Offensive Line Rankings
The purpose of the chart is to help you select your running backs and
quarterbacks for the quality of blocking they are expected to receive.
August 10, 2009
By Bob
Radl, Staff writer
Offensive linemen may work in
relative anonymity in the trenches but are also amongst the highest paid players
in the NFL. The franchise salary for linemen ranks them third behind the
quarterback and the wide receivers. Linemen will not make the cover of most
sports magazines, but they are no less important to the success of their teams
than glamour positions such as QB, RB and WR. The ability to run the ball
effectively has long been recognized as a requirement for NFL teams. The O-line
opens holes for the running backs, handles exotic blitz packages and protects
the QB on passing downs.
Almost all of the teams that made the playoffs last year had above average
offensive lines. Six of the seven top rushing teams in the NFL last season made
it to the playoffs. Each of those six teams ran it more then they threw it.
Arizona ran the ball the ball 21.2 times per game from September to December.
That increased to 28 rushing attempts per game in January. Teams with the
weaker offenses last season such as Cincinnati, Detroit and San Francisco also
had some of the poorest line play on offense. Listed below is a ranking of the
NFL lines based on their overall ability and possible potential for the year.
Ranking factors included run blocking, short yardage blocking and pass
protection.
1.New York Giants. The Giants ranked number one in rushing
offense last year with an average of 157.4 YPG. The Giants have a tough, smart,
cohesive line that works well together. The Giants gave up less then 30 sacks
for the fourth time in a roll despite a two game stretch where they gave up 13
sacks. Guard Chris Snee and center Shaun O’Hara are coming off of pro-Bowl
years. Snee has great inside hand technique, is able to pull in the running
game and has improved in pass protection. O’Hara works well with Eli Manning
and does a nice job of making the line calls. LT David Diehl and RT Kareem
McKenzie make for a very solid tandem at the tackle positions. Diehl also has
the ability to play each position along the line except center. RG Rich Seubert
is a dependable guard. The line has excellent chemistry and plays very
well together as a unit. The right side of the line returns intact for the
fifth straight year. Every one of the starting five has started every game for
the last two years. Depth may be an issue. Rookie William Beatty is expected to
provide depth at tackle. Run Block: A+ Pass Block: A
2. Tennessee Titans. This Titans O-line took a huge step
forward last year. They return all five of their starters from last year. LT
Michael Roos, C Kevin Mawae and RT David Stewart were all selected to the pro-Bowl
last year. Roos is one of the better pass protecting tackles in Pro-Football.
He has started every game since joining the Titans in 2005. RT Dave Stewart is
a mauler and has a nasty streak, giving the Titans potential bookend tackles.
Center Kevin Mawae showed that he had some life left in him and provides
leadership along the line. The Titans averaged 137.4 YPG and 4.3 YPC last year
and gave up a league low 12 sacks all year. Jake Scott will return at RG while
the LG position will be manned Eugene Amano. Amano is a smart player and played
well in the past at guard and center. The Titans added depth along the line
with rookies Troy Kropog and Guard Ryan Durand to go along with LeRoy Harris
and Mike Otto as the top backups. This is a very young line with all of the
players having played five years or less aside from the veteran Mawae. Run
Block: A Pass Block: A
3. Carolina Panthers. All five starters are expected to return
from an O-line that was one of the most improved in the NFL last year. The Panthers
set a franchise record for fewest sacks allowed (20) and also established
several teams’ records for rushing. Rookie RT Jeff Otah was selected with
the 19th pick in the first round last year and proved to be a
massive road-grader at 6” 6” and 330 pounds. He will team with All-Pro LT
Jordan Gross, who is the best lineman on the Panthers squad. Gross is a very
good pass blocker and just needs to improve his run blocking. Gross has the
footwork size and quickness to be a dominant tackle for years to come. Center
Ryan Kalil did an admirable job at center last year and should improve this
season. Kalil is smart, athletic and technically proficient. Guards Keydrick
Vincent and Travelle Wharton both weigh over 310 pounds and are physical
players. Wharton has all the tools to reach the next level but needs to develop
a mean streak. Depth may be an issue as the Panthers lost three players to free
agency. Top reserves include center/guard Mackenzy Bernadeau and tackle
Geoff Schwartz. Run Block: A- Pass Block: A-
4. Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles made one of the more
important off-season acquisitions with the addition of young LT Jason Peters, a
two time Pro-Bowl selection from Buffalo. Peters is one of the best LT in the
game today. Peters is a good athlete with nice footwork, agility, quickness and
long arms to keep defenders away. Stacy Andrews, formerly with the
Bengals, also joined the Eagles will man the RG spot. His brother, Shawn
Andrews is expected to slide from guard to RT this season. Shawn Andrews, who
was a two time Pro-Bowl selection, missed almost all of last year with a back
problems and a bout of self-described depression. Andrews can dominate at times
when on his game. C Jamaal Jackson and LG Todd Herremans round out the
starters. The Philly ground game should get back on track again this year. Max
Jean-Giles, Nick Cole and Winston Justice are the top reserves. The line may
need a little time to jell but has tremendous talent Run Block: A- Pass Block:
A-
5. New Orleans Saints. The Saints have quickly built one of the
better offensive lines in the NFL. This unit allowed only allow 13 sacks in 636
pass attempts last season and the entire unit returns intact. Jonathan Goodwin
replaced Jeff Faine at center and played very well. LT Jammal Brown plays with
good balance and is athletic for his size at 6’6” and 315 pounds. Brown is
strong and physical at tackle. Brown will need to reduce his holding penalties.
RG Jahri Evans has great strength and is working on his technique. He is a
nasty physical run blocker. LG Carl Nicks, a mammoth 340 pound plus guy,
started 13 games last year as a rookie. Nicks is considered to be raw but is
powerful and quick. RT John Stinchcomb was very solid in 2008 in both pass
blocking and run blocking. Jamar Nesbit, Jermon Bushrod and Zachd Strief
provide depth along the front line. Run Block: B+ Pass Block: A
6. San Diego Chargers. The Chargers continue to have one
of the better offensive lines in all of Pro-Football. Possessing good
size and great strength, LT Marcus McNeil, a Pro-Bowler in 2007, can dominate
defensive ends. He pulls well and gets out on screenplays. McNeil struggled
some in 2008 and was hurt at the beginning of the year. LG Kris Dielman
also made the Pro-Bowl in 2007 and is perhaps the Bolts best lineman. He has a
real nasty streak in him and can maul defenders at the line of scrimmage.
Center Nick Hardwick is on the smallish side but quick. He is able to get to
the second level in the running game. RG Mike Goff left town in free agency. Veteran
Kynan Forney will replace him. Forney could be pushed by two rookie guards though
-- Louis Vazquez or Tyronne Greene. RT Jerome Cleary, a couple of blue-collar
player, rounds out the right side of the line. They are solid in pass protection,
but are not great run blockers. Depth along the line may be an issue with
veteran L. J. Shelton and Scott Mruczkowski are the top reserves. Run Block: B+
Pass Block: A-
7. New England Patriots. The Pats will return their entire
starting line for 2009. The team was able to average 4.4 YPC last year and
142.4 yards per game despite a constant turnover at RB. Although New England
gave up 48 sacks last year, many of the sacks were a direct result of Matt
Cassell’s inexperience in the pocket. The Pats had some early season injuries
in 2008 but were able to recover. Center Dan Koppen is a smart player
with great balance that allows him to hold up the middle of the line. The Pats
have an athletic LT in LT Matt Light, however he is not considered to be
dominant. He makes few mistakes in blitz coverage and plays with great
leverage. The interior of the line is also solid. LG Logan Mankins has adjusted
to the inside at guard after playing tackle in college. RG Steven Neal can get
overextended at times, but has athleticism from his days as a collegiate
wrestler. Neal is a very adept run blocker. RT Nick Kaczur rounds out the
line. Kaczur may have to fight off Marke LaVoir, Ryan O’Callaghan and rookie
Sebastian Vollmer. Top reserve Russ Hochstein also returns. Run Block: A- Pass
Block: B+
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All five starters return for
this year. The Bucs have a young and solid group of linemen. Pro Bowl RG Davin
Joseph anchors the line. Joseph is a smart player who can pancake lineman and
hold his own in pass protection. C Jeff Faine is very aggressive and can get to
the second level to deliver a block. LG Aaron Sears is a mauler. The Bucs feel
that their interior line with Faine, Joseph and Sears is now a real asset. RT
Jeremy Trueblood returns and continues to improve. Trueblood has great size and
long arms at 6’8”but must learn to use his leverage better. LT Donald Penn has
nimble feet and does a nice job of using is hands to keep pass rushers away.
The unit improved greatly last year. Top reserves include Sean Mahan, Jeremy
Zuttah and rookie Xavier Fulton. Run Block: B+ Pass Block: B+
9. Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were struck with a
number of injuries to their offensive line last year. Center Jeff Saturday and
Guard Ryan Lilja were hurt before the season began. LT Tony Ugoh also battled
injuries and was inconsistent. Saturday is very intelligent, agile and can get
to the second level in with his blocks. He works very well with Peyton Manning,
who calls as many audibles as any QB in the league. RT Ryan Diem is solid and
steady. He plays hurt and is more nimble than he appears. Charlie Johnson
did an admirable job filling in at LG for Lilja last season. LG Ryan Lilja
missed all of last season with a knee injury. There is some concern that he may
not be ready for this year. Rookie Mike Pollack started 13 games at RG and
gained invaluable experience. The Colts are trying to add more youth into the
unit. Manning makes their pass protection appear better than it really is due
to his quick release. Run Block: B+ Pass Block: B+
10. Atlanta Falcons. This unit exceeded all expectations last season,
allowing only 17 sacks of rookie QB Matt Ryan. The unit gave up 47 sacks the
year before. Line Coach Paul Boudreau did wonders with this unit. The Falcons
ranked second in the NFL last year with an average of 152.7 yards per game last
year on the ground. The Falcons inserted rookie Sam Baker, who missed a fair
amount of time with injuries including a back surgery, at LT last season. He
should be even better this year. Tyson Clabo will return at RT. Center Todd
McClure made all of the right line calls and is the glue that holds the unit
together. McClure is durable and athletic. The two guards will be Justin
Blalock and Harvey Dahl. Blalock is starting to come into his own and has a
world of potential. Lack of experience with the reserves may be an issue. Run
Block: B+ Pass Block: B+
11. New York Jets. The Jets line is anchored All-Pro LG
Alan Faneca, who was voted to his eight Pro-Bowl. He has a great combination of
strength, quickness and technique. C Nick Mangold stepped up his game last
season and was selected to his first Pro-Bowl. Mangold did well in both the
passing and running games last season. LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson has not been
the dominant player he was expected to become. Ferguson has quick feet but
still struggles against power rushers. RG Brandon Moore is a smart solid
starter but is not overly athletic. Moore is probably the best drive blocker on
the line. RT Damien Woody played better than expected after a couple of
disappointing years with the Lions. Woody is a better pass protector than run
blocker. He does need to watch his weight and conditioning. The Jets had all
five lineman start 16 games last year and averaged 4.7 YPC and 125.2 YPG. Depth
could be an issue for this line. It also remains to be seen how much of a
difference Brett Favre made last year as teams could not stack the line against
a veteran QB like Favre. Run Block: B+ Pass Block: B-
12. Denver Broncos. The Broncos O-line is about to
undergo a fundamental change under new Head Coach Josh McDaniels, who favors
big linemen for a power running game. Former Head Coach Mike Shanahan relied
more on trap blocking schemes and quicker smaller linemen. All five
starters are expected to return again this year. LT Ryan Clady played better
than expected last year as a rookie and was rewarded with 2nd team
All-Pro honors. He was given the nickname of “Sweet Feet” during mini-camp last
year. The team allowed only 12 sacks last year. RT Ryan Harris also played well
in 2008 and gave up only 1.5 sacks. Harris and Clady both have quick feet
needed to protect an NFL quarterback from speed rushers. RG Chris Kuper and LG
Ben Hamilton will man the two guard positions. LG Hamilton is a bit undersized,
but gets the job done with superior technique. Center Casey Wiegman will anchor
the middle of the line. He is an intelligent player but a bit undersized. The
Broncos are slowly shifting away from a smaller, quicker offensive line to one
with more size to combat the larger defensive lines so commonplace in the NFL.
Run Block: B Pass Block: A-
13. Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins ushered in the Bill
Parcells’ era in Miami last season with the selection of Jake Long as the #1
overall pick in the 2008 draft. Long was selected as a Pro-Bowl reserve as a
rookie. He will need to work on handling the quicker defensive ends but was a
force as a run-blocker. RT Vernon Carey, who was considered to be Miami’s best
lineman in 2007, will return again this year. This is really his natural
position. He is also a better-run blocker than he is a pass blocker as he
struggles with speed rushers. RG Donald Thomas and LG Justin Smiley both need
to stay healthy. Thomas is one of the better run blockers on the line. Thomas
was lost to a Lisfranc injury and Smiley broke his leg in week twelve. Center
Jake Grove comes over from the Raiders to replace Samson Satele. He will be
making the line calls this year. The Dolphins hope that Grove can better handle
the large nose tackles of the AFC. The line is young as all five starters are
under the age of 30. Joe Berger, Shawn Murphy and Ikechucku Ndukwe are the top
reserves. Run Block: C+ Pass Block: C
14. Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have the potential to
have a nice pair of bookend tackles for some time. LT Jared Gaither, a 6’ 9’
and 330 pound beast, has quick feet and long arms to hold off pass rushers. The
Ravens landed Michael Oher in the draft. He will handle the RT slot. RG Ben
Grubbs is solid at guard. He can pull and get to the second level in the
running game. LG Marshall Yanda had major knee surgery will man the other guard
spot if he is ready to go. The Ravens lost tackle Adam Terry early in training
camp. Center Jason Brown left the Ravens to join the Rams in the off-season. Veteran
Matt Birk from the Vikings will replace him. Birk has good technique and should
be able to handle the large AFC nose tackles. Chris Chester and Tre Stallings
are top reserves. This is a young line with room for improvement. Run Block: B+
Pass Block: C+
15. Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a solid and veteran line that
should be able to stay together for one more season. All five projected
starters are over the age of 30. Guard Leonard Davis and Andre Gurode are
coming off of Pro-Bowl seasons. Center Gurode has the size to battle massive
NFL tackles and possesses good body control. LT Flozell Adams was a bit of a
disappointment last season after he signed a six-year extension in the
off-season. He gave up 7.25 sacks, had nine false starts and three
holding penalties called on him. He has massive size at 6’ 7” and about 340
pounds. Adams uses his long arms well in pass protection but does struggle with
smaller speed rushers. RG Davis, who played out of position at tackle in
Arizona, was a road grater in Dallas last season. He helped to set a strong
physical tone for the running game last year. Kyle Kosier, who broke his foot
last year after three games, mans the LG slot. The running game suffered after
that injury. RT Marc Columbo was re-signed by the Cowboys. The Cowboys gave up
31 sacks last season and will need to improve that aspect of their game.
The Cowboys also have veteran offensive line coach Hudson Houck. Depth along
the line appears to be good with Doug Free, Cory Proctor and Montrae Holland.
Grade: 7.5 Run Block: B Pass Block: B
16. Cleveland Browns. The Browns line generally underperformed in
2008 as expectation were high. The running game was never truly established as
the Browns averaged only 100.3 yards per game with an average of only 3.9 YPC.
New Head Coach Eric Mangini wants to have a bigger and stronger offensive line
in Cleveland this year. Pro-Bowl LT Joe Thomas and LG Eric Steinbach return.
Mangini would like to see Steinbach play at a heavier weight. Center Alex Mack
was selected in the first round of the draft and will likely start. RT John St.
Clair and guard Floyd Womack were signed in free agency and will likely start
on the right side. Key reserves are Hank Fraley and Ryan Tucker. Rex Hadnot, a
versatile lineman, was hurt early in training camp with a damaged medial
collateral ligament in his knee. Run Block: B- Pass Block: B-
17. Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings were able to average 146.1
yards per game last season with good run blocking. However, they gave up too
many sacks (43) last season. LG Steve Hutchinson is considered to be
perhaps the finest guard in the NFL. He is a powerful drive blocker and a good
technician on pass protection. His presence elevated the play of the rest of
the line. LT Bryant McKinnie is a gifted physical specimen 6’ 8” and about 340
pounds, but has never reached the potential the Vikings envisioned for him.
McKinnie has quick feet and long arms to tie up pass rushers. Veteran Center
Matt Birk left town to join the Ravens. His likely replacement is second year
pro John Sullivan. RG Anthony Herrera had off-season shoulder surgery and
returns. Rookie Phil Loadholt, a massive 6’ 8” and 340 pounds, will likely
start at RT. He should greatly help the running game. Ryan Cook and Artis
Hicks are the top reserves. TE Jim Kleinsasser should also be mentioned as he
is more of a tackle than a TE and greatly helps in the Vikes running game. Run
Block: B Pass Block: C
18. Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars will be rebuilding
their line this season. They added LT Tra Thomas from Philadelphia and took
tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in the draft. Monroe and Britton could
anchor the tackle spots for years. The Jags were 18th in rushing
offense last season at 110.9 ypg and also gave up 42 sacks. The Jaguars also
will get three starters back from injury. Thomas and Munroe will battle for the
LT slot. Center Brad Meester, who missed six games due to injury, mans the
center. Meester, a converted guard, is tough and scrappy in the middle. He has
good balance and can get to the second level. LG Vince Manuwai is a
mauler and will be joined by RG Maurice Williams. RT Tony Pashos will battle
rookie Britton for starting honors at RT. Pashos needs to reduce his holding
penalties. Dennis Norman and Uche Nwaneri are the other top reserves. This line
may need time to jell but should be improved. Run Block: B Pass Block: C
19. Chicago Bears. The Bears offensive line outperformed
pre-season expectations last year but were still a disappointment. LT Orlando
Pace, a seven time pro-Bowler, was signed and will help protect QB Jay Cutler’s
blind side. Pace is strong, agile, physical and explosive but has had trouble
staying healthy the last few seasons. Tackle Chris Williams was selected with
the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 draft. He went
down early in training camp with a herniated disc. Williams missed the first
half of the season with his back injury. He is expected to battle Kevin
Schaffer at RT. Center Olin Kreutz, a former Pro-Bowl selection, anchors the
Bears line. He is a leader, plays well in space with good leverage and
possesses a mean streak. RG Roberto Garza returns. He is steady but not
spectacular. Josh Beekman will battle Frank Omiyale at LG. The Bears O-line
should have more versatility and depth this season.. Run Block: C+ Pass
Block: C+
20. Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals made some improvement in
their line play that may have gone unnoticed by most fans. Head Coach Ken
Whisenhunt would like the team to be more physical upfront and run the ball
better. The Cards were dead last in the NFL last year with 73.6 yards per game
in the regular season. To their credit, they ran the ball more effectively in
the playoffs. Former Pittsburgh Steeler line coach Russ Grimm returns for
a third year as the O-line coach. The Cards have no pro-Bowl lineman but the
group is fairly solid. LT Mike Gandy and LG Reggie Wells are the best along the
front line. Wells is a physical run blocker while Gandy has handled the
opposing teams best pass rushers. The right side of the line is solid with
Deuce Lutui and Levi Brown. Center Lyle Sendlein improved as the season
progressed but still struggles with physical defensive tackles. Lutui also
needs to play with more consistency. The Cards O-line has potential to
show more improvement this season. Run Block: C Pass Block: B
21. St. Louis Rams. The Rams drafted LT Jason Smith with the
#2 pick overall and will immediately place him at LT. The Rams also upgraded
their offensive line with the addition of Center Jason Brown from Baltimore.
Brown has appeared in 52 straight games and will be a major upgrade for the O-line.
LG Jacob Bell brought quickness in the interior run game but battled hamstring
injuries last year. RG Richie Incognito has talent but needs to reduce his
penalties. RT Alex Barron has great athleticism for his size and an incredible
wingspan. Barron has been considered an underachiever to date. The addition of
FB Mike Karney will also help as the Rams will lead-blocking full back for RB
Steven Jackson. This unit has been upgraded and could one of the more improved
O-line sin the league. Adam Goldberg and John Grecco are the top reserves. Run
Block: C Pass Block: C
22. Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers gave up 49 sacks last
year and averaged 105.6 yards per game on the ground. All five Super Bowl
starters return this year. LT Marvel Smith is gone and will be replaced by Max
Starks. Willie Colon will return at RT. He is very aggressive for his size, but
may be better suited to play guard. Justin Hartwig was a pleasant surprise at
center last year as he held his own against the big nose tackles in the AFC. He
can also play LG. Kendall Simmons returns at RG. Chris Kemoeatu, who is a
mauler at 6”3” and about 340 pounds, will fill the LG spot. He runs well for an
interior lineman. LG should be a contest between Darnell Stapleton and rookie
Kraig Urbik. The versatile Trai Essex can play anywhere along the line.
Run Block: C Pass Block: C
23. Washington Redskins. The Redskins have an
effective but aging front line. Redskins did have had Chris Samuels and
Jon Jansen manning the tackle slots for years. Jansen was released by the Skins
in the off-season. LT Samuels was selected to his sixth Pro-Bowl and is
recovering from knee and triceps surgery. He has nice footwork and can also
handle counter-moves. He is a fine run blocker and solid in pass protection. Stephon
Heyer and Jeremy bridges will battle for the RT spot. RG Randy Thomas is decent
at his position but is also aging. Derrick Dockery returns from the Bills to
replace Pete Kendall at LG for the Skins. Dockery is a road grater in the
ground game. The Redskins run to the left as much as any team in football.
Center Casey Rabach is tough and plays hurt while demonstrating solid
technique. His size and quickness help to neutralize blitzes up the middle.
Will Montgomery and, Mike Williams, the fourth pick of the 2002 draft are the
top reserves. Depth could be an issue if there is a key injury or two. Run
Block: C Pass Block: C
24. Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks had the entire offensive
line out with some type of injury at one time or another last year. The Seahawks
need LT Walter Jones to be recovered from his micro-fracture knee surgery at
age 35. The Seahawks did run for 110.5 yards per game and average 4.2 yards per
carry. LG Mike Wahle is also rehabbing from shoulder surgery. RG Rob Sims
has shown toughness and determination and appears to have recovered from a torn
pectoral muscle. Chris Spencer, a former #1 round draft choice will return at
center and also landed on the IR last year. He is considered to be an ascending
player with nice potential. RT Sean Locklear is solid and considered to be a
better pas blocker then run blocker. The Seahawks are also going towards more
zone-blocking on offense to take advantage of more athletic linemen. Jones and
Wahle must be healthy for the Seahawks to succeed. Rookie Max Unger mat be
asked to fill in all along the line. Ray Willis is also a key reserve lineman.
Run Block: C Pass Block: C
25. Houston Texans. The Texans offensive line showed some
significant improvement in 2008 as they picked up on their zone blocking
assignments. Veteran line guru Alex Gibbs worked wonders for this unit last
year. All five starters return for 2009. The Texans set a franchise record for
rushing yardage but gave up too many sacks last year. LT Duane Brown displayed
quick feet needed to play LT to go along with a mean nasty streak. LG Chester
Pitts, a Pro-Bowl alternate, is a solid run blocker, but must improve his pass
protection. RG Mike Briesel returns this year. RT Eric Winston has continued to
develop, especially as a run blocker. Key reserves include Rashad Butler, Kasey
Studdard, and Fred Weary. Run Block: C+ Pass Block: C
26. Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, who had one of best lines
in recent history only a few years ago, are a team in transition. The line came
together to some degree last year to offer some hope. The team averaged 113
yards per game on the ground while reducing their sack total from 55 to 37. LG
Brain Waters is the best player on the line and the only remnant of their glory
years. Waters is an explosive, powerful guard who can be dominant in the
running game. Center Rudy Neiswanger, the incumbent at center will battle Eric
Ghiaiuc. RT Damion McIntosh, who started at LT two years ago, is average at
best and better suited to the right side of the line. He may lose his starting
job. LT Branden Albert filled some big shoes last season. His rookie play was
encouraging as he flashed the ability to protect the Quarterback. The Chief’s
staff feels he has Pro-Bowl potential. Free agent Mike Goff came over from the
Chargers to play RG. The team likes his toughness and intelligence. Other
player sin the mix for time include Wade Smith, and Herb Taylor. Run Block: C
Pass Block: C-
27. Green Bay Packers. The Packers are now in year four of Mike
McCarthy’s zone-blocking scheme in Green Bay. The Packers surrendered 34 sacks
last season while averaging 113 yards per game on the ground. LT Chad Clifton
is still solid but had arthroscopic surgery on both knees in January. The team
needs to start looking for a replacement. RT Mark Tauscher, a starter for
almost a decade, suffered a serious knee injury late last year. He remains
unsigned. Tony Moll may well start at RT. Clifton and Tauscher had been one of
the better tackle tandems in the league for some time. They both arrived in the
2000 draft. LG Daryn Colledge may have had the best season in 2008 of all
of the lineman. Josh Sitton is expected to open at RG this year. He is a tough
and intelligent player. C Scott Wells may lose his starting job to Jason
Spitz. Run Block:C Pass Block: C-
28. San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers gave up a league high 55
sacks in 2007 and then followed that up a league high 55 sacks in 2008. The
sack total did decline after Shaun Hill replaced J.T. O’Sullivan at QB. New OC
Jimmy Raye wants to install a power running game in San Francisco this year. LT
Joe Staley is solid. Joe Staley has long arms and is faster than almost every
tackle in the league. Marvel Smith was signed from the Steelers to play RT.
Smith will replace the injury plagued Jonas Jennings at tackle. Eric
Heitmann is reliable at center as a run blocker and was the most consistent
lineman on the team last season. Chilo Rachal and David Bass should start at
the guard positions. Rachal played well after taking over from Tony Wragge. Run
Block: C+ Pass Block: D
29. Oakland Raiders. Head Coach Tom Cable installed an
aggressive zone-blocking scheme in Oakland in 2007 when he was their line
coach. The players function well within the system. The Raiders also increased
their rushing average from 94 yards per game to 118 yards per game to 124 yards
per game in 2008 while averaging 4.3 yards per carry in 2008. The line still
gives up too many sacks. Robert Gallery, the former second overall pick of the
draft, has bounced from position to position. He appears to have found his
position at LG. Cooper Carlisle will return at RG. LT Kwame Harris was released
after a very poor year. Khalif Barnes and Mario Henderson will battle for the
LT slot. The RT spot will likely be filled by Cornelius Green. Center
Jake Grove left the team to join Miami so the Raiders acquired Samson Satele in
a trade with the Dolphins. Satele is smart and athletic but does struggle
against larger nose tackles. Paul McQuistan and Erik Pears are the
other the top reserves. Run Block: C+ Pass Block: D
30. Buffalo Bills. The Bills line has some huge holes to fill
in 2009. All Pro LT Jason peters bolted to Philadelphia. Duke Preston also left
town. Derrick Dockery returned to the Redskins. Langston Walker will switch
from RT to LT. Walker, who was signed in the previous off-season from the
Raiders, has good size, athleticism and long arms. RG Brad Butler will be tried
at RT but will also battle Kirk Chambers. Butler was consistent as he moves
well for his size. Center Geoff Hangartner was signed in free agency from
Carolina. Hangartner is more of a finesse player and may struggle with the huge
nose tackle sin the AFC east. The Bills drafted two rookies in the first two
rounds to play guard. Eric Wood and Andy Levitre are expected to start.
Levitre played tackle in college while Wood was a center. Their 300-pound plus
frames and physical style of play make them good prospects. Their transition to
the NFL game may take some time. Run Block: D Pass Block: C
31. Detroit Lions. The offensive line remains a very large area of
concern for the Lions. RT Gosder Cherilus, the 17th pick in last
years draft, improved as the season progressed but still committed to many
penalties. LT Jeff Backus brings a tough blue-collar approach to the game but
is more of an average LT at this point in his career. Backus has been durable,
starting 128 consecutive games. Center Dominic Raiola can be overmatched at the
point of attack due to his lack of bulk, but he is effective and quick for his
position. Stephen Peterman, Manuel Ramirez and Damion Cook will vie for the two
guard spots. Rookie TE Brendan Pettigrew should also help to bolster the Lions
weak running attack that was one of the weakest in the league last year. Run
Block: C Pass Block: D
32. Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals gave up 51 sacks last year. The
running game averaged fewer then four yards per carry for the third year in a
row. Levi Jones and Stacy Andrews both departed via free agency. LG Andrew
Whitworth, a 6-7 340-pound space eater with a nasty streak, and Bobbie Williams
return at guard. Rookie Andre Smith, the sixth player taken in the draft, is
expected to protect Carson Palmer’s blind side at LT. Second year
player Anthony Collins is expected to start at RT after he started the final
six games of the season. Collins showed the necessary footwork, agility and
strength to play the position. Fourth round pick Jonathan Luigs may start at
center and will battle Kyle Cook. The Bengals line has a number of question
marks and lacks depth .Run Block: D Pass Block: D