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By-Jeff Mertes
Offensive linemen are invariably excluded from the stat cocktail that makes up fantasy football. Despite being phantoms in box scores, these jumbos have an undeniable impact on performances of quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. At draft time when deciding between two or three players that may be bunched on your cheat sheet, consider those big boys in the trenches and give the nod to the player who will benefit from the best bunch of wide bodies.
When deciding on quarterbacks and receivers to draft, look to the left tackle if the passer is right handed, or to the right if the signal caller is a southpaw. These ‘strong’ tackles are lynchpins of pass blocking to protect the blind side from what is generally the opposition’s most prolific sacker. If the quarterback isn’t a deer in the headlights, or running for his life constantly, he’s able to go through reads and hit open receivers most effectively.
Offensive line ranking –
1 – San Diego Chargers (FG rating: 98.7)
There’s another reason why LaDainian Tomlinson is such a dynamic offensive weapon, besides his incredible talent…the hogs in front of him are superb blockers. The unit was more or less injury free last year, always a big plus in the trenches.
Left Tackle – Marcus McNeill (23, 6-7, 336). A rookie last season who proved to be among the best. Phillip Rivers benefits most.
2 – Philadelphia Eagles (FG rating: 95.8)
The Eagles are strong up the middle especially with Shawn Andrews (24, 6-4, 335), a superior run blocker and considered to be one of the best right guards in the league – a benefit for Brian Westbrook and any of the other pigskin packers.
Left Tackle – Aging William Thomas (33, 6-7, 335) is a solid pass blocker and Donovan McNabb’s main protector. If the years take a toll on Thomas, second-season backup Winston Justice (23, 6-6, 320), from USC, has upside potential.
3 – New England Patriots (FG rating: 94.9)
The Patriots have a talented, cohesive unit possessing the innate ability to open holes in must have, short-yardage situations with favorite hoss, left guard Logan Mankins (25, 6-4, 310) spearheading thrusts.
Left Tackle – Matt Light (29, 6-4, 305) is athletic with quick feet to make it very difficult to get beyond him. If Light should get injured, the Pats have solid depth at Tom Brady’s backside in second-year hog from Alabama, Wesley Britt (25, 6-8, 320).
4 – Chicago Bears (FG rating: 93.3)
Da Bears are a veteran bunch with a physical style that rocks defensive linemen back on their heels on running plays with center Olin Kreutz (30, 6-2, 292) as poster boy. They’re also surprisingly effective at pass blocking considering the amount of indecision displayed by quarterback Rex Grossman.
Left Tackle – John Tait (32, 6-6, 312) is an adept passer protector especially in light of having to hold blocks longer due to Grossman’s shortcomings.
5 – Jacksonville Jaguars (FG rating: 92.7)
The Jag big boys aggressively clear the way for running backs. The addition of Tony Pashos (27, 6-6, 325) at right tackle from the Ravens should make run blocking even more devastating as last year’s starter, Maurice Williams, likely moves to a supporting role.
Left Tackle – Khalif Barnes (25,6-5, 325) brings a lot to the table including big-time pass blocking skills. His off-field antics, though, have gotten him into hot water. With Barnes on the field, Jag passers have time to spare, but without him, they’re in jeopardy.
6 – Indianapolis Colts (FG rating: 92.4)
The group is relatively small, but their quickness fits the zone blocking schemes utilized by the team. No doubt, Peyton Manning’s ability to quickly adjust to opposing defenses, along with a lightning fast release, helps the line do its thing. Since the Colts’ attack is primarily designed to be no-huddle in nature, the line takes advantage of indecision created in opponents.
Left Tackle – Tarik Glenn retired before training camp to create a huge hole. Glenn had protected Peyton Manning’s blind side very effectively for years. The Colts will pick a replacement from Jake Scott (26, 6-5, 295), the starter at right guard for the past two seasons; Charlie Johnson (23, 6-4, 325), a rookie that started one game at right tackle last year; rookie second-round draft pick Tony Ugoh (23, 6-5, 301); and second-year lineman Dan Federkeil (23, 6-6, 290), a raw talent Canadian from the University of Calgary who spent half of last season on the active roster. None of these players have ever started an NFL game at left tackle – a situation that will disrupt the cohesiveness of the line and put pressure on Manning. Keep a wary eye on this unit. Although the Colts are good at plugging in linemen, this situation could be enough of a disruption to send them into a dive.
7 – Cincinnati Bengals (FG rating: 91.5)
The Bengals front line would be ranked even higher if they hadn’t lost left guard Eric Steinbach to the Browns. His run blocking shoes will be tough to fill. Still, the unit has enough talent to be ranked among the best.
Left Tackle – Levi Jones (28, 6-5, 307) is a superb pass blocker, but only played five games last season. With him sidelined, quarterback Carson Palmer paid a price eating sod. A healthy Jones will help to keep Palmer on his feet.
8- New Orleans Saints (FG rating: 90.8)
Saints jumbos have begun to assert themselves after seemingly being molded from dirt and mud by team bigheads. Fourth round pick Jahri Evans (24, 6-3, 318), out of Bloomsburg State, proved to be a great selection after immediately starting right at guard.
Left Tackle – Jammal Brown (26, 6-6, 313) gave Drew Brees the protection he needed and has developed into a better than average boss hog tackle.
9 – St. Louis Rams (FG rating: 89.3)
It was a case of having to really pull together in the trenches when star left tackle Orlando Pace missed eight games with a torn triceps. Combine that with center Andy McCollum (37, 6-4, 300) missing 15 games, and it took more than a finger in the dike to protect quarterback Marc Bulger. Pass blocking suffered, but run blocking was remarkably good. The 37 year-old McCollum faces a training camp challenge from Brett Romberg (28, 6-2, 298).
Left Tackle – Orlando Pace (31, 6-7, 325) has been an elite pass protector for about a decade. With him in the lineup, Bulger’s confidence level rises dramatically. Bulger’s numbers took a big hit when Pace was sidelined – sure evidence of the importance of competent backside protection for a passer.
10 – Washington Redskins (FG rating: 88.8)
Last year’s line deserves big pats on the rumps, helping Ladell Betts take over without missing a beat after star running back Clinton Portis went down. They also gave young Jason Campbell plenty of time to toss the tater. Derrick Dockery’s free agent exit to Buffalo leaves a void at left guard that’s expected to be filled by Todd Wade (31, 6-8, 314) – a definite step down. Randy Thomas (31, 6-5, 317) at right guard and Casey Rabach (30, 6-4, 295) are very effective run blockers, though.
Left Tackle – Chris Samuels (30, 6-5, 310) made his fourth pro bowl and is among the elite boss hogs in the NFL, a definite plus for young passer Jason Campbell.
11 – Minnesota Vikings (FG rating: 87.9)
This is a decidedly ‘southpaw’ team with its line strength stacked to the left side in tackle Bryant McKinnie, guard Steve Hutchinson (29, 6-5, 313), and center Matt Birk (31, 6-4, 308). The right side, well, lets not go there…and either will the Vikes if they can help it.
Left Tackle – Bryant McKinnie (28, 6-8, 335) is a man-mountain that takes an overnight bag to get around. Left side pass protection isn’t much of a concern with him on the field. Inexperienced quarterback Tavaris Jackson won’t have his blind side to worry about, at least.
12 – Dallas Cowboys (FG rating: 86.8)
The ‘Boys upgraded with the acquisition of Leonard Davis (29, 6-6, 354) from the Cardinals to play right guard, or possibly tackle. Aside from left guard where Kyle Kosier (28, 6-5, 294) has started, but has been overpowered at times, the unit appears solid.
Left Tackle – Flozell Adams (32, 6-7, 340) keeps opposing beasts from breathing down Tony Romo’s neck. He’s a proven upper tier pass protector, but faces the trials & tribulation of the graying years as an NFL player.
13 – Denver Broncos (FG rating: 86.5)
Bronco lines of past years had the reputation that it didn’t matter who was running the ball, they’d still churn out a grand on the ground at least. The Broncos are in the midst of changing personnel up front. Center Tom Nalen (36, 6-3, 286) is nearing the end of a very productive career in the trenches and the newcomers leave doubt as to their ability to immediately produce at the same high level expected of Broncos linemen.
Left Tackle – Matt Lepsis (33, 6-4, 290) played in just six games before tearing his ACL. QB Jake Plummer felt the heat and gave way to rookie Jay Cutler. So, the question that needs to be answered is whether or not Lepsis can overcome the knee injury at his age. The Broncos took the precaution of drafting Ryan Harris (22, 6-5, 292) just in case.
14 – San Francisco 49ers (FG rating: 86.2)
The Niners seem to be getting better all across the board. Joe Staley (23, 6-5, 306), from Central Michigan, was grabbed in the first round and has the ability to play either tackle – but is probably a year away from starting. Left guard Larry Allen (35, 6-3, 325) is getting creaky old and has lost some pass blocking effectiveness, but still clears out on running plays, and center Eric Heitmann (27, 6-3, 318), named the team’s outstanding O-lineman, sustained a leg fracture in December. Tony Wragge (28, 6-4, 320) backs up Heitmann. The Niners have developed depth up front that will be an asset as the season wears on.
Left Tackle – Jonas Jennings (29, 6-3, 335) is an effective pass blocker, but was only able to take the field for 13 games last year, and just three the year before. His tendency to get nicked is one reason the Niners tabbed Staley. If Jennings doesn’t last long, quarterback Alex Smith may get nervous in the pocket with a rookie protecting his back.
15 – Pittsburgh Steelers (FG rating: 85.5)
Left guard Alan Faneca (30, 6-5, 307), a very important cog in this unit, is disgruntled. Without him, the Steeler hogs are a bunch of weener pigs. Center Jeff Hastings’ retirement needs to be addressed with free agent addition Sean Mahan (27, 6-3, 301), a 12 game starter for the Bucs last year, expected to do the snapping.
Left Tackle – Marvel Smith (29, 6-5, 321) is very effective at keeping pass rushers off Ben Roethlisberger’s back.
16 – Baltimore Ravens (FG rating: 85.0)
The Ravens lost right tackle Tony Pashos to free agency and the expected replacement, Adam Terry (25, 6-8, 330), doesn’t measure-up to his run blocking ability. First round draft pick Ben Grubbs (23, 6-3, 314), out of Auburn, has a shot to start at right guard.
Left Tackle – Jonathan Ogden (33, 6-9, 345) should still have enough juice to stay among the top pass protectors in the NFL. The fact that he missed the last two regular season games leaves some doubt as to durability. His presence is definitely a comfort to quarterback Steve McNair who doesn’t like to scramble anymore.
17 – New York Jets (FG rating: 81.8)
The biggest question mark for Jets jumbos is whether grumbling left guard Pete Kendall (34, 6-5, 292) will still be with the team when the season starts. Considered to be the best run blocker on the team despite advancing years, replacing Kendall with Adrian Clarke (26, 6-5, 330) would be a short term downgrade. Nick Mangold (23, 6-3, 300) started all 16 games at center last season as a rookie, and is a good bet for improvement.
Left Tackle – Highly touted rookie D’Brickashaw Ferguson (23, 6-6, 312), the boss hog all last season, was somewhat disappointing based on expectations. He has the tools to excel but needs to ‘grow’ into the position after being pushed around at times as a rookie. His improvement is very important for Chad Pennington’s peace of mind, not to mention his passing stats.
18 – New York Giants (FG rating: 81.5)
The Giants have a decent bunch up front except for left tackle. The middle trio are adept run blockers, but need left guard Rich Seubert (28, 6-3, 310) to stay healthy.
Left Tackle – Quarterback Eli Manning will feel the heat on his backside after Luke Pettigout was released. Perhaps the best choice for the G-Men is to use former starting guard David Diehl (27, 6-5, 319) as the blind side protector – a lot of pressure for a player inserted out-of-position.
19 – Seattle Seahawks (FG rating: 80.3)
When all-Pro left guard Steve Hutchinson departed for Minnesota after the ’05 season, the Hawks’ upper echelon hog rating flew the coop with him. Rob Sims (23, 6-4, 310) gained experience when Floyd ‘Porkchop’ Womack (29, 6-4, 330) struggled with injuries. Neither is in the Hutchinson class…but few are. Chris Gray (37, 6-3, 308) has been the starter at right guard for years and, at 37, is ripe for replacement.
Left Tackle – Walter Jones (33, 6-5, 308) has been the crown jewel of the Seahawks forward wall for a decade and is a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s still a force and stifles blind side rushers to buy time for Matt Hasselbeck.
20 – Carolina Panthers (FG rating: 80.2)
Last year’s season opener was a nightmare for the Panther jumbo crew as two starters, center Justin Hartwig (28, 6-4, 312) and left tackle Travelle Wharton went down for the count. Right tackle Jordan Gross (27, 6-4, 300) was forced to the left side and struggled. If there was a bright side, it was an opportunity for Jeremy Bridges (27, 6-4, 325) to get what amounted to a full year under his belt as a starting tackle. All, in all, the Carolina line crew is athletic with upside potential.
Left Tackle – Travelle Wharton (26, 6-4, 312) should be back in the saddle after missing all but part of the ’06 season’s first game. Having him healthy would be a big plus for Jake Delhomme or any other Panther passer.
21 – Green Bay Packers (FG rating: 80.0)
The Packers gambled last season by playing a pair of rookies at guard – Daryn Colledge (25, 6-4, 305) on the left and Jason Spitz (24, 6-3, 300) on the right. To go with one rook is a risk, two rookies is insanity. But the Pack survived, and should be better at both run and pass blocking as a result.
Left Tackle – Chad Clifton (31, 6-5, 320) is a stout hoss on the left, and does a good job of protecting Brett Favre when facing a power rusher. It’s when quick linebacker/defensive end hybrids come around the edge that his lack of quickness becomes a liability.
22 – Atlanta Falcons (FG rating: 79.9)
The likelihood that Michael Vick’s fast shoes will be filled by the plodding footwork of Joey Harrington changes the line play philosophy substantially in Atlanta. Adding rookie Justin Blalock (23, 6-4, 329), a tackle at Texas but probably left guard to start, puts more beef on the Falcon front table. Tyson Clabo (26, 6-6, 340), a starter last season, could also figure into the mix at guard.
Left Tackle - The reality of righty Harrington, a pocket passer, replacing Vick, a scrambling southpaw, really changes the dynamics of pass blocking for the Falcons. Wayne Gandy (36, 6-5, 308) held down the left side for Vick, but aside from being old as dirt, isn’t suited for the demands of the blind side. Left tackle Todd Weiner (32, 6-4, 297) is really a right tackle type. Any way you look at it, Harrington might as well have a bullseye painted on his back.
23 – Tennessee Titans (FG rating: 79.2)
The Titans blend aging vets with green as grass players up front in the trenches. Center Kevin Mawae (36, 6-4, 289) was once among top snappers and is still effective opening holes and right guard Benji Olsen (32, 6-4, 320) has been a mainstay on Tennessee’s line for a long time. Right tackle David Stewart (25, 6-7, 318) and boss hog Michael Roos are young with oodles of upside. This blend may either turn to vinegar or wine – flip a coin.
Left Tackle – Michael Roos (25, 6-7, 315) has come a long ways from Eastern Washington to become a budding star on Vince Young’s backside. Expect Young to have to use his jets to avoid a few ‘look out’ blocks as Roos gains experience.
24 – Kansas City Chiefs (FG rating: 78.6)
The retirement of right guard Will Shields, combined with the absence of left tackle Willie Roaf, leaves a KC line that once cast a big shadow, in the shadows. Left guard Brian Waters (30, 6-3, 320) is about the only hog in red still a force in his prime.
Left Tackle – Damion McIntosh (30, 6-4, 320) came in from Miami to fill Roaf’s shoes. More of a journeyman starter than a star, he’ll neither hurt nor light ‘em up and, unfortunately for whoever is behind center to pull the trigger for the Chiefs, can be beaten by less than superior pass rushers.
25 – Miami Dolphins (FG rating: 76.7)
At this stage, the ‘Phins hope to heck that it isn’t what’s up front that counts. Right tackle L.J. Shelton (31, 6-6, 345) hasn’t measured-up to expectations and Miami needs rookie Samson Satele (22, 6-3, 300) from Hawaii to establish himself as starting center.
Left Tackle – With immobile Trent Green set to take the reins at quarterback, the prospect of having to rely on Vernon Carey (26, 6-5, 335) isn’t pretty. Carey’s cumbersome footwork makes him struggle mightily against speed rushers.
26 – Arizona Cardinals (FG rating: 76.2)
The loss of Leonard Davis, arguably the team’s best lineman, to the Cowboys makes it a full-fledged youth movement in the Cardinal trenches. Second year right guard Deuce Lutui (24, 6-4, 338) epitomizes the type of young talent up front for the Cards. Of course, there are bound to be lots of boo-boos until the unit matures.
Right Tackle – With lefty Matt Leinart doing the chucking, the boss hog position switches to the right. First-round draft pick Levi Brown (23, 6-5, 323), from Penn State, is expected to move right in to protect Leinart’s blind side. It usually takes some seasoning for even the best tackles to shine, so Leinart may have to rely on a quick release. If Brown doesn’t pan out immediately, Reggie Wells (27, 6-4, 318) may get the call in the interim.
27 – Cleveland Browns (FG rating: 75.2)
There’s a pretty decent chance that the Browns line could turn out to be substantially better than this ranking might indicate. Or, not. A concerted effort has been made to upgrade the boys in Cleveland’s trenches with the addition of left guard Eric Steinbach (27, 6-6, 295), a four-year starter in Cincy, and right guard/center Seth McKinney (28, 6-3, 315) from Miami after missing all of last season with a neck injury, have been upgrades, for sure.
Left Tackle – The Browns invested a first-round draft pick in Joe Thomas (22, 6-6, 315), from Wisconsin, who may well start as a rookie. If not, Cleveland can turn to Kevin Shaffer (27, 6-5, 325), brought in to start last year but didn’t do the kind of job that coach Romeo Crennel had expected. If Thomas is ready to start, then Shaffer may shift to the right. So, either a rookie, or a disappointment will protect the backside for the Browns – not exactly ideal.
28 – Houston Texans (FG rating: 73.1)
Coach Kubiak favors a zone blocking scheme ala Denver, but his personnel doesn’t seem to fit the mold of smallish, quick, agile linemen. Seasoned vet Mike Flanagan (34, 6-5, 303) mans the center spot with distinction.
Left Tackle – The boss hog spot is up for grabs with incumbent Ephraim Salaam (31, 6-7, 302) in jeopardy of being ousted by either second year player Charles Spencer (25, 6-4, 337) or newly acquired Jordan Black (27, 6-5, 310) who started for Kansas City last year.
Salaam gets whipped regularly, so one of the other two are good bets to start as Matt Schaub’s body guard.
29 – Buffalo Bills (FG rating: 73.0)
The Bills made a big upgrade for their run blocking by acquiring free agent Derrick Dockery (27, 6-6, 330) from Washington, as well as right tackle Langston Walker (28, 6-8, 366) from Oakland. But problems still exist that include an overall lack of pass blocking effectiveness.
Left Tackle – Jason Peters (26, 6-4, 340) has been good at times, woefully bad at times – up and down like a yo-yo. Certainly enough to give J.P. Losman happy feet.
30 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FG rating: 71.5)
In truth, the Bucs don’t have much going in the trenches. The line that was blah a year ago only has one addition of note – left tackle Luke Pettitgout – but he has often been crinkled in the past as a Giant. Young ‘bucks’ Davin Joseph (23, 6-3, 313), at right guard, and Jeremy Trueblood (24, 6-8, 320), at right tackle, have the tools, but not enough field time yet to be reliable.
Left Tackle – Luke Pettitgout (31, 6-6, 310) can keep most of the riffraff away from Jeff Garcia’s back side – but only if the jumbo is able to stay intact and hearty on the field rather than being sidelined with injuries as in previous years.
31 – Detroit Lions (FG rating: 69.8)
The addition of free agent right tackle George Foster (27, 6-5, 338), a starter in Denver, should help run blocking a bit, but that doesn’t say much because the Lions line was so pitiful last season. Not much is likely to change.
Left Tackle – Jeff Backus (30, 6-5, 305) is back. And Jon Kitna will once again spend way too much time on his ‘back & ass’ as a result.
32 – Oakland Raiders (FG rating: 69.2)
Can it get any worse for the Raider front line than last year’s performance? Well, consider that their most consistent big boy, right tackle Langston Walker, skeedaddled. Yikes. Oakland’s new regime will go with a Denverish zone blocking scheme, and brought in free agent Bronco Paul McQuistan (24, 6-6, 315) to play left guard. But the rest is sort of same ol’ same ol’.
Left Tackle – Robert Gallery (26, 6-7, 325) came into the NFL four years ago with a great deal of fanfare. Since then, he’s mostly just fanned as pass rushers dashed past him. With either immobile Andrew Walter or rookie JaMarcus Russell in the crosshairs, Gallery needs to miraculously thwart the onslaught.
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