Photo: USA Today Sports

This is the All-32 Offensive Line Season Preview article.

Note the following icons:

⇧ Most Improved - These teams have done the most to improve their offensive line in the most recent offseason:

• Atlanta Falcons - Added James Carpenter, Chris Lindstrom (R), & Kaleb McGary (R).
• New York Jets - Added Kelechi Osemele, Ryan Kalil, & Alex Lewis (also hired Frank Pollack to coach).
• Denver Broncos - Added Ja'Wuan James, Dalton Risner (R) (also hired Mike Munchak to coach).

⇩ Cause for Concern - These teams have lineup uncertainties which could hold back their score:

• San Francisco 49ers - Joe Staley's grade might be too high (age).
• Los Angeles Rams - 2 new starters, Andrew Whitworth's grade might be too high (age).
• Cincinnati Bengals - Clint Boling and Christian Westerman retired, Jonah Williams to IR.

☒ Missing Starter - These teams have one or more notable starting players missing, affecting their score:

• Washington Redskins - Left tackle Trent Williams (contract dispute - hold out).
• Tennessee Titans - Left tackle Taylor Lewan (4 game suspension).
• Oakland Raiders - Left guard Richie Incognito (2 game suspension), right guard Gabe Jackson (knee injury).

Also, at the end of this article, there will be a methodology section, explaining how the grades are calculated.

Top-Tier LINES

Lines with A grades are considered the best, with A+ grades the elite groups in the entire league.

New Orleans Saints

Rank: 1 of 32

Starters: Terron Armstead, Andrus Peat, Erik McCoy (R), Larry Warford, Ryan Ramczyk.

Grade: A+.

Overview: How does a team get to be the top-ranked line? Start the year with two All-Pros at tackles, two Pro Bowlers at guard, and draft a first-round stud at the center position. Many were worried about how the team could replace Max Unger when he retired this offseason, but Erik McCoy, the selection out of Texas A&M has answered all the questions so far in camp. Positional Coach Dan Roushar has become one of the better line coaches in football.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Rank: 2 of 32

Starters: Jason Peters, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks, Lane Johnson.

Grade: A+.

Overview: Left guard Isaac Seumalo has earned the confidence of the coaching staff and is considered the primary backup (and heir-apparent) to Kelce at the center position. Brooks (Achilles) and Johnson (knee) have been out of action but are probable for Week 1. Top talent, rich depth, and the excellent coaching of Jeff Stoutland combine to give Philadelphia’s offensive line one of the league’s best grades headed into the season.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Rank: 3 of 32

Starters: Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La'el Collins.

Grade: A+.

Overview: Left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Zack Martin have not seen much action in this preseason, each resting a respective back injury. Center Travis Frederick looks great after a missed year with an auto-immune disease, but he's not listed on the injury report. Frederick was a former All-Pro but the grade doesn't yet quite reflect this in the model. If really has recaptured his All-Pro form, look out. Assuming full health, this Cowboys' offensive line has a wealth of talent and their starting five are an elite group.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Rank: 4 of 32

Starters: Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David Decastro, Matt Feiler.

Grade: A+

Overview: The Steelers’ offensive line is currently one of the strongest in the league, based on high cohesion (familiarity playing together) and the All-Pro talent at three positions: left tackle, center and right guard. Much will be expected of new(ish) right tackle Matt Feiler and new line coach Shaun Sarrett. Sarrett is a long-time assistant, in his first year as a positional coach. He will be expected to fill Mike Munchak’s shoes and keep developing young players, even after his mentor’s departure to Denver in the offseason.

Green Bay Packers

Rank: 5 of 32

Starters: David Bakhtiari, Lane Taylor, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Bryan Bulaga.

Grade: A.

Overview: Left tackle David Bakhtiari has become one of the best blind-side protectors in the game, honored with top 100 and All-Pro honors. He's not the only good player in Wisconsin as the improved play of center Corey Linsley has some beat writers already campaigning for his postseason honors. At right guard Billy Turner has arrived from free agency and has combined with right tackle Bryan Bulaga to find room in the running game this preseason; the two could be promising power-blocking duo this year.

Kansas City Chiefs

Rank: 6 of 32

Starters: Eric Fisher, Andrew Wylie, Austin Reiter, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Mitchell Schwartz.

Grade: A.

Overview: The strength of the Chiefs’ line is at the tackle positions, where right tackle Mitchell Schwartz made first-team All-Pro and left tackle Eric Fisher was named a Pro Bowl reserve. Cam Erving is considered another starter by the coaches and can swap in at four positions. This front office does a solid job finding talent, and despite losing last year's center, they are still a top-tier line headed into the season.

Indianapolis Colts

Rank: 7 of 32

Starters: Anthony Castonzo, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Mark Glowinski, Braden Smith.

Grade: A.

Overview: Left guard Quenton Nelson is an absolute star who gives this line a nasty attitude, especially in the running attack. Nelson has been nursing a minor ankle injury but is probable for opening day. The tackles, veteran Anthony Castonzo and second-year Braden Smith, are high-performing bookends, better than most team's tackle options. Right guard Mark Glowinski is only decent but the real key to this line is the health of center Ryan Kelly; when he’s in the lineup they can be among the very best lines in football.

CHICAGO BEARS

Rank: 8 of 32

Starters: Charles Leno Jr., Cody Whitehair, James Daniels, Kyle Long, Bobby Massie.

Grade: A.

Overview: Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and center Cody Whitehair made the Pro Bowl as alternates last season. James Daniels was last year's left guard but has looked more comfortable as his natural center position this preseason, while Whitehair has handled the transition to left guard without issue. Right tackle Bobbie Massie has been an underrated performer and right guard Kyle Long can be a dynamic blocker when healthy. A high cohesion score cements this Bears' grade, they are usually good but can be excellent with Long in the lineup.

Atlanta Falcons

Rank: 9 of 32

Starters: Jake Matthews, James Carpenter, Alex Mack, Chris Lindstrom (R), Ty Sambrailo.

Grade: A-. ⇧ Most Improved.

Overview: Center Alex Mack and left tackle Jake Matthews are both coming off of Pro Bowl honors, Mack as a starter, Matthews as an alternate. Left guard James Carpenter arrived via free agency and is a steady run blocker. Rookie right guard Chris Lindstrom out of Boston College is also a rugged power blocker and they fit right in with veteran right tackle Ty Sambrailo. The team had drafted Kaleb McGary out of Washington to challenge Sambrailo, but McGary had surgery on his heart (cardiac ablation) and is still working himself into shape. This team has a low cohesion score relative to their talent level; in other words, as they build trust at the guard spots they have more upside than other groups to rise in the rankings.

Carolina Panthers

Rank: 10 of 32

Starters: Daryl Williams, Greg Van Roten, Matt Paradis, Trai Turner, Taylor Moton.

Grade: A-.

Overview: Left tackle Daryl Williams was once an All-Pro at right tackle, before suffering a major leg injury which required offseason surgery. The team signed him to a one year deal, and so far he has vastly outperformed expectations. Williams has looked outstanding this preseason and his current individual grade of around "B" might actually be too low. Right guard Trai Turner can be a game-changing blocker and veteran center Matt Paradis from Denver has been a reliable addition. This is a really solid group, with upside to rise, depending on Williams' play at left tackle. The stakes are high, as Williams could command a huge payday, or the franchise tag next offseason.

Seattle Seahawks

Rank: 11 of 32

Starters: Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, Justin Britt, D.J. Fluker, Germain Ifedi.

Grade: A-.

Overview: Left tackle Duane Brown remains one of the better pass protectors in the league, and was given All-Pro honors last season. New left guard Mike Iupati can be a force in the run game, when healthy. Iupati has missed the preseason but the team is probably just hiding him for the regular season. Right guard D.J. Fluker and right tackle Germain Ifedi are power blocking maulers, although Fluker (like Iupati) also has a history of injuries. Tackle George Fant operates as a heavy tight end and is a rare starter quality backup at tackle. This is a talented group but their grade depends on the health at the guard spots.

MID-TIER LINES

Lines with B grades are still pretty good, with B+ grades within spitting range of the top-tier.

Cleveland Browns

Rank: 12 of 32

Starters: Greg Robinson, Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Eric Kush, Chris Hubbard.

Grade: B+.

Overview: Left guard Joel Bitonio is the leader of the group, coming off a dominant performance last season when he made second-team All-Pro. Center J.C. Tretter is rock solid and right tackle Chris Hubbard has been above average since his arrival from Pittsburgh two seasons ago. Most local sources have left tackle Greg Robinson improving, finally living up to his elite draft status. Both Hubbard and Robinson have been around forever and it's easy to forget they are still young players. The only question mark is at right guard, where journeyman Eric Kush has held off rookie Austin Corbett for the starting role. This group has the potential to be among the league's best but have to answer questions at right guard (and perhaps left tackle) to get there.

Baltimore Ravens

Rank: 13 of 32

Starters: Ronnie Stanley, Jermaine Elumunor, Matt Skura, Marshal Yanda, Orlando Brown Jr.

Grade: B+.

Overview: All-Pro right guard Marshal Yanda continues to perform at a high level, even in his 13th season. The tackles, with Ronnie Stanley on the left and Orlando Brown on the right, form an above-average set of bookends. Left guard Jermaine Eluemunor is the only new starter; He's raw but also a rare prospect with size and mobility to pull and find blockers at the second level. James Hurst can sub at almost every position and besides being the swing tackle off the bench, he can start at left guard should Eluemunor falter. Assuming the left guard situation settles (and it should, as they are coached by 40-year veteran Joe D’Alessandris), the Ravens can have a very good line this season. 8/29 UPDATE: The Ravens have traded Eluemunor to the Patriots for a conditional late-round pick. The swing tackle James Hurst, backup center Bradley Bozeman, undrafted Patrick Mekari and fourth-round rookie Ben Powers are all options for the job. Smart money is on the veteran Hurst but the coaches have noticed Mekari and Bozeman in camp. No change to current rank.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Rank: 14 of 32

Starters: Joe Staley, Laken Tomlinson, Weston Richburg, Mike Person, Mike McGlinchey.

Grade: B+. ⇩ Cause for Concern.

Overview: Left tackle Joe Staley has been a rock for this team but he is 34-years-old and showing signs of decline during the preseason. His individual grade of A-, as a former Pro Bowler, might be too high. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey is a rising star at the spot and could swap to the left side after Staley retires. Center Weston Richburg is finally back at practice after rehabbing a torn quad tendon in the offseason. The guards of Laken Tomlinson and Mike Person are mostly solid, although Person too is getting old and was spotted around training camp with a walking boot. Overall this is a talented line but age and injuries have recently been taking their toll on the group.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Rank: 15 of 32

Starters: Donald Penn, Ereck Flowers, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses.

Grade: B. ☒ Missing Starter.

Overview: Despite being without All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams (hold out), Washington’s first-team line remains a solid group. The Williams' situation has grown testy and he is not included in the current rankings. That being said it's hard to imagine a trade scenario any time soon, so Williams might have no choice but to rejoin the team at some point. 36-year-old Donald Penn was signed from retirement to start in Williams' spot, with Geron Christian behind him. Neither player has looked reliable in the preseason, but Penn should be able to pull himself together by week one. The rest of the line is surprisingly good, with right guard Brandon Scherff a high-level performer. Scherff makes a solid power blocking duo with right tackle Morgan Moses. At left guard, Ereck Flowers looks much more comfortable at guard than he ever did at tackle. With Williams, this line would carry an elite grade, but without him, they are a mid-tier group.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Rank: 16 of 32

Starters: Cam Robinson, Andrew Norwell, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann, Jawaan Taylor (R).

Grade: B.

Overview: This is a large, run-heavy group. The left side of tackle Cam Robinson and guard Andrew Norwell are body movers and the team drafted local product Jawaan Taylor in the second round to man the right tackle position. There's an ongoing competition at right guard between A.J. Cann and former fourth-round pick Will Richardson. Either can be good choices, this team just needs to remain durable. Last season all five starters ended the year on the injured reserve. With everyone healthy for opening day, the Jaguars grade as a power-running mid-tier option with upside to improve as the right tackle adjusts to life in the league.

Los Angeles Chargers

Rank: 17 of 32

Starters: Trent Scott, Forrest Lamp, Mike Pouncey, Michael Schofield III, Sam Tevi.

Grade: B.

Overview: Center Mike Pouncey is the strength of this line and the interior of Pouncey, left guard Forrest Lamp and right guard Michael Schofield III can be an effective trio creating push in the running game. At left tackle, Russell Okung remains on the Non-Football Injury list with blood clots in his chest and could miss the first six games, if not the entire season. Trent Scott was moved from backup swing tackle and there is a drop off as he adjusts to the change. Sam Tevi is a good young right tackle and last year's starting left guard Dan Feeney provides good depth at several spots. This Chargers' line misses their captain Okung, but they have enough talent to hold onto a solid mid-tier grade as the season opens.

New York Jets

Rank: 18 of 32

Starters: Kelvin Beachum, Kelechi Osemele, Ryan Kalil, Brian Winters, Brandon Shell.

Grade: B. ⇧ Most Improved.

Overview: With the addition of Kelechi Osemele at left guard (acquired via trade with the Oakland Raiders) this line has been trending upward. However, it wasn't until the new general manager brought former Carolina center Ryan Kalil out of retirement did their grade rise high enough to pass into "good" territory. Guard Alex Lewis also was acquired in a trade (with Baltimore) and he could push Brian Winters at right guard or substitute for Osemele at left. The tackles of Kelvin Beachum on the left and Brandon Shell (nephew of HOF'er Art Shell) on the right are underrated and backed up by rookie third-round pick Chuma Edoga from USC. Frank Pollack arrived from Cincinnati to coach the group and while the Jets as a team have their share of problems, the offensive line is actually improved from where they were last season.

Detroit Lions

Rank: 19 of 32

Starters: Taylor Decker, Joe Dahl, Graham Glasgow, Kenny Wiggins, Rick Wagner.

Grade: B-.

Overview: Left tackle Taylor Decker and right tackle Rick Wagner both do a good job keeping the pocket clean from edge pressure. This line was cruising in "good" territory until preseason week three when starting center Frank Ragnow suffered a high ankle sprain. Without Ragnow (expected to miss the opener and possibly a few weeks after), the team moved last year's center Graham Glasgow back to the pivot (he had been playing right guard). Veteran Kenny Wiggins will again get starting reps at right guard while Ragnow heals. In the near-term, this Lions’ offensive line is not spectacular, but they have a solid cohesion and hold their grade as a mid-tier unit. They will likely move three or four spots higher in the rankings when Ragnow returns.

New England Patriots

Rank: 20 of 32

Starters: Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, Ted Karras, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon.

Grade: B-.

Overview: New left tackle Isaiah Wynn is not as quick as Nate Solder or as large as Trent Brown, but he might have better foot speed than both. Wynn joins a veteran line highlighted by the mauling right-side of guard Shaq Mason and tackle Marcus Cannon. Cannon especially has upped his game this preseason from merely good to dominating. The Patriots have perhaps the best offensive line coach in the league in the venerable Dante Scarneccia and he will have his work cut out for him again this season. This team's grade was cruising in the good territory (around 12th) before center David Andrews was rushed to the hospital with blood clots. Andrews' season is in doubt and he will be replaced by Ted Karras. Karras is a bigger player with experience replacing Andrews. Meanwhile, every team in the AFC east drafted a defensive tackle in the first round, with the strategy to create inside pressure.

Denver Broncos

Rank: 21 of 32

Starters: Garrett Bolles, Dalton Risner (R), Connor McGovern, Ron Leary, Ja'Wuan James.

Grade: B-. ⇧ Most Improved.

Overview: The signing of right tackle Ja’Wuan James from Miami in free agency is turning out be the savviest “instant-impact” move made by any offensive line this spring. The line as whole looks far steadier under the guidance of new positional coach Mike Munchak, who previously worked in Pittsburgh. Rookie left guard Dalton Risner continues to develop under Munchak, as does left tackle Garrett Bolles. Veteran right guard Ron Leary has been kept in bubble-wrap by the coaches, but he should be ready for the opener. While their grade currently has them ranked toward the low-end, this line is trending upward and should continue to rise in the rankings as the season progresses.

New York Giants

Rank: 22 of 32

Starters: Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, Jon Halapio, Kevin Zeitler, Mike Remmers.

Grade: B-.

Overview: The team solved problems at right guard and right tackle, and the new players have settled in with no issues At right guard, Kevin Zeitler (acquired via trade from the Browns) is a very solid veteran who has formed a solid duo with veteran right tackle Mike Remmers (most recently of Minnesota and Carolina). Center Jon Halapio has held off Spencer Pulley for the job, despite the latter being younger, having more starts, and a bigger contract. The staff is high on Halapio and believe he and second-year player Will Hernandez at left guard have untapped upside. There’s a great deal to be optimistic about with this group, and they carry a borderline top-20 grade going into the season.

Minnesota Vikings

Rank: 23 of 32

Starters: Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury (R), Josh Kline, Brian O'Neill.

Grade: B-.

Overview: The team drafted first-round rookie Garrett Bradbury from NC State and gave him Pat Elfein's center job, moving the latter out to left guard. Bradbury has had some unsteady moments this preseason but is settling into the job. Right guard Josh Kline is a replacement-level starter and is slated to line up next to right tackle Brian O’Neill even though O'Neill (elbow) has missed all of the preseason so far. Rashod Hill has been starting in his place. While the staff expects O'Neill to be ready for the regular season, but are comfortable calling on Hill (who was the starter before O'Neill was drafted). This line has some interesting players but the group needs improvement at several spots before they can rise in the rankings.

LOW-TIER LINES

Lines with C and D grades are below average and should be monitored closely. Teams with D+ grades are the worst graded lines in the entire league. But also keep in mind, the difference between these lines is often not just talent but the health and availability of the starters. There is a scenario where even the D+ teams rise in the ranks, they just have to gain experience together.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rank: 24 of 32

Starters: Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Alex Cappa, Demar Dotson.

Grade: C+

Overview: First the good news. Left guard Ali Marpet wrecks defenders and center Ryan Jensen continues to be a stalwart. However, left tackle Donovan Smith has had a shaky preseason, but with right tackle Demar Dotson in the sunset of his career and Caleb Benenoch floundering, there clearly aren't any better tackle options than Smith on the roster. The new coaching staff gave second-year right guard Alex Cappa (former third-round pick from Humboldt State) an opportunity to step up this season, and Cappa has been mixed. Cappa is a load in the run game but can be beaten by the pass rush. Veteran Earl Watford lurks behind Cappa in the swing role. This is a low-tier group, held back by uncertainty at the tackle spots.

Houston Texans

Rank: 25 of 32

Starters: Matt Kalil, Tytus Howard (R), Nick Martin, Max Scharping (R), Seantrel Henderson.

Grade: C+

Overview: Center Nick Martin (brother of Cowboys' guard Zack) is as solid as they come, and right tackle Seantrel Henderson has always had talent, when healthy. However this line has undergone huge change and will likely enter the season with rookies at both guard positions: At left guard, Tytus Howard is from FCS school Alabama State who was selected at the end of round one, while right guard Max Scherping is a fourth-rounder out of Northern Illinois. Both were tackles in school and known as pass-blocking (finesse) prospects. While they are raw, they (and the addition of veteran left tackle Matt Kalil) should markedly improve the protection this season. This line is obviously young but they have the upside to rise quickly in the rankings once the rookies settle into life in the league.

Los Angeles Rams

Rank: 26 of 32

Starters: Andrew Whitworth, Joe Noteboom, Brian Allen, Austin Blythe, Rob Havenstein.

Grade: C. ⇩ Cause for Concern.

Overview: The tackles on this line are solid, with left side manned by veteran Andrew Whitworth and right tackle Rob Havenstein given a contract extension last season. Still, last year’s top-tier line has seen a huge amount of change in the offseason after the Super Bowl. Left guard Rodger Saffold departed in free agency, and center John Sullivan retired, leaving two jobs up for grabs. Brian Allen will start at center while Joe Noteboom will start at left guard. Neither player has played this preseason, nominally due to "veteran rest," but the coaches could just be hiding a team weakness. Aaron Kromer is one of the league's better line coaches and he could prove the model wrong by developing the youth. It's simple: this group can rise up the rankings with solid play from the new starters at the left guard and center positions.

Oakland Raiders

Rank: 27 of 32

Starters: Kolton Miller, Jonathan Cooper, Rodney Hudson, Denver Kirkland, Trent Brown.

Grade: C. ☒ Missing Starter (2x).

Overview: The strength of the Raiders’ offensive line is at tackle, with Kolton Miller and Trent Brown. Both players look more comfortable than they did in prior seasons. Miller flipped from the right side where he played as a rookie, back to the left side, where he played in college. Trent Brown manned left tackle for New England last season, and he is a classic power running right tackle. Center Rodney Hudson is still an effective blocker, and the coaches don't have to worry about these three starters. The guard situation is uncertain, with left guard Ritchie Incognito suspended the first two games of the season and right guard Gabe Jackson out 8 weeks with a knee (MCL) injury. Jonathan Cooper and Denver Kirkland are predicted to be the opening day starters. Jackson’s optimistic timetable has both he and Incognito returning in time for the Week 3 contest at Minnesota. This line looks bad now, but their grade should rise to the mid-tier once their guards become available.

Tennessee Titans

Rank: 28 of 32

Starters: Dennis Kelly, Rodger Saffold, Ben Jones, Kevin Pamphile, Jack Conklin.

Grade: C-. ☒ Missing Starter.

Overview: This line will likely be without their star player in left tackle Taylor Lewan (suspended for violations of the substance abuse policy). Dennis Kelly will get the call at left tackle in Lewan’s place and he is an adequate player as are the rest of the four starters. The team expects right tackle Jack Conklin and center Ben Jones to step up in the absence of Lewan and signaled this by naming them both captains prior to the week two preseason game against New England. Left guard Rodger Saffold has been a steady veteran presence since his arrival from the Los Angeles Rams and right guard Kevin Pamphile has secured his starting spot. However, this is at least mid-tier line with Lewan, maybe even a top-tier team if they find form, but only a low-tier line without him. This is how much Lewan means to their grade, and by extension, their entire offense.

Cincinnati Bengals

Rank: 29 of 32

Starters: Cordy Glenn, Michael Jordan (R), Billy Price, John Miller, Billy Hart.

Grade: C-. ⇩ Cause for Concern.

Overview: First-round rookie Jonah Williams, picked 11th overall and slated to start at left tackle, is out for the year with a torn left labrum (shoulder) suffered in mini-camp. Long-time left guard Clint Boling retired and Christian Westerman departed camp to do the same (Westerman was officially moved to the league’s exempt list, giving the team an extra roster spot). In their place, Cordy Glenn takes left tackle while left guard was capably manned by rookie Michael Jordan from Ohio State. Another Buckeye alum, Billy Price, has rejoined the first-team after working through a foot injury. The right side of John Miller and Bobby Hart has experience but both are sub-par starters relative to other teams. The lineup appears to be settled, but with all the change, the Bengals’ grade has settled firmly in the low-tier.

Arizona Cardinals

Rank: 30 of 32

Starters: D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, Mason Cole, J.R. Sweezy, Marcus Gilbert.

Grade: C-.

Overview: This line has too much talent to be rated this low. Tackles D.J. Humphries and Marcus Gilbert are a solid tandem if both can remain available. Right guard J.R. Sweezy and left guard Justin Push are tough veteran who can still provide a push in the running game, but again, only when they available. Sense a trend? Center Mason Cole is the only durable player and he continues to do a great job. The coaches plan to move A.Q. Shipley into the lineup if/when either guard goes down with an injury (moving Cole to the guard spot). This line can rise in the rankings quickly, and even have upside as a mid-tier power running group like their division rivals in Seattle; they just have to remain healthy.

Buffalo Bills

Rank: 31 of 32

Starters: Dion Dawkins, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Cody Ford, Ty Nsekhe.

Grade: D+.

Overview: This group has several decent players, it's just not clear how they all fit together. Left tackle Dion Dawkins is reliable and left guard Quinton Spain will likely start once his ankle injury subsides (Spencer Long is an option to start in his place). At center, Mitch Morse is outstanding when healthy, but he has been in the concussion protocol this preseason. The model assumes he will play but Russell Bodine and Jon Feliciano are other options if he cannot. The coaches really like rookie Cody Ford, and he could have a long term future at right tackle. The Bills’ line has the potential to be a strong power running group but they grade as a low tier unit currently, due to lineup uncertainty at several positions.

Miami Dolphins

Rank: 32 of 32

Starters: Laremy Tunsil, Michael Dieter (R), Daniel Kilgore, Shaq Calhoun (R), Jesse Davis.

Grade: D+.

Overview: The rookie guards of Michael Deiter (third-round pick from Wisconsin) and Shaq Calhoun (undrafted from Mississippi State) are part of the reason why this team's grade is so low. The rookies have shown they can create good push in the running game but it's unclear if they will be able to hold up under duress in pass protection. The tackle duo of Laremy Tunsil on the left side and Jesse Davis on the right are actually an above average option compared to other teams in the league (but there are rumors the team is dangling Tunsil in trade talks). Center Daniel Kilgore is a replaceable veteran but he does provide leadership at the pivot position between the two rookie guards. Their current grade is low due to a lack of experience at the guard spots, but assuming the lineup stabilizes, there are signs for hope.

FULL RANKINGS

Another reminder: the offensive line rankings have been included in the positional rankings page, for the most up-to-date rankings, select at the bottom of drop-down here: FBG Rankings. The articles will continue but for mid-week changes in between articles, remember to also check the rankings page.

METHODOLOGY

One central difference between these rankings and others is this updates weekly and considers lineup changes due to trades, "benchings" and injuries. As the lineups change weekly they must be tracked for any offensive line ranking to be useful. Most ranking lists are not kept updated to this extent.

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.

INDIVIDUAL GRADES

The individual grades are set once a year and based almost entirely on the players' resumes.

• Current All-Pro = A+
• Pro Bowl starter/Former All-Pro = A
• Former Pro Bowler/Alternate = B+
• "Good" starter/Ascending = B
• Below average Starter = C+

Some players earn an individual upgrade during the season, Andrews' Whitworth and Norwell are recent examples. Few teams enter the year with C or below individual grades in the lineup. An example of when that happens is Winston Justice giving up 6 sacks to Osi Umenyiora.

TEAM GRADES

• 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 (or A+ using letter grades)
• Lose a starter, lose a cohesion point.
  • For example, Oakland loses RG Gabe Jackson, swaps in Denver Kirkland, cohesion goes from 4 to 3 -
  • The score was already down a point due to Jon Cooper subbed in for starting LG Richie Incognito (suspended two games).
• Switch a starter, lose a half-point in cohesion.
  • For example, a team moves the right guard to left guard
  • or a right tackle to a left tackle
  • a half-point loss of cohesion in the short term.
• It takes a month (four games) of regular-season playing time (sliding) to build to the maximum of five-point cohesion.

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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