Offensive Line Rankings and Notes: Training Camp Edition - Footballguys

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Welcome to another season of Footballguys' coverage of the offensive lines.

One change from last year, the scores of the elite lines are marked in blue while the weaker lines will be noted in red. The teams with no color designation can be considered average or middle of the road.

Enough with the preliminaries, let's get to the main course.

INITIAL RANKINGS

TEAM PREVIEWS: ELITE LINES

Philadelphia Eagles

Rank: 1
Overall: A+

Outlook: Both center Jason Kelce and right tackle Lane Johnson earned All-Pro honors during last year's championship season. Left tackle Jason Peters returns after an ACL tear. The team has Halapoulivaati Vaitai and seventh round developmental rookie Jordan Mailata waiting in the wings if the 36-year-old Peters is again unavailable due to injury. Right guard Brandon Brooks took a pay reduction after last season but is still a good player. Left guard Stefan Wisniewski had a hot run of downfield blocking during the playoffs. Overall, the Eagles' offensive line enters the season as an elite option.

Dallas Cowboys

Rank: 2
Overall: A+

Outlook: The Cowboys' offensive line added Connor Williams from Texas in the second round of the NFL draft. Williams is expected to start at left guard, solving a problem from last season. The line is stacked from wall-to-wall with high performers. Right guard Zack Martin was an All-Pro performer while Travis Fredrick made the Pro Bowl. Tyron Smith is one of the few truly elite left tackles. Right tackle Lael Collins has to improve his pass protection but all five starters are maulers in the run game. The Cowboys' offensive line again enters the season as an elite option and should challenge for the top spot once the 21-year-old Williams finds cohesion with the rest of the starters.

Los Angeles Rams

Rank: 3
Overall: A

Outlook: Both left tackle Andrew Whitworth and left guard Rodger Saffold are coming off of All-Pro seasons. They, along with center John Sullivan, are veteran players but despite their advanced ages, have still been playing lockdown football. The right side of Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein is not as dominant, but both should be pushed by draft picks Jamil Demby and Joe Noteboom. Cornelius Lucas is a good swing tackle option. Headed into the season the Rams' offensive line grades out as a top-tier option. But there is a possible downside if the veterans cannot hold off Father Time for one more season.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Rank: 4
Overall: A

Outlook: Right guard David Decastro earned All-Pro honors last season. With center Maurkice Pouncey and left guard Ramon Foster, these three form an elite interior blocking unit. The tackles are good but not quite as dominant as the interior. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva is huge but still has occasional technical issues while right tackle Marcus Gilbert missed most of last season due to injury. The team drafted Chuks Okorafor to possibly replace Gilbert down the road and Patrick Morris from TCU should secure the backup center job. Foster injured his knee during the first week of training camp but is expected to return for Week 1. B.J. Finney would get the start at guard if Foster is unavailable. Overall, the Steelers' offensive line ranks as a top-tier unit as the season opens.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Rank: 5
Overall: A

Outlook: Left tackle David Bakhtiari had an All-Pro performance last season and is the cornerstone of this Packers' offensive line. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga is underrated but also a very good player when healthy. Left guard Lane Taylor and Center Corey Linsley are solid players who control the point of attack. Right guard Justin McCray filled multiple spots last season when starters were injured and the team is rewarding McCray with a starting job. Overall, this Packers' offensive line enters the season as an excellent option, but their grade depends on health, especially at the tackle positions.

Atlanta FALCONS

Rank: 6
Overall: A

Outlook: Center Alex Mack is the cornerstone of the Falcons' offensive line. Mack was the first team AP All-Pro center. Left tackle Jake Matthews was rewarded with a contract extension this summer. He and left guard Andy Levitre are mostly solid. Right tackle Ryan Schraeder continues to perform at a high level. Veteran Brandon Fusco could steal the right guard reps from last year's starter Wes Schweitzer. Ben Garland is a versatile backup (who also plays DT) and Ty Sambrailo is a decent swing tackle. Overall, this line ranks among the best in the league. Their ranking can improve should they resolve the right guard situation.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Rank: 7
Overall: A-

Outlook: Left tackle Trent Williams played through an injury last season which required surgery. Williams is back at practice and should be ready for opening day. Right guard Brandon Scherff can be a dynamic blocker and right tackle Morgan Moses has developed into a decent option. Left guard Shawn Lauvao was brought back to the team late in the offseason after neither he nor the squad could find better options. Lauvao is a talented player who cannot seem to stay healthy. Center Chase Roullier will get a chance to start full time in place of the departed Spencer Long. There are a ton of depth names, including the league's best swing tackle in Ty Nsekhe and third-round rookie Geron Christian. Overall, the Washington offensive line opens the season as a top-tier option and it could climb higher if the left guard and center positions perform.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Rank: 8
Overall: A-

Outlook: The Chiefs' offensive line returns all five starters from last season's opening day and the high familiarity and cohesion in this group helps their grade. Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is coming off an All-Pro season and is the team's best lineman. Center Mitch Morse is a "glue-guy" and when he was out of the lineup last season, the difference in the offense was noticeable. Right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff became a licensed doctor in the offseason and hopes to have MD on his jersey. He's a mauler when healthy. Left tackle Eric Fisher never really lived up to number one overall billing but the team gave him a second contract and he is at least a consistent starter at the spot. Left guard Parker Ehinger should steal the job back from Bryan Witzmann now that he is healthy. Overall, this Chiefs' offensive line enters the season as a top-tier option.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Rank: 9
Overall: A-

Outlook: The Raiders' offensive line is stacked across the board, but the best player might be left guard Kelechi Osemele. "K.O." eats pancakes on a regular basis, and the other interior players of center Rodney Hudson and right guard Gabe Jackson are also dominating players. Left tackle Donald Penn remains the starter but the team has lined up numerous options to take his place, including first-round pick Kolton Miller. Miller could start the season at right tackle if he can fend off Vadal Alexander and Breno Giacomini for the job. New offensive line coach Tom Cable arrives from Seattle, and he will have plenty of youth on the second team to develop. Overall the Raiders' offensive line enters the season as a top-tier option.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Rank: 10
Overall: A-

Outlook: Left tackle Taylor Lewan made his second straight Pro Bowl last season and was rewarded with a hefty contract extension. Lewan attended the press conference dressed as Boss Hogg and was backed by the entire offensive line. Right tackle Jack Conklin had a set back season last year after his All Pro rookie season in 2016, and had a tough break when he tore his ACL in the playoffs. Conklin might not start the season, in which case Dennis Kelly and Kevin Pamphile could compete for the role. Pamphile arrived from Tampa Bay via free agency. He or fellow free agent Xavier Sua-Filo from the Houston Texans could push nominal starting left guard Quinton Spain for reps. Center Ben Jones is a good player and Josh Kline appears to be in the good graces of the coaching staff for the time being. Either guard spot could be upgraded, but on the strength of the tackles and center, the Tennessee Titans' offensive line enters the season ranked as a top-tier option.

TEAM PREVIEWS: AVERAGE LINES

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Rank: 11
Overall: B+

Outlook: The Ravens' offensive line is led by six-time Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda. The right guard had to switch to the left side last year to play through a shoulder injury. Alex Lewis is a rising talent at right tackle, he and Yanda could have a good season, should they both stay healthy. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley has lived up to his high first-round billing. All the vets will have to assist new starters James Hurst at left guard and Matt Skura at center. Skura replaces Ryan Jensen, who was a hit for the team at center last year and left for greener pastures in Tampa Bay. The Ravens' offensive line ranks as a solid unit (with upside to be elite) going into the season.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Rank: 12
Overall: B+

Outlook: All-Pro left guard Andrew Norwell arrived via free agency from Carolina and he immediately becomes the Jaguars' best lineman. Left tackle Cam Robinson had an up-and-down rookie season but he did start all 16 games and the playoffs, which was a great experience. Center Brandon Linder is quietly among the league's better pivot players and the right side of A.J. Cann and Jermey Parnell are maulers. Swing tackle Josh Wells provides good depth. The Jaguars' offensive line start the season just outside the elite lines but should join the top 10 once Norwell meshes with his new teammates (about Week 4).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Rank: 13
Overall: B+

Outlook: Left tackle Terron Armstead only started ten games last season but when healthy he's among the best at the position in the conference. Left guard Andrus Peat is listed on the roster as a tackle but can be a Pro Bowl caliber left guard if allowed to play inside. Center Max Unger remains the alpha dog on a line full of candidates for the job. Right guard Larry Warford is a road grading blocker and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk also plays with a bad attitude. The team re-acquired Jermon Bushrod for depth purposes and selected former defensive end convert Rick Leonard in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Overall the Saints' offensive line enters the season just outside the elite grouping. If they can prove durable, elite status is within reach.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Rank: 14
Overall: B+

Outlook: Center Mike Pouncey arrived via free agency from the Miami Dolphins and he should immediately become the Chargers' best lineman. Right guard Forrest Lamp enters his second year after his a promising rookie campaign was cut short by injury. Lamp's returns to form would impact the line like another high draft pick. Russell Okung has been solid and Joe Barksdale is recovered from both a foot injury and mental health issues. Dan Feeney should have the left guard spot locked up in the wake of Matt Slauson's departure. Michael Schofield is a decent swing option. Overall this Chargers' offensive line enters the season as an underrated mid-tier option.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Rank: 15
Overall: B

Outlook: The 49ers had two big changes on the offensive line this offseason. The first was replacing Daniel Kilgore with free agent signing Weston Richburg (Giants) after he signed a five-year, 47.5 million dollar deal. That should be an upgrade for the unit. The second was replacing Trent Brown with #9 overall pick Mike McGlinchey (Notre Dame). Brown fetched a third-round pick from the Patriots during the draft. McGlinchey will be a better run than pass blocker at first. Mainstay left tackle Joe Staley is back for another season, but the two guard spots are up for grabs. Former Lions first-round pick Laken Tomlinson and 49ers 2016 first-rounder Josh Garnett are the incumbent starters, but Jonathan Cooper started 13 games for the Cowboys last year and he could win a spot. Erik Magnuson can fill in at center and will also push for a starting spot at guard, he's likely to make the team as a top backup at worst. Garry Gilliam was another offseason signing and he'll be the swing tackle. Person was once the starter for Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta and might add a veteran presence to the guard competition. Williams got on the 53 after going undrafted last year and might force the 49ers to keep him if he shows progress before the season. Overall the 49ers' offensive line enters the season as a mid-tier option.

CHICAGO BEARS

Rank: 16 (tie)
Overall: B

Outlook: The Bears' offensive line is led by right guard Kyle Long, who should be full-go after multiple surgeries during the offseason. The squad lost left guard Josh Sitton to free agency, and Bradley Sowell is expected to fill the role. Center Cody Whitehair is a fixture in the lineup and the tackles are decent: Charles Leno is quietly reliable at left tackle while right tackle Bobbie Massie blocks with strength. Rookie James Daniels arrived from Iowa and could also start at left guard, with Sowell as the swing tackle. This is a mid-tier line heading into the season.

DETROIT LIONS

Rank: 16 (tie)
Overall: B

Outlook: The team selected Arkansas center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the NFL Draft. Ragnow could start either center or right guard, as can Graham Glasgow. Both are dynamic blockers. Left guard T.J. Lang is a balanced veteran and the interior three starters could be among the league's best, once the lineup settles. The tackles of Taylor Decker and Rick Wagner are not elite but are at least solid. Backups Kenny Wiggins and Brian Mihalik can fill in at several positions. Overall, the Lions' offensive line enters the season as a mid-tier option, with upside to be elite.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Rank: 18 (tie)
Overall: B-

Outlook: Left tackle Duane Brown arrived via trade last season from the Houston Texans and immediately upgraded the line out of the low-tier. Right guard D.J. Fluker arrived in free agency from the New York Giants and he is a power mauler. Left guard Ethan Pocic and center Justin Britt are tough players who could fit well into the zone scheme the new offensive line coach Mike Solari favors. Right tackle Germain Ifedi is also a power player who is penalty prone and will face competition from George Fant, who is recovered from last season's injury, and rookie Jamarco Jones. The Seahawks' offensive line grades as a solid option as the season opens.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Rank: 18 (tie)
Overall: B-

Outlook: The left side of Riley Reiff at tackle and Nick Easton at guard are a powerful run blocking team. Easton was eating pancakes last season and the team hopes he can build on the success. Center Pat Elflein has become a fixture in the middle in only one season. Right tackle Mike Remmers is an effective blocker in both run and pass phases. New right guard Tom Compton started five games last year for the Chicago Bears and is a seven-year vet originally from South Dakota who should fit well in the team culture. Rashod Hill is a versatile backup who could push Compton at guard. The team also drafted Brian O'Neill on the second day of the draft to one day take a tackle job. Overall this Vikings' offensive line begins the season as a mid-tier option but has upside to get considerably better in the rankings as the season progresses.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Rank: 20
Overall: B-

Outlook: In his first year on the job, right tackle Daryl Williams made the AP All-Pro second team. Williams suffered a severe knee injury on the first padded practice of training camp and his season may be in doubt. Right guard Trai Turner usually combines with Williams to be a mauling run-blocking duo, but the start of the season will be all about getting Taylor Moton up to speed. Center Ryan Kalil is approaching the end of his career but is still effective when healthy. The same can be said of his brother Matt Kalil, who starts at left tackle. Left guard Andrew Norwell left via free agency and Jeremiah Sirles arrived from the Minnesota Vikings to replace him. The team has depth in Amini Silatolu, who could factor at right tackle if Taylor Moton falters. The Panthers line graded out as a top-tier unit with Williams in the lineup but drop considerably in the ranks in his absence.

NEW YORK JETS

Rank: 21 (tie)
Overall: C+

Outlook: Left tackle Kelvin Beachum was quietly a sixteen game starter for the team last season and another year will have him in good shape to either collect a payday from the Jets or hit the free agency market. Right tackle Brandon Shell is the grand nephew of Art Shell and has upside. Both guards James Carpenter and Brian Winters played through injuries which limited their play last season, but the team still has faith in these starters, or at least cannot move on for another season due to contracts. Center Spencer Long arrived via free agency from Washington, as did Travis Swanson from Detroit. Long should start but either are upgrades over last year's starter of Wesley Johnson. Overall the Jets' offensive line grades out as a mid-tier option as the season opens.

DENVER BRONCOS

Rank: 21 (tie)
Overall: C+

Outlook: After playing last season at right guard, Ronald Leary has moved back to his preferred left guard spot. Leary only played in 11 games last season but was the team's best lineman during his time on the field. Center Matt Paradis is also a high performer. Garett Bolles had an up-and-down season at left tackle as a rookie but should improve in season two. Right tackle Jared Veldheer arrived via free agency from the Arizona Cardinals. His arrival sends Menelik Watson to the reserve swing tackle role. Connor McGovern is favored to win the right guard spot. Overall, the Denver Broncos' offensive line is an average option as the season opens, but is relatively young and has the talent to rise in the rankings.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Rank: 21 (tie)
Overall: C+

Outlook: After losing it's long-time left tackle Nate Solder to free agency last offseason, the team traded for Trent Brown from the San Francisco 49ers and have made him the favorite to win the job. The team also selected Isaiah Wynn in the first round of the NFL draft and Wynn played his college ball at left tackle. Center David Andrews is undersized but effective. The right side of guard Shaq Mason and tackle Marcus Cannon are absolute maulers in the run game. LaAdrian Waddle will likely be the swing tackle (first off the bench) to start of the season. Overall the Patriots' offensive line enters the season as a mid-tier option.

TEAM PREVIEWS: WEAK LINES

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Rank: 24
Overall: C

Outlook: The Browns' offensive line lost legend Joe Thomas to retirement this offseason. Shon Coleman, who started at right tackle last season, has shifted back to his college position of left tackle to start the season. Spencer Drango, Zach Banner, and Donald Stephenson are other tackles on the roster. The interior is set: left guard Joel Bitonio, center J.C. Tretter, and right guard Kevin Zeitler are good starters. Right tackle Chris Hubbard arrived from free agency from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hubbard started most of last season for the injured Marcus Gilbert and is familiar with the division. The Browns' offensive line enters the season as a low-tier option but should climb once the tackles settle into their new roles.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Rank: 25 (tie)
Overall: C

Outlook: The Colts' offensive line added a big piece when they selected left guard Quenton Nelson at six overall in the first round of in the NFL draft. Expectations are high but the Notre Dame product should deliver. Left tackle Anthony Castonzo remains a good option, and center Ryan Kelly has unrealized upside but is rarely healthy. Right guard Matt Slauson arrived via free agency from the Los Angeles Chargers and will be a solid veteran presence. Right tackle Denzelle Good has the physical gifts but will have to hold off Jack Mewhort, who is recovered from injury. The Colts' offensive line starts the season as a low-tier option but their cohesion will rise as the season progresses.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Rank: 25 (tie)
Overall: C

Outlook: The Bengals' line added two starters in the offseason. They traded with Buffalo for left tackle Cordy Glenn and selected Ohio State center Billy Price in the first round. Both should be instant upgrades over last year's starters. Left guard Clint Boling has been reliable. But the right side of Trey Hopkins and Jake Fisher will face a huge host of competition. Bobby Hart, Cedric Ogbuehi, seventh-round rookie Rod Taylor and even 2017 UDFA Kent Perkins are in the mix at tackle while Alex Redmond, T.J. Johnson, Christian Westerman all started games at guard last season. The Bengals' line enters the season as a low-tier option but can improve when the lineup settles.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Rank: 27
Overall: C-

Outlook: Left tackle Donovan Smith has improved his pass protection and can be relied upon to limit the hits on the quarterback. Left guard Ali Marpet is a versatile player who spent time last year at center but is better at guard. Center Ryan Jensen arrived from free agency from the Baltimore Ravens. Jensen is underrated by casual fans and can be among the league's better pivot men. Right guard will be manned by Caleb Benenoch, with Evan Smith ready as a depth option. The franchise drafted Alex Cappa for the swing tackle role and hope he can replace below average right tackle Demar Dotson one day. Overall the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line grades as a low-tier option as the season opens but could rise to decency as their lineup settles.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Rank: 28
Overall: C-

Outlook: Left guard Josh Sitton arrived via free agency from the Chicago Bears and can be a cornerstone player. If healthy, Sitton should help offset the loss of center Mike Pouncey. Daniel Kilgore is a decent option at the pivot, he is also a new arrival from the San Francisco 49ers. The coaches like Jesse Davis at right guard. The tackles duo is mixed: Laremy Tunsil does a good job on the left side but JuWuan James can be an average player. The Dolphins' offensive line ranks as a low-tier option going into the season but could climb to the mid-tier once the interior of the lineup comes together.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Rank: 29
Overall: C-

Outlook: The Cardinals believe they have found a long-term solution at left tackle in D.J. Humphries. Left guard Mike Iupati restructured his contract after only playing one game last season. Center A.Q. Shipley is undersized but reliable. Right guard Justin Pugh arrived via free agency and should be a solid contributor. Right tackle will likely be Andre Smith's job to lose, but there are other options in John Wetzel and 7th round pick Korey Cunningham. The Cards' o-line enters the season as a low-tier unit, but have the potential to rise if they remain healthy, especially at the guard positions.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Rank: 30
Overall: C-

Outlook: The Giants rebuilt the left side of their line this offseason, bringing in Nate Solder from the New England Patriots to play tackle and drafting Will Hernandez in the second round of the NFL draft to play guard. Both should be instant upgrades over last year's starters. Center Brett Jones is being given the chance to start full time after the team let Weston Richburg hit free agency. Right guard John Jerry could be pushed by Patrick Omameh, who arrived from the Jacksonville Jaguars via free agency. Ereck Flowers will get a chance at right tackle but will have an extremely short leash. Chad Wheeler and Adam Bisnowaty are other tackle options. Overall the Giants' offensive line ranks as a low-tier option headed into the season but the cohesion grade will rise as the left side settles. But the right tackle situation is concerning and requires further observation.

BUFFALO BILLS

Rank: 31
Overall: D+

Outlook: The Bills' offensive line lost left guard and center positions to retirement and did not use high draft picks to back-fill the positions. Left tackle Dion Dawkins had replaced Cordy Glenn (Glenn was traded to Cincinnati). Left guard Ryan Groy is a coaches' favorite and could also start at center. Russell Bodine is the other option at the pivot. Bodine arrived via free agency as did Marshall Newhouse, who could compete with Jordan Mills at right tackle; neither are elite options. Right guard should be a competition between Vlad Ducasse and rookie Wyatt Teller out of Virginia Tech. The Bills' line ranks as a low tier option headed into the season.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Rank: 32
Overall: D

Outlook: Second-year player Julien Davenport started three games as a rookie and is expected to start the season as the starting left tackle. Left guard Zach Fulton is a strong veteran who arrived from Kansas City and should be able to assist Davenport or whoever wins the left tackle job. Right guard Jeff Allen is a similar player to Fulton, strong and veteran but both can be compromised by speed moves. Nick Martin is one of the leagues better young centers when healthy. Seantrel Henderson arrived from Buffalo and should start at right tackle if he can avoid suspension. Senio Kelemete is another free agency arrival who can start at multiple positions if needed. Overall this Texans' offensive line enters the season as a low-tier option, primarily due to lineup uncertainty.

METHODOLOGY

Recently, a poster in the Offensive Lines thread in the FBG Shark Pool message board asked this author to back up these rankings against other sources. One central difference is these rankings update weekly and consider lineup changes. Trades, "benchings" and injuries change the lineups and they must be tracked for any offensive line ranking to be useful. Most ranking lists are not kept updated.

By re-ranking the teams every week with a realistic lineup, a cohesion score is tracked. Cohesion is another way of saying experience. The players build trust when they work at the same positions with the same guys beside them every week Good offensive lines trust each other to such an extent they can know what the hot blocking calls are going to be, even if they can't hear it, because they are playing on the road in Kansas City or Seattle and it sounds like a jet plane taking off.

For the purposes of the model:

• Tackle grades are weighted 2x. Center grades are weighted 1.5x.
• Cohesion is counted as a 6th starter in the lineup, 1x weighting like a guard.
• Cohesion grades max at 5, starters only go up to 4.5.
• Lose a starter, lose a point.
  • For example, Carolina loses RT Daryl Williams, swaps in Taylor Moton, cohesion goes from 4 to 3 -
  • It was already down a point due to Jeremiah Sirles replacing Andrew Norwell.
• Switch a starter, lose a half point.
  • For example, Baltimore moved Marshal Yanda to left guard last season, a half point loss of cohesion.
• It takes a month (4 games) of regular season playing time to build maximum 5 point cohesion.

For those who enjoy listening rather than reading, fellow staffer Matt Waldman's Rookie Scouting Portfolio podcast discussed this topic recently.

If you have a question about a player, team or matchup not specifically talked about in this article, please feel free to contact the author via Twitter.

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