Offensive Line Rankings
Everything starts upfront. The trenches are where all the dirty work happens but the offense will have trouble moving the ball if the offensive line struggles to block. When making selections in your fantasy football draft you must also consider the strength of the offensive line. The line can be the difference between David Johnson finishing RB1 and RB10. The best offensive lines have a direct correlation to a successful running back. They are also the guys protecting the quarterback. The fewer sacks they allow, the less likely your starting QB is going to get hurt. The better lines can give the quarterback a cleaner pocket to step into and throw. As you can see, a strong offensive line can lead to more success and more points for your players. Let’s take a look at the offensive line rankings.
Make sure you check out our offensive coordinator data article. Using that article and this one can help you determine some players you may like more than others.
Projected Starters: LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Michael Deiter, C Dan Kilgore, RG Jesse Davis, RT Jordan Mills
According to Football Outsiders, the Dolphins ranked 31st in pass protection in 2018. They allowed 52 sacks which was 5th most in the NFL while their adjusted sack rate of 10.5% ranked 31st. They drafted Deiter in the 3rd round and hope he can fill a weakness from last year. Miami did not make any sweeping changes to their line which is why they are sitting in last place.
Projected Starters: LT D.J. Humphries, LG Justin Pugh, C Mason Cole, RG J.R. Sweezy, RT Marcus Gilbert
Like Miami, the Arizona Cardinals allowed 52 sacks in 2018. They ranked 26th in pass protection, 25th in adjusted line yards, and 29th in running back yards. They did make additions to the right side of the line in J.R. Sweezy and Marcus Gilbert which should provide some added protection for Kyler Murray and a few more running lanes for David Johnson. With the air raid offense expected to be employed by Kliff Kingsbury, Murray should be getting rid of the ball quickly which could help reduce the sacks this line gave up in 2018.
Projected Starters: LT Riley Reiff, LG Pat Elflein, C Garrett Bradbury, RG Josh Kline, RT Brian O’Neill
The Vikings drafted Bradbury in the 1st round with the intention of running the ball more in 2019. They will need the returning starters to play better in 2019 to accomplish what they want to in the running game. Their power run success was just 58% (30th) last year while their stuff rate of 21.5% ranked 25th in the NFL. With running game guru Gary Kubiak on staff, he should be able to find creative ways to help this line. They will also need to improve their pass blocking as they allowed 217 QB pressures in 2018 which was the most in the NFL.
Projected Starters: LT Matt Kalil, LG Senio Kelemete, C Nick Martin, RG Zach Fulton, RT Seantrel Henderson
In 2018 the Texans offensive line allowed a league-high 62 sacks. They did draft Tytus Howard and Max Scharping in the top two rounds as well as signing free agent tackle Matt Kalil. Kalil is listed as the starting left tackle on the Texans official website. With a strong camp or struggles from other linemen, Howard and Scharping could find a way into the starting lineup. The additions have improved the offensive line but they are still not great.
Projected Starters: LT Trent Scott, LG Forrest Lamp, C Mike Pouncey, RG Michael Schofield, RT Sam Tevi
Based off of 2018 stats it looks like this unit was very good. However, according to Pro Football Focus, 4 players on this line, last season earned sub-62 scores. Russell Okung is good but may not be ready to start the season after he had a pulminary embolism. If Okung can’t go, this line could be in real trouble. Lamp is still a bit of an unknown right now so there could be improvements to be made. Ken Whisenhunt did a good job scheming his offense to protect against its weakness in 2018 and it appears he will be doing the same in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Cordy Glenn, LG John Jerry, C Billy Price, RG John Miller, RT Bobby Hart
The Bengals did everything they could address the offensive line in the offseason but unfortunately, their line has already taken a hit. Their first-round selection, Jonah Williams, has already been lost for the season with a torn labrum. This sends Glenn back to left tackle where he struggled in 2018. If Billy Price can live up to his draft stock that will help this line but with holes elsewhere, you can’t expect much from them.
Projected Starters: LT Duane Brown, LG Mike Iupati, C Justin Britt, RG D.J. Fluker, RT Germain Ifedi
For a team that runs the ball more than every other team in the NFL, they don’t have a great offensive line. Their run blocking metrics are solid. They are 12th in adjusted line yards and have a power run success of 71%. The problem begins when the Seahawks decide to pass. They allowed 51 sacks in 2018 with a 10.4% adjusted sack rate (30th in NFL). Britt, Fluker, and Ifedi all had PFF scores below 56 in 2018.
Projected Starters: LT Kelvin Beachum, LG Kelechi Osemele, C Ryan Kalil, RG, Brian Winters, RT Brandon Shell
The Jets were able to lure Kalil out of retirement while also signing Osemele. They want to improve their line to protect Sam Darnold and give space to Le’Veon Bell. However, in 2018, they graded as one of the worst lines in all of football. They were 32nd in adjusted line yards (3.59), 26th in power run success (61%), and last in stuffed rate (26.1%). They should be improved in 2019, but don’t expect great things.
Projected Starters: LT Dion Dawkins, LG Quinton Spain, C Mitch Morse, RG Jon Feliciano, RT Cody Ford
Buffalo addressed their offensive line woes in the 2nd round of the draft with Ford. He should be starting from day 1. However, Ford is not going to make a huge difference for a line that finished 30th in adjusted line yards (3.89) and was tied for 23rd in adjusted sack rate (8%). Morse and Spain are average starters but will give this line the chance to be a little better in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Donovan Smith, LG Ali Marpet, C Ryan Jensen, RG, Earl Watford, RT Demar Dotson
This line has the potential to vastly improve this season. In 2018, Jensen had a career-worst year finishing with a PFF score of just 54.9 (Jensen scored 71.4 in 2017). As for the line as a whole, in 2018 they finished with a stuffed rate of 24.7% (30th) and an adjusted line yards of 3.78 (31st). With Bruce Arians now in control, he should find ways to scheme this line to success. Marpet is one of the better guards in the NFL and Dotson has had multiple 70 score seasons from PFF in his past. This line has the potential to be one of the most improved lines.
Projected Starters: LT Taylor Decker, LG Frank Ragnow, C Graham Glasgow, RG Kenny Wiggins, RT Rick Wagner
I see this Lions offensive line much like the Buccaneers. I think they underachieved in 2018 and have the potential to creep into the top 15 if all goes well. Ragnow struggled in 2018 and may move back to center, however, the Lions official website has him slotted at left guard still. Decker and Wagner form one of the best tackle duos in the NFL so this unit’s success could hinge on the interior.
Projected Starters: LT Greg Robinson, LG Joel Bitonio, C J.C. Tretter, RG Austin Corbett, RT Chris Hubbard
The Browns have put a lot of faith into 2nd-year guard Corbett. They dealt Kevin Zeitler to the Giants in exchange for Odell Beckham Jr. However, this line still has solid starters upfront. Bitonio and Tretter are a good combo at center and left guard. Robinson has not developed into the starter that was expected when he was drafted by the Rams 2nd overall. He has not had a PFF score over 60 in any of the last 3 seasons. The offense has far more firepower but downgraded along the line.
Projected Starters: LT Geron Christian, LG Ereck Flowers, C Chase Roullier, RG Brandon Scherff, RT Morgan Moses
The Redskins best offensive lineman has made it clear that he has no interest in playing for the team this season. This leaves a massive hole at left tackle. The Redskins official website still lists Williams as the starting left tackle and no left guard listed. They have the option of moving Flowers out to tackle but that is a position that he has struggled with in the past. In 2018, this line struggled to say they least. They were 26th in adjusted line yards (3.96), 28th in stuffed rate (22.8%), and 24th in adjusted sack rate (8.5%). 2019 could bring similar issues with no Williams.
Projected Starters: LT Eric Fisher, LG Cameron Erving, C Austin Reiter, RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, RT Mitchell Schwartz
This is a talented unit overall with a gaping hole at left guard. Schwartz is one of the best in the NFL while Fisher was up and down last season but finished strong. The return of Duvernay-Tardif is also going to help this line improve. The major issue is Erving at left guard. He has played 2226 snaps since entering the league in 2015 as a first-round pick. Erving has earned a career average grade of 45.1 from PFF. If they can hide him with strong play from Fisher and Reiter this unit could perform well.
Projected Starters: LT Garrett Bolles, LG Dalton Risner, C Connor McGovern, RG Ron Leary, RT Ja’Wuan James
Although they currently sit at 18 in these rankings, this group has the potential to reach into the top 10-12 range. 2nd round pick, Risner, is a run blocking machine and the addition of James at right tackle gives them a consistent production at the position. Bolles took a small step back in the 2nd year and the Broncos will need a return to form to help this line reach its potential.
Projected Starters: LT Cam Robinson, LG Andrew Norwell, C Brandon Linder, RG A.J. Cann, RT Cedric Obuehi
This line did not play to its ability in 2018 and should take a step forward in 2019. Robinson was injured early in 2018 and Norwell took a step back in his first year in Jacksonville. The Jaguars should expect Norwell to return to his top-level guard play and Linder to remain one of the best centers in the league. Jawaan Taylor was selected in the 2nd round and should slot in at right tackle, however, the Jaguars official website has him listed on the 2nd team behind Cedric Obuehi. For a team that finished with an adjusted sack rate of 9.3% (27th) and adjusted line yards of 4.12 (21st) in 2018, they should be taking a step forward in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Ronnie Stanley, LG Jermaine Eluemunor, C Matt Skura, RG Marshal Yanda, RT Orlando Brown
The Ravens are going to run the football this year. With Lamar Jackson getting a full season and the addition of Mark Ingram, it’s safe to say the Ravens will be relying on this unit for its success. Stanley and Yanda are two very good linemen, however, Yanda turns 35 in September and his PFF grade has dropped by 5 points each of the last 3 years. Assuming another step back Yanda will still be one of the better guards. Left guard is a position that is up for grabs but the Ravens official website has Eluemunor currently listed as the starter. Center and left guard are the two biggest concerns for this group.
Projected Starters: LT Andrew Whitworth, LG Joe Noteboom, C Brian Allen, RG Austin Blythe, RT Rob Havenstein
The Rams line returns stud tackles, Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein, while also keeping Blythe who had a career PFF grade of 71.8. The concerns start at center and left guard. The unit last year was able to provide an NFL best, adjusted line yards of 5.49 while being stuffed only 14.6% of the time (2nd). They lost John Sullivan and Roger Saffold and are turning to guys who have not logged many NFL snaps. Allen is expected to take over at center after playing 37 snaps in 2018. The left guard will either be Joe Noteboom or Bobby Evans. With the game planning of Sean McVay, he should be able to hide whoever is the weak link along with this front 5.
Projected Starters: LT Joe Staley, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Weston Richburg, RG Mike Person, RT Mike McGlinchey
Even at 34 Joe Staley is one of the best-left tackles in the NFL. At the other tackle position is 2nd-year pro, Mike McGlinchey. If he can even slightly improve his pass blocking he enters the conversation for best right tackle in the NFL. If the 49ers get a bump in production from Tomlinson and Person, the 49ers could boast one of the best lines in the league. Kyle Shanahan has put together a line that will accomplish exactly what he wants to on offense.
Projected Starters: LT Kolton Miller, LG Richie Incognito, C Rodney Hudson, RG Gabe Jackson, RT Trent Brown
I am probably higher than most on the Raiders offensive line. They ranked middle of the road in adjusted line yards (4.49/13th) and bottom of the barrel in adjusted sack rate (8.7/25th). However, they added, Incognito and Brown in the offseason. Although Incognito is getting older he is still producing like an above-average guard. Brown brings solid play at the right tackle position that was absent last season. Miller had a rookie season to forget but I believe he will improve this season and even if he becomes an average left tackle, this unit could be dominant.
Projected Starters: LT Charles Leno Jr, LG Cody Whitehair, C James Daniels, RG Kyle Long, RT Bobbie Massie
The Bears were not a great running football team in 2018. Their backs averaged just 3.83 ypc which was 28th in the NFL. They were a good pass blocking team, however, and only allowed 33 sacks on year (8th). My assumption here is that Kyle Long returns to form after battling injuries in 2018 and Daniels also improves in his 2nd season.
Projected Starters: LT Daryl Williams, LG Greg Van Roten, C Matt Paradis, RG Trai Turner, RT Taylor Moton
This is a unit with a lot of expectations entering 2019. Greg Little was picked in the 2nd round and is currently listed on the Panthers official website as a backup tackle. As the preseason moves along, he could easily move to either tackle position and Williams may move to guard to Van Roten. Signing Paradis in the offseason was a huge upgrade to this line. If the Panthers figure out their best 5 starters upfront, they could parlay that into a great season.
Projected Starters: LT Jake Matthews, LG James Carpenter, C Alex Mack, RG Chris Lindstrom, RT Ty Sambrailo
In 2018 the Falcons were a bottom third run blocking team and middle of the pack in pass protection. The team attempted to improve in both areas with their draft. They selected two first-round linemen with Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary. The Falcons official website has McGary currently listed as the second-team right tackle. That could change as McGary had a successful procedure and will be working his way back to full strenth now. As for the veterans on this line, Matthews and Mack are two very good starters and Carpenter should improve since he is sandwiched in between them. I could be aiming high with this ranking but the potential is there for a successful unit.
Projected Starters: LT Nate Solder, LG Will Hernandez, C Jon Halapio, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Mike Remmers
I am also very high on this offensive line. Many questions can be raised about the decisions made within this organization, but the decisions on this line have been very good. I expect Hernandez to take a big step forward in year two and pairing him with Solder and Zeitler make for a dominant group of 3 linemen. Remmers had a down season last year compared to his normal level of play should return to form and will be an upgrade from 2018. This front 5 has the potential to reach even higher than this.
Projected Starters: LT David Bakhtiari, LG Lane Taylor, C Corey Linsley, RG Bill Turner, RT Bryan Bulaga
Green Bay was 7th in adjusted line yards in 2018 at 4.71. They also return the highest pff scoring left tackle in 2018 in Bakhtiari. Bulaga and Linsley are also very good linemen that give the Packers an extremely strong core. Turner has not been as strong upfront but has improved every season and having the weak links in between such strong linemen the Packers should be able to hide the weakness.
Projected Starters: LT Terron Armstead, LG Andrus Peat, C Erik McCoy, RG Larry Warford, RT Ryan Ramczyk
The Saints were one of the best lines in the NFL in 2018. They were 2nd in adjusted line yards (5.19), 1st in stuffed rate (14.5%), and 3rd in adjusted sack rate (4.4%). They are returning stud tackles, Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk. The reason this unit isn’t higher is that Max Unger retired and he is being replaced by a rookie and Andrus Peat was so poor last season. If Peat can rebound in 2019 this line could once again be a top 3 group.
Projected Starters: LT Anthony Castonzo, LG Quenton Nelson, C Ryan Kelly, RG Mark Glowinski, RT Braden Smith
After allowing just 18 sacks in 2018, this front 5 returns all 5 starters and is looking to be even better in 2019. Nelson and Smith should be prepared to take steps forward in their 2nd NFL seasons. After finishing top 5 in adjusted line yards and top 10 in stuffed rate, this line has the potential to jump into the top 3 in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Taylor Lewan, LG Roger Saffold, C Ben Jones, RG Nate Davis, RT Jack Conklin
We have heard all offseason that the Titans want to feature Derrick Henry and run the ball. They have a group upfront that should allow them to do just that. Signing Saffold in the offseason to pair with Lewan is a massive upgrade and gives the Titans a dominant left side. If Jones can stay consistent and Conklin can improve from last season slightly, this group should be solid in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Alejandro Villanueva, LG Ramon Foster, C Maurkice Pouncey, RG David DeCastro, RT Matt Feiler
The Steelers have a good line again in 2019. Villanueva continues to be a strong spot at left tackle. DeCastro actually had a down season in 2018 with an overall pff grade of 71.9. If he can return to his mid 80 to low 90 scores then this line is looking even better. Foster and Pouncey are above average at their positions. For a group that finished with a 4.4% adjusted sack rate (4th), they will be looking to maintain that dominance in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Isaiah Wynn, LG Joe Thuney, C David Andrews, RG Shaq Mason, RT Marcus Cannon
I think this offensive line has the potential to finish as the number 1 unit in the NFL. Shaq Mason is one of the best guards in the NFL and Isaiah Wynn is returning after missing all of 2018. This line finished 2018 3rd in adjusted line yards (5.03), 4th in stuffed rate (15.9%), and 1st in adjusted sack rate (3.8%). With one of the best offensive line coaches, Dante Scarnecchia, in the NFL, this line should be excellent in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Jason Peters, LG Isaac Seumalo, C Jason Kelce, RG Brandon Brooks, RT Lane Johnson
Jason Peters is aging and can’t seem to stay healthy. This may be the biggest problem facing this unit. However, the Eagles spent a 1st round pick on Andre Dillard. This should give them some insurance should Peters go down again. As for the right side of this line, Kelce, Brooks, and Johnson are 3 of the best. They each have at least one career pff grade over 80 and should continue to be a force in 2019.
Projected Starters: LT Tyron Smith, LG Connor Williams, C Travis Frederick, RG Zack Martin, RT La’el Collins
Assuming this line will be back to full health, I think they are the best grouping in the NFL. The talent of Smith, Frederick, and Martin are well known. Collins has improved his overall pff grade in each of the last 3 season and a step forward should be expected for 2nd-year guard, Williams. This unit should provide plenty of protection for Prescott and many large holes for the running game.
Make sure you check out our offensive coordinator data article. Using that article and this one can help you determine some players you may like more than others.
Father to a daughter and son as well as a husband to a wife. I have a healthy obsession with football and not so healthy obsession with ice cream. I have been following the NFL closely for over a decade all while working full-time jobs, primarily as a police officer.
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