Our Offensive Line Rankings have been live on the site for the past couple weeks. The master of these rankings, Brad Wire, is here to break down them down team by team and update the rankings throughout the season. The following rankings were updated on 9/1/2020. Let’s jump in.
The Tiers (Click on a tier to jump to it)
Elite
Much Improved/Still Intact
Loss of a staple but more than enough to compete
Solid Core
Top 10 Potential
One or Two solid pieces, but lacking elsewhere
Groups that need to improve or will drop off more
Welcomed new faces on sub-par lines
Bottom of the barrel
Elite
Both of these groups have some of the best in their positions with Ryan Ramczyk rating as the #1 Tackle and Quenton Nelson as the #2 Guard per PFF. They are complete units with little to improve upon and continuity all around including coaching.
1. Indianapolis Colts: 5 Returning Starters
Having the continuity of all five starters returning is a major factor in keeping this unit atop the rankings. The only real question of the offseason was if Anthony Castonzo would retire, but luckily for new QB Phillip Rivers, he decided to stay and signed a new 2 year extension to solidify Rivers’ blindside. Castonzo finished tied as the #7 overall Tackle per PFF with Joe Staley, so his presence is certainly a positive one for the team. Next to Castonzo is one of the best O-lineman in the game in Quenton Nelson. As soon as he came into the league he was a dominant force and showed exactly why the Colts spent the 6th overall pick on him in 2018. Braden Smith will be another component of Taylor’s likely success posting the #4 run grade for tackles in 2019 coming in at an 86.4. My concern for this group will be if they can protect Rivers on a consistent basis. Smith fell short in the passing game last year allowing seven sacks and his inside man Mark Glowinski allowed an additional three sacks. Jacoby Brissett was able to use his pocket mobility to evade sacks at an impressive rate last year, which unfortunately Rivers does not possess. He will rely on a faster release to offset any potential line issues. It may not seem like a lot, but .03s is an eternity in the world of pass-blocking.
2. New Orleans Saints: 4 Returning Starters
Shortly following the draft, the Saints surprisingly released Right Guard Larry Warford after he posted three straight Pro Bowl seasons, eating over $5 million in dead cap. To me, this symbolizes an extremely high confidence in First Round pick Cesar Ruiz, who should slot into the open RG position. Left Guard Andrus Peat has had a troubling last couple of years due to injury and it seems that he might not be in line to start week 1 versus Tampa Bay due to a broken thumb. He did play through a broken hand in the 2018 playoffs after having surgery, but it would be Nick Easton’s job if Peat were to miss time. Peat has not played very well the last two years and is a big reason that the Saints aren’t atop these rankings. He posted a sub-50 PFF grade in 2018 and 2019, while also missing 9 games over that time. It seems as though Peat’s flaws are masked playing next to a yearly top performer in Terron Armstead. A top 10 tackle in 2019, Armstead posted a stellar 85 passing grade protecting Brees’ blindside, and is looking to earn his third consecutive nod to the Pro Bowl. On the right side is Ryan Ramczyk who earned his first All-Pro selection in 2019 and posted the #2 overall run grade for O-lineman coming in at 92.1. If they can get consistent play out of Peat similar to his 2016 campaign, this group will more than push the Colts for the top spot and has a good chance to set up Drew Brees to ride out into the sunset with a Super Bowl run.
Much Improved/Still Intact
Rounding out the top 5 and the second tier in my rankings these units have areas where they could improve, but return very solid players and/or have added some key pieces. Coaching, depth, and continuity has factored into each of these decisions and these groups have potential to stay top 5 for the full season, however long that may be.
3. Cleveland Browns: 3 Returning Starters
2019 left a lot to be desired for everyone on the Browns, but 2020 looks to bring a fresh start with a high ceiling with the addition of a run-heavy approach from Kevin Stefanski and seasoned O-line Coach Bill Callahan. The Browns addressed the Tackle position head-on in both Free Agency and the draft by signing Jack Conklin (RT) and taking Jedrick Wills Jr. (LT) with the number 10 overall pick. Conklin proved his worth especially the run game this past season in Tennessee, posting an 83.6 run grade per PFF helping lead Derrick Henry to 1,536 yards. Wills Jr. has had a good camp so far and the transition to LT is going well for the rookie. He will have to settle down his pass-pro and time his punches better to make Baker feel safe to hang in the pocket, but all signs point to him making that progression. Much like Conklin, Wills Jr. is an absolute road grader in the run game, which means both Chubb and Hunt are looking even better for 2020. On the interior, J.C. Tretter (C) and Joel Bitonio (LG) are both rock solid in the pass game, with the pair both posting over an 85 grade per PFF in 2019 and have been the epitome of consistency for years. Now that Wyatt Teller (RG) has a full season of starts under his belt and the guidance of Coach Callahan, he should continue to improve and hopefully align his game to the level of those around him. To that point, this group on the interior only allowed 5 sacks combined in 2019, and with better play-calling and offensive scheme, this number should get ever better. If the interior traits can help the tackles and vice versa, this group should have no problem remaining top 3 on the year. They will be the main components in helping Baker get his swagger back and leading Nick Chubb to a rushing title.
4. San Francisco 49ers: 3 Returning Starters
This could possibly be their peak ranking in 2020, but I really think they can be this good. Losing Joe Staley will hurt, but getting Trent Williams at the price they paid will be one of the moves that puts this team in Championship contention once again. Williams has had the luck to practice against Nick Bosa day-in and day-out over Training Camp, which has led to much mutual praise between the two, but also a great aid in preparation for Williams with no Pre-Season games this summer. Williams has also been a hype man for Laken Tomlinson (LG) who seems like he is on his way to finally proving why he was a first round selection in 2015. Right now it seems Tom Compton will be taking over the Right Guard position, which should be a bit of an improvement over Mike Pearson’s 33 pressures given up last season. However, keep an eye out for Ben Garland (C) who looks to be the one who would take over in case Compton flops. That Right Guard spot seems to be their main weak point as both Weston Richburg (C) and Mike McGlinchey (RT) had solid 2019 campaigns at their respective roles. Look for McGlinchey to continue improving his skills under Coach John Benton and possibly earn his first Pro Bowl nod. Depth is a key factor with Garland covering the interior at both the Center and possibly Right Guard spots. They will also have Dan Brunskill who can fill in outside giving them seven solid pieces to work around as needed.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: 5 Returning Starters
I had a tough time deciding if this Tom Cable led unit should’ve been placed at number 4, but they round out the top 5 here in my rankings. He masterminded seven seasons of plug and play years for Seattle and looks to improve on a solid unit once again for the Raiders. Improvement will be key for both Kolton Miller (LT) and Trent Brown (RT)- who left a lot to be desired throughout the 2019 season. A glass half-full look for Miller has been a steady, but slow, improvement in his play from giving up a whopping 16 sacks in 2018, but down to 7 in 2019. Gabe Jackson (RG) returning to form it would also do wonders for the offense as a whole. Jackson gave up a combined 10 sacks in 2018 and 2019 since Cable’s arrival after only giving up only 3 in his first 4 seasons. The good news for the Raiders is that Brown, Rodney Hudson (C), and Richie Incognito (LG) only gave up 2 sacks in 2019. They should be set up for a very positive season if Miller can continue his gradual improvement.
Loss of a staple but more than enough to compete
Each of these teams suffered a major loss following the season. The good news for each of them is that they are very solid at other positions and a couple brought in a good replacement. These three units will have top three potential and will be a huge factor on high powered offenses. All of the groups from three through eight were very close and will be often adjusted during the season.
6. Baltimore Ravens: 4 Returning Starters
The Ravens O-line took a major blow when Marshal Yanda (RG) decided to retire, which he seems to be enjoying according to his podcast appearance on Pat McAfee’s show a few months back. What may be able to offset his departure is a fully recovered Matt Skura (C) coming back from his knee injury last season. Something to note as well, is that even if the knee is fully recovered, the mental side of trusting his knee and also getting back into mental game-shape may take a little longer. Some good news is that the Right Guard spot will be filled by serviceable journeyman DJ Fluker who reunites with coach Joe D’Alessandris. D’Alessandris coached Fluker when he was drafted in 2013 by the Chargers until 2015 where Fluker posted an average PFF grade of 70.9 in those three years together. His recent years haven’t been as kind, but hopefully this will be a welcomed reunion. On the outside, the Ravens are set with Ronnie Stanley (LT) and Orlando Brown Jr. (RT) who both received Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and Stanley even received All-Pro honors. The one major knock for Stanley is that in his four year career he has yet to play all 16 games. Stanley is one of the best when he is playing, though, and has improved each year finishing 2019 with an astounding 88.5 grade per PFF. Again, the main things to watch for this group will be the health of Skura and the RG spot with Fluker. This is another group who can fly up rankings as the season unfolds.
7. Dallas Cowboys: 4 Returning Starters
With the retirement of Travis Frederick, the Cowboys lost their rock at Center. This loss is going to be felt for throughout the year and quite possibly could have a ripple effect on the offense as a whole. Currently, Joe Looney has been taking first team reps at Center, but 4th Round pick Tyler Biadasz from Wisconsin has been pushing for playing time, which is something to keep an eye on. Waiting in the wings along with Biadasz, is 2019 3rd round pick Conner McGovern who is competing for the starting Left Guard role with Conner Williams. The Cowboys do still have two household names along their line in Tyron Smith (LT) and Zach Martin (RG). They have both been perennial Pro Bowlers and each has had multiple All-Pro nods, Martin with 4 and Smith with 2 respectively. There is no question that this line is going to be good, but without Frederick they will gave some growing pains to start the year. Given their quality depth and healthy competition made it hard to leave them out of the top 5, but there will be big potential to move up the ranks as the season rolls along if they can solidify Center.
8. Green Bay Packers: 4 Returning Starters
Another team with another potentially big loss, Brian Bulaga (RT) did not get a new contract and quickly signed with the Chargers in the middle of March. They did, however, bring in Rick Wagner to fill the role, who returns to his college state of Wisconsin following his release from the Lions after 3 seasons. Wagner has been a bit of a let down at camp and they have bumped Billy Turner (G) to tackle to start the season. Turner was a bit of a weak point with a 64.8 PFF grade, allowing 6 sacks. In my eyes this was enough of a downgrade to bump them out of preseason top 5, but that’s not to say that Wagner or Turner can’t impress enough and make them a formidable force on the frozen tundra once again. Elgton Jenkins (LG) should improve following a decent rookie year in between 2018 All-Pro David Bakhtiari (LT) and long time starter Corey Linsley (C). Jenkins did have a good rookie year giving up no sacks, but he will have to clean up the penalties a bit. Something to be monitored as the season goes along is how the two rookies (Jon Runyan (G) and Jake Hanson (C)) progress for the added depth and if Runyan can challenge Lane Taylor for his starting RG spot. If Runyan can develop quickly and mold into his father’s form then this group will be trending upwards all season long.
Solid Core
To round out the top 10 these teams should have the experience to remain in the top third of units for the year. I don’t believe they will make very many waves, but both have staying power.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 Returning Starters
Not much changed for the Steelers from 2019. They bring back key staples in Alejandro Villanueva (LT), Maurkice Pouncey(C), and David DeCastro (RG) while adding an above average interior lineman in Stefen Wisniewski at Left Guard. Adding “Wiz” will help with the retirement of Ramon Foster and keep them competitive for the year. They did draft Kevin Dotson in the 4th round who could keep Wisniewski busy competing for the starting spot at Left Guard. However, they are really banking on their starters being healthy for the year, because if any of them go down their backups have a combined 243 NFL snaps. This wouldn’t be an ideal number, but it especially isn’t fantastic when you take into account that all of those snaps were Zach Banner, who played a bit of a run blocking TE role last year. In his second year as head O-line coach, Shaun Sarrett will certainly have his work cut out for him if anyone goes down especially with added uncertainty this year due to COVID. Most people are only talking about Ben Roethlisberger’s return being a good thing for the receivers, and while that is true it should also benefit the guys up front. He got the ball out to his receivers almost three tenths of a second quicker in 2018 than his 2019 replacements Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges. While they only allowed 32 sacks in 2019 it should help them get down closer to their 2018 number of 24.
10. New England Patriots: 3 Returning Starter
One of the biggest COVID opt-outs happened when Marcus Cannon decided to forgo the 2020 season. Cannon has been the teams starting RT since Sebastian Volmer had to have shoulder surgery in the 2016 off-season and has been very consistent when on the field. He too saw his share of injuries though, and the Patriots have always had a next man up mentality. After missing the second half of 2019, Isaiah Wynn again starts the year as the teams Left Tackle. He is respectable when on the field with a pass blocking grade of 75 from PFF and 69.9 overall in just over 500 snaps. He will need to improve to step up this year if he wants to prove he is worth the first round draft capital the Patriots invested in him in 2018. One of the few offensive line bright spots from 2019 was Shaq Mason, who will certainly be hoping to continue that trend with David Andrews returning at Center. Andrews had very solid 2016-2018 seasons, and will be a very welcomed back by the Patriots after spending all of last season on IR after learning he had blood clots in his lungs. The biggest loss for this year, however, just might be the retirement of head O-line Coach Dante Scarnecchia. Scar had been he team’s O-line coach since 1999, and has been in the Patriots organization far longer, was known by many as the best O-line coach in the NFL. Cole Popovich and Carmen Bricillo look to take over with minimal experience for a group who should improve on a bit of a patchwork 2019.
Top 10 Potential
Each of these next groups is unique and has a very real shot to finish in the top 10. On the flip side each of them has a little bit of a question mark and I look forward to checking in on these teams as the season rolls along. My dark horse team to finish in the top 3 lines this year is Denver, where a lot can happen if the stars align.
11. Denver Broncos: 3 Returning Starters
One of the most intriguing teams for me this year is Denver. Vic Fangio brought over Mike Munchak in 2019 when he took the head coach job. Munchak is now regarded as the best O-line coach by many in the industry, top 3 at the worst. Being in charge of half of the offense is something Munchak has done very well for 26 years now. In year two of his leadership on the O-line, the group will look to continue their gradual improvement from last season. Of course, people are talking about the rookie additions of Jerry Juedy and KJ Hamler, but the biggest addition, in my opinion, is Graham Glasgow (RG) coming over from the Lions. In each of the last 3 seasons, Glasgow has graded out above 70 according to PFF and only given up a total of four sacks which includes an impressive zero allowed in 2019. He will solidify the right side of the line and starts next to Elijah Wilkinson (RT) who started 12 games in 2019 after Ja’Wuan James battled injuries only starting 3 games. They signed James to a massive contract at the beginning of the 2019 off-season and will again be without him after his Covid opt-out for 2020. Wilkinson will look to improve on a subpar 2019 after giving up 10 sacks. Having the added experience of Glasgow next to him should make a positive difference in Wilkinson’s development and performance. Denver has spent their fair share of high end draft picks on their offensive line with Bolles (LT) in the 1st round in 2017 and Risner (LG) in the 2nd round in 2019. They dipped in the O-line pool again in 2020 by adding Lloyd Cushenberry III in the 3rd round. This should round out their O-line and give Drew Lock the protection he needs to get this offense the way Elway wants it to look.
12. Tennessee Titans: 4 Returning Starters
The Titans spent their 1st round pick on Isaiah Wilson out of Georgia who I have projected as their starting RT for now. It is hard to ignore the fact that they gave Dennis Kelly a 3-year $21 million extension following the 2019 season, but if they really want to replace Jack Conklin it won’t be with Kelly long term. With the shortened off-season and no Pre-Season, it will be worth looking at how quickly Wilson gets acclimated and how he does against top NFL pass rushers. If he starts the first two games he will draw Von Miller and Josh Allen; welcome to the NFL rook! So with that in mind it will be interesting to see if Kelly gets the start to help ease Wilson into the season, or if he gets thrown into the fire. One of their brightest spots from 2019 was Ben Jones who tied for the #2 overall grade for Centers while posting a phenomenal 83.8 pass blocking grade per PFF. The rest of their O-line also returns from 2019 and Taylor Lewan (LT) isn’t starting this year with a suspension which will help them get off on the right foot as they look to get back to AFC Championship contention.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: 4 Returning Starters
Andre Dillard (LT) bulking up in the off-season was some much welcomed news for the Eagles following a shaky 2019 campaign, but now the team will have to wait until next season to see him play after suffering a season-ending injury. On top of losing Dillard for the year, Brandon Brooks (RG) was also lost for the year due to a season-ending injury. Coming off 2019 as the highest rated Guard in the league and looking to be even better, this loss will certainly be noticed by Philly. It was figured that the Eagles would bring back Jason Peters in some capacity; backing up Dillard, assistant coach… but he has gone from retired, to back-up, to Brooks replacement, to now the starting Left Tackle once again- quite the off-season for Peters. Either way The Bodyguard is back and the nickname is fitting, hopefully the 17 year veteran has enough left in the tank for one more go of it. Lane Johnson (RT) and Jason Kelce (C) are the main staples for the Eagles and look to produce another strong season. Luckily for the Eagles, Kelce decided to return after contemplating retiring over the winter. He has been superb each of the last 3 seasons and was a big key to their Super Bowl victory.
Some new faces, some tough loses, but still solid with room for improvement:
Each of these teams have some solid pieces with some building through the draft and others free agency. While I don’t think any of these teams have top 5 potential, it will be good to see the growth from each and how the rookies adapt to the NFL.
14. Kansas City Chiefs: 4 Returning Starters
Coming in hot off their Super Bowl victory, the Chiefs O-line arrives at a mild #14 ranking. They do return four out of five starters from last year in what was a rollercoaster of a season with injuries. Kelechi Osemele (LG) signed with the Chiefs following the opt-out of Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Osemele had a brutal 2019 as he was traded to the Jets early in the off-season and later needed shoulder surgery which the Jets wouldn’t approve. After being fined for every practice that he missed, Osemele elected to get the surgery, but was released in late October. Osemele had a poor 2018 following two consecutive pro-bowl seasons which included an all-pro season in 2016. If he is fully recovered from surgery and can play to 90% of what he was in 2016 and 2017 they should have no problems, and high reward addition for KC. It also helps to have Eric Fisher (LT) back fully healthy to start the year as he looks to get back to his 2018 Pro-Bowl caliber play. On the other side is the painfully underrated Mitchell Schwartz (RT) who posted the #3 overall grade for Tackles in 2019 per PFF with an 89.3. He has allowed a combined six sacks in the last three years, allowing zero in 2019. If the unit can stay healthy this year they should have no problem beating their mark of only 25 sacks allowed last season by a good margin. Their run blocking on the other hand will need some improvement, but when you have someone like Mahomes at QB and the receiving weapons that they do, it helps to mask those shortcomings.
15. Detroit Lions: 3 Returning Starters
As noted for the Broncos, the departure of Graham Glasgow in Free Agency will be something that the Lions regret this year. They did, however, draft what should be a solid replacement in Jonah Jackson (RG) who they selected in the 3rd round. He will need to improve in some areas, but is NFL ready. Coming out of Ohio State, his draft profile shows that he is solid in pass protection, but will need some time to get better in the run game. It will help being in between two solid run blocking teammates in Frank Ragnow (C) and “Big V” Halapoulivaati Vaitai (RT). Ragnow improved significantly from his rookie year posting a PFF grade of 74.9 in 2019, which included a run blocking grade of 78.2. His pass blocking grade improved almost 13 points from his rookie year as well, while cutting his sacks given up in half. Big V on the other hand hasn’t had as much playing time, but showed he was very solid in the run game in 2019 posting a grade of 75.5 earning him a huge payday with the Lions. Taylor Decker (LT) and Joe Dahl (LG) hold down the left side of the line and both posted pass blocking grades above 73 last year. If Decker can cut down on his sacks allowed this Lions team will be set up for some good success.
16. Buffalo Bills: 4 Returning Starters
Left Tackle Dion Dawkins got a major extension this off-season which might have gotten lost in the wake of both the George Kittle and Travis Kelce signings, but he has shown his worth in each of his first 3 seasons. He’s posted pass blocking grades above 76 each year and is averaging just above 4.5 sacks allowed. The Bills now have him locked up through the 2024 season and he looks to continue being a major factor in the Bills offense. Dawkins’ right hand man Quinton Spain (LG) has been phenomenal in the pass game the last two years giving up only 1 sack total. Unfortunately his problem is in the run game which has been shaky since 2016, posting a lowly grade of 45.8 in 2019. Moving down the line we see a trend with Mitch Morse (C) only allowing 1 sack in the last 4 years, but his run grade leaves something to be desired averaging just under a grade of 64 in those same years. Brian Winters (RG) was signed early in August following his release from the Jets, but should not bring much of an improvement over Jon Feliciano following his pectoral injury. They posted similar grades last season, but it seems Winters has the nod at the position next to Cody Ford. Ford seems to be the teams starting RT, but there have been reports of him seeing time at RG like last year. Hopefully Winters steps up at Right Guard so Ford can find his stride at RT and improve on a so-so 2019 rookie year.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4 Returning Starters
This group did not have a great 2019 giving up 47 sacks while also ranking near the bottom of a majority of rushing categories on footballoutsiders.com. On a positive note they do return a #2 overall Center in Ryan Jensen (tied with Titans’ Ben Jones) who posted a slightly higher pass grade with an 85 overall. In addition to Jensen, Left Guard Ali Marpet also had a strong 2019 campaign as the #15 overall rated Guard in the league only allowing 2 sacks all year. What will need to be monitored is if 3rd year man Alex Cappa (RG) can improve from a poor 2019. He played a significant number of snaps, and though he only allowed 4 sacks all year, but did not make any sort of significant impact. Donovan Smith (LT) is another tough one. He has been their starter at LT since he was drafted in 2015, only missing one game in that time span, but has not done anything of significance. Hopefully he can be a mentor to rookie Tristan Wirfs (RT) who enters the NFL after 3 years at the University of Iowa. Wirfs is similar to the Browns’ Wills Jr. in the run game- he is a dominant force when on the track. He will, however, be tested in the pass game drawing matchups against Von Miller, Joey Bosa, Robert Quinn/Khalil Mack, the Smith Brothers, and Maxx Crosby in weeks 3-7. Also of note, with the addition of the GOAT over the off-season, the pass protection numbers should improve with Brady getting the ball out faster than what we have seen from Winston hanging in the pocket too long at times.
18. New York Giants: 2 Returning Starters
Having the #4 overall pick and selecting a tackle isn’t the sexiest thing the Giants could’ve done, but it was the smartest. Protecting the QB is the most important piece in development for someone like Daniel Jones coming off a strong rookie year. Andrew Thomas (Georgia) has been touted as the most NFL ready Tackle in this year’s class and should immediately step in at Left Tackle to fill the void following the loss of Nate Solder after his Covid opt-out. Earlier in the off-season they signed Cameron Fleming to play opposite of Solder in an attempt to secure the front for Jones, but only a month later drafted Matt Peart (T- UConn) after signing Fleming. These two should battle for the RT spot, with the loser providing necessary depth, but for now it is Fleming’s job to lose. On the interior they return both guards, Will Hernandez (LG) and Kevin Zeitler (RG), and 2019 backup Spencer Pulley bumps up to starting Center. Hernandez and Zeitler both had good seasons in the pass blocking department, but Hernandez’s run game leaves something to be desired, only posting a mediocre 45.7 run grade in 2019 per PFF. Pulley played over 500 snaps in 2018 earning a pass blocking grade of 70.2 and looks to improve even more under the leadership of former NFL O-lineman Marc Colombo who is now in his first season with the Giants coming over with Jason Garrett from the Cowboys.
One or Two solid pieces, but lacking elsewhere
Each of these teams have something in common. They have an elite piece or two but have are unimpressive elsewhere. There are two groups who can take leaps and bounds forwards (Falcons and Texans) if things go right, but the Vikings and Panthers might be on the other side of the hill.
19. Minnesota Vikings: 4 Returning Starters
While technically Dakota Dozier did start four games for the Vikings in 2019 it was Josh Kline who started the majority of games at RG for them and for these rankings I have decided to use 8 starts as a threshold for continuity or playing >50% of year long snaps and Dozier did neither. Either way, they aren’t bringing in a brand new rookie or signing someone off the street so they should see consistency from 2019. They did, however, draft Ezra Cleveland (G- Boise State) in the 2nd round who should provide good depth in case Riley Reiff goes down. It is something to note that if Reiff has another average year, the Vikings can cut ties with him following the season and if released after June 1st, they save $11 million in cap and and only take on $2.2 million in dead cap (given their projected cap situation, I would expect this to happen). This would allow Cleveland a year to learn and grow as he definitely needs the development, and then take the reigns in 2021. Overall this group on the outside looks like they had a decent season only giving up 28 sacks, 12 above the NFL average of 40, but I think that is partially attributed to the high play-action rate. In 2018 they did allow 40 sacks and I think with the departure of Kevin Stefanski they will fall closer to that number in 2020. One of the most shocking things in my research was seeing Garrett Bradburry’s (C) pass blocking PFF grade in 2019 of 38.7. This group is going to be a wildcard in 2020, but it does not look good. I think the loss of Stefanski will loom large and expose the Vikings as having a sub-par offensive line in 2020.
20. Carolina Panthers: 3 Returning Starters
The Panthers biggest addition in the off-season is Left Tackle Russell Okung who came over in the trade with the Chargers for Trai Turner (RG). The problem with Okung is that in his 10 year career he’s only started all 16 games once. When he does play he is an above average pass blocker only allowing a total of 26 sacks in his career. Hopefully he can put together a full season on Teddy Bridgewater’s blindside. Michael Schofield (G) was not involved in the trade with Okung, but did come over from the Chargers as well, and may take over the Right Guard spot. He posted a 76.9 pass blocking grade in 2019 only allowing 1 sack on over 1000 snaps.For now Schofield will backup John Miller who was signed in March from the Bengals. The Left Guard spot seems to be held by Dennis Daley for now. He played nearly 700 snaps for the Panthers last year. They must feel good about his camp performance after allowing 8 sacks last year. Center Matt Paradis had a down season in 2019 after sitting out the second half of 2018 with a fractured fibula. My guess is that part of his problem was the mental aspect of feeling healthy, for some it can take an extra year after the physical recovery. The Panthers third returning starter is 2017 2nd round pick Taylor Moton (RT) who has started all 16 games each of the last two years. He posted a 79 pass block grade in 2019 and 82.7 in his first year as starter in 2018. A big loss for this group is John Mastko who left with Ron Rivera to coach the Washington O-Line. The good thing for Okung and Schofield is that the Panthers hired Pat Meyer who was the Chargers O-Line coach for the past three seasons, so familiarity in coaching should help with their transitions. This group should have an improvement in 2020 if Paradis bounces back and Okung can stay healthy, and has the potential to climb up rankings if this happens.
21. Houston Texans: 5 Returning Starters
While Tytus Howard (RT) did not play more than 50% of the snaps in 2019, he did start 8 games and that counts to me in continuity. He also played over 45% of the snaps and that is damn close to the threshold anyway. Howard had a decent rookie season posting a passing grade of 70.4, though he will have to improve his run blocking if he wants to live up to his first round potential. On the other side is simultaneously famous and infamous Laremy Tunsil (LT). He posted the #3 passing grade for Tackles in 2019, but he also committed 18 penalties which led the league. His run grade, on the other hand, was a 68 which left him as only #21 overall according to PFF. On the interior we see more of the same, good pass blocking grades and poor run blocking grades. Fellow 2019 draft pick Max Scharping posted a pass blocking grade of 72.8, run blocking was a poor 48.9. Center Nick Martin’s (LG) pass block grade was 79.8, but a run blocking grade of 58. Right Guard Zach Fulton was more of the same, pass blocking grade of 73.9 and a run blocking grade of 43.9. Even though they posted decent pass blocking numbers they still allowed 49 sacks. Almost certainly a good portion of those sacks can be attributed to the offensive scheme and Deshaun Watson holding onto the ball more than average. But, if they can give Watson the time to make those deep throws this group has the makeup to take a step forward.
22. Atlanta Falcons: 5 Returning Starters
This Falcons group had a very underwhelming 2019 overall. They allowed 50 sacks which tied for 26th in the NFL. Rookie Kaleb McGary (RT) was responsible for 13 of those sacks which led the NFL. The Falcons first round selection of McGary was a bit of a head-scratcher, but they had a hole to fill after the release of Ryan Schraeder. McGary will have to take a BIG step forward for the Falcons to step forward as a unit. Fellow rookie Chris Lindstrom (RG) missed the majority of the season after suffering a broken foot in the season opener. However, upon his return the Falcons got a good boost in the run game and should see more of the same in 2020. Another weak spot for the Falcons in 2019 was James Carpenter (LG) who missed the latter part of the season with a concussion. Prior to being placed on IR he posted an abysmal overall grade of 45.3. The O-line bright spots for the Falcons in 2019 were the same two that have been for several years now- Alex Mack (C) and Jake Matthews (LT). Both Mack and Matthews will have to do their best to lead and mentor the rest of their linemates if they wish to make a deep playoff again in the future.
Groups that need to improve or will drop off more
These next groups have a lot to work on in 2020 and if they don’t improve they will end up in the bottom 25% again heading into 2021. The additions that they have made will have little impact aside from possibly the Chargers. Each of these groups will have to rely largely on the returning starters from 2019, which, for these groups, was not a good year.
23. Arizona Cardinals: 3 Returning Starters
2019 was a learning year for many in the Cardinals organization, the O-line was no exception. After starting every game in 2018 the 3rd round pick Mason Cole (C) only started two games following the return of A.Q. Shipley. He improved a little in 2019 in the snaps that he did play and should take another step forward as again being a full time starter in 2020. Josh Jones (RT) had a high grade from Kliff Kingsbury before the draft and the Cardinals were lucky he fell to them in the 3rd round. Jones has put together a pretty good camp so far learning under D.J.Humphries (LT), but I don’t expect him to be a starter for the beginning of 2020 as he needs to work on his footwork and technique before making the transition to the first team. The additions that the Cardinals made in the off-season were aplenty and Kelvin Beachum (RT) was a late addition that should bring this group some good experience. Beachum hasn’t allowed more than 4 sacks in a season since 2015, which will definitely help this unit. This signing is pretty indicative of what Kingsbury wants for the Cardinals in 2020. An Air Raid up-tempo offense that excels at protecting young star Kyler Murray. This group should do fine this year, but I don’t see them making very many waves. They will improve upon the 50 sacks allowed last year, but they still have a way to go to jump into the top half of the league.
24. Los Angeles Rams: 3 Returning Starters
Left Tackle Andrew Whitworth may be likeable on Hard Knocks and be good in pass protection, but much like Rob Havenstein (RT) he fell off in 2019. Whitworth and Havenstein posted 83.6 and 86.1 grades respectively in 2018, but last season was not nearly as kind. Havenstein dealt with injuries after the week nine bye, but before that even his play had dropped off significantly. In the games he was healthy, his PFF grade dropped over 30 points to a poor 50.9. Whitworth didn’t drop off near as far as he posted a healthy 84.7 pass blocking grade, but paired that with an abysmal 55.3 run blocking grade with an overall score of 72.8. I expect more of the same for Whitworth as he turns 39 in December. The interior is much younger and looks to improve on a poor overall year. Left Guard Joseph Noteboom and Right Guard Austin Corbett were both drafted in 2018 with Corbett coming over in a trade with the Browns last year. At Center, for now, is Austin Blythe who much like Whitworth and Havenstein had a fall off in 2019. Brian Allen did play just over 50% of the snaps in 2019, but was mostly due to injury. He could challenge Blythe for the starting job, but looks to be a depth piece for now. O-line coach Aaron Kromer and Whitworth will have to put some much needed work in with these guys if they want to have a shot to compete.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: 2 Returning Starters
As previously mentioned the Chargers made a couple key additions to their line in the off-season. The first move being trading for Trai Turner (RG) from the Panthers and then two days after that trade became official, the team announced the signing of Bryan Bulaga (RT). These two should make a nice pair on the right side next to Mike Pouncey (C). Hopefully Pouncey is fully recovered as he says he is following neck surgery in 2019 and he can play all 16 games like he did in 2018 and 2017. The left side of line is most definitely not the strong side for this team. Sam Tevi (LT) and Dan Feeney (LG) are the only “returning” starters as Pouncey did not meet the 50% snap or 8 start threshold. Each of these two were drafted in 2017 and have never scored above a 61 PFF grade. They allowed a combined 13 sacks in 2019 with Tevi accounting for 8 of those playing just under 75% of the snaps. Trey Pipkins III also started 3 games at Left Tackle for the Chargers while allowing 4 sacks in just 251 snaps. Pipkins was just a rookie last year out of the University of Sioux Falls, a D2 school in South Dakota, so it makes sense that he will need some time to develop. Hopefully one of Pipkins or Tevi can step up in 2020 or this will make Tyrod Taylor’s life in the backfield one big scramble drill. My hope for rookie Justin Herbert is that he does not play a snap behind this line in 2020 and they are able to draft someone able to protect him in the future.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: 4 Returning Starters
This line had a hard 2019 to say the least. Starting with rookie 1st round pick Jonah Williams tearing his labrum in mini-camp, things just did not go their way. This led them to move Cordy Glenn back to left tackle after originally being moved to left guard. Glenn had a bad 2019 after suffering a concussion in the preseason and didn’t report it which later led to a suspension. The rest of the line wasn’t much better and doesn’t look all too great for 2020. They did bring in Xavier Su’a-Filo (RG) in the off-season and Williams has looked good in camp so there is something to look forward to. Center Trey Hopkins finished with the #17 passing grade among centers with a 71.5 and has been consistent in that department. The only consistency that the Bengals have had in camp has been Williams and Hopkins. There has been plenty of rotation with Su’a-Filo, Michael Jordan (LG), Billy Price (G/C), and even rookie Kareem Adeniji (T) at each guard spot and there is a battle for the right tackle spot between 2018 and 2019 starter Bobby Hart and Fred Johnson. While I think the return of Jonah Williams will have a big impact on this group, the real question will be how the dust settles for the right tackle and both guard spots.
This dude put so much diligent work in with me this offseason. Can’t wait to watch him break out. Just work. It pays. https://t.co/7MTo4aiOwe
— Joe Staley (@jstaley74) August 24, 2020
27. Chicago Bears: 4 Returning Starters
This Bears group has definitely seen better days, and it doesn’t look like things will get better. They added a total of 5 lineman in the offseason, drafting two in the 7th round, signing two undrafted free agents, and the fifth is the only one who could actually see meaningful snaps in 2020 is Germain Ifedi. He will compete for the right guard spot with Rashaad Coward, who took over after Kyle Long had his hip injury. While Coward only allowed one sack in 2019, he finished with a pass blocking grade of 38. Going into 2020, it seems this is Ifedi’s job to lose. Next to Ifedi at right tackle is Bobby Massie, who is serviceable, but took a step back in 2019 as his overall PFF grade dropped over 8 points and his pass blocking grade dropped over 11 points. Much like Massie, left tackle Charles Leno Jr. also saw his overall PFF grade drop. Leno’s was much more drastic, and the fall was 17 points down to 58.6 in 2019. He did post a decent 71.6 pass blocking grade, but he also allowed 5 sacks. Cody Whitehair and James Daniels have flip-flopped at guard and center, but it looks like Whitehair will be staying at center and Daniels will slot in at left guard. Daniels’ was the only one who saw an improvement in PFF grade in 2019 with an overwhelming 1.5 point increase. The outlook for this group is not good in 2020 and it could get even worse next year if they don’t actively try to improve. The best thing the Bears did in the offseason for this group was hire long-time NFL O-line coach Juan Castillo. He has 20 plus years of experience and is the gleam of hope for this group.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 Returning Starters
The Jaguars are the epitome of this tier. They made one lone addition in 4th round draft pick Ben Bartch out of St. John’s. Bartch got his 15 minutes of fame during the NFL combine back in April, thanks to his infamous smoothie recipe seen below. It remains to be seen if Bartch will make any sort of impact on this team for 2020, as the Jags return all 5 starters from 2019. They did improve in sacks allowed over 2018 by 12, but still finished one higher than the league average of 40 per footballoutsiders.com. While this line is still fairly young they have a lot of growing to do. Tackles Cam Robinson and rookie Jawaan Taylor combined to allow 17 sacks. 8 of them came from Robinson, which is quite a shock considering he only allowed 2 as a rookie. He tore his ACL early on in the 2018 season and, much like others, this could be attributed to being a more mental hindrance. He also dealt with smaller injuries in 2019, but now says he is healthy and ready to go this year. Taylor will also need to take a big leap forward if they want to be competitive this year and he is poised to do that like everyone else in the O-line room. They all hear the noise from outside, but the continuity is what is going to keep this group afloat. While I’m not ready to move them up quite yet, the confidence is alive and Head Coach Doug Marrone believes in this group.
You probably didn't know the name before the 2020 NFL Draft.
What you should know is he's just as good off the field as #Jaguars fans hope him to be on it
Meet rookie from @SJUJohnnies, Ben Bartch: pic.twitter.com/nlbQqHTl6G
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyTV) August 19, 2020
Welcomed new faces on sub-par lines
Each of these groups made an effort to improve their lines going into 2020, and each of them have a projected rookie starter along it. They also did not have a good 2019 and need to improve significantly if they are going to move up any rankings. The good news for each of these teams is they all have a shot at the playoffs oddly enough, but that hope could all hinge on these units.
29. Seattle Seahawks: 2 Returning Starters
The Seahawks have a few question marks along this group heading into the season. One of those questions is the starting left guard spot, as there seems to be a camp competition between 10-year NFL veteran Mike Iupati and 2019 4th round pick Phil Haynes. If Haynes were able to overtake Iupati, that would leave Duane Brown as the only returning starter from 2019. The rest of the line is just as big of a question mark. They have been trying out B.J. Finney at guard and Ethan Pocic at center. Rookie Damien Lewis has also received high praise from Pete Carroll and for now is projected to start at right guard (where he played at LSU.) It sounds like the shell game will be played right up until Week 1 on the interior. One sure thing (for Week 1 at least) is another newcomer Brandon Shell slotting in at right tackle. He has been inconsistent over his career and could be just a one-year rental, but Seattle has always been known for finding potential in players. They will have to get a lot of potential out of whoever is starting this year if they want to keep Russell Wilson upright and give them a shot at another Super Bowl.
30. Miami Dolphins: 2 Returning Starters
Much like the Seahawks, there are some questions as to who will be starting in Week 1. Also much like the Seahawks, it seems that the left tackle position is spoken for. Austin Jackson was drafted with the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft and will fill the aforementioned role. He has some areas of need and will be thrown into the fire, but they obviously think he is the man for the job with their selection of him. His footwork will be the first thing he needs to work on, but that can be relearned. It will just take time, which is something the rest of the line will also need. This group will definitely have some growing pains, but they can be a formidable group if afforded that time. In addition to Jackson, they also drafted Solomon Kindley out of Georgia and Robert Hunt out of the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Each of these two could be in line for playing time this year as Michael Deiter and Jesse Davis had disappointing 2019 seasons. It remains to be seen who will be starting from center to right tackle, but it seems a career has been turned around in new left guard Ereck Flowers. Coach Brian Flores has had great things to say about his play and deservedly so. Flowers has been opening holes in the run game next to Jackson, and these two seem to make a good pairing on the left side. Again, it will take time for this group to gel, but they will be much improved this year, especially in the run game.
31. New York Jets: 1 Returning Starters
As you can tell, there is a theme with this tier. They have made plenty of moves in the offseason and they all seem good on the surface. The moves that Adam Gase and Co. made for the Jets are very telling on what they would like to do in 2020. The lone returning starter Alex Lewis only allowed two sacks last year, but he did post a below average 68.5 pass blocking grade per PFF. Newly signed center Connor McGovern only gave up one sack in 2019 and posted the #5 pass blocking grade for centers with an 82.5. The theme continues with Greg Van Roten, who also only allowed one sack in 2019 and his pass blocking grade splits Lewis and McGovern’s at 74.3. The one that doesn’t quite fit this narrative is the signing of George Fant. He has played a hybrid tackle/tight end role the last few years and looks to prove himself as a full time starter in 2020. The elephant in the room that I haven’t mentioned yet also goes back to what I believe Gase wants for this team in 2020, and that is Mekhi Becton. A 6’ 7” 364-lb behemoth of a human seems to have made a smooth transition in camp so far and has already earned a nickname from Lewis as “The Great Wall of Green.” This group should be able to make strides in the passing game and should improve heavily after allowing 52 sacks in 2019. The run game on the other hand is going to be shaky at best. There have been some big runs in camp, and while it’s possible the runs are a product of this group, I believe that is attributed more to the lack of defense.
Bottom of the barrel
This Football Team will have a lot to turn around in 2020 and have much more to worry about than just this group. There’s a reason they are ranked where they are, and it’s a real possibility they remain here all year.
32. Washington Football Team: 3 returning Starters
The returning starters from last year have all been drafted and developed by Washington, which is always a good thing. The problem now is the loss of the person that developed them in Bill Callahan. New Head Coach Ron Rivera did bring over long time line coach John Mastko and he should continue the development very nicely here, but it’s a new face and it will take some time getting used to. Morgan Moses, Chase Roullier, and most notably Brandon Scherff will look to keep this group out of its last place ranking. Scherff has always posted good PFF grades, finishing out 2019 with a 75.2. Moses and Roullier on the other hand both finished below 70. The starting left tackle spot will be the biggest question mark for this team going into the season after signing Cornelius Lucas and drafting Saadiq Charles out of LSU in the 4th round. Lucas has been a journeyman and has never been given a real shot to start with his highest snap count coming last year, but it was barely above 500. While Charles has questions of his own and seems to be dealing with a calf injury to start camp, he has the tools to build into a good starter. However, it seems that 2018 3rd round pick Geron Christian Jr. has won the camp battle for Left Tackle. He hasn’t played 200 snaps in the NFL yet, but it makes sense to give your guys opportunity on a team that’s rebuilding. There was also a battle at Left Guard between Wes Schweitzer, who Washington signed in free agency, and Wes Martin, who they drafted in the 4th round last year. Schweitzer has been banged up a little in camp and Washington is keeping the theme of opportunity, granting the starting spot to Martin. This group does have some decent pieces, but they just seem average and lack quality at both tackle spots. They do have a chance to get out of the hole in 2020, but it will be a long road. If one man can lead them down the road, it’s Rivera, and he has shown that already.
