense for several years, despite many efforts and a lot of money to improve the blocking. Saquon Barkley actually makes the unit appear better (or not as bad) as they really are. One of the worst rushing schedules this season won’t help improve the metrics. LT Andrew Thomas was a first-rounder in 2020 and RT Evan Neal was a first-rounder last season. They drafted C John Michael Schmitz Jr., with their second-round pick last April. The investment has been there without the desired results, though Thomas has become an advantage. The guards are still the weaker spot and that’s reflected in the pass pressures.
29. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals’ offensive line has been average in recent seasons and dropped a bit in 2022 when the franchise imploded and lost their final seven games. Kyler Murray gave way to three other quarterbacks by the end of the season, and the Cards enter into Year 1 of a rebuild under OC Drew Petzing. Murray’s status for the year is still in question and they cut DeAndre Hopkins. The offensive line is facing a daunting year that also brings one of the worst schedule strengths of any NFL team. This was already the most penalized O-lines last year. LT D.J. Humphries is still an asset, and the Cards spent their 1.06 pick on tackle-turned-guard Paris Johnson Jr.. The offensive line is one of many concerns as the franchise starts over.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oddly, the same offensive line that produced top marks in sacks allowed and pass pressures also rated NFL-worst with only 3.6 yards per carry from their backfield. They were No. 1 as pass blockers in 2021 as well, though Tom Brady and his famed quick-release and savvy instincts no doubt helped. Brady has retired (seriously… at least probably) and the Buccaneers enter a new era. They lost both guards in 2021 and brought in Shaq Mason who just left in free agency. Injuries brought the run blocking down last year, but the concern is that swapping Brady for Baker Mayfield (or anyone else for that matter) will expose inadequacies that are already apparent when they run the ball. Pro Bowler RT Tristan Wirfs is the only blocker who is a lock to be an advantage.
31. Tennessee Titans
Yet another team that enjoyed a stellar offensive line for years, but that has fallen on harder times. Previous Pro Bowl talent has all left and there are issues all over the O-line. They were among the worst in pass blocking and gave up 49 sacks despite throwing just 454 passes last year (No. 30). Derrick Henry still ran for 1,538 yards despite only gaining 2.2 yards before contact. If he misses time, the other backfield options will not fare nearly as well as the certain Hall-of-Famer. And the offense will be turning to a rookie quarterback in Will Levis. The Titans tried to address their many problems blocking with a first-round pick of LG Peter Skoronski and added LT Andrew Dillard (three-year, $29M) and RG Daniel Brunskill (two-year, $5.5M). One plus – the Titans have one of the best rushing schedules but there’s a lot that needs to come together before this line even reaches average.
32. Los Angeles Rams
The difference between the 2021 league-champion Rams and the 5-12 trainwreck Rams of 2022 shows just how quickly it can come together and then implode in the NFL. Coming off their Super Bowl season, the offensive line ranked Top-5 in all passing metrics and were no worse than average when it came to run blocking. They were No. 1 in the NFL in negative runs. Last year, the wheels came off and almost everyone missed time due to injury. They already had lost LT Andrew Whitworth to retirement. And guard Austin Corbett left and was replaced by the rookie Logan Bruss who immediately tore an ACL before the season began. It only got worse. LG Joel Noteboom was supposed to replace Whitworth but tore his Achilles and may not be ready by Week 1. The Rams added RG Steve Avila with their second-round pick, but the Rams’ Cinderella 2021 season doesn’t appear likely to return any time soon.
Offensive line play is like a symphony playing in the middle of a riot
The impact of a cohesive, capable set of blockers is impossible to overvalue. And yet, while these are the reasons that everything else on the offense works, they incur a high rate of injury and the shifting of blockers in and out of the lineup is usually unnoticed despite the significant bearing on success. Unlike every other offensive player, their job is to engage the defense, not try to avoid it.
This is a very complex part of every football team. O-lines deal with injuries, new coaches and schemes, depth chart moves, schedule challenges and the effects of when new quarterbacks and running backs are used. Every play is like conducting a symphony in the middle of a riot.
This ranking considers where each O-line ranked last year in certain metrics, their additions and losses in linemen, the continuity of the unit and scheme, and plus the impact of the rest of the offense and schedule.
(Updated August 25, 2022)
(Updated August 15, 2022)
1. Philadelphia Eagles
This is the premier offensive line in the current NFL, stocked with talent and experience, including the coaching staff. Pro-Bowl center Jason Kelce returns to mentor their 2.19 pick of C Cam Jurgens, who will take over as early as next year. Their 2021 second-round pick of LG Landon Dickerson quickly transitioned from Alabama to the NFL. LT Jordan Mailata and RT Lane Johnson helped pave the way last year as the Eagles mediocre backfield still enjoyed the highest yards-before-contact in the league. The only lacking measurable from last year was the percent of pressures, but that spoke more to Jalen Hurts holding onto the ball too long, thanks in part to a marginal set of receivers. Adding A.J. Brown should upgrade and speed up the passing effort. UPDATE: Jason Kelce underwent elbow surgery and may not be ready by Week 1 but will be back. Cam Jurgens was already in line to eventually replace him next year, and has taken his place in preseason games with solid results.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Continuity is critical with offensive lines, making what OL coach Andy Heck did all the more remarkable. The Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line last year with five new starters and produced like a seasoned unit. The Chiefs O-line enjoyed high marks in every metric. The same five return including Pro Bowler Orlando Brown, and the pair of starting rookies from last year in C Creed Humphrey and RG Trey Smith for what should be even better play in their second season. Tyreek Hill may have left, but Patrick Mahomes should have plenty of time to find new targets.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions’ investment in their offensive line has paid dividends with average or better metrics despite blocking for a mediocre set of offensive skill players. All starters return this year, and C Frank Ragnow is back to health since missing most of 2021 with a toe injury. Former first-rounders Taylor Decker and second-year Penei Sewell man the tackles, with Decker looking for a healthy year after missing eight games with a finger injury. The second year of HC Dan Campbell should keep the momentum going in this talented group and upgrades in the receivers should help the passing effort. This collection of blockers is one of the best so long as they stay healthy.
4. Cleveland Browns
Considered one of the best O-lines in the NFL for the last few years, the Browns’ run-blocking remained elite last year but dropped significantly in pass-blocking metrics for reasons not of their own making. Both guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller went to the Pro Bowl. The loss of C JC Tretter will impact the run game and promoting up former fifth-round pick Nick Harris won’t make up for that loss. But the other four starters all return and keeping the group healthy will make a difference after missing both tackles to injury at times last year. The quarterback situation could be problematic if Deshaun Watson doesn’t play, but the run game with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will remain elite. UPDATE: Nick Harris is expected to miss the season with an injury to his right knee. Eric Pocic is expected to take his place. Right tackle Jack Conklin’s return from a torn patella last year has been ahead of schedule and was activated from the PUP list. He’ll be ready for Week 1.
5. Green Bay Packers
The Packer’s O-line played well last year despite numerous injuries but they lost G Lucas Patrick to the Bears and G Billy Turner to the Broncos. This unit combines for greater results than the individual parts suggest. That includes missing LT David Bakhtiari for all but one game while recovering from an ACL injury in 2020, and his healthy return makes a major impact. RT Elgton Jenkins tore his ACL last November and is expected to be 100% “sometime during the season.” The Packers have invested two picks over the first four rounds of the NFL draft for offensive linemen in each of the last two years for promising depth. The line play is also helped by a capable backfield and a smart quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. UPDATE: Both tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins started on the PUP list though Jenkins was just activated. Bakhtiari confirmed he had three surgeries on the knee including the third just this offseason. He’s had problems with inflammation but the Packers are not expressing any concern about his return.
UPDATE 2: David Bakhtiari was activated from the PUP list. He may not make it back for Week 1 but should show up sometime in September.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (was No. 3)
If you want to keep a 45-year-old quarterback on the field, it helps to rank No. 1 across the board for pocket protection metrics. The Buccaneers sent RT Tristan Wirfs, C Ryan Jensen, and G Ali Marpet to the Pro Bowl. They lost Marpet to retirement and G Alex Cappa was signed by the Bengals, so there are two big holes to fill. They acquired Shaq Mason from the Patriots and drafted Luke Goedeke (2.25), who’ll likely move from the tackle spot he played at Central Michigan to the right guard. There’s depth and a solid set of tackles in Donovan Smith and Tristan Wirfs to keep Brady playing for at least one more year. UPDATE: Jensen injured his knee in practice and will likely miss a few weeks. That’s not great since Jensen has been a big help in keeping Tom Brady so clean in the pocket. Second-year Robert Hainsey is taking his place but there will be a drop-off until Jensen returns.
UPDATE 2: OF Aaron Stinnie was lost for the season with a torn ACL and MCL. This is still a good line, but not as elite as was expected. The knee injury for Ryan Jensen was more severe than initially hoped and he may miss the season.
7. New England Patriots
The Patriots always produce above-average results from their offensive line, and last year the pass blocking was even more impressive considering they started an immobile pocket passer in rookie Mac Jones. The run-blocking stats suffered but also reflected how defenses focused primarily against the Pat’s rushing last year. But they have lost two starters – RG Shaq Mason heads to Tampa Bay top block for Tom Brady, and LG Ted Karras left in free agency to the Bengals. But they used their first-round pick on Cole Strange to fill in for Mason. They re-signed Trent Brown and have the depth to handle revamping the interior. Improvement from second-year quarterback Jones will help the blocking and in turn, the run results since this unit should easily be above average when rushing the ball.
8. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams O-line rated Top-5 in all passing metrics in their journey to a Super Bowl victory. But they finally lost LT Andrew Whitworth to a well-deserved retirement, and G Austin Corbett signed with the Panthers. Joseph Noteboom will replace Whitworth and the Rams drafted G Logan Bruss with their 3.04 pick, and he should take over for Corbett. The unit remains above average but should drop a notch at least earlier in the season while replacing Whitworth and getting the rookie Bruss up to speed. UPDATE: The rookie Bruss tore his ACL and MCL and will miss the season.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ investment in their offensive line paid off. They posted Top-10 stats in nearly every O-line metric. The rookie LT Rashawn Slater was their 1.13 pick last year and he already made the Pro Bowl, along with C Corey Linsley. The right side is weaker and a camp battle between Storm Norton and Trey Pipkins will fill the right tackle. The right guard spot goes to the 1.17 draft pick of Zion Johnson this year. This O-line is already an advantage and is likely to become even better with emerging talent.
10. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers sent LT Trent Williams to the Pro Bowl again, and the unit posted above-average stats other than negative runs, which are partly attributed to spinning through eight different running backs last year. Jimmy Garoppolo enjoyed a clean pocket while keeping Trey Lance mostly on the bench. But they lost G Tom Compton to the Broncos and starter G Laken Tomlinson to the Jets. Former second-rounder LG Aaron Banks enters his second season and C Alex Mack holds on for one more season at the age of 37. Williams is an elite player holding down the most critical spot, but the rest are either young and learning, or old and holding on. UPDATE: Alex Mack retired and Daniel Brunskill looked to move over from the right guard to replace him but injured his hamstring and is missing time. Jake Brendel was the back-up center last year and will likely end up taking the spot.
11. Indianapolis Colts
This O-line paved the way for Jonathan Taylor to lead the NFL in rushing yards last year, and the continual changes at quarterback are partly to blame for lower passing metrics for the O-line. This unit sent T Quenton Nelson and C Ryan Kelly to the Pro Bowl. But they let aging LT Eric Fisher leave in free agency and G Mark Glowinski signed with the Giants. Quenton Nelson missed time to injury, and Kelly was less effective than usual. The other three starters return and Matt Pryor is expected to take Fisher’s place after being acquired in a trade with the Eagles last year and re-signed in the offseason. The Colts drafted T Bernhard Raimann in the third round, and he will figure in as depth at the least. Hopefully, new starting quarterback Matt Ryan will get rid of the ball faster than Carson Wentz. But installing a new left tackle won’t make it any easier to start the season.
12. Dallas Cowboys (was No. 5)
The Cowboys’ vaunted offensive line was decimated by injuries in 2020, and they became average with a constant rotation of replacements. The unit bounced back last year, holding down Top-5 marks in nearly every blocking metric. Both LT Tyron Smith and RG Zack Martin went to the Pro Bowl. But they lost RT La’el Collins to the Bengals and C Conner Williams to the Dolphins. Fortunately, the Cowboys are comfortable with C Tyler Biadasz and T Terence Steele moving up as replacements. They spent their 1.24 pick on Tulsa’s Tyler Smith who will likely move from tackle to starting guard. This unit will need to further develop both Biadasz and Steele, and get the rookie Smith up to speed, so they’ll likely improve as the season progresses. UPDATE: Tyron Smith suffered an avulsion fracture in his knee and will be out at least until December, it at all. The first-round rookie Tyler Smith will assume the left tackle, but that will have growing pains that impact Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.
13. Buffalo Bills
The Bills only short-fall with their O-line last year was yards-before-contact, but their backfield has been one of the least effective for several seasons and the offense is devoted to passing the ball and letting Josh Allen add as a rusher. LT Dion Dawkins went to the Pro Bowl after the O-line only allowed 26 sacks. They lost G Jon Feliciano to the Giants but added G Rodger Saffold from the Titans for an upgrade that will benefit the rushing effort. Outside of Dawkins, the O-line is mostly average, but should remain at least as good as 2021 and potentially a bit better.
14. Denver Broncos
The Broncos O-line is just average and the new coaching staff under new head coach Nathaniel Hackett will install a new scheme that should result in better blocking than Russell Wilson experienced in Seattle. They brought in guards Billy Turner (GB) and Tom Compton (DEN) on thrifty one-year deals. Turner follows Hackett from Green Bay and is expected to be the right tackle, while Garrett Bolles comes off an uneven season and looks to get back on track. This unit will be made better, in theory, just with the upgrade in the wise veteran Wilson at quarterback. This O-line may not be an asset but shouldn’t be a liability either.
15. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins upgraded their offense and blocking in particular during the offseason. The poor marks rushing stemmed from the backfield talent last year when virtually every statistical category for the backfield ended in the Bottom-5. While they upgraded to a slightly more talented mishmash of committee running backs, the offensive line should be much improved. They added C Conner Williams from the Cowboys for a two-year, $14M contract and LT Terron Armstead from the Saints on a five-year deal worth $75M while only losing a little depth with T Jesse Davis leaving. They even added T Liam Eichenberg with their 2.10 pick in the draft. Tua Tagovailoa should have the best line seen in Miami in years.
16. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals came within a field goal of winning the Super Bowl, but the offensive line wasn’t a star in the process. Joe Burrow was returning from a torn ACL and yet was still one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league. Skipping over a first round lineman to draft Ja’Marr Chase still seems prudent, but the Bengals knew they needed blocking help and addressed it by bringing in G Alex Cappa (four-year, $35M TB) and RT La’el Collins (three-year, $21M DAL), and G Ted Karras (three-year, $18M NE). They’ve rebuilt the right side from the center out and start three new linemen who should all be significant upgrades. Joe Mixon will benefit and Burrows might make it out alive this year. UPDATE: La’el Collins is still dealing with a back injury that flared up and has been on the NFI list in camp. He’s still expected to be ready by Week 1 but is missing time learning the new offense.
17. Washington Commanders
The Commanders sent G Brandon Scherff to the Pro Bowl and then let him sign with the Jaguars, but also signed G Andrew Norwell from the same Jaguars with a net loss that may only be minor. While the individual blockers are mostly well-regarded, collectively the Commanders O-line were below average in most metrics though only slightly. G Ereck Flowers was also allowed to leave but they added G Trai Turner from the Steelers which is a wash at worse and likely a small upgrade. Bringing in Carson Wentz may not positively affect the blocking since the Colts O-line dipped in pass blocking metrics last year. RT Samuel Cosmi was the 2.19 pick last year and started with promising results. This has been a unit that seems worse as a whole than their individual parts suggest.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ 2021 season was a disaster by most measurements, but less so from the O-line that played better than most. And that was with the loss of both running backs and a passing effort that struggled despite starting the 1.01 pick of the draft in Trevor Lawrence. The O-line will be at least incrementally better, so long as injuries don’t become a factor. The Jags lost guards A.J. Cann and Andrew Norwell but signed RG Brandon Scherff (three-years, $49M) from the Commanders. C Brandon Linder retired and will be replaced by either Tyler Shatley or the 3.01 pick Luke Fortner may get the job as a rookie. The Jaguars O-line exceeded expectations while the overall team imploded last year. The blocking could be even better if Scherff remains healthy all season.
19. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ O-line is another average unit and ranked at the bottom in negative runs while Dalvin Cook missed three games and ran less effectively. The Vikes sent T Brian O’Neill to the Pro Bowl. The Vikings’ blocking has improved at least incrementally on pass plays and they’ve invested in their line with LT Christian Darrisaw (1.23), showing promise as a rookie last year and adding Wyatt Davis (3.23) for depth, along with G Ed Ingram (2.27) this season. The Vikings added G Chris Reed (IND) and T Jesse Davis (MIA) for depth but lost C Mason Cole to the Steelers. This is an average line but one with youth and depth. Installing the new offense under HC Kevin O’Connell may take time to come together.
20. New York Jets
The Jets O-line was decent blocking the run but gained no favors from the four different quarterbacks that started games last year. Last years’ first-round pick of RG Alijah Vera-Tucker was a hit and the Jets just acquired LG Laken Tomlinson (three-year, $40M SF) to shore up the middle next to C Connor McGovern. LT Mekhi Becton was lost for nearly all of 2021 with a knee injury after the former 1.11 pick had a promising rookie season in 2020. RT Morgan Moses left for the Ravens and George Fant switches back to the right after replacing the injured Becton last year. The Jets offense upgraded several spots, but it will all come back to how well Zach Wilson plays. The O-line will be improved. UPDATE: Right tackle Mekhi Becton is out for the year with yet another knee injury. George Fant moves over to the right and Duane Brown was signed in free agency to take over the left side. Becton missed last year and Fant is an asset that can be used where ever they need. This shouldn’t change much.
21. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals O-line is average and they didn’t do much either way to alter expectations. LT D.J. Humphries went to the Pro Bowl but had a down year. The Cards swapped aging G Max Garcia for younger G Will Hernandez with the Giants as a minor upgrade. Otherwise, they did nothing in free agency or the draft to upgrade. The offense enters the fourth year under HC Kliff Kingsbury with the same O-line that isn’t any advantage but doesn’t hurt the team.
22. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens started the season with a decimated backfield and ended with an O-line that constantly lost blockers to injury. LT Ronnie Stanley is still healing from the ankle injury that ended his season and he’s the difference-maker in the group when healthy. Lamar Jackson became one of the most sacked quarterbacks last year as a result. C Bradley Bozeman left for the Panthers, but the Ravens used their 1.25 pick on talented rookie Tyler Linderbaum as the new center. They also brought on RT Morgan Moses from the Jets on a three-year, $15M contract. The Ravens line is only average and not even that if Stanley is slow to return. Losing LT Alejandro Villanueva to retirement won’t help, but the pick of Linderbaum should pay dividends even this year. UPDATE: Linderbaum suffered a Lis Franc injury and may be sidelined a few weeks into the season. He’s hoped to play through the injury but this isn’t ideal for a offensive line that slipped last year.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris’ first season was astounding considering he played behind an O-line that ranked dead last in yards-before-contact. And yet he gained 1,200 rush yards to rank No. 4 in the NFL. The pass blocking was better than expected, though it became a short game of pitch-and-catch between Ben Roethlisberger and Diontae Johnson. Upgrades were made by signing RG James Daniels (three-year, $26.5M CHI) and C Mason Cole (three-year $15M MIN). This still projects to remain below average, and the pass blocking will get more challenging with either Mitchell Trubisky or the rookie Kenny Pickett less likely to settle for constant ten-yard strikes to Johnson.
24. Tennessee Titans
The impact of losing Derrick Henry last season cannot be overstated. The Titans O-line enjoyed Top-10 marks in all categories for 2020, but then fell back dramatically in several areas. They nearly doubled the number of sacks allowed in part because there was no Henry to account for in the second half of the year. Injuries were also a factor. The only Pro Bowler for Tennessee last year was RG Rodger Saffold who left for the Bills, and RT David Quessenberry left in free agency. Dillon Radunz was the 2.21 pick in 2021 and will get first shot at taking the right tackle. Jamarco Jones (two-year, $4.8M) was signed for depth and Nicholas Petit-Frere was drafted in the third round to help. Pass blocking could be tougher too with the loss of the dependable A.J. Brown as an outlet.
25. New York Giants
The Giants O-line has defied all attempts at improvement in recent years, and they’re back again this year with what should prove to be upgrades. The G-Men drafted Evan Neal (1.07) from Alabama, who was one of the top lineman in the draft and he’ll slide into the right tackle. They drafted G Joshua Ezeudu in the third round and acquired G Jon Feliciano (one-year, $3.3M BUF) and G Mark Glowinski (three-year, $18.3M IND) who steps into the right guard. LT Andrew was the 1.04 pick of 2020 and showed improvement last season. The Giants are installing a new offense so it will take some time for this group to hit their optimal performance, but the Giants – yet again – are trying to improve and appear to be on the right track. UPDATE: Starting left guard Shane Lemieux missed last year and again went down in the preseason opener with a toe injury that could last into the season. This is not an offensive line that can withstand injuries.
26. New Orleans Saints
The loss of Drew Brees made an obvious impact last year, but the decline in blocking was just as significant for an O-line that had been one of the best in recent years. Losing LT Terron Armstead to the Dolphins only makes 2022 look even worse though they used their 1.19 pick on LT Trevor Penning as his replacement. All but RG Cesar Ruiz were injured at times last year, and the unit just gets worse. The net effect of losing Armstead for the rookie Penning will be a negative this year, and the Saints didn’t do anything else to upgrade a unit that struggled last season. The offense is still controlled by long-time OC Pete Carmichael, but the offensive line has gone from elite to being more of a liability.
27. Seattle Seahawks
There was a remarkable difference between the pass protection metrics – all bad – and the run blocking which was one of the best in yards-per-carry and yards-before-contact. The Seahawks lose LT Duane Brown who aged out at 36 years old, and C Evan Pocic who missed last year with a knee sprain anyway. But they added new starters C Austin Blythe (one-year, $4M KC), and rookies LT Charles Cross (1.09 pick) and RT Abraham Lucas (3.08 pick). Stepping down from Russell Wilson is a significant concern for the offense, but the O-line should show at least incremental improvement in pass protection.
28. Carolina Panthers
HC Matt Rhule enters his third season, but he needs to get much more from his O-line if he hopes to see a fourth year. The Panthers unit was abysmal across the board and ranked near the bottom in all categories. But the Panthers made several moves that give promise to the future, if not the present. The line will have at least three new starters this year, RG Austin Corbett (three-year, $26M LAR) and C Bradley Bozeman (one-year, $2,8M) were signed as starters. They spent their 1.06 pick on LT Ikem Ekwonu and RT Taylor Moton returns as the lone standout from 2021. The benefits may not be fully realized until next season, but this unit will play better even for 2021.
29. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders offensive line exceeded expectations with pass protection last year but did the backfield no favors. Their metrics were roughly the same against the pass from 2020 but declined versus the run. And the Raiders didn’t change much up other than drafting RT Alex Leatherwood with their 1.17 pick, who should go through growing pains as a rookie. LT Kolton Miller has been solid, but the rest of the line offers no advantages.
30. Houston Texans
The Texans’ marks were poor across the board for the O-line and the rushing effort had little chance to matter, though the quality of running backs was also no help for an offense ranked dead last in backfield yards-per-carry and the ratio of negative-yardage runs. The same offensive scheme remains with minimal upgrades in skill players. The Texans added LG Kenyon Green (1.15) in the draft and signed A.J. Cann (two-year, $8.5M JAC). LT Laremy Tunsil was lost after Week 5 last year because of a thumb injury and is expected back. This unit may be better for 2022, if only because it couldn’t have been much worse.
31. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons return their starters from last year and did nothing to upgrade aside from bringing in journeyman T Elijah Wilkinson and drafting T Jalen Mayfield with their third round pick. The rookie Mayfield is expected to switch to right guard. The Falcons are in a rebuilding mode with a major change in offensive skill players and haven’t yet made offensive line a priority. This is a mostly younger unit that could see improvement this year, but still won’t hope to reach average.
32. Chicago Bears
There are precious few areas of football where there is a near 100% consensus but the Bears owning the worst offensive line is one of them. The rookie Justin Fields experienced more NFL sacks than anyone and was pressured about one in every three times he tried to pass. Worse yet, the Bears are in a full rebuild with new HC Matt Eberfus and the O-line didn’t make it to the top of the list of needs in the offseason. The Bears lost LT Jason Peters to retirement and arguably their best remaining blocker in G James Daniels was signed away by the Steelers. Their only additions were G Lucas Patrick (two-year, $8M GB) and drafting LT Teven Jenkins with their 2.07 pick. The rookie will start at left tackle and this unit looks even worse than last year. UPDATE: Lucas Patrick starts his career in Chicago with a hand injury and no timetable for his return.
The Jags’ offensive line nearly cracked the top-20 again this week, according to PFF, which isn’t bad when considering the injuries the unit sustained.
Despite all of Jacksonville’s offseason changes with the most cap space in the league and 10 draft picks, the position group that saw the most continuity was the offensive line. The unit began the season with the same starting five as last season, but injuries have changed things a bit.
Ben Bartch has been starting since Week 5 as guard A.J. Cann, who struggled the most among the group, has been on injured reserve since. Further, the Jags lost center Brandon Linder and have had to start Tyler Shatley, while Cam Robinson couldn’t go against Buffalo last week, and the team started Walker Little at left tackle, instead.
Though Robinson’s injury shouldn’t impact his availability this week, it does go to show just how much injuries have impacted this offensive line. Still, it has fared alright this season, ranking 21st in Pro Football Focus’ offensive line rankings heading into Week 10.
21. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (NO CHANGE)
Best-graded: G Andrew Norwell | 75.0
Worst-graded: G A.J. Cann | 45.9
Jacksonville’s line has had to undergo some enforced changes this season and is now up to nine different players with at least 50 snaps. A.J. Cann has by far the lowest PFF pass-blocking grade (32.6) of the group, but he hasn’t played since Week 4. Andrew Norwell has allowed only five total pressures, and no sacks, on 344 pass-blocking snaps. There is likely a combination of players on this line that is better than the starting five that opened the season. The question is whether the Jaguars can stumble upon it as they go.
The group has been far from elite, but it has done a good job of opening holes on the ground for James Robinson and keeping rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence off his back. For a unit that was already very thin from a depth perspective and has had to manage a lot of injuries, that’s an impressive feat.
The play of Bartch especially has been helpful, as he’s outplayed Cann since entering as his replacement. Cann is a free agent after the season, and the play of Bartch in his absence may have sealed his fate as a Jaguar.
Meanwhile, the team has a difficult decision to make when it comes to Cam Robinson, but in his first extended action, Little held his own against the league’s No. 1 defense in the win over Buffalo. That certainly gives the team a lot more freedom when it comes to deciding whether to extend Robinson.
Overall, this unit still needs some work, but it’s been better than some anticipated, especially considering the bad injury luck. The Jags will hope to see the group continue to rise in these rankings as the season goes on.
The Jags’ offensive line is steadily improving, but it now has several injuries to manage.
Jacksonville lost to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to fall to 0-5 on the season and 0-20 since a Week 1 win over the Colts in 2020. But once again, it’s hard to fault the offense much for that.
The group outgained the Titans, putting up 454 yards in the process. While Lawrence had a very solid day, throwing for 273 yards, the real standout on offense was running back James Robinson, who ran for 149 yards on 18 carries for what was his best game of the season.
And a major reason for that is the play of the offensive line. It hasn’t been stellar so far this season, but it was very solid on Sunday. And for that reason, Pro Football Focus bumped it up two spots in its offensive line rankings this week, though it still ranks just 21st.
21. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (UP 2)
Best-graded: G Andrew Norwell | 68.3
Worst-graded: G A.J. Cann | 45.5
Outside of right guard A.J. Cann, the play of the Jaguars’ offensive linemen hasn’t been terrible. It’s just that it hasn’t strayed far from average, either. Cann was injured in Week 4 and placed on injured reserve, and while Ben Bartch has been better, it hasn’t been a massive upgrade. Four different members of the line have surrendered at least 10 pressures, and pass protection has actually been the unit’s stronger area of play.
While the team may not be missing Cann too much, it will miss center Brandon Linder severely. Linder was carted off the field on Sunday, and he will not be available in the short term at least as he has been placed on the injured reserve. Without him, Jacksonville will start Tyler Shatley at center.
Losing Linder hurts for an offensive line that was showing signs of progress, but the Jags will hope they can continue to find success on offense as they did on Sunday.
Here’s how PFF evaluates Jacksonville’s Week 1 offensive line play.
One of the bigger questions surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars heading into the season was the offensive line. Due to not seeing the whole starting unit together during the preseason, it remained enigmatic heading into Week 1, too.
There were certainly several mistakes. Many drives were tanked due to holding calls, and some players on the offensive line struggled more than others. But, setting aside the penalties for a minute, the offensive line play had some positive moments. The team did a decent job protecting Trevor Lawrence, but it still needs to improve.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jacksonville’s offensive line ranked 23rd in the league in Week 1.
The big question for the Jaguars is what kind of play will they get out of tackles Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor. Each player was drafted within the first 35 picks in their respective drafts, but neither has shown consistently above-average play at this level. They combined to allow five pressures against the Texans, and if they continue to play at an average level, this line will be all right.
Interior Linemen Andrew Norwell and Brandon Linder are two of the better players at their positions in the league, and they will continue to anchor this unit. But the Jaguars simply need to see more from the tackles. Robinson’s future on the roster is murky beyond this season, but Taylor is expected to be a part of the line for years to come.
They need to play better, and the team likely needs to find a way to upgrade from Cann, who received a disastrous 9.2 grade (out of 100, not 10) from PFF for his play on Sunday.
But all in all, the offensive line is expected to be a strength of the team. Or, at the very least, it shouldn’t be a weakness.
ESPN recently projected and ranked the Chargers offensive line entering the 2021 season.
One of the Chargers’ priorities this offseason was to get the pieces up front to put quarterback Justin Herbert in the most optimal position to succeed.
General manager Tom Telesco did so by signing Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler, Oday Aboushi and drafting Rashawn Slater and Brenden Jaimes to go along with Bryan Bulaga.
On paper, the unit looks the most stout that it has in years, but how will they perform when they actually step on the field this fall?
ESPN recently projected and ranked the best and worst offensive lines in the league according to pass block win rates, which takes every projected starter’s individual pass block win rate over the past two seasons.
Players who did not play in either or both seasons (including rookies) were assigned a below-average PBWR for their position, and anyone who failed to meet the qualifying threshold had their win rate regressed toward that below-average target.
After finishing No. 31 last season, Los Angeles checked in at No. 22 heading into the 2021 season.
This is already a dramatic improvement over 2020. The Chargers ranked 31st in PBWR last season, so the addition of Linsley, the possibility of a healthy year from Bulaga, and a first-round rookie in Slater offer significant promise for this line.
The model is not going to assume immediate success for Slater, however, and Feiler struggled last season in Pittsburgh, hence the middling rank.
The organization did a good job of bringing in veteran offensive linemen that have proven themselves in this league along with a young player with plenty of talent.
The team is certainly hoping that promising things will happen this season with this new-look offensive line, which could dictate a decent portion of the offense’s success. They certainly have the pieces to make it come to fruition.
Now it falls in the coaching staff’s hands to put them in the best position to succeed and the players themselves to ensure that they can stay go through the entire season injury-free.
