2016 NFL Offensive Line Breakdown

Arizona Cardinals

LT: Jared Veldheer

LG: Mike Iupati

C: A.Q. Shipley

RG: Evan Mathis

RT: D.J. Humphries

Top reserves:  Evan Boehm, Rob Crisp

Overview: The Arizona Cardinals were a drastically improved run blocking team with the addition of Mike Iupati last season.  They finished fourth in the league in run blocking according to PFF but did struggle in pass protection finishing 28^th.  They added Evan Mathis which will once again lock this unit into a Top 5 rushing team.  This is great news for David Johnson.  The pass protection will hopefully be slightly better this year but middle of the pack at best.  It is a bit of concern for Carson Palmer as we all know he is one of the slowest QB’s in the league.  Humphries is back this season after not playing last year  Bruce Arians will likely lean on the run game even more if the defense is as strong as expected.  The lack of depth could be an issue if injuries arise.

Grade = B

Atlanta Falcons

LT: Jake Matthews

LG: Andy Levitre

C: Alex Mack

RG: Chris Chester

RT: Ryan Schraeder

Top reserves:  Mike Person, James Stone, Wes Schweitzer

Overview:  Atlanta is the perfect example of an offensive line that outplayed its talent level.  The zone blocking scheme was a success last year with the addition of Levitre and Schraeder.  It will be interesting to see what happens with the new chop block rules.  It could cause a big problem for zone blocking teams.  The Falcons finished sixth in pass blocking and eighth in run blocking according to PFF.  Mack was signed from Cleveland where he is very familiar with Shanahan’s blocking scheme.  The Falcons should be solid once again and even got an upgrade in talent assuming they adjust to the new chop block rules.  Atlanta doesn’t have much depth but a few guys do have some playing experience.

Grade = B+

Baltimore Ravens

LT: Ronnie Stanley

LG: John Urschel

C:  Jeremy Zuttah

RG: Marshal Yanda

RT: Rick Wagner

Top reserves:  James Hurst, Alex Lewis, Vladimir Ducasse

Overview: The Ravens needed some upgrades at tackle and took Stanley in the first round to protect the blindside of Joe Flacco.  Yanda is one of the best in the league at guard which anchors this unit.  There were some injuries last year so the Ravens finished in the middle of the pack at 15^th in pass protection and 11^th in run blocking according to PFF.  Urschel is replacing Kelechi Osemele and, of course, Stanley takes over for the released Eugene Monroe.  Stanley is a rookie so hopefully he lives up to the potential the Ravens think he has, Yanda should continue to be great, the others are nothing special but this group should still be in the top half of the league with a chance of being a Top 10 unit.

Grade = C+

Buffalo Bills

LT: Cordy Glenn

LG: Richie Incognito

C: Eric Wood

RG: John Miller

RT: Jordan Mills

Top reserves:  Cyrus Kouandjio, Seantrel Henderson

Overview: Who knew the psychopath named Richie Incognito could finally keep his head on straight?  Incognito was a great find by the Bills.  The right side of the line is a mess while the left side will be strong once again.  Miller struggled last year and the unproven Mills will try to hold his own.  Henderson is battling Chron’s disease so it remains to be seen how he plays in the 2016 plans.  The Bills were 10^th in run blocking and 11^th in pass blocking according in PFF in 2015.  There doesn’t appear any way this team can really improve this coming season with some big questions on the right side and Incognito seems like a ticking time bomb.  Rex Ryan wants to run the ball so he will still be able to at least do so running behind Glenn.

Grade = C+

Carolina Panthers

LT: Michael Oher

LG: Andrew Norwell

C: Ryan Kalil

RG: Trai Turner

RT: Mike Remmers

Top reserves:  Daryl Williams, Gino Gradkowski, Chris Scott

Overview: Carolina had a stunningly successful season from the offensive line.  They were the fourth-best pass blocking line and sixth-best at run blocking.  It appears that they will return all five starters from last season which is always a good thing.  The interior of the line is one of the best in the league led by Kalil and Turner.  The tackle position has the biggest questions where Oher can be really up and down and Remmers will battle to keep his job.  There is some depth behind the starters if injuries or poor play becomes an issue.  Assuming we don’t see a drastic fall-off in play, this unit will be Top 5 again this season.

Grade = A-

Chicago Bears

LT: Charles Leno

LG: Cody Whitehair

C: Hroniss Grasu

RG: Kyle Long

RT: Bobby Massie

Top reserves:  Ted Larsen, Jason Weaver, Nate Chandler

Overview: Chicago was a work in progress last year with Kyle Long being the only expected starter back from the unit that started last season.  The Bears could be in real trouble with even more question marks since this season.  Matt Slauson, who was their best lineman, left for San Diego and the Bears were hurt by the poor play on a big contract from Jermon Bushrod who was released.  This unit was 17^th in pass blocking and fifth in run blocking last season but it is going to be a stretch to see them come anywhere near that.  Massie signing from Arizona should keep the run blocking decent but the pass blocking could be a struggle.  The only positive is that Coach John Fox wants to the run ball so they should be OK if the game flow works out that way.

Grade = C-

Cincinnati Bengals

LT: Andrew Whitworth

LG: Clint Boling

C: Russell Bodine

RG: Kevin Zeitler

RT: Cedric Ogbuehi

Top reserves:  Jake Fisher, Trey Hopkins, Eric Winston

Overview:  The Bengals played solid once again up front but amazingly didn’t play as well as some had hoped.  Cincinnati finished eighth in pass protection and ninth in run protection.  Bodine is the weak link who hopefully shows some improvement after a rough 2015.  Ogbuehi should be ready to start at right tackle after playing just six games as a rookie to replace Andre Smith who struggled last season.  This unit should at the very least be a Top 10 unit once again with a good chance at Top 5 if Bodine improves at all and if Ogbuehi can live up to expectations. 

Grade = A-

Cleveland Browns

LT: Joe Thomas

LG: Joel Bitonio

C:  Cameron Erving

RG: John Greco

RT: Shon Coleman

Top reserves:  Austin Pasztor, Dan France, Alvin Bailey

Overview: There hasn’t been a team in recent memory that has wasted good offensive line play more so than the Browns.  Cleveland finished third in pass blocking and 13^th in run blocking according to PFF.  Thomas has been one of the best in the league and is a sure-fire Hall of Famer.  Bitonio did not have a good second season after showing promise as a rookie but the hopes are he is healthier this season.  Erving takes over the departed Alex Mack and has the mobility to be very good but needs to get stronger.  The right side has some questions with Greco league average while right tackle is wide open.  The leadership of Mack will be missed so a bit of a fall-off is expected.  Hugh Jackson is the new coach who wants to the run ball but do expect a middle of the road group this season.

Grade = C+

Dallas Cowboys

LT: Tyron Smith

LG: La’el Collins

C: Travis Frederick

RG: Zack Martin

RT: Doug Free

Top reserves:  Charles Brown, Chaz Green, Joe Looney, Ronald Leary

Overview: The Cowboys' offensive line is the main reason why everyone should be excited for Ezekiel Elliott.  Dallas had the best offensive line in football the last two seasons, including being the best in run blocking and pass protecting group according to PFF.  Collins had some rookie struggles and he was the worst of the group. But he should take a step forward this season.  This will be the best group in the league once again barring injuries so if the skill players can stay healthy we should some great production by the offense.

Grade = A+

Denver Broncos

LT: Russell Okung

LG: Max Garcia

C: Matt Paradis

RG: Connor McGovern

RT: Donald Stephenson

Top reserves:  Ty Sambrailo, Michael Schofield

Overview: The Broncos underwent some major transition over the last season on the offensive line.  There will not be one expected starter back from what was expected last summer.  Okung was signed from Seattle and has potential but is always injured.  Evan Mathis is gone which is another hole to fill.  Paradis is the only returning starter from last year so it could get messy if Okung can’t stay healthy.  Denver was 23^rd in pass protection and 21^st in run blocking but judging anything on that is tough.  It will be tough for this group get out of the bottom 10 and they also are reliant on the zone blocking scheme where chop blocks will be under a microscope.

Grade = D+

Detroit Lions

LT: Taylor Decker

LG:  Laken Tomlinson

C: Travis Swanson

RG: Larry Warford

RT: Riley Reiff

Top reserves:  Joe Dahl, Corey Robinson, Graham Glasgow

Overview: Detroit has really tried to load up their offensive line the last few seasons.  Decker, Tomlinson and Reiff are all former first round picks in the last four years.  The negative is that none of them are true left tackles.  Decker will struggle with athletic defensive ends and Reiff would be a great guard as he excels in run blocking but struggles in pass blocking.  The Lions finished 21^st in pass blocking and 26^th in run blocking last season according to PFF.  There is room for improvement if the young guys should can develop but would also be a stretch to be a Top 10 unit.

Grade = C

Green Bay Packers

LT: David Bakhtiari

LG: Josh Sitton

C: Corey Linsley

RG: T.J. Lang

RT: Bryan Bulaga

Top reserves:  Lane Taylor, Jason Spriggs

Overview: The Packers are continuing to look for a way to solve the tackle positions.  They have some of the best interior line play in the league which is why they were the fifth-rated run blocking team in the league.  The tackle play was the reason they finished 17^th in pass blocking.  Spriggs could step in for Bulaga if he shows that he is ready.  Bulaga is not suited to be an NFL tackle but there is no room at guard.  Bakhtiari showed improvement last year so he should hold his own.  This is a Top 10 unit with the potential to be Top 5 with better tackle play.

Grade = B-

Houston Texans

LT: Duane Brown

LG: Xavier Su’a-Filo

C: Nick Martin

RG: Jeff Allen

RT: Derek Newton

Top reserves:  Chad Slade, Chris Clark, Jeff Adams

Overview: Houston struggled with injuries last year and dealt with subpar play by backups who were forced to start only days after signing. Brown dealt with a hand issue which affected his usual strong play.  Newton struggled with run blocking which had the Texans finish 24^th in that category.  They finished 10^th in pass protection.  Allen was signed from Kansas City to help bolster the line and Su’a-Filo will need to improve after a rough year so he could be battling for a job.  Houston could push back into the Top 10 if Martin who has drafted in the second round can adapt to the league. 

Grade = C+

Jacksonville Jaguars

LT: Luke Joeckel

LG: Mackenzy Bernadeau

 C: Luke Bowanko

RG: A.J. Cann

RT: Jermey Parnell

Top reserves:  Kelvin Beachum, Brandon Linder

Overview: It feels that the Jaguars should have invested more in improving their offensive line.  Beachum was signed as a free agent but had offseason surgery so is no lock to be ready to start the season.  Joeckel has failed to live up the hype of being a first round pick and could lose his job.  Jacksonville was ranked 22^nd in pass blocking and 19^th in run blocking.  With the only real change being Beachum, who may not be healthy, this unit probably will have hard time cracking the top half the league.  If anything, a good chance that they are bottom 10 one.

Grade = C-

Kansas City Chiefs

LT: Eric Fisher

LG: Parker Ehinger

C: Mitch Morse

RG: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif

RT: Mitchell Schwartz

Top reserves:  Jah Reid, Zach Fulton

Overview:  The Chiefs added Schwartz in the offseason which should help one of the tackle spots but the team really needs Fisher to get better.  He has been disappointing since entering the league.  The pass protection was terrible last year, ranking 30^th in the league and the run blocking was just 14^th.  There is a ton of turnover from the start of training camp last season and this is one of the youngest lines in the league.  Moore enters his second season and Ehinger is a rookie who played tackle in college.  The good news is that hopefully the young players get better but not sure if that is possible.

Grade = C

Los Angeles Rams

LT: Greg Robinson

LG: Rodger Saffold

C: Tim Barnes

RG: Jamon Brown

RT: Rob Havenstein

Top reserves:  Isaiah Battle, Andrew Donnal

Overview: St. Louis was hoping for improvement last season in the offensive line but it did not go as planned.  They finished 25^th in pass blocking and 27^th in run blocking.  The Rams spent a ton of picks in 2015 on linemen so maybe those guys continue to grow.  Robinson has been awful since being drafted in 2014.  He is running out of time to show improvement.  Saffold only could play four games so having him back will help.  This team wants to run the ball with Todd Gurley so if they can get something from Robinson, have Saffold healthy, and some development of the young guys they can get better.

Grade = C-

Miami Dolphins

LT: Branden Albert

LG: Laremy Tunsil

C: Mike Pouncey

RG: Billy Turner

RT: Ja’Wuan James

Top reserves:  Kraig Urbik, Jermon Bushrod

Overview:  It will be hard for Miami to get any worse on the offensive line.  The Dolphins were the worst run defense in the league last year and 29^th in pass blocking per PFF.  They did benefit from Tunsil’s fall in the draft after being considered a Top 5 talent due to off-the-field issues.  Tunsill will slide in at guard and should help.  Pouncey needs to regain his form after a series of injuries and some poor play.  He is capable of a big season.  Injuries have been a huge problem for this group but there is some talent.  Bushrod was added in the offseason and maybe he can find the magic he once had in New Orleans.  Assuming some good health, this group should be improved and can finish middle of the road.

Grade = C

Indianapolis Colts

LT: Anthony Castonzo

LG: Jack Mewhort

C: Ryan Kelly

RG: Hugh Thornton

RT: Denzelle Good

Top reserves:  Austin Blythe , Jonotthan Harrison , Le’Raven Clark, Joe Haeg

Overview: The Colts had a decent season considering they played without a starting QB a good portion of the season.  They finished 12^th in pass blocking and 19^th in run blocking.  Indianapolis was extremely aggressive in the draft taking Kelly in the first round and following up by taking three more offensive linemen in the draft.  Mewhort really solidified himself as a very solid guard after some up and down play at tackle.  Clark could start early on if needed.  If the young kids contribute, this could be a Top 10 line.

Grade = B-

Minnesota Vikings

LT: Matt Kalil

LG: Alex Boone

C: John Sullivan

RG: Brandon Fusco

RT: Phil Loadholt

Top reserves:  Andre Smith, Willie Beavers, T.J. Clemmings

Overview: Minnesota offensive line had a nice year considering the injuries before the season even started.  They finished seventh in run blocking and 16^th in pass blocking.  A quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater who lacks pocket presence is always going to hurt their rankings a bit.  The guards are locked into multi-year contracts so should be solid if healthy.  Loadholt is probably the only question right now.  He has been injured for awhile and there are capable backups who can step in.  This unit should be a Top 5 unit if healthy.  It is also one of the few teams with decent depth behind the starters.

Grade = B+

New England Patriots

LT: Nate Solder

LG: Shaq Mason

C: Bryan Stork

RG: Tre’ Jackson

RT: Sebastian Vollmer

Top reserves:  Joe Thuney, Jonathan Cooper, Marcus Cannon

Overview:  The Patriots' offensive line play has really struggled the last few seasons.  It was once one of the best in the league but they have not been able to fill the holes the last few seasons.  New England used to be able to let good linemen walk and have guys to plug in but that has not quite worked out. It is not that any of their players truly struggle they are just average players.  New England was 31^st in the league in pass blocking and 12^th in run blocking according to PFF.  Brady will cover up some protection issues but it is hard for him to be really consistent when under constant pressure.  Solder is back from injury, Mason will have more experience and Cooper was acquired via a trade so this unit should be better.  It is not likely to be a Top 5 unit of years ago but should be middle of the road.

Grade = C+

New Orleans Saints

LT: Terron Armstead

LG: Senio Kelemete

C: Max Unger

RG: Andrus Peat

RT: Zach Strief

Top reserves:  Cyril Lemon, Tim Lelito

Overview: New Orleans had a nice improvement last season with the addition of Unger.  He was worth giving up Jimmy Graham for.  The Saints are the second-best run blocking team and the ninth-best pass blocking team according PFF.  The tackles are in great shape along with Unger so a little better play from the guards in pass protection could make this the second-best overall line in the league.  The lack of depth is scary, though.  If the Saints were to lose one or more of their big three, it could take this team from Top 5 to Bottom 5.  There are no proven capable NFL backups on the roster.

Grades = B

New York Giants

LT: Ereck Flowers

LG: Justin Pugh

C: Weston Richburg

RG: John Jerry

RT: Marshall Newhouse

Top reserves:  Adam Gettis, Shane McDermott, Bobby Hart

Overview: The Giants rebuilt their entire offensive line last season with some mixed results.  They finished 24^th in pass protection and 16^th in run blocking according to PFF.  Flowers is entering his second season after being a first round had some mixed results with some terrible pass blocking so hopefully he will show some improvement.  New York didn’t do much else to improve their line this season so they are hoping that this group improves with more time together.  Hart could step in as a starter in the near future has he continues to learn the game.  This unit may show some slight improvement this year but don’t expect too much at this point.

Grade = C-

New York Jets

LT: Ryan Clady

LG: James Carpenter

C: Nick Mangold

RG: Brian Winters

RT: Breno Giacomini

Top reserves:  Brandon Shell, Dakota Dozier

Overview: The Jets are trying to re-build a once strong offensive line.  D’Brickshaw Ferguson retired this off-season which isn’t as bad it sounds since his play had fallen apart a bit.  Clady will try to solidify the left tackle spot as he can be very good at times but really struggles to stay healthy.  Mangold is no longer the player he once was.  If the left side is healthy, they should be solid but the right side will have some major issues unless things are figured out quickly.

Grade = C-

Oakland Raiders

LT: Donald Penn

LG: Gabe Jackson

C: Rodney Hudson

RG: Kelechi Osemele

RT: Austin Howard

Top reserves:  Menelik Watson, Matt McCants

Overview: Oakland had quite the transformation last season turning into one of the better offensive lines in the league.  They finished second in pass blocking and 18^th in run blocking according to PFF.  The right side of the line was the weakness for Oakland but Osemele should help improve that.  Offensive line coach Mike Tice has turned this group into a team strength after years of failure.  The pass protection is a big reason why Derek Carr had a successful rookie season.  Assuming good health and the same consistent play, this unit should be just as good, maybe even slightly better, this season.

Grade = B+

Philadelphia Eagles

LT: Jason Peters

LG: Allen Barbre

C: Jason Kelce

RG: Brandon Brooks

RT: Lane Johnson

Top reserves:  Matt Tobin, Dennis Kelly, Stefen Wisniewski

Overview: The Eagles had quite a drop-off last season up front.  They did finish third in run blocking but 18^th in pass protection according to PFF.  Peters appears to have seen his best days behind him but still solid.  Brooks was signed from Houston which will help the guard position.  The good news is that Philadelphia excelled in run blocking last year and they should be good once again with the new offense still being a running back-focused offense.  With Peters aging, this unit is not likely to be expectional but it should be solid around the better third in the league.

Grade = B-

Pittsburgh Steelers

LT: Alejandro Villanueva

LG: Ramon Foster

C: Maurkice Pouncey

RG: David DeCastro

RT: Marcus Gilbert

Top reserves:  Ryan Harris, Cody Wallace

Overview: Pittsburgh had a decent season last year all things considered without Maurkice Pouncey who had dealt with a multitude of injuries.  His return will definitely help this line that finished seventh in run blocking and 23^rd in run blocking.  Losing Beachum this offseason will hurt as Villanueva is definitely a downgrade.  The run blocking should be better this season and as long they can help Pouncey on the field they will be in good shape.  An improved running game will take some pressure off of Villanueva.

Grade = B-

San Diego Chargers

LT: King Dunlap

LG: Orlando Franklin

C: Matt Slauson

RG: D.J. Fluker

RT: Joe Barksdale

Top reserves:  Max Tuerk, Chris Hairston, Kenny Wiggins

Overview: The Chargers continue to throw out of the worst offensive lines in the league every year.  Last year was no different, San Diego finished last in pass blocking and 31^st in run blocking.  Injuries didn’t help an already struggling group so hopefully some improved health will improve things.  The team would have been better suited to grab an offensive line in the draft in the first round but went with Joey Bosa.  Slauson was signed after the draft and should help a little but he was playing guard before.  There is not much hope to expect much if anything from this group but maybe they don’t finish as a Bottom 3 unit once again.

Grade = D+

San Francisco 49ers

LT: Joe Staley

LG: Zane Beadles

C: Daniel Kilgore

RG: Brandon Thomas

RT: Erik Pears

Top reserves:  Joshua Garnett, Marcus Martin, Ian Silberman

Overview: Last season was a rough one for this group and that was to be expected with the departure and retirement of Anthony Davis.  Staley is solid but couldn’t fix everything where they ranked 14^th in pass blocking and 30^th in run blocking.  There is a new offense in town with Chip Kelly the new coach so we can expect plenty of changes.  Alex Boone is gone at guard so Beadles takes over but he is a downgrade.  The team hopes to have a full season from Kilgore who dealt with injuries last season.  This line still has plenty of issues and can only hope to get to the middle of the road.

Grade = C-

Seattle Seahawks

LT: Garry Gilliam

LG: Mark Glowinski

C: Justin Britt

RG: Germain Ifedi

RT: J’Marcus Webb

Top reserves: Rees Odhiambo, Terry Poole,