There are going to be some running backs in new situations this year. Travis Henry, Thomas Jones, Willis McGahee, Ahman Green, and Jamal Lewis. There are also some backs who will be upgraded from part time to full time like Joseph Addai, Laurence Mauroney, and Cedric Benson(apparently). Haven't been following football as much the last few years and I was wondering, which teams do you think have the best O-Lines? For run blocking I mean.
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Best offensive line? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter DT4157
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Banger
Footballguy
From Profootball weekly...
So here’s a look at the league’s offensive lines, 1-32, from best to worst:
1. Indianapolis — Although it’s aging some, and the group is not asked to hold blocks long because of Peyton Manning’s ability to get rid of the ball, the Colts’ front wall is one of the NFL’s best, headed by Pro Bowlers C Jeff Saturday and OLT Tarik Glenn. ORG Jake Scott is an unsung model of efficiency. ORT Ryan Diem is also rock-solid, and he plays hurt. At left guard, Ryan Lilja and Dylan Gandy provide a solid tag-team situation. Sophomore Charlie Johnson has a bright future (he was outstanding in the Super Bowl), and second-round pick Tony Ugoh (Glenn’s heir apparent) and free-agent addition Rick DeMulling provide terrific depth.
2. New Orleans — The Saints surrendered 23 sacks — fourth-fewest in the league — last season while protecting Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees, though they also do not require their linemen to hold blocks for long periods. This unit is equally adept at blocking for bruising RB Deuce McAllister and shifty RB Reggie Bush. OLT Jammal Brown is a Pro Bowler, and ORG Jahri Evans and ORT Jon Stinchcomb are out to prove they aren’t one-year wonders, though Stinchcomb is someone the staff views as replaceable.
3. San Diego — The Chargers’ re-signing of stud OLG Kris Dielman was a major score for an offensive line that is quietly one of the league’s best. This is a smash-mouth group that improved when OLT Marcus McNeill was pressed into the lineup as a rookie. C Nick Hardwick is solid; he’s the hardworking leader of the line. RB LaDainian Tomlinson’s amazing red-zone success rate says a lot about this talented, cohesive group, though there’s no question that L.T. also makes the line look good, as well.
4. Chicago — The veteran front five that sprung Thomas Jones to two consecutive solid fantasy campaigns returns intact, providing RB Cedric Benson with every opportunity for a breakthrough season. Anchored by C Olin Kreutz and OLT John Tait, the unit is better in the run game while being vulnerable to speed rushes and blitzes that confuse QB Rex Grossman. Of course, ORG Ruben Brown and ORT Fred Miller are on the back ends of their careers.
5. Philadelphia — All five starters started 16 games apiece, and they all return. OTs William Thomas and Jon Runyan are aging, with injury histories, but both are strong performers still near the top of their game. ORG Shawn Andrews might be the best interior run blocker in the game. He’s dominant in one-on-one matchups. The depth is strong, too, and starters OLG Todd Herremans and C Jamaal Jackson are no slouches.
6. New England — With tons of skill-position weapons and QB Tom Brady in his prime, a line whose sum is greater than its parts could have a standout season. It's a cohesive unit that is mobile and equally effective in the running game and in pass protection. OLG Logan Mankins is nasty and tough and a potential Pro Bowler. Brady's quick, decisive delivery helps keep him from getting sacked much. The weak spots are outside, where OLT Matt Light has struggled at times and neither right tackle (Nick Kaczur or Ryan O’Callaghan) is anything special.
7. Denver — All signs are positive thus far with the return of OLT Matt Lepsis following a season-ending knee injury, and his ability to seamlessly step back into the lineup would be big for an athletic and mobile unit that is consistently among the league’s most productive. Of course, there are those who believe that rookie Ryan Harris could beat him out. New OG Montrae Holland provides some rare interior bulk. The Broncos’ zone cut-blocking scheme makes the sum of the line greater than the individual parts.
8. Washington — Losing Derrick Dockery makes left guard a question mark — 6-foot-8 Todd Wade is the reported favorite of the coaches — but there is good talent at the other four spots. Injuries are the only clear drawback. OLT Chris Samuels isn’t a rock every game, but he’s dominant at times. ORT Jon Jansen is the group’s leader and still a fair blocker. ORG Randy Thomas and C Casey Rabach make a good tandem on traps and counters, and each is tough, but Thomas has to stay in the lineup.
9. Minnesota — OLG Steve Hutchinson, OLT Bryant McKinnie and C Matt Birk comprise a potentially dominant mix for a two-headed backfield featuring Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson. However, second-year ORT Ryan Cook is a question mark, and ORG Artis Hicks is considered a weak link. The staff would like to replace Hicks if it could find a better alternative. A weak right side may be targeted as opposing defenses come after first-year starter Tarvaris Jackson.
10. Cincinnati — Injuries hobbled this group in 2006. OLT Levi Jones (knee) missed most of the season, as did now-retired C Rich Braham. When healthy, this has been one of the AFC’s better lines in recent seasons, but it will be without some familiar faces in ’07. Andrew Whitworth will likely replace the departed Eric Steinbach at left guard. Eric Ghiaciuc, who got his bearings after struggling early in ’06, gets the call in Braham’s old spot.
11. San Francisco — A line that improved a lot last season has been further fortified with the addition of first-round pick OLT Joe Staley, who is expected to push for a starting job. OLG Larry Allen was greatly responsible for the line’s improvement in ’06 but missed five games with a knee injury. OT Jonas Jennings and C Eric Heitmann are injury concerns, and Jennings might be a better fit at right tackle. The right side is a bit unsettled, with Kwame Harris, Adam Snyder and Jennings battling for the starter’s job at tackle and Justin Smiley battling David Baas at guard. The depth is solid.
12. Baltimore — OLT Jonathan Ogden is the only star on a blue-collar, technically sound offensive line that allowed only 17 sacks last season. Position battles to watch are at center, where Mike Flynn may have to hold off Chris Chester, and at right guard, as Chester and rookie Ben Grubbs get the chance to displace veteran Keydrick Vincent. The Ravens lost Tony Pashos in free agency, and the plan is to replace him with Adam Terry, who is green.
13. N.Y. Jets — Young OLT D’Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold are the anchors for an O-line that could look different from last season, though Ferguson was merely average as a rookie. OLG Pete Kendall is unhappy with his contract, and ORT Anthony Clement is vulnerable to losing his starting job. QB Chad Pennington gets help with the addition of RB Thomas Jones, who runs hard between the tackles.
14. Pittsburgh — The Steelers’ O-line will have a slightly different look this season — and that’s not including Alan Faneca’s contract gripe and potential holdout. Sean Mahan likely will replace the retired Jeff Hartings at center, and Willie Colon could push Max Starks out of a starting job at right tackle. Larry Zierlein takes over for Russ Grimm as OL coach, which some consider a big loss, and he’s charged with getting more out of a line that disappointed last season.
15. Tennessee — An underrated, functional group. Young OTs Michael Roos and David Stewart were quietly strong in not only pass blocking for rookie QB Vince Young but also opening up holes for a 2,200-yard rushing game. C Kevin Mawae, who only has a good year or two left, was the group’s glue and helped Young with blocking calls and audibles. OGs Jacob Bell and Benji Olson are stiff but blocked well within the framework of the offensive assignments.
16. N.Y. Giants — Left tackle is the biggest question now, as Dave Diehl stands as the steady option to replace Luke Petitgout. But don’t be shocked if either second-year man Guy Whimper or rookie Adam Koets gets a crash course and beats Diehl out at some point. ORG Chris Snee is an anchor in the run game, and ORT Kareem McKenzie has been a good power blocker. The rest of the group is solid, not spectacular.
17. Seattle — It wasn’t long ago that the Seahawks had one of the most solid lines in the NFL. But things changed last year after they lost perennial Pro Bowl OLG Steve Hutchinson. They used eight different starting combinations, and it affected the performances of QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB Shaun Alexander. OLT Walter Jones allowed more sacks than usual last season, but he remains elite, and the team likes Rob Sims, who came on strong while filling in for Hutchinson. C Chris Spencer is coming off shoulder surgeries. The right side is wide open. Chris Gray, Ray Willis, Sean Locklear, Tom Ashworth and Pork Chop Womack will battle for two spots.
18. Jacksonville — The Jaguars bolstered their line in the offseason by adding free-agent mauler ORT Tony Pashos. This unit is strong at run blocking, opening plenty of holes for RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew last year. The OG combo of Vince Manuwai and Chris Naeole is very solid. The O-line also does an adequate job protecting methodical passer Byron Leftwich.
19. Dallas — The proof is in the pudding with this group, which carries a lot of name value and talent individually but fell short of expectations last season. Retaining ORT Marc Colombo and C Andre Gurode, last year’s two most consistent blockers, was key, and the addition of ORG Leonard Davis should be an upgrade over what an injured Marco Rivera could do. OLG Kyle Kosier must step up, and OLT Flozell Adams can be dominant if he’s healthy. By midseason, it could be an improved unit.
20. Atlanta — New head coach Bobby Petrino phased out the zone-blocking scheme that led the Falcons to the top of the rushing charts the past three seasons. Petrino beefed up Atlanta’s O-line with the addition of rookie OLG Justin Blalock, a second-round pick. But there could be growing pains as the Falcons’ undersized line tries to block for a power-running offense.
21. St. Louis — A revamped line played solidly in ’06 despite missing injured OLT Orlando Pace and C Andy McCollum a good part of the season. Both McCollum, who will battle resourceful Brett Romberg for the starting job, and Pace are healthy again. However, the right side of OG Richie Incognito and OT Alex Barron must play a lot smarter and cut down on mistakes, particularly Barron, who has turned false-start penalties into an art form. OLG Mark Setterstrom could be pushed by third-year pro Claude Terrell, who is getting another chance to prove himself after falling out of favor with head coach Scott Linehan.
22. Carolina — New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson is implementing a zone-blocking scheme to take advantage of the athleticism and versatility of Carolina’s undersized O-line. This new approach should help one-cut runners DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams find more openings. Rookie C Ryan Kalil is a perfect fit in the scheme, and overall this is a group that should perform better with improved health.
23. Arizona — After the Cardinals went through six OL combinations in the first 10 games last season, new OL coach Russ Grimm wants to assemble a physical line like he had in Pittsburgh. But it’s a work in progress here, with ORG Deuce Lutui the only player returning at the same position from the end of last season. Grimm hopes Lutui and first-round ORT Levi Brown will offer strong blind-side protection for lefty QB Matt Leinart. Projected OLG Reggie Wells graded out as the team’s best lineman the past two seasons; he finished the season at right tackle. But center and left tackle — where newcomers Al Johnson and Mike Gandy are the respective front-runners — don’t appear to be as solid.
24. Cleveland — Finally, the Browns could have an offensive line that’s not a major weakness. No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas has beaten out Kevin Shaffer at left tackle. Eric Steinbach, a rising star, will step in at left guard. C Hank Fraley started all 16 games last season. However, questions linger on the right side of the line. ORT Ryan Tucker returns after missing the end of the ’06 campaign because of personal issues. Seth McKinney, penciled in at right guard, missed last season after suffering a back injury.
25. Green Bay — A very young offensive line showed much progress over the course of 2006 as the Pack implemented a new zone-blocking scheme that should get stronger with age, provided they have a capable runner. After max-protecting early and often last year, the offense should open up a bit, giving Brett Favre a few more options in calling pass routes. Overall, though, scouts say that this is a fairly soft group.
26. Tampa Bay — The Buccaneers have invested heavily in their offensive line in the past three drafts, landing starters Davin Joseph, Dan Buenning and Jeremy Trueblood, plus OLG Arron Sears this April. This young unit needs to jell to break RB Cadillac Williams out of his sophomore slump and to keep QB Jeff Garcia on his feet.
27. Buffalo — The Bills added starters ORT Langston Walker and OLG Derrick Dockery in free agency. The team believes the left side of the line with Dockery and OLT Jason Peters will pave the way in the running game. QB J.P. Losman should also be protected better, allowing TEs Robert Royal and Kevin Everett not to have to stay in and block as often.
28. Miami — The Dolphins are likely to have new starters at all five O-line positions, although OLT Vernon Carey (former right tackle), ORT L.J. Shelton (former right guard) and ORG Rex Hadnot (former center) are returning starters. The line needs to jell quickly to protect less-than-mobile QB Trent Green and lead the way for RB Ronnie Brown and the running game. Rookie Samson Satele could win the starting center job.
29. Kansas City — The retirements of OLT Willie Roaf and OG Will Shields in less than a year’s time severely damaged an offensive line that was arguably the league’s best for a four- or five-year stretch. Despite some struggles a year ago, the Chiefs are speaking positively about a new-look group that will feature ex-Dolphin Damion McIntosh at left tackle and former Panther and Seahawk Chris Terry at right tackle.
30. Houston — The Texans are still searching for an answer at left tackle. Jordan Black and Ephraim Salaam will compete for the job this season. Right tackle is also a position to watch, with Eric Winston expected to take a step forward. Mike Flanagan and Steve McKinney will compete at center. Overall, this is one of the league’s shakiest offensive lines, but with what they are asked to do, they can get away with having lesser talent.
31. Detroit — After a dismal season, the Lions may have as many as three new linemen starting. Veterans George Foster (ORT) and Edwin Mulitalo (OLG) arrive to reinforce a disastrous offense that ranked dead last in rushing and 29th in sacks allowed last season. OG Damien Woody is working hard to shed weight to get back on the field and already is down significantly.
32. Oakland — There are plenty of issues here, as the Raiders scored just 12 offensive touchdowns and surrendered 72 sacks in 2006. The new coaching regime can only help and is already making plenty of changes — like moving Barry Sims back to left tackle and shifting disappointing OLT Robert Gallery inside to guard. Having a mobile quarterback will be a key, also, for bootlegs, play-action and more quick throws that’ll be used more in Lane Kiffin’s offense.
So here’s a look at the league’s offensive lines, 1-32, from best to worst:
1. Indianapolis — Although it’s aging some, and the group is not asked to hold blocks long because of Peyton Manning’s ability to get rid of the ball, the Colts’ front wall is one of the NFL’s best, headed by Pro Bowlers C Jeff Saturday and OLT Tarik Glenn. ORG Jake Scott is an unsung model of efficiency. ORT Ryan Diem is also rock-solid, and he plays hurt. At left guard, Ryan Lilja and Dylan Gandy provide a solid tag-team situation. Sophomore Charlie Johnson has a bright future (he was outstanding in the Super Bowl), and second-round pick Tony Ugoh (Glenn’s heir apparent) and free-agent addition Rick DeMulling provide terrific depth.
2. New Orleans — The Saints surrendered 23 sacks — fourth-fewest in the league — last season while protecting Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees, though they also do not require their linemen to hold blocks for long periods. This unit is equally adept at blocking for bruising RB Deuce McAllister and shifty RB Reggie Bush. OLT Jammal Brown is a Pro Bowler, and ORG Jahri Evans and ORT Jon Stinchcomb are out to prove they aren’t one-year wonders, though Stinchcomb is someone the staff views as replaceable.
3. San Diego — The Chargers’ re-signing of stud OLG Kris Dielman was a major score for an offensive line that is quietly one of the league’s best. This is a smash-mouth group that improved when OLT Marcus McNeill was pressed into the lineup as a rookie. C Nick Hardwick is solid; he’s the hardworking leader of the line. RB LaDainian Tomlinson’s amazing red-zone success rate says a lot about this talented, cohesive group, though there’s no question that L.T. also makes the line look good, as well.
4. Chicago — The veteran front five that sprung Thomas Jones to two consecutive solid fantasy campaigns returns intact, providing RB Cedric Benson with every opportunity for a breakthrough season. Anchored by C Olin Kreutz and OLT John Tait, the unit is better in the run game while being vulnerable to speed rushes and blitzes that confuse QB Rex Grossman. Of course, ORG Ruben Brown and ORT Fred Miller are on the back ends of their careers.
5. Philadelphia — All five starters started 16 games apiece, and they all return. OTs William Thomas and Jon Runyan are aging, with injury histories, but both are strong performers still near the top of their game. ORG Shawn Andrews might be the best interior run blocker in the game. He’s dominant in one-on-one matchups. The depth is strong, too, and starters OLG Todd Herremans and C Jamaal Jackson are no slouches.
6. New England — With tons of skill-position weapons and QB Tom Brady in his prime, a line whose sum is greater than its parts could have a standout season. It's a cohesive unit that is mobile and equally effective in the running game and in pass protection. OLG Logan Mankins is nasty and tough and a potential Pro Bowler. Brady's quick, decisive delivery helps keep him from getting sacked much. The weak spots are outside, where OLT Matt Light has struggled at times and neither right tackle (Nick Kaczur or Ryan O’Callaghan) is anything special.
7. Denver — All signs are positive thus far with the return of OLT Matt Lepsis following a season-ending knee injury, and his ability to seamlessly step back into the lineup would be big for an athletic and mobile unit that is consistently among the league’s most productive. Of course, there are those who believe that rookie Ryan Harris could beat him out. New OG Montrae Holland provides some rare interior bulk. The Broncos’ zone cut-blocking scheme makes the sum of the line greater than the individual parts.
8. Washington — Losing Derrick Dockery makes left guard a question mark — 6-foot-8 Todd Wade is the reported favorite of the coaches — but there is good talent at the other four spots. Injuries are the only clear drawback. OLT Chris Samuels isn’t a rock every game, but he’s dominant at times. ORT Jon Jansen is the group’s leader and still a fair blocker. ORG Randy Thomas and C Casey Rabach make a good tandem on traps and counters, and each is tough, but Thomas has to stay in the lineup.
9. Minnesota — OLG Steve Hutchinson, OLT Bryant McKinnie and C Matt Birk comprise a potentially dominant mix for a two-headed backfield featuring Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson. However, second-year ORT Ryan Cook is a question mark, and ORG Artis Hicks is considered a weak link. The staff would like to replace Hicks if it could find a better alternative. A weak right side may be targeted as opposing defenses come after first-year starter Tarvaris Jackson.
10. Cincinnati — Injuries hobbled this group in 2006. OLT Levi Jones (knee) missed most of the season, as did now-retired C Rich Braham. When healthy, this has been one of the AFC’s better lines in recent seasons, but it will be without some familiar faces in ’07. Andrew Whitworth will likely replace the departed Eric Steinbach at left guard. Eric Ghiaciuc, who got his bearings after struggling early in ’06, gets the call in Braham’s old spot.
11. San Francisco — A line that improved a lot last season has been further fortified with the addition of first-round pick OLT Joe Staley, who is expected to push for a starting job. OLG Larry Allen was greatly responsible for the line’s improvement in ’06 but missed five games with a knee injury. OT Jonas Jennings and C Eric Heitmann are injury concerns, and Jennings might be a better fit at right tackle. The right side is a bit unsettled, with Kwame Harris, Adam Snyder and Jennings battling for the starter’s job at tackle and Justin Smiley battling David Baas at guard. The depth is solid.
12. Baltimore — OLT Jonathan Ogden is the only star on a blue-collar, technically sound offensive line that allowed only 17 sacks last season. Position battles to watch are at center, where Mike Flynn may have to hold off Chris Chester, and at right guard, as Chester and rookie Ben Grubbs get the chance to displace veteran Keydrick Vincent. The Ravens lost Tony Pashos in free agency, and the plan is to replace him with Adam Terry, who is green.
13. N.Y. Jets — Young OLT D’Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold are the anchors for an O-line that could look different from last season, though Ferguson was merely average as a rookie. OLG Pete Kendall is unhappy with his contract, and ORT Anthony Clement is vulnerable to losing his starting job. QB Chad Pennington gets help with the addition of RB Thomas Jones, who runs hard between the tackles.
14. Pittsburgh — The Steelers’ O-line will have a slightly different look this season — and that’s not including Alan Faneca’s contract gripe and potential holdout. Sean Mahan likely will replace the retired Jeff Hartings at center, and Willie Colon could push Max Starks out of a starting job at right tackle. Larry Zierlein takes over for Russ Grimm as OL coach, which some consider a big loss, and he’s charged with getting more out of a line that disappointed last season.
15. Tennessee — An underrated, functional group. Young OTs Michael Roos and David Stewart were quietly strong in not only pass blocking for rookie QB Vince Young but also opening up holes for a 2,200-yard rushing game. C Kevin Mawae, who only has a good year or two left, was the group’s glue and helped Young with blocking calls and audibles. OGs Jacob Bell and Benji Olson are stiff but blocked well within the framework of the offensive assignments.
16. N.Y. Giants — Left tackle is the biggest question now, as Dave Diehl stands as the steady option to replace Luke Petitgout. But don’t be shocked if either second-year man Guy Whimper or rookie Adam Koets gets a crash course and beats Diehl out at some point. ORG Chris Snee is an anchor in the run game, and ORT Kareem McKenzie has been a good power blocker. The rest of the group is solid, not spectacular.
17. Seattle — It wasn’t long ago that the Seahawks had one of the most solid lines in the NFL. But things changed last year after they lost perennial Pro Bowl OLG Steve Hutchinson. They used eight different starting combinations, and it affected the performances of QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB Shaun Alexander. OLT Walter Jones allowed more sacks than usual last season, but he remains elite, and the team likes Rob Sims, who came on strong while filling in for Hutchinson. C Chris Spencer is coming off shoulder surgeries. The right side is wide open. Chris Gray, Ray Willis, Sean Locklear, Tom Ashworth and Pork Chop Womack will battle for two spots.
18. Jacksonville — The Jaguars bolstered their line in the offseason by adding free-agent mauler ORT Tony Pashos. This unit is strong at run blocking, opening plenty of holes for RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew last year. The OG combo of Vince Manuwai and Chris Naeole is very solid. The O-line also does an adequate job protecting methodical passer Byron Leftwich.
19. Dallas — The proof is in the pudding with this group, which carries a lot of name value and talent individually but fell short of expectations last season. Retaining ORT Marc Colombo and C Andre Gurode, last year’s two most consistent blockers, was key, and the addition of ORG Leonard Davis should be an upgrade over what an injured Marco Rivera could do. OLG Kyle Kosier must step up, and OLT Flozell Adams can be dominant if he’s healthy. By midseason, it could be an improved unit.
20. Atlanta — New head coach Bobby Petrino phased out the zone-blocking scheme that led the Falcons to the top of the rushing charts the past three seasons. Petrino beefed up Atlanta’s O-line with the addition of rookie OLG Justin Blalock, a second-round pick. But there could be growing pains as the Falcons’ undersized line tries to block for a power-running offense.
21. St. Louis — A revamped line played solidly in ’06 despite missing injured OLT Orlando Pace and C Andy McCollum a good part of the season. Both McCollum, who will battle resourceful Brett Romberg for the starting job, and Pace are healthy again. However, the right side of OG Richie Incognito and OT Alex Barron must play a lot smarter and cut down on mistakes, particularly Barron, who has turned false-start penalties into an art form. OLG Mark Setterstrom could be pushed by third-year pro Claude Terrell, who is getting another chance to prove himself after falling out of favor with head coach Scott Linehan.
22. Carolina — New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson is implementing a zone-blocking scheme to take advantage of the athleticism and versatility of Carolina’s undersized O-line. This new approach should help one-cut runners DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams find more openings. Rookie C Ryan Kalil is a perfect fit in the scheme, and overall this is a group that should perform better with improved health.
23. Arizona — After the Cardinals went through six OL combinations in the first 10 games last season, new OL coach Russ Grimm wants to assemble a physical line like he had in Pittsburgh. But it’s a work in progress here, with ORG Deuce Lutui the only player returning at the same position from the end of last season. Grimm hopes Lutui and first-round ORT Levi Brown will offer strong blind-side protection for lefty QB Matt Leinart. Projected OLG Reggie Wells graded out as the team’s best lineman the past two seasons; he finished the season at right tackle. But center and left tackle — where newcomers Al Johnson and Mike Gandy are the respective front-runners — don’t appear to be as solid.
24. Cleveland — Finally, the Browns could have an offensive line that’s not a major weakness. No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas has beaten out Kevin Shaffer at left tackle. Eric Steinbach, a rising star, will step in at left guard. C Hank Fraley started all 16 games last season. However, questions linger on the right side of the line. ORT Ryan Tucker returns after missing the end of the ’06 campaign because of personal issues. Seth McKinney, penciled in at right guard, missed last season after suffering a back injury.
25. Green Bay — A very young offensive line showed much progress over the course of 2006 as the Pack implemented a new zone-blocking scheme that should get stronger with age, provided they have a capable runner. After max-protecting early and often last year, the offense should open up a bit, giving Brett Favre a few more options in calling pass routes. Overall, though, scouts say that this is a fairly soft group.
26. Tampa Bay — The Buccaneers have invested heavily in their offensive line in the past three drafts, landing starters Davin Joseph, Dan Buenning and Jeremy Trueblood, plus OLG Arron Sears this April. This young unit needs to jell to break RB Cadillac Williams out of his sophomore slump and to keep QB Jeff Garcia on his feet.
27. Buffalo — The Bills added starters ORT Langston Walker and OLG Derrick Dockery in free agency. The team believes the left side of the line with Dockery and OLT Jason Peters will pave the way in the running game. QB J.P. Losman should also be protected better, allowing TEs Robert Royal and Kevin Everett not to have to stay in and block as often.
28. Miami — The Dolphins are likely to have new starters at all five O-line positions, although OLT Vernon Carey (former right tackle), ORT L.J. Shelton (former right guard) and ORG Rex Hadnot (former center) are returning starters. The line needs to jell quickly to protect less-than-mobile QB Trent Green and lead the way for RB Ronnie Brown and the running game. Rookie Samson Satele could win the starting center job.
29. Kansas City — The retirements of OLT Willie Roaf and OG Will Shields in less than a year’s time severely damaged an offensive line that was arguably the league’s best for a four- or five-year stretch. Despite some struggles a year ago, the Chiefs are speaking positively about a new-look group that will feature ex-Dolphin Damion McIntosh at left tackle and former Panther and Seahawk Chris Terry at right tackle.
30. Houston — The Texans are still searching for an answer at left tackle. Jordan Black and Ephraim Salaam will compete for the job this season. Right tackle is also a position to watch, with Eric Winston expected to take a step forward. Mike Flanagan and Steve McKinney will compete at center. Overall, this is one of the league’s shakiest offensive lines, but with what they are asked to do, they can get away with having lesser talent.
31. Detroit — After a dismal season, the Lions may have as many as three new linemen starting. Veterans George Foster (ORT) and Edwin Mulitalo (OLG) arrive to reinforce a disastrous offense that ranked dead last in rushing and 29th in sacks allowed last season. OG Damien Woody is working hard to shed weight to get back on the field and already is down significantly.
32. Oakland — There are plenty of issues here, as the Raiders scored just 12 offensive touchdowns and surrendered 72 sacks in 2006. The new coaching regime can only help and is already making plenty of changes — like moving Barry Sims back to left tackle and shifting disappointing OLT Robert Gallery inside to guard. Having a mobile quarterback will be a key, also, for bootlegs, play-action and more quick throws that’ll be used more in Lane Kiffin’s offense.
Banger
Footballguy
From ESPN...
1. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers would rank No. 2 pretty much by default thanks to an impressive running game that posted nearly 5 yards a carry last season, but they were also able to hold opposing defenses to just 28 sacks in 2006. Left tackle Marcus McNeill was the gem of last year's draft class and does a great job of protecting the blindside of quarterback Philip Rivers from what is arguably the most crucial position on the line. San Diego also has a good blend of youth and experience with seasoned right guard Mike Goff holding down a starting spot in his 10th season in the league. This is a unit that can come right at opponents and create running lanes with drive blocking, or use finesse in pass blocking to give Rivers time to locate open receivers. Overall, they rely on athleticism more than bulk and pure power.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts don't have the best individuals at any one offensive line position, but they work together well, make few mistakes and are probably the best-coached unit in the league. Howard Mudd has them prepared well for every game and each player knows what the man next to him is doing. The Colts allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL last season (15) and managed to gain a respectable 4.0 yards per carry. They have an excellent left tackle in Tarik Glenn and four or five other smart, athletic linemen who are interchangeable and can play multiple positions. Everyone knows what the other players along the line are supposed to be doing, making it much easier to cover up mistakes.
3. Denver Broncos
With one of the smallest lines in the league, the Broncos rely on quickness and agility to get the job done, registering 4.4 yards per carry and giving up just 31 sacks in 2006. They don't have a single returning starter on the line who weighs over 300 pounds, and former backup Chris Kuper (302 pounds) is the only projected starter who breaks that threshold. Denver's unit plays with an attitude and can cause opposing defensive lines to become a little timid, because they have a reputation for blocking around the knees. This causes defensive linemen to hold back a little to make sure they protect their legs. The Broncos also have one of the oldest offensive line units with only two players with less than 10 years of experience (Kuper and Adam Meadows are eight-year veterans).
4. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles gained 4.8 yards per carry while holding opponents to just 28 sacks on the year. They are massive as a unit and have a wealth of experience at tackle with William Thomas on the left side and Jon Runyan on the right. Neither would be considered an elite athlete for the position, but both are more than adequate. What they lack in athleticism they make up for with reach (arm length) and technique. Guards Todd Herremans and Shawn Andrews are massive, powerful blockers, while center Jamaal Jackson appears to have a bright future. With the vertical passing game quarterback Donovan McNabb likes to employ, the line needs to give him time to let his receivers run their deep routes, and it does just that.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a combination of experience and youth with right tackle Willie Anderson entering his 12th season and the other four players following his lead. They have a quality left tackle in Levi Jones, who is more of a finesse-type blocker than a smashmouth drive blocker, and massive guards Bobby Williams and Andrew Whitworth, both of whom are in the 340-pound range. The center position is adequately handled by third-year man Eric Ghiaciuc, though he is still learning the nuances of the position at the NFL level. Cincinnati was in the middle of the pack last year with 36 sacks allowed and just 3.7 yards per carry, and having pretty much stayed put with the same group, it will be difficult to show much improvement.
6. New England Patriots
Like the Colts, the Patriots have no stars but rather five quality linemen. They rely more on athleticism and intelligence than size and raw strength. Veteran offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia does a great job of molding a unit together that works in unison and avoids making mistakes. With an average of less than five years of experience across the board, they should do nothing but improve over the next few years after giving up just 29 sacks and rushing for almost 4 yards per carry last season. They lack the size and bulk to get much push, especially in and around the red zone, but can do a quality job of occupying opponents long enough to give running backs a seam to run through.
7. Washington Redskins
The Redskins have one of the best tackle combinations in the league in Jon Jansen on the right side and Chris Samuels on the left. They are big parts of a unit that was one of only three in the NFL to give up fewer than 20 sacks (19) in 2006. At the same time, they were able to gain over 4.5 yards per carry and pile up the fourth-best overall rushing total (2,216 yards) in the league. With the highly respected Joe Bugel coaching the line, the players are starting to live up to expectations. They are not the heaviest line in the league, but they are athletic and do a great job of eliminating mistakes that can cause turnovers and losses. Center Casey Rabach has become the glue that holds the unit together and is just coming into his prime in his sixth season. Guard Randy Thomas is also in his prime.
8. New Orleans Saints
The Saints had the best passing offense in the NFL at better than 281 yards per game, thanks in large part to the fact that they gave up just 23 sacks in 2006. However, they are well below average in the rushing department at just 3.7 yards per carry. Left tackle Jammal Brown is becoming a quality tackle entering his third year, and fifth-year right tackle Jon Stinchcomb gives the Saints a very good pair of bookends. Guards Jahri Evans and Jamar Nesbit and center Jeff Faine are more than adequate but hardly Pro Bowl-caliber, though as a group they do a respectable job of combining strength and athleticism to protect quarterback Drew Brees, who is not the most mobile quarterback in the league. They could stand to add some more power up front to give them stronger run blocking.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have one of the most physical offensive lines in the league. They are stout and powerful in the middle with center Brad Meester and guards Vince Manuwai and Chris Naeole anchoring things. Left tackle Khalif Barnes and right tackle Tony Pashos do a very good job of protecting the edges against the speed rushers. With the league's third-best rushing offense (5.0 yards per carry), the Jaguars also managed to give up just 30 sacks. They are definitely better blockers when able to drive off the line and get some push at the point of attack in the running game. Line coach Andy Heck has done a very good job of utilizing the strength and power of his interior to attack opposing defenses, though the Jaguars struggle when defenses are able to stretch running plays laterally.
10. Chicago Bears
The Bears are a good mixture of size and athleticism, youth and seasoned veterans. They have a good set of bookend tackles with left tackle John Tait being a fluid, easy mover and right tackle Fred Miller bringing a lot of experience and skills to the table. They did a good job of protecting quarterback Rex Grossman from outside pressure coming off the edges, and along with guards Ruben Brown and Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz, they held opposing defenses to just 23 sacks in 2006. The coaching staff would like to improve on the 3.8 yards per carry they gained last season, and that will likely have to happen from the middle of the line because neither tackle is a great drive-blocker. Kreutz, Brown and Garza are aggressive blockers with quick feet, but they lack the raw power to create big running lanes.
11. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have one of the stronger left sides in the league with Bryant McKinnie teaming up with guard Steve Hutchinson, and 10-year veteran Matt Birk is the glue for this unit. The right side is a bit of a question with second-year pro Ryan Cook penciled in at right tackle and Artis Hicks holding down the right guard position. Minnesota should definitely be a left-handed team in 2007 and will need to shore up its pass protection because the unproven Tarvaris Jackson will be starting at quarterback. The fact that the Vikings gave up 43 sacks last season needs to be addressed, but their 4.1 yards per carry was respectable. Offensive line coach Pat Morris and his assistant Jim Hueber will have their hands full.
1. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers would rank No. 2 pretty much by default thanks to an impressive running game that posted nearly 5 yards a carry last season, but they were also able to hold opposing defenses to just 28 sacks in 2006. Left tackle Marcus McNeill was the gem of last year's draft class and does a great job of protecting the blindside of quarterback Philip Rivers from what is arguably the most crucial position on the line. San Diego also has a good blend of youth and experience with seasoned right guard Mike Goff holding down a starting spot in his 10th season in the league. This is a unit that can come right at opponents and create running lanes with drive blocking, or use finesse in pass blocking to give Rivers time to locate open receivers. Overall, they rely on athleticism more than bulk and pure power.
2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts don't have the best individuals at any one offensive line position, but they work together well, make few mistakes and are probably the best-coached unit in the league. Howard Mudd has them prepared well for every game and each player knows what the man next to him is doing. The Colts allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL last season (15) and managed to gain a respectable 4.0 yards per carry. They have an excellent left tackle in Tarik Glenn and four or five other smart, athletic linemen who are interchangeable and can play multiple positions. Everyone knows what the other players along the line are supposed to be doing, making it much easier to cover up mistakes.
3. Denver Broncos
With one of the smallest lines in the league, the Broncos rely on quickness and agility to get the job done, registering 4.4 yards per carry and giving up just 31 sacks in 2006. They don't have a single returning starter on the line who weighs over 300 pounds, and former backup Chris Kuper (302 pounds) is the only projected starter who breaks that threshold. Denver's unit plays with an attitude and can cause opposing defensive lines to become a little timid, because they have a reputation for blocking around the knees. This causes defensive linemen to hold back a little to make sure they protect their legs. The Broncos also have one of the oldest offensive line units with only two players with less than 10 years of experience (Kuper and Adam Meadows are eight-year veterans).
4. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles gained 4.8 yards per carry while holding opponents to just 28 sacks on the year. They are massive as a unit and have a wealth of experience at tackle with William Thomas on the left side and Jon Runyan on the right. Neither would be considered an elite athlete for the position, but both are more than adequate. What they lack in athleticism they make up for with reach (arm length) and technique. Guards Todd Herremans and Shawn Andrews are massive, powerful blockers, while center Jamaal Jackson appears to have a bright future. With the vertical passing game quarterback Donovan McNabb likes to employ, the line needs to give him time to let his receivers run their deep routes, and it does just that.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a combination of experience and youth with right tackle Willie Anderson entering his 12th season and the other four players following his lead. They have a quality left tackle in Levi Jones, who is more of a finesse-type blocker than a smashmouth drive blocker, and massive guards Bobby Williams and Andrew Whitworth, both of whom are in the 340-pound range. The center position is adequately handled by third-year man Eric Ghiaciuc, though he is still learning the nuances of the position at the NFL level. Cincinnati was in the middle of the pack last year with 36 sacks allowed and just 3.7 yards per carry, and having pretty much stayed put with the same group, it will be difficult to show much improvement.
6. New England Patriots
Like the Colts, the Patriots have no stars but rather five quality linemen. They rely more on athleticism and intelligence than size and raw strength. Veteran offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia does a great job of molding a unit together that works in unison and avoids making mistakes. With an average of less than five years of experience across the board, they should do nothing but improve over the next few years after giving up just 29 sacks and rushing for almost 4 yards per carry last season. They lack the size and bulk to get much push, especially in and around the red zone, but can do a quality job of occupying opponents long enough to give running backs a seam to run through.
7. Washington Redskins
The Redskins have one of the best tackle combinations in the league in Jon Jansen on the right side and Chris Samuels on the left. They are big parts of a unit that was one of only three in the NFL to give up fewer than 20 sacks (19) in 2006. At the same time, they were able to gain over 4.5 yards per carry and pile up the fourth-best overall rushing total (2,216 yards) in the league. With the highly respected Joe Bugel coaching the line, the players are starting to live up to expectations. They are not the heaviest line in the league, but they are athletic and do a great job of eliminating mistakes that can cause turnovers and losses. Center Casey Rabach has become the glue that holds the unit together and is just coming into his prime in his sixth season. Guard Randy Thomas is also in his prime.
8. New Orleans Saints
The Saints had the best passing offense in the NFL at better than 281 yards per game, thanks in large part to the fact that they gave up just 23 sacks in 2006. However, they are well below average in the rushing department at just 3.7 yards per carry. Left tackle Jammal Brown is becoming a quality tackle entering his third year, and fifth-year right tackle Jon Stinchcomb gives the Saints a very good pair of bookends. Guards Jahri Evans and Jamar Nesbit and center Jeff Faine are more than adequate but hardly Pro Bowl-caliber, though as a group they do a respectable job of combining strength and athleticism to protect quarterback Drew Brees, who is not the most mobile quarterback in the league. They could stand to add some more power up front to give them stronger run blocking.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have one of the most physical offensive lines in the league. They are stout and powerful in the middle with center Brad Meester and guards Vince Manuwai and Chris Naeole anchoring things. Left tackle Khalif Barnes and right tackle Tony Pashos do a very good job of protecting the edges against the speed rushers. With the league's third-best rushing offense (5.0 yards per carry), the Jaguars also managed to give up just 30 sacks. They are definitely better blockers when able to drive off the line and get some push at the point of attack in the running game. Line coach Andy Heck has done a very good job of utilizing the strength and power of his interior to attack opposing defenses, though the Jaguars struggle when defenses are able to stretch running plays laterally.
10. Chicago Bears
The Bears are a good mixture of size and athleticism, youth and seasoned veterans. They have a good set of bookend tackles with left tackle John Tait being a fluid, easy mover and right tackle Fred Miller bringing a lot of experience and skills to the table. They did a good job of protecting quarterback Rex Grossman from outside pressure coming off the edges, and along with guards Ruben Brown and Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz, they held opposing defenses to just 23 sacks in 2006. The coaching staff would like to improve on the 3.8 yards per carry they gained last season, and that will likely have to happen from the middle of the line because neither tackle is a great drive-blocker. Kreutz, Brown and Garza are aggressive blockers with quick feet, but they lack the raw power to create big running lanes.
11. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have one of the stronger left sides in the league with Bryant McKinnie teaming up with guard Steve Hutchinson, and 10-year veteran Matt Birk is the glue for this unit. The right side is a bit of a question with second-year pro Ryan Cook penciled in at right tackle and Artis Hicks holding down the right guard position. Minnesota should definitely be a left-handed team in 2007 and will need to shore up its pass protection because the unproven Tarvaris Jackson will be starting at quarterback. The fact that the Vikings gave up 43 sacks last season needs to be addressed, but their 4.1 yards per carry was respectable. Offensive line coach Pat Morris and his assistant Jim Hueber will have their hands full.
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