Both guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller went to the Pro Bowl. This collection of blockers is one of the best so long as they stay healthy.Ĭonsidered one of the best O-lines in the NFL for the last few years, the Browns’ run-blocking remained elite last year but dropped significantly in pass-blocking metrics for reasons not of their own making. The second year of HC Dan Campbell should keep the momentum going in this talented group and upgrades in the receivers should help the passing effort. Former first-rounders Taylor Decker and second-year Penei Sewell man the tackles, with Decker looking for a healthy year after missing eight games with a finger injury. All starters return this year, and C Frank Ragnow is back to health since missing most of 2021 with a toe injury. The Lions’ investment in their offensive line has paid dividends with average or better metrics despite blocking for a mediocre set of offensive skill players. Tyreek Hill may have left, but Patrick Mahomes should have plenty of time to find new targets. The same five return including Pro Bowler Orlando Brown, and the pair of starting rookies from last year in C Creed Humphrey and RG Trey Smith for what should be even better play in their second season. The Chiefs O-line enjoyed high marks in every metric. The Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line last year with five new starters and produced like a seasoned unit. Cam Jurgens was already in line to eventually replace him next year, and has taken his place in preseason games with solid results.Ĭontinuity is critical with offensive lines, making what OL coach Andy Heck did all the more remarkable. UPDATE: Jason Kelce underwent elbow surgery and may not be ready by Week 1 but will be back. Brown should upgrade and speed up the passing effort. The only lacking measurable from last year was the percent of pressures, but that spoke more to Jalen Hurts holding onto the ball too long, thanks in part to a marginal set of receivers. LT Jordan Mailata and RT Lane Johnson helped pave the way last year as the Eagles mediocre backfield still enjoyed the highest yards-before-contact in the league. Their 2021 second-round pick of LG Landon Dickerson quickly transitioned from Alabama to the NFL. Pro-Bowl center Jason Kelce returns to mentor their 2.19 pick of C Cam Jurgens, who will take over as early as next year. This is the premier offensive line in the current NFL, stocked with talent and experience, including the coaching staff. This ranking considers where each O-line ranked last year in certain metrics, their additions and losses in linemen, the continuity of the unit and scheme, and plus the impact of the rest of the offense and schedule. Every play is like conducting a symphony in the middle of a riot. O-lines deal with injuries, new coaches and schemes, depth chart moves, schedule challenges and the effects of when new quarterbacks and running backs are used. This is a very complex part of every football team. Unlike every other offensive player, their job is to engage the defense, not try to avoid it. And yet, while these are the reasons that everything else on the offense works, they incur a high rate of injury and the shifting of blockers in and out of the lineup is usually unnoticed despite the significant bearing on success. The impact of a cohesive, capable set of blockers is impossible to overvalue.
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