The NFL’s 11 best offensive guards

Guards are no longer the anonymous guys who toil away without recognition, and here are the best in the NFL to do it right now.

6. Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

The Browns have gone through more than their share of coaches, quarterbacks, and offensive failures since selecting Bitonio, the college offensive tackle, out of Nevada in the second round of the 2014 draft. But Bitonio has been the one positive constant in that equation. Through all the cycles of dysfunction, he’s given up just 14 sacks over six seasons, and he’s made consistent strides as a run-blocker — of course, having Nick Chubb, the NFL’s most efficient running back, helps a bit. Few offensive linemen at any position can boast Bitonio’s combination of flexibility and effective power. He’s a perfect fit for the schemes new head coach and offensive shot-caller Kevin Stefanski prefers to run — Bitonio is built for a flexible zone run game and a boot-heavy passing attack.