It's preseason, and that means we're finally getting some real news on the 2023 NFL offensive lines. Last week, we talked about the best run blocking units and, this week, the best in pass protection.
In fantasy football and DFS, the quality of a team's pass-blocking can directly lead to big performances. This is especially true later in the season when inclement weather occurs.
Feel free to check out our comprehensive offensive line rankings. But for now, let's talk about the groups who will keep their quarterback clean in 2023.
1 - Dallas Cowboys
Starters with pass-blocking grades:
LT Tyron Smith: A
LG Tyler Smith: B
OC Tyler Biadasz: A-
RG Zack Martin: A+
RT Terence Steele: B
This high ranking might be surprising in light of Zack Martin's current contract hold-out and to those who remember their injury-plagued finish last season. By the end, Tyron Smith moved to right tackle for Terence Steele, who tore his ACL in December. But Steele's rehab was successful, and he reported to camp in shape. Meanwhile, Smith is looking like his usual Hall-of-Fame caliber self at left tackle. Amazingly, Smith has been in the league for 12 seasons (8 Pro Bowls), but he's only 32 years old. This is why scouts factor age into a prospect's draft worth.
Assuming Martin and the Cowboys work out their financial differences, this group grades out exceptionally well in pass protection. Center Tyler Biadasz is in a contract year, coming off his first Pro Bowl selection. Last year's first-round selection Tyler Smith played at a high level at several spots. His job will be easier bumped back inside to left guard. New positional coach Mike Solari arrives from Seattle, where he was effective in developing their young tackle duo.
It's absurd to say this about the top-rated pass-blocking line, but their grade might even be slightly underrated. This most significant concern is the holdout of Martin (another likely Hall of Famer). But assuming Martin is in the lineup in week one, this is a top-3 line overall and has the upside to overtake DET and PHI for the top spot.
2 - Los Angeles Chargers
Starters with pass-blocking grades:
LT Rashawn Slater: A+
LG Zion Johnson: B
OC Corey Linsley: B+
RG Jamaree Salyer: B+
RT Trey Pipkins: B
Left tackle Rashawn Slater made All-Pro as a rookie but only made it through three games last year before suffering a season-ending biceps injury. Entering his third year, all indications are that Slater is fully healthy. He's a lock-down player, boasting almost perfect technique in pass protection. Just as his loss had a cascading negative effect across the line last year, his return brings great joy. It allows Jamaree Salyer to bump inside to his more natural guard position. Then, coaches shuffled the lineup a little, returning last year's first-round pick Zion Johnson to his college position of left guard and putting Salyer next to Trey Pipkins on the right side. Our model emphasizes returning the same lineup, but this subtle change by positional coach Brendan Nugent could be excellent right away. Holding the unit together is the veteran center Corey Linsley, another former All-Pro.
Right tackle is probably the weak link, with Pipkins missing time in the preseason with a left knee injury. This is the same leg Pipkins had trouble with last year, and it's not clear if Pipkins will miss any regular season time. If he does, the backups behind him grade out similarly. Fifth-round rookie Jordan McFadden out of Clemson has elite speed scores but, like Salyer, is slightly undersized for a tackle. Sarell is running with the first team (for now), but Zack Bailey is also in the conversation as the backup right tackle. Bailey also has guard versatility, putting Branden Jaimes' roster in jeopardy. This group grades as the second-best pass blocking group and 12th overall. They are well coached, with upcoming talent at several spots and real star power in Slater, easily one of the best pass blockers in football.
3 - Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are excellent in both phases of the game. That's why they are number one overall.
I already addressed them extensively in the run-blocking article, so let's just "pass" on this one and say they're outstanding. The same goes for Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, who also have top-10 scores in pass-blocking (and elite overall scores) but were heavily featured in last week's article. If you want to know more, check out the top 5 run-blocking lines article.
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