Photo: USA Today Sports

Welcome to your one-stop for 2020 NFL Offensive Line news. This page will be updated weekly, or as major news breaks.

Twitter Poll of the Week

Without preseason football to watch, this week we asked Twitter nation which rookie offensive tackle they were most looking forward to seeing when the regular season starts. As of press time, Louisville product Mekhi Becton (Jets) held a commanding 46% lead over Alabama's Jedrick Wills (Browns) at 26%. While it's somewhat predictable Iowa's Tristan Wirfs, as the last to be drafted of the big-four and the only right tackle is lower in the rankings, it was extremely notable that the Giants selected Andrew Thomas out of Georgia the highest, but fans do not share the excitement. Twitter only allows four options in a poll, and in an ideal world, USC's Austin Jackson (Dolphins) should have been included.

Depending on when you read this, go here to vote or see the results.

Rankings Table

Team-by-Team

Arizona Cardinals

Starters: D.J. Humphries, J.R. Sweezy, Mason Cole, Justin Pugh, Kelvin Beachum

Backups: Justin Murray, Max Garcia, Josh Jones [R], Lamont Galliard, Joshua Miles

Updates:

8/24: With Marcus Gilbert opting-out, veteran Kelvin Beachum is expected to win the right tackle job. Entering his ninth season, Beachum has been a left tackle for most of his career but did start five games at right tackle in Pittsburgh as a rookie. Justin Murray, who started at right tackle last year, remains the swing tackle while heralded rookie Josh Jones is pushing Beachum for the role, but may have to wait his turn. Overall, the line ranks toward the lower third of the league.

Atlanta Falcons

Starters: Jake Matthews, Matt Hennessy [R], Alex Mack, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary

Backups: James Carpenter, Matt Gono, Justin McCray, John Wetzel

Updates:

8/24: Center Alex Mack, left tackle Jake Matthews, and right tackle Kaleb McGary return as the foundational pieces. There is a battle at left guard, as rookie Matt Hennessey is being force-fed the job over veteran James Carpenter. In an open-media practice, Hennessey worked with the first team but gave way to Carpenter during the two-minute drill. Right guard Chris Lindstrom is returning from foot surgery that limited him to only five games last year. Jamon Brown is in the concussion protocol. If all five projected starters can stay on the field, this unit could surprise.

Baltimore Ravens

Starters: Ronnie Stanley, Bradley Bozeman, Matt Skura, D.J. Fluker, Orlando Brown Jr.

Backups: Tyre Phillips [R], Ben Powers, Patrick Mekari, Ben Bredeson [R]

Updates:

8/24: New right guard D.J. Fluker has transformed his body, reportedly going from 44% body fat to 21%. Expectations are high for Fluker, who arrives from Seattle and steps in for the retired Marshal Yanda. Center Matt Skura was activated from the PUP list and returned to practice. Should Skura struggle, Patrick Mekari is ready, and left guard Bradley Bozeman can also handle the pivot. The Ravens line is a top-5 unit.

Buffalo Bills

Starters: Dion Dawkins, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Brian Winters, Cody Ford

Backups: Jon Feliciano (INJ), Ty Nsekhe, Daryl Williams, Ryan Bates, Ike Boettger, Evan Boehm

Updates:

8/24: It’s been a fierce battle to replace Jon Feliciano, who is out after tearing his pectoral. Veterans Brian Winters and Daryl Williams are the logical candidates. Winters has the initial lead, but Williams is charging hard. Still, there are other options, including Ike Boettger (practice squad favorite) and Evan Boehm (backup center). Ryan Bates is more of a swing tackle but has the versatility to start inside. With the moving pieces, the line projects middle-of-the-pack.

Carolina Panthers

Starters: Russell Okung, Dennis Daley, Matt Paradis, John Miller, Taylor Moton

Backups: Michael Schofield, Tyler Larsen, Greg Little, Chris Reed

Updates:

8/24: The early lineups in practice have Dennis Daley at left guard, John Miller at right guard, and Michael Schofield as the first option off the bench. Daley had a trial by fire last year, starting nine games as a rookie, several at left tackle. New head coach Matt Rhule has spoken highly of Daley, who has an exciting upside as an interior player. Despite the excitement for Daley, the line ranks toward the bottom of the league until cohesion can improve.

Chicago Bears

Starters: Charles Leno Jr., Cody Whitehair, James Daniels, Germain Ifedi, Bobbie Massie

Backups: Jason Spriggs, Rashaad Coward, Arlington Hambright [R], Lachavious Simmons [R], Alex Bars

Updates:

8/24: Right guard Germain Ifedi has taken control of the job vacated by Kyle Long. Line coach Juan Castillo loves Ifedi’s intensity, highlighting his practice battles with defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. Ifedi, a former right tackle in Seattle, should find life easier inside. Jason Spriggs, a free agent from Green Bay, is on track for the reserve swing role. Left tackle Charles Leno and center Cody Whitehair anchor a decidedly mediocre unit.

Cincinnati Bengals

Starters: Jonah Williams, Michael Jordan, Trey Hopkins, Xavier Sua-Filo, Bobby Hart

Backups: Fred Johnson, Billy Price, Alex Redmond, Hakeem Adeniji [R]

Updates:

8/24: Left tackle Jonah Williams was a star during the team’s intra-squad scrimmage. He opened several huge holes on touchdown drives. After missing last season with a shoulder injury, Williams remade his body in the offseason and looks sharp in early action. Xavier Su’a-Filo is the starter at right guard, and the coaches hope he and Bobby Hart form a power-blocking duo. While the left side looks solid, overall, the line still ranks in the bottom half of the NFL.

Cleveland Browns

Starters: Jedrick Wills [R], Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin

Backups: Chris Hubbard, Kendall Lamm, Nick Harris [R], Evan Brown

Updates:

8/24: Starting center J.C. Tretter had knee surgery last week for a cleanout procedure. With four weeks between the operation and the opener, Tretter should be ready, but it’s not assured. Coaches are comfortable with fifth-round rookie Nick Harris playing in Tretter’s stead. Harris is a nasty but undersized player. Casey Dunn and Evan Brown are other options at the pivot. This unit lacks star power but should be league average.

Dallas Cowboys

Starters: Tyron Smith, Connor McGovern, Joe Looney, Zach Martin, La’el Collins

Backups: Connor Williams, Cam Erving, Brandon Knight, Tyler Biadasz [R], Cody Wichmann

Updates:

8/24: Right tackle La’El Collins was in a car crash this week but should be okay. Backup Cam Erving has not practiced with an illness unrelated to COVID. Wyatt Miller, Brandon Knight, and Pace Murphy have been getting the right tackle reps. Left tackle Tyron Smith has also missed practice time but should be fine for Week 1. At left guard, Connor McGovern has replaced Connor Williams. Williams is working at center and could compete with Joe Looney until rookie Tyler Biadasz is ready. As long as Collins doesn’t miss time, the offensive line remains one of the league’s best units.

Denver Broncos

Starters: Garrett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Austin Schlottman, Graham Glasgow, Elijah Wilkinson

Backups: Demar Dotson, Lloyd Cushenberry [R], Netane Muti [R], Jake Rodgers, Patrick Morris

Updates:

8/24: Free-agent Graham Glasgow provides a significant upgrade at right guard. There is a three-way battle at center between Austin Schlottmann, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Patrick Morris. The team invested a third-round pick in Cushenberry, and Morris is the incumbent backup, but Schlottmann appears to have the lead. At right tackle, Elijah Wilkinson has stepped in for Ja’Wuan James (opt-out). But Wilkinson rolled his ankle in practice this week, opening the door for free agent veteran Demar Dotson to steal the job. No matter who wins the right tackle job, the Broncos line isn’t much better than the league average.

Detroit Lions

Starters: Taylor Decker, Joe Dahl, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson [R], Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Backups: Kenny Wiggins, Tyrell Crosby, Dan Skipper, Caleb Benenoch, Oday Aboushi

Updates:

8/24: The Lions will have new starters on the right side. Halapoulivaati Vaitai comes over from Philadelphia to start at right tackle, and rookie Jonah Jackson from Ohio State will start at right guard. Both players have been impressive in practice. Center Frank Ragnow is underrated; he grades as a Pro Bowl snub. Taylor Decker and Joe Dahl return on the left side. Until the unit gels, it’s in the middle of the pack, but there’s upside as the line gets comfortable working together.

Green Bay Packers

Starters: David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Rick Wagner

Backups: Lane Taylor, Jon Runyan Jr. [R], Lucas Patrick, Jake Hanson [R]

Updates:

8/24: Right tackle Rick Wagner has missed the last few practices with a left arm injury. He arrived from Detroit this offseason and has been rotating with Lane Taylor and Billy Turner at right tackle and right guard. The coaches want to find the best tandem. Most assume Wagner and Turner will be in the Week 1 lineup, but Taylor has experience in the system and has been making the decision tough for the coaches. Either way, this is a top-tier line.

Houston Texans

Starters: Laremy Tunsil, Max Scharping, Nick Martin, Zach Fulton, Tytus Howard

Backups: Roderick Johnson, Senio Kelemete, Greg Mancz, Charlie Heck [R]

Updates:

8/24: The line returns all five starters from last season in all the same spots, boasting one of the few perfect cohesion scores. Second-year right tackle Tytus Howard has had a solid training camp. The organization hopes he’ll emerge this year and give the team a compelling pair of bookend tackles. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil is among the league’s best. Center Nick Martin and left guard Max Scharping are underrated. Consider this a top-10 unit barring injuries.

Indianapolis Colts

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

Backups: LeRaven Clark, Danny Pinter [R], Javon Patterson, Cedrick Lang, Andrew Donnal

Updates:

8/24: Right tackle Braden Smith has not practiced this preseason, due to a foot injury. But the team is being cautious with their young star; he’s expected to be on the field in Week 1. Le’Raven Clark has played right tackle in Smith’s place. The team returns all five starters and boasts a perfect cohesion score. There is a backup battle among Clark, Danny Painter, and Chaz Green, but the starters are set and form one of the AFC’s top units.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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

Backups: Will Richardson, Ben Bartch [R], Tyler Shatley

Updates:

8/24: Left tackle Cam Robinson is turning heads in camp, which is encouraging after last year’s disappointing performance. Robinson tore his ACL in 2018 and played last year at less than full strength. Brandon Linder is a quality center. Fourth-round rookie Ben Bartch is getting right guard reps behind A.J. Cann. With all five starters returning, the line garners a perfect cohesion score and is one of the most underrated units in the league.

Kansas City Chiefs

Starters: Eric Fisher, Kelechi Osemele, Austin Reiter, Andrew Wylie, Mitchell Schwartz

Backups: Greg Senat, Martinas Rankin, Mike Remmers, Nick Allegretti

Updates:

8/24: After starting right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and rookie tackle Lucas Niang opted out of the season, the team signed Kelechi Osemele. Osemele is a road grader recovering from shoulder surgery and will start at left guard. Last year’s starter Andrew Wylie will swap over to the right side. Mike Remmers and Martinas Rankin are other options, although the team is also on the verge of signing Daniel Kilgore. Losing Duvernay-Tardif hurts, but the unit still projects as an upper-echelon group.

Las Vegas Raiders

Starters: Kolton Miller, Richie Incognito, Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, Trent Brown

Backups: Brandon Parker, David Sharpe, Denzelle Good, John Simpson [R], Andre James

Updates:

8/24: Right tackle Trent Brown has missed practice due to an undisclosed injury but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Left tackle Kolton Miller is locked in as a pass protector during camp. With rookie John Simpson adding depth behind a line with all five starters returning, the Raiders have one of the league’s top blocking units.

Los Angeles Chargers

Starters: Sam Tevi, Dan Feeney, Mike Pouncey, Trai Turner, Bryan Bulaga

Backups: Trey Pipkins, Forrest Lamp, Storm Norton, Trent Scott, Scott Quessenberry

Updates:

8/24: The rebuilt right side of guard Trai Turner and tackle Bryan Bulaga has looked solid in camp. Sam Tevi reported to camp in excellent shape and took control of the left tackle competition, relegating Trey Pipkins to the bench. Tevi was last year’s starting right tackle. With center Mike Pouncey recovered from last year’s neck injury, this unit is average, at worst, but could grow into a top-10 group.

Los Angeles Rams

Starters: Andrew Whitworth, Joe Noteboom, Austin Blythe, Austin Corbett, Rob Havenstein

Backups: Bobby Evans, Brian Allen, David Edwards, Jamil Demby, Tremayne Anchrum [R]

Updates:

8/24: Left guard Joe Noteboom is in excellent shape after rehabbing his torn ACL and has reclaimed his starting job. Austin Blythe has moved from right guard to center, leaving last year’s center Brian Allen on the roster bubble. At right guard, Austin Corbett is holding off David Edwards for now. Similarly, right tackle Rob Havenstein has elevated his play to hold off Bobby Evans. This group has the potential to bounce back after last year’s disappointment.

Miami Dolphins

Starters: Austin Jackson, Ereck Flowers, Ted Karras, Solomon Kindley [R], Jesse Davis

Backups: Robert Hunt [R], Julien Davenport, Michael Deiter, Adam Pankey, Shaq Calhoun, Keaton Sutherland

Updates:

8/24: This line will have four new starters. Veteran free agents Ereck Flowers and Ted Karras should start at left guard and center, respectively. First-round pick Austin Jackson from USC will start at left tackle, and fourth-round pick Solomon Kindley from Georgia is winning a three-way competition at right guard. Kindley is more powerful than Michael Dieter, and both are ahead of second-round pick Robert Hunt. The changes bode well longer-term, but the unit will rank near the league’s bottom until they can build cohesion.

Minnesota Vikings

Starters: Riley Reiff, Dakota Dozier, Garrett Bradbury, Pat Elflein, Brian O’Neill

Backups: Rashod Hill, Ezra Cleveland [R], Brett Jones, Dru Samia, Blake Brandel [R]

Updates:

8/24: After the team cut Josh Kline, Pat Elflein moved from left to right guard. At left guard, Dakota Dozier and Aviante Collins are splitting first-team reps. Dozier started four games last year. He has the lead over Collins but will have a short leash. Ezra Cleveland, the second-round pick from Boise State, has also been working at the left guard position. Rashod Hill is the swing tackle. The group is well-coached and should be league average, at worst.

New England Patriots

Starters: Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Jermaine Eluemunor

Backups: Korey Cunningham, Yodny Cajuste, Dustin Woodard [R], Michael Onwenu [R]

Updates:

8/24: After starting right tackle Marcus Cannon opted out of the season, Jermaine Eluemunor took over to the surprise of many. The British-born Eluemunor was acquired from Baltimore last season in a swap of picks. Korey Cunningham is the swing option, and Hjalte Froholdt is getting backup reps at guard. Franchise left guard Joe Thuney has been getting reps at center, behind David Andrews. The line’s success hinges on 23-year old left tackle Isaiah Wynn playing up to his considerable potential.

New Orleans Saints

Starters: Terron Armstead, Andrus Peat, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz [R], Ryan Ramczyk

Backups: James Hurst, Nick Easton, Will Clapp, Ethan Greenidge

Updates:

8/24: Left guard Andrus Peat broke his thumb in practice, but he expects to be on the field in Week 1. Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk had arthroscopic knee surgery this offseason, but he should be fine in a few weeks. First-round pick Cesar Ruiz has been impressive at right guard but is also getting reps at center – his natural, long-term position. Left tackle Terron Armstead and center Erik McCoy are the lynchpins of one of the league’s best units.

New York Giants

Starters: Andrew Thomas [R], Will Hernandez, Nick Gates, Kevin Zeitler, Matt Peart [R],

Backups: George Asafo-Adjei, Spencer Pulley, Cam Fleming, Shane Lemieux [R]

Updates:

8/24: The Giants will have rookies starting at both tackle spots. First-rounder Andrew Thomas will take over at left tackle immediately after Nate Solder opted out of the season. That pushes third-round rookie Matt Peart into the lineup at right tackle. Peart is an older rookie, at 24 years old, but his maturity helped him earn the right tackle job over veteran Cam Fleming. At center, converted tackle Nick Gates looks natural and should get the starting nod over Spencer Pulley. Left guard Will Hernandez is the lynchpin and the veteran leader who needs to instill confidence in his young teammates.

New York Jets

Starters: Mekhi Becton [R], Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant

Backups: Chuma Edoga, Josh Andrews, Cameron Clark, Jonotthan Harrison, Conor McDermott (INJ)

Updates:

8/24: This line has been rebuilt, with new starters at four of the five positions. Left guard Alex Lewis is the only holdover from last year. Rookie left tackle Mekhi Becton has been mauling defenders in practice. Center Conner McGovern arrived from Denver and is a calming influence in the huddle. Backup tackle Conor McDermott injured his knee and is week to week. Although the new faces may be better than the incumbents, the line still ranks toward the bottom of the league because it lacks cohesion.

Philadelphia Eagles

Starters: Jason Peters, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Matt Pryor, Lane Johnson

Backups: Jordan Mailata, Jack Driscoll [R], Prince Tega Wagano [R], Brandon Brooks (IR - Lower Leg), Andre Dillard (IR - Biceps)

Updates:

8/27: Left tackle Andre Dillard tore his biceps and is expected to miss the season. Most onlookers expect Jason Peters to move back to left tackle, and Matt Pryor to take over at right guard. Peters played 75% of the left tackle snaps last season and Matt Pryor started their playoff game at right guard. While this might be a long-term setback for the team, Peters is a built-in Dillard replacement for this season.

8/24: On Sunday, left tackle Andre Dillard injured his leg and walked off, but fortunately was listed as “day to day” on Monday’s injury report. The coaches put Jordan Mailata in his place, preferring to keep long-time starter, Jason Peters, at his new guard position. He needs time adjusting to playing inside, but could still be an option at left tackle if Dillard misses more than a game or two during the regular season. Right tackle Lane Johnson is also day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Matt Pryor has been getting Johnson’s reps. At full strength, the line can be a top-5 unit, but more likely finishes in the middle of the standings.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Starters: Alejandro Villanueva, Kevin Dotson [R], Maurkice Pouncey, David Decastro, Matt Feiler

Backups: Chukwuma Okorafor, Stefen Wisniewski, Zach Banner, Jarron Jones

Updates:

8/24: Right guard David DeCastro hasn’t practiced in camp yet, but his injury is thought to be minor. Rookie guard Kevin Dotson injured his knee and has given way to Stefen Wisniewski. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, center Maurkice Pouncey, and right tackle Matt Feiler are solid. As long as DeCastro is okay, the Steelers offensive line is a top-10 group.

San Francisco 49ers

Starters: Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, Weston Richburg, Tom Compton, Mike McGlinchey

Backups: Ben Garland, Shon Coleman, Justin Skule, Colton McKivitz [R]

Updates:

8/24: Starting center Weston Richburg tore his patellar tendon last year and will miss the first six weeks of the season on the PUP list. His replacement, Ben Garland, is week-to-week with an ankle injury. The team signed Hroniss Grasu, and Daniel Brunskill is also getting reps. At right guard, Tom Compton has not been steady, and Colton McKivitz is in the mix. New left tackle Trent Williams was a top-5 player in Washington and is playing for a new contract. Incumbent right tackle Mike McGlinchey is a stud in his own right. With two excellent tackles, the line ranks at or near the Top 10 despite questions on the interior.

Seattle Seahawks

Starters: Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, B.J. Finney, Damien Lewis [R], Brandon Shell

Backups: Phil Haynes, Jordan Simmons, Jamarco Jones, Ethan Pocic

Updates:

8/24: Rookie right guard Damien Lewis has been impressive. The third-round pick from LSU has the lead for that job over Phil Haynes and Jordan Simmons. Center is a competition, with free-agent addition B.J. Finney from Pittsburgh splitting reps with Ethan Pocic. New right tackle Brandon Shell has earned high praise from the coaches for how he fits the power man scheme. With three new starters, the unit needs time to gel and will start the year at a bottom-quartile group.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Starters: Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Alex Cappa, Tristan Wirfs [R]

Backups: Joe Haeg, Aaron Stinnie, Zack Bailey, Michael Liedtke, Anthony Fabiano

Updates:

8/24: Rookie right tackle Tristan Wirfs is the only new name on an otherwise veteran, cohesive unit. With four starters returning, the Buccaneers won’t just hand the job to Wirfs. Swing tackle Joe Haeg has game experience at four of five positions and will push Wirfs early. Center Ryan Jensen is the highest-graded player on the line; he’s an All-Pro. The Buccaneers line ranks toward the middle-of-the-pack.

Tennessee Titans

Starters: Taylor Lewan, Rodger Saffold, Ben Jones, Nate Davis, Dennis Kelly

Backups: Isaiah Wilson [R], Kevin Pamphile, David Quessenberry, Jamil Douglas

Updates:

8/24: Rookie right tackle Isaiah Wilson received a trespass warning after state police broke up a college party at Tennessee State. Wilson has been on (and off) the Reserve/COVID-19 list and is competing with journeyman Dennis Kelly for the job vacated by Jack Conklin. The coaches might lean toward Kelly, at least until Wilson can mature. Kelly has the experience, having started sixteen games for the Titans over the last four years. Regardless of who wins the right tackle job, Tennessee has one of the league’s better run-blocking units.

Washington Football Team

Starters: Geron Christian, Wes Martin, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses

Backups: Wes Schweitzer, Saahdiq Charles [R], Keith Ismael [R], Cornelius Lucas

Updates:

8/24: Left tackle Geron Christian is the likely starter now that rookie Saahdiq Charles is week-to-week with a calf injury. Charles has impressive athleticism but much to learn. At left guard, new addition Wes Schweitzer appears to be losing the job to Wes Martin, who started five games last year. The right side of franchise-tagged guard Brandon Scherff and tackle Morgan Moses are reliable performers. Overall, this is a lower-tier line.

Coaching Information

Methodology

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 this up to date.

By re-ranking the teams every week with a realistic lineup, a cohesion score is tracked. Cohesion is another way of saying experience together. 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:

Cohesion

• Started last year for the same team at the same spot (4 games or more) - 5.0/5
• Started last year for the same team at a different spot - 4.0/5
• Started last year for the same team at the same spot (4 games or less) - 3.5/5
• Played last year for the same team at the same spot - 3.0/5
• Played last year for the same team but never at this spot - 2.5/5
• Started with the same team in the past (for at least a season) at the same spot - 2.0/5
• Played with the same team in the past (for at least a season) at the same spot - 1.5/5
• Played with the same team in the past (for less than a season) at any spot - 1.0/5
• Played with the same team in the past (for at least a season) but never at this spot - 1.0/5
• Never played with this team before - 0.0/5

Each player's cohesion goes up 1 point each week they start (to a max of 5) and up 0.5 each week they are active but don't start (to a max of 4).

The team's average cohesion for that week is the average of the five starters.

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.
• It takes a month (4 games) of regular-season playing time to build maximum 5 point cohesion.
• Initial rookie grades max at "B" for 1st rd rookies, "C+" for other round rookies, due to lack of NFL film. Their grades are revisited year 2.