2016 Offensive Line Rankings

Projected Starters: LT Andrew Whitworth, LG Clint Boling, C Russell Bodine, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Cedric Ogbuehi

Led by one of the NFL’s top position coaches in Paul Alexander, the Bengals ranked 1st in Football Outsiders' adjusted line yards last season. Whitworth (an All-Pro) paved the way, along with Boling and Zeitler.

Ogbuehi has generated plenty of buzz from the Bengals coaching staff. He arrived in Round 1 of the 2015 draft despite tearing his ACL in December 2014. After playing only 65 snaps last year, a now-healthy Ogbuehi is fully expected to lock down the right side.

Second-year man Jake Fisher adds some versatility. As a 2015 rookie, he saw time at OT, TE and even H-back. In fact, Fisher recorded a 31-yard catch — the longest gain for an O-lineman since 1988. Capable of playing all 5 spots, Fisher’s a key piece in the event that injuries strike.

Bodine will be under the microscope after an awful 2015, but at 24 there’s room for growth.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Projected Starters: LT Jared Veldheer, LG Mike Iupati, C A.Q. Shipley, RG Evan Mathis, RT D.J. Humphries

Citing maturity issues, Arizona made Humphries a healthy scratch for all 16 weeks last season. Now, they need the 2015 first-round pick to step into a starting role. The talent is there, but we can expect some rough spots from the 22-year-old.

Fortunately, this unit has veteran assets elsewhere. Veldheer and Mathis, a free-agent signing, excel in pass protection. Iupati remained a high-level run blocker in 2015.

Shipley is no better than league average, but he’ll be pushed by impressive rookie Evan Boehm. Overall, this group profiles as an asset to Carson Palmer and David Johnson.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Starters: LT Ryan Harris, LG Ramon Foster, C Maurkice Pouncey, RG David DeCastro, RT Marcus Gilbert

Injuries curbed the upside of this group in 2015. LT Kelvin Beachum suffered a torn ACL in October, while Pouncey missed the whole year with left leg trouble. Pouncey actually underwent 6 separate procedures — plus a skin graft — following his preseason injury. Remarkably, he’s already back to full health.

This unit shapes up nicely at LG, RG and RT, sporting a good blend of talent and experience. But the all-important LT spot is a potential weak link. Beachum departed in free agency, leaving the spot to 2nd-year man Alejandro Villanueva or underwhelming vet Ryan Harris. Villanueva has work to do in pass protection, so we’ll put our money on the 31-year-old. Harris started all 16 games for Denver last year, seeing time at LT and RT.

6. New Orleans Saints

Projected Starters: LT Terron Armstead, LG Tim Lelito, C Max Unger, RG Andrus Peat, RT Zach Strief

Drew Brees remains 1 of the league’s best passers at 37, and a stalwart O-line plays a big role.

Lelito is the only weak spot we see, and he’ll face competition from Senio Kelemete, among others. Peat is worth watching as he transitions from OT to the inside. But the versatility of the former 1st-round pick allows the Saints to play their 5 most talented options.

Elsewhere, Armstead has emerged as 1 of the NFL’s top LTs. Strief remains effective in his 30s, while Unger — the Saints prize in the Jimmy Graham deal — just finished as Pro Football Focus’ 7th-ranked center.

7. Atlanta Falcons

Projected Starters: LT Jake Matthews, LG Andy Levitre, C Alex Mack, RG Chris Chester, RT Ryan Schraeder

Atlanta’s group played surprisingly well last season, and the core remains intact for another go-round.

Matthews, a 1st-round pick in 2014, impressed in his sophomore season. He was 1 of just 3 OTs to allow a single sack among 600+ snaps played. Schraeder bookends Matthews as an underrated all-around blocker.

Mack has experience in OC Kyle Shanahan’s scheme and ranks among the NFL’s top centers. He upgrades an interior that lacks appeal at guard. Chester is on thin ice after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. He’ll also enter the season at 33 years old.

8. Green Bay Packers

Projected Starters: LT David Bakhtiari, LG Josh Sitton, C Corey Linsley, RG T.J. Lang, RT Bryan Bulaga

Strong guard play stands out here. Sitton was the only starter on this line to play all 18 games last season. Reliable and consistent, he allowed a mere 16 pressures on 693 passes. Lang has steadily improved since entering the starting lineup in 2011, although he’s returning from offseason shoulder surgery.

Bakhtiari suffered an ugly ankle injury late in 2015. It didn’t require surgery, but the injury will require “regular attention,” per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Even if he’s close to full health, the talented Bakhtiari should retain a high level of play. He allowed only 3 sacks (14 games) last season.

9. Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Starters: LT Jason Peters, LG Allen Barbre, C Jason Kelce, RG Brandon Brooks, RT Lane Johnson

The Eagles boast a solid starting unit with plenty of depth. The group has flaws, though.

Peters remains a strong starter when healthy, but he missed 2 games last year and parts of others with back trouble. He also enters this season at 34 years old. New HC Doug Pederson's offenses have played at a much slower pace than former HC Chip Kelly’s. The team apparently hopes that pace will put less stress on Peters’ body.

Kelce, who boasts plenty of talent, looks poised for a rebound. He’s expected to have more freedom at the line, which is expected to help reduce some of the mental mistakes from 2016.

Brooks arrives from the Texans as an established power blocker. Barbre is the weak link, but he’ll be pushed by newcomer Stefen Wisniewski and rookie Isaac Seumalo.

10. Carolina Panthers

Projected Starters: LT Michael Oher, LG Andrew Norwell, C Ryan Kalil, RG Trai Turner, RT Michael Remmers

Kalil is the standout here, especially in run blocking. Pro Football Focus slapped him with the 4th best run-blocking grade among centers last season.

Oher surprisingly impressed at LT last season, although his performance proved much better in pass blocking than run blocking. He’s a regression candidate entering 2016.

Turner, only 23, could become 1 of the NFL’s top guards with another strong season. And Norwell (24) packs promise following an encouraging 2015. But Remmers leaves a lot to be desired on the right side, particularly in pass protection.

11. Minnesota Vikings

Projected Starters: LT Matt Kalil, LG Alex Boone, C John Sullivan, RG Brandon Fusco, RT Andre Smith

The Vikings O-line really struggled last season. Despite attempting the fewest passes, Teddy Bridgewater took the 6th most sacks in the league. His line didn’t provide much pop in the run game, either.

Injuries certainly played a role, though. Sullivan missed all of 2015 following 2 back surgeries. He's no lock to regain the starting role, especially after fellow veteran Joe Berger showed well in relief.

Massive RT Phil Loadholt didn’t appear in a game last year due to an Achilles' tear. Smith arrived in free agency and should slot into a starting role.

The real key here is Kalil, who has struggled since an excellent rookie season (2012). Health has been an issue, but he’s coming off his 1st offseason without surgery since 2013. Kalil — and the unit overall — should also get a boost with the arrival of ace O-line coach Tony Sparano.

Don’t expect any issues at guard, especially on the left side. Boone, a free agent addition from San Francisco, has proven dependable since becoming a starter in 2012.

12. Houston Texans

Projected Starters: LT Duane Brown, LG Xavier Su’a-Filo, C Nick Martin, RG Jeff Allen, RT Derek Newton

We’ll need to keep an eye on Brown, who’s returning from quad surgery. HC Bill O’Brien said in June that he expects the veteran to be ready for camp. Brown’s unquestionably the Texans top O-linemen.

There are assets elsewhere, though, notably with Newton and 1st-year Texan Jeff Allen. Su’a-Filo arrived in 2014 as a 2nd-round pick but hasn’t lived up to expectations. He garnered rave reviews over the spring entering a critical 3rd season.

Martin, meanwhile, will likely replace departed center Ben Jones. The brother of the Cowboys’ Zach Martin, Nick has the all-around skill set to excel from day 1.

13. Washington Redskins

Projected Starters: LT Trent Williams, LG Spencer Long, C Kory Lichtensteiger, RG Brandon Scherff, RT Morgan Moses

Washington received excellent play from Williams, Scherff and Moses last season. The strong showing from Williams wasn’t a surprise. But Scherff — drafted last year as a tackle — adapted well to the inside. Moses also emerged after 2 disappointing seasons.

Getting better play at LG and C will be key. Long will have to fight off Arie Kouandjio and Shawn Lauvao for the starting gig. But HC Jay Gruden said he “loved” the way Long “came on” at the end of last season. Lichtensteiger missed the final 11 regular-season games with a neck injury. Even when healthy, he wasn’t effective.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Projected Starters: LT Ronnie Stanley, LG John Urschel, C Jeremy Zuttah, RG Marshal Yanda, RT Ricky Wagner

The Ravens expect Urschel to replace 1 of the best guards in the league (new Raider Kelechi Osemele). Urschel’s largely unproven, as he’s made only 2 NFL starts at LG (both in 2014). He also represents a massive downgrade in size from Osemele: 330 pounds vs. 305 pounds.

Fortunately, the Ravens are in good hands on the right side with Yanda. Pro Football Focus graded him as their #1 OG of 2015. Zuttah missed 7 games last year after a shoulder injury. But he’s been a solid, durable starter for his career, making 65 straight starts before last year’s setback.

Baltimore invested their top pick in Stanley, who profiles as a strong pass protector for rehabbing QB Joe Flacco (ACL). It’s a bit risky to put a rookie on Flacco’s blind side. But Stanley comes out of Notre Dame as 1 of the most athletic OTs of the past few years.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Starters: LT Kelvin Beachum, LG Luke Joeckel, C Brandon Linder, RG A.J. Cann, RT Jeremy Parnell

After 3 underwhelming years of Joeckel at LT, the Jags seem poised to make a switch. The problem is that Beachum is coming off a torn ACL, although he’s expected to get cleared for the start of training camp. If Joeckel flops on the inside, Jacksonville has a veteran to insert in Mackenzy Bernadeau.

Linder made only 3 appearances last year due to a torn labrum. He’s also making the switch from guard, where he excelled as a 2014 rookie. Cann, a 2015 third round pick, is expected to progress after getting 13 starts under his belt.

16. Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Starters: LT Eric Fisher, LG Parker Ehinger, C Mitch Morse, RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, RT Mitchell Schwartz

Fisher hasn’t met the expectations of a top draft pick, but he posted his best season in 2015 following 2 abysmal campaigns. Another full offseason at LT could produce further improvement. For what it’s worth, HC Andy Reid expects a “big jump” in 2016.

Schwartz, a free agent arrival, upgrades the right side. He finished as Pro Football Focus’ #6 overall tackle last year, aided by strong showings vs. Von Miller and Khalil Mack.

The interior lacks experience but possesses the talent to thrive. Morse showed well as a 2015 rookie and has the pedigree to improve. Ehinger brings some questions as a rookie, although he’ll be pushed by a host of players in camp. LDT is another unproven player, albeit one with the physical skills to thrive if the lightbulb flips on. He has just 1 year of starting experience at 25 years old.

17. Detroit Lions

Projected Starters: LT Taylor Decker, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Travis Swanson, RG Larry Warford, RT Riley Reiff

The Lions ranked dead last in rushing last year, and a poor O-line certainly didn’t help.

The tackle spots are key here, as a rookie will protect Matthew Stafford’s blind side and Reiff will transition from the left side to the right. Decker should at least help boost the run game. Reiff, who enters a contract year, has drawn praise in his switch to RT.

Look for improvement out of Tomlinson in year 2. A full season with OC Jim Bob Cooter’s man blocking scheme suits his power game best. Center is a critical spot, however, as Swanson’s built up little equity through 2 subpar years. Rookie 3rd-round pick Graham Glasgow will push him.

18. Denver Broncos

Projected Starters: LT Russell Okung, LG Max Garcia, C Matt Paradis, RG Ty Sambrailo, RT Donald Stephenson

Denver lost its top performer from 2015 (Evan Mathis), but this unit remains deep and talented.

Okung arrived in free agency, although he’s recovering from shoulder surgery. The former Seahawk is expected to be fine for training camp.

Garcia and Sambrailo lack a track record, having just 5 combined starts at guard. Sambrailo is coming off a torn labrum and appeared in only 3 games as a 2015 rookie.

Stephenson provides a proven veteran body, especially in the run game. The former Chief figures to help an offense that will lean more toward C.J. Anderson and the run game.

19. New York Giants

Projected Starters: LT Ereck Flowers, LG Justin Pugh, C Weston Richburg, RG John Jerry, RT Marshall Newhouse

The right side looks particularly unsettled, as Jerry and Newhouse will have to earn starting roles. There’s plenty of pressure on Flowers, though, who labored through an awful rookie season. He really struggled in pass blocking, where he allowed a league-most 47 QB hits. The 2015 first-rounder still packs plenty of promise, so prospective Eli Manning owners shouldn’t panic.

Pugh is shifting to guard full time, where his skill set suits him best. He’s bulked up to 320 pounds to smooth the transition. Richburg returns at center following a breakout sophomore season.

20. Buffalo Bills

Projected Starters: LT Cordy Glenn, LG Richie Incognito, C Eric Wood, RG John Miller, RT Jordan Mills

Glenn and Incognito formed an elite left side in 2015. Glenn proved strong in pass protection, allowing only 2 sacks all year. Incognito’s tenacity really showed up in the run game.

Wood enters his 8th year with the Bills and remains a reliable anchor. The right side could use a lift, though. Miller, a 2015 rookie, missed 4 games with an ankle sprain. When healthy, he flopped in run and pass blocking.

RT might be the biggest weak spot. Just consider the lukewarm endorsement Mills received from O-line coach Aaron Kromer.

"Jordan gets the best out of what he has," Kromer said. "He's a smart player. He knows what to do and how to do it. He knows his own limitations and that's key for an offensive lineman. Know what you can't do so you don't put yourself in a bad position. Nobody's perfect but he studies hard and plays hard and works hard.”

Buffalo will look to get the best run blockers on the field, as that’ll remain the foundation of this offense. A shaky right side isn’t reason to drop LeSean McCoy or Tyrod Taylor down draft boards.

21. Chicago Bears

Projected Starters: LT Charles Leno, LG Cody Whitehair, C Hroniss Grasu, RG Kyle Long, RT Bobby Massie

Long is the marquee name here. He struggled at RT last season, but look for a bounce back at his natural position.

Early-career players fill the remaining spots. Leno, 24, is a 2014 seventh-round pick who lacks ideal size. He bulked up this offseason, though, and GM Ryan Pace described his 2015 play as “a real pleasant surprise.”

Labeled by many as the top guard prospect in this year’s class, Whitehair looks poised to start right away. His main competition will come from veteran Ted Larson, a league-average starter at best. Grasu enters year 2 after an underwhelming rookie year that saw him get pushed around too much. He was a highly experienced and decorated center coming out of Oregon, so the hope is that improved strength leads to a rebound.

Massie comes over from the Cardinals carrying a huge frame (6’6, 320) and the experience (46 career starts at RT) to thrive.

22. New England Patriots

Projected Starters: LT Nate Solder, LG Shaq Mason, C Bryan Stork, RG Jonathan Cooper, RT Sebastian Vollmer

This line didn’t do Tom Brady any favors last season. Quietly, though, the run blocking ranked 2nd in adjusted line yards (4.19), per Football Outsiders.

Now, we’ll see some different faces up front. Solder and Vollmer are the only guys seemingly locked into starting spots. Injuries are concerning for both veterans, however. Solder missed the final 12 games of 2015 with a torn biceps. Vollmer has seasons of 10 and 8 missed games in the past 5 years, although he’s sat out just 3 since the start of 2014.

Cooper pops out as a marquee name. Expectations were high Arizona drafted him 7th overall in 2013. But a broken leg that season has helped limit his effectiveness. Still just 26, he has time to jumpstart his career after arriving via the Chandler Jones trade.

Mason and Stork will face competition for their jobs. Stork missed half of the season with a concussion and watched as UDFA David Andrews showed some promise in his place.

23. Tennessee Titans

Projected Starters: LT Taylor Lewan, LG Quinton Spain, C Ben Jones, RG Chance Warmack, RT Jack Conklin

The Titans just traded up for Conklin, who made 38 starts at Michigan State: 35 at LT and 3 at RT. The transition should be smooth for a high motor, run-blocking specialist. He’s already earned compliments from HC Mike Mularkey.

Lewan led the team in penalties last season, but the former 1st-rounder is loaded with athleticism. He’s also back healthy after battling nerve damage in his neck late in 2015.

Jones is an ultra-physical player who missed only 1 snap for Houston last season. He adds some pop for a team looking to establish the power run.

Spain started the final 6 games last year and held his own. Warmack brings a Round 1 pedigree (2013) but hasn’t met expectations. Set to play his contract year at 25, there’s potential for a breakthrough.

24. San Diego Chargers

Projected Starters: LT King Dunlap, LG Orlando Franklin, C Matt Slauson, RG D.J. Fluker, RT Joe Barksdale

Injuries remained a major issue for the Chargers in 2015. With backups seeing substantial snaps and others playing out of position, this unit earned a 32nd-place ranking from Pro Football Focus. Unbelievably, the Chargers used 24 different O-line combinations.

Each starter has flashed above-average ability at some point in his career, though. Adding a proven vet in Slauson should help fortify the pivot. He’s also capable of excelling at guard if (when?) injuries strike.

Despite all of the ability here, this line could be a ticking time bomb. Dunlap has suffered 4 reported concussions since 2011 — including 1 last season. His health is paramount to the Bolts boosting their rushing efficiency in 2016.

25. Indianapolis Colts

Projected Starters: LT Anthony Castonzo, LG Jack Mewhort, C Ryan Kelly, RG Hugh Thornton, RT Denzelle Good

The left side looks sturdy, while Kelly brings a pro-ready skill set out of Alabama. The right side lacks reliability, though.

Thornton has ended the past 2 seasons on injured reserve. And even when healthy, his performances have fluctuated. We’ll see if a sizable weight cut can help improve his play.

Good certainly isn’t locked into the RT spot. But the 2015 seventh-round pick showed well in limited action late last year. He’ll need to beat out veteran Joe Reitz and others to secure the gig. Either way, this much-maligned unit remains a bit shaky overall.

26. Miami Dolphins

Projected Starters: LT Branden Albert, LG Laremy Tunsil, C Mike Pouncey, RG Billy Turner, RT Ja’Wuan James

Tunsil played exclusively at OT in college, but he’ll start on the inside. He’ll need to overtake Dallas Thomas to start, a guy Pro Football Focus graded as 1 of the worst interior blockers league wide in 2015. In other words, expect Tunsil to crack the Week 1 lineup.

Albert and Pouncey return as the anchors, but health is a concern for both. Pouncey underwent foot and hip surgery after last season, giving him 2 hip surgeries for his career. He’s also missed 8 games over the past 3 years.

Albert, now 31, played his most games last year (14) since 2011. He did rebound from 2014 ACL and MCL tears to assemble a fine 2015, but durability questions remain.

James has plenty to prove after missing 9 games with a toe injury. Turner — a massive flop last season — will face competition from veteran Jermon Bushrod. The converted OT worked with HC Adam Gase in Chicago, although offseason shoulder surgery cost him valuable reps in OTAs.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Starters: LT Donovan Smith, LG JR Sweezy, C Joe Hawley, RG Ali Marpet, RT Demar Dotson

Logan Mankins' retirement delivered a blow to the Bucs this offseason. But they filled the void with an experienced, competent player in Sweezy. Marpet arrived from small school Hobart last year, and he predictably took his lumps. But the team remains high on his prospects going forward.

LT is another youthful spot, as the towering Smith enters just his 2nd season. His rookie-year struggles in pass protection weren’t surprising, but he has the physical tools to improve quickly. He’s bookended by a veteran in Dotson, who missed the first 8 games of last year with a torn MCL.

28. Cleveland Browns

Projected Starters: LT Joe Thomas, LG Joel Bitonio, C Cam Erving, RG John Greco, RT Alvin Bailey

Another year, and another dominant performance from Thomas. The 2007 first-rounder still hasn’t missed a game — or a snap — and just received his 2nd best overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Bitonio failed to return to his rookie-year form in 2015, but new OC Hue Jackson remains high on his prospects.

"I think Bitonio has the potential to be one of the better players in this league, bar none," Jackson said.

Erving has plenty to prove after a sloppy rookie year. But the 2015 first-round pick hopes Jackson’s scheme will better highlight his unique athleticism.

Greco is a reliable asset, but the guy to his right might prove worrisome. Bailey lasted only 3 years on a Seattle team desperate for O-line play. He’ll need to hold off a number of competitors to secure the gig.

29. New York Jets

Projected Starters: LT Ryan Clady, LG James Carpenter, C Nick Mangold, RG Brian Winters, RT Breno Giacomini

The Jets will enter this season without D'Brickashaw Ferguson, a 16-game starter dating back to 2006. Ryan Clady gives them a big-name replacement, but he missed all of 2015 with a torn ACL. He also missed all but 2 games of 2013 with a foot injury.

Giacomini struggled in pass protection last year, allowing the 5th most total pressures among OTs. Chan Gailey’s quick-strike scheme helped hide any issues in pass blocking, however. Ryan Fitzpatrick absorbed only 19 sacks last year.

The interior looks solid albeit unspectacular. Carpenter and Mangold are the top performers, but Winters leaves a lot to be desired in run and pass blocking.

30. San Francisco 49ers

Projected Starters: LT Joe Staley, LG Zane Beadles, C Daniel Kilgore, RG Josh Garnett, RT Anthony Davis

Staley has started all 16 games in 5 straight seasons and remains the unquestioned leader. Beadles struggled over the past 2 years in Jacksonville, but a prior stop in Denver found him playing as an elite guard. Moving back to a zone blocking scheme could help revive his career.

Kilgore missed the first 3 months of last season following 2 surgeries to repair a leg fracture. He’s effective when healthy, however, and should zoom past Marcus Martin in camp.

The right side has plenty to prove. Garnett is a rookie, although the 49ers are clearly high on him. They traded back into Round 1 to land the Stanford product. Davis, previously a solid starter, came out of retirement in July and reported at 332 pounds -- down from the 370 he (admittedly) ballooned to in 2014. That's encouraging, but he's still a question mark after the time off.

31. Los Angeles Rams

Projected Starters: LT Greg Robinson, LG Roger Saffold, C Tim Barnes, RG Jamon Brown, RT Rob Havenstein

Robinson garnered comps to Orlando Pace coming out of the 2014 draft. But most of the headlines he’s drawn have been due to his penalties (only 2 players committed more last season). He’s bookended by a strong, reliable run blocker in Havenstein.

Saffold, who’s struggled with injuries throughout his career, underwent shoulder surgery in October. He wasn’t effective even when healthy. Brown and Barnes don’t profile as strengths, although Brown still carries upside into his 2nd season.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Projected Starters: LT Garry Gilliam, LG Mark Glowinski, C Justin Britt, RG Germain Ifedi, RT J’Marcus Webb

In recent years, Seattle has relied on Russell Wilson’s improv skills to mask a leaky O-line. That’ll likely be the case once again.

The loss of LT Russell Okung and G J.R. Sweezy leaves the group short on established talent. A former TE, Gilliam struggled mightily at RT last season and missed time in OTAs after getting a cyst removed from his knee. Webb labored through his lone season as Oakland’s RT in 2015.

Ifedi, a rookie, remains on the raw side despite exiting Texas A&M as a 3-year starter. Britt, meanwhile, has struggled to find a permanent home. Seattle’s moved him from RT, to LG, and now to center. Glowinski lacks the athleticism or size to project as an asset.

Mix in Thomas Rawls’ return from a broken ankle, and it’s fair to expect some bumps in the road for this offense.