Arizona Cardinals

Starters: D.J. Humphries, J.R. Sweezy, Mason Cole, Justin Pugh, Josh Jones [R]

Backups: Justin Murray, Max Garcia

Notes: This scheme features zone spread concepts often found in college football and the strength of this unit is at guard, where Justin Pugh and J.R. Sweezy provide veteran play, when healthy. Veteran right tackle Marcus Gilbert (who missed all of last year with a torn ACL) has opted out of the season, leaving Justin Murray and third-round rookie Josh Jones from Houston to compete for the job. Center Mason Cole will take over for A.Q. Shipley, as he did for the entire 2018 season.

OL Coach: Sean Kugler.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

Atlanta Falcons

Starters: Jake Matthews, James Carpenter, Alex Mack, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary

Backups: Matt Gono, Justin McCray Matt Hennessy [R]

Notes: Left tackle Jake Matthews and center Alex Mack remain the strength of this unit. Matthews is 27 and still performing at a high level, but the end could be near for 34-year-old center Mack. The team drafted Matt Hennessy from Temple in the third round to apprentice for the job. Right guard Chris Lindstrom returns from an injured rookie year, and he should form a solid duo with right tackle Kaleb McGary in the zone running scheme favored by the coaches.

OL Coach: Chris Morgan.

Ranking: Top-Tier.

Baltimore Ravens

Starters: Ronnie Stanley, Bradley Bozeman, Matt Skura, D.J. Fluker, Orlando Brown Jr.

Backups: Tyre Phillips [R], Ben Powers, Andre Smith (opt-out).

Notes: Left tackle Ronnie Stanley made All-Pro first team, and right tackle Orlando Brown Jr. made the Pro Bowl as an alternate in his rookie season. Right guard Marshal Yanda retired this offseason, leaving a competition between veteran D.J. Fluker, Ben Powers, and third-round rookie Tyre Phillips from Mississippi State. The coaches favor a zone spread scheme like college, but these tackles thrive in the power game as well.

OL Coach: Joe DAlessandris.

Ranking: Elite Top-Tier.

Buffalo Bills

Starters: Dion Dawkins, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Brian Winters, Cody Ford

Backups: Ty Nsekhe, Ryan Bates, Jon Feliciano (INJ), Evan Boehm

Notes: The strength is at tackle, as left tackle Dion Dawkins grades as a Pro Bowl snub and is negotiating for a new contract. Second-year right tackle Cody Ford plays with an edge, fined by the league for a penalty in the playoff game. Center Mitch Morse, left guard Quinton Spain have been thriving in the man power scheme. Right guard Jon Feliciano tore his pectoral muscle during the summer and the team signed Brian Winters to replace him while he recovers. Winters has familiarity with the division but their cohesion score takes a step back in the short-term.

OL Coach: Bobby Johnson.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Carolina Panthers

Starters: Russell Okung, John Miller, Matt Paradis, Michael Schofield, Taylor Moton

Backups: Tyler Larsen, Greg Little, Dennis Daley, Tyler Marz, Marshall Newhouse

Notes: This line has been rebuilt by new coach Matt Rhule from Baylor, who has installed a spread style offensive scheme. There are three new starters, the most famous of which is left tackle Russell Okung, the former Pro Bowler traded from the Chargers. Left guard John Miller replaces Greg Van Roten, and right guard Michael Schofield will start for Trai Turner, who was the other side of the Okung trade.

OL Coach: Pat Meyer.

Ranking: Low-Tier (with Mid-Tier upside pending cohesion).

Chicago Bears

Starters: Charles Leno Jr., Cody Whitehair, James Daniels, Rashaad Coward, Bobbie Massie

Backups: Germain Ifedi, Alex Bars, Arlington Hambright [R], Lachavious Simmons [R]

Notes: Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and left guard Cody Whitehair each grade out as Pro Bowl snubs. Center James Daniels has been reliable since being drafted out of Iowa and the coaches did an excellent job converting right guard Rashaad Coward from the defensive line. This group has perfect cohesion, returning all five starters from last season. Their scheme favors inside zone runs, but this group also has the ability to set the edge.

OL Coach: Juan Castillo.

Ranking: Top-Tier.

Cincinnati Bengals

Starters: Jonah Williams, Michael Jordan, Trey Hopkins, Xavier Sua-Filo, Bobby Hart

Backups: Fred Johnson, Billy Price, Alex Redmond, Hakeem Adeniji [R]

Notes: Center Trey Hopkins had a breakout season last year in the team’s gap power scheme and was rewarded with a contract extension. Left tackle Jonah Williams returns from the shoulder injury that forced him to miss his entire rookie season. Williams was a high first-round pick and should make an instant impact. Right tackle Bobby Hart will be pushed by Fred Johnson and sixth-round rookie Hakeem Adeniji from Kansas.

OL Coach: Jim Turner.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

Cleveland Browns

Starters: Jedrick Wills [R], Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin

Backups: Chris Hubbard, Kendall Lamm, Nick Harris [R], Drew Forbes (opt-out), Colby Gossett (opt-out).

Notes: Left guard Joel Bitonio is the leader of this line, making All-Pro honors for the second straight year. The team invested considerable resources in their two new tackles: rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills from Alabama, and free agent right tackle Jack Conklin from the Tennessee Titans. The moves put Chris Hubbard as the swing tackle. The grade on this line will increase as the new arrivals settle into their roles.

OL Coach: Bill Callahan.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Dallas Cowboys

Starters: Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Joe Looney, Zach Martin, La’el Collins

Backups: Brandon Knight, Connor McGovern, Tyler Biadasz [R], Cody Wichmann

Notes: Right guard Zack Martin made first-team All Pro, and he remains the leader of this unit. Left tackle Tyron Smith is a former Pro Bowler who still performs at a high level, despite increased penalties. There is one new starter at center, where Joe Looney will replace Travis Frederick (All Pro 1T - retired). The team also invested a fourth-round pick in center Tyler Biadasz from Wisconsin to help replace Frederick.

OL Coach: Joe Philbin.

Ranking: Top-Tier.

Denver Broncos

Starters: Garrett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Patrick Morris, Graham Glasgow, Elijah Wilkinson

Backups: Lloyd Cushenberry [R], Netane Muti [R], Jake Rodgers, JaWuan James (opt-out)

Notes: This line will have two new starters compared to last season. Right guard Graham Glasgow was signed from Detroit to replace Ron Leary, and either Patrick Morris or Lloyd Cushenberry (third round pick from LSU) will replace center Connor McGovern. The coaches hope to run outside zone and with have to do it without right tackle JaWuan James. James was only available for sixty-three snaps last season, and has opted out of 2020.

OL Coach: Mike Munchak.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

Detroit Lions

Starters: Taylor Decker, Joe Dahl, Frank Ragnow, Kenny Wiggins, Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Backups: Joe Dahl, Tyrell Crosby, Jonah Jackson [R], Dan Skipper, Caleb Benenoch, Russell Bodine (opt-out).

Notes: This line will have two new starters. Right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai replaces right tackle Rick Wagner as the anchor of the gap-power scheme. At left guard, Joe Dahl has been a utility starter for several seasons and will step in full-time for left guard Graham Glasgow. The team invested a third-round pick in Jonah Jackson from Ohio State, and he is expected to compete with Dahl for the job this season.

OL Coach: Hank Fraley.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Green Bay Packers

Starters: David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Linsley, Billy Turner, Rick Wagner

Backups: Jason Spriggs, Lane Taylor, Jon Runyan Jr. [R], Lucas Patrick, Jake Hanson [R]

Notes: Left tackle David Bakhtiari (All Pro second team) leads this zone scheme offensive line. Both guards are effective in getting to the second level. There is one new starter as right tackle Rick Wagner replaces long-time fixture Bryan Bulaga. The team used a pair of sixth-round picks this spring on tackle Jon Runyan Jr. from Michigan, and center Jake Hanson from Oregon.

OL Coach: Adam Stenavich.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Houston Texans

Starters: Laremy Tunsil, Max Scharping, Nick Martin, Zach Fulton, Tytus Howard

Backups: Roderick Johnson, Senio Kelemete, Greg Mancz, Charlie Heck [R]

Notes: Left tackle Laremy Tunsil leads this unit, making Pro Bowl starter last season. He and right tackle Tytus Howard (returning from an injury-shortened rookie season) should form a well-above-average set of tackle bookends. The interior, with left guard Max Sharping and center Nick Martin, is mobile and can push the pile during the inside zone plays favored by the coaching staff.

OL Coach: Mike Devlin.

Ranking: Top-Tier.

Indianapolis Colts

Starters: Anthony Castonzo, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Mark Glowinski, Braden Smith

Backups: LeRaven Clark, Danny Pinter [R], Javon Patterson, Cedrick Lang

Notes: One of the league’s dominant lines is led by left guard Quenton Nelson, a fixture on the All Pro first team since his rookie season. Left tackle Anthony Castonzo remains excellent, and the team extended his contract this offseason. Center Ryan Kelly has been healthy and made the Pro Bowl as an alternate. The staff utilizes a "fake-zone" gap scheme where everyone steps zone but a guard secretly pulls, creating a gap-power hole.

OL Coach: Chris Strausser.

Ranking: Elite Top-Tier.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Starters: Cam Robinson, Andrew Norwell, Brandon Linder, A.J. Cann, Jawaan Taylor

Backups: Will Richardson, Ben Bartch [R], Tyler Shatley

Notes: Left guard Andrew Norwell is the ideal player for this gap power line. The tackles of Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor are road graders, although coaches want both to cut down on penalties. All five players return from last season, which is a perfect cohesion score. The team invested a fourth-round pick in developmental left tackle Ben Bartch from St John's Minn Div III.

OL Coach: George Warhop.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Kansas City Chiefs

Starters: Eric Fisher, Kelechi Osemele, Austin Reiter, Andrew Wylie, Mitchell Schwartz

Backups: Greg Senat, Martinas Rankin, Mike Remmers, Lucas Niang [R] (opt-out), Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff (opt-out),

Notes: Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz made All-Pro second team last season and left tackle Eric Fisher is a former number one overall pick and Pro Bowler. Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff, last year's right guard, opted-out of the season to perform duties as a doctor in Canada. In his place the team signed left guard Kelechi Osemele, with the designs to move Andrew Wylie to right guard. Osemele is a former Pro-Bowl mauler who is returning from an injury plagued season with the Jets while Wylie started a dozen games at right guard in 2018. Greg Senat and Mike Remmers will compete for the swing tackle job. The team invested a third-round pick in Lucas Niang from TCU, who also opted-out of the season.

OL Coach: Andy Heck.

Ranking: Top-Tier.

Las Vegas Raiders

Starters: Kolton Miller, Richie Incognito, Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, Trent Brown

Backups: Brandon Parker, David Sharpe, Denzelle Good, John Simpson [R]

Notes: The Raiders return all five starters from last season, and three earned postseason honors. Center Rodney Hudson and right tackle Trent Brown both made All-Pro, while left guard Richie Incognito has been maintaining his former Pro Bowl grade. Kolton Miller has untapped potential at left tackle while Gabe Jackson is solid at right guard. The team invested a fourth-round pick in John Simpson from Clemson to push Jackson.

OL Coach: Tom Cable.

Ranking: Elite Top-Tier.

Los Angeles Chargers

Starters: Trey Pipkins, Dan Feeney, Mike Pouncey, Trai Turner, Bryan Bulaga

Backups: Sam Tevi, Forrest Lamp, Storm Norton, Trent Scott

Notes: There are two new starters as right guard Trai Turner (Pro Bowler) arrived from Carolina via trade. Meanwhile, right tackle Bryan Bulaga was signed from Green Bay in free agency. Left tackle Trey Pipkins will get the first shot at the job, but Sam Tevi, Trent Scott, and Storm Norton are all options. Center Mike Pouncey (former Pro Bowler) returns from injury. He and Turner should open holes for this zone-spread offense.

OL Coach: James Campen.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Los Angeles Rams

Starters: Andrew Whitworth, Austin Blythe, Brian Allen, David Edwards, Rob Havenstein

Backups: Bobby Evans, Austin Corbett, Joe Noteboom, Jamil Demby

Notes: Left tackle Andrew Whitworth has maintained his former Pro Bowl form, and the team extended his contract this offseason. At right tackle, a battle could be shaping up between Bobby Evans and Rob Havenstein. Havenstein went to injured reserve last season, returned from it before the season ended, but did not regain his starting right tackle spot from Evans.

OL Coach: Aaron Kromer.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Miami Dolphins

Starters: Austin Jackson, Ereck Flowers, Ted Karras, Michael Deiter, Jesse Davis

Backups: Robert Hunt [R], Julien Davenport, Adam Pankey, Shaq Calhoun, Keaton Sutherland

Notes: It’s a rebuilding situation in Miami as there are at least two new starters this season. The team invested a first-round pick in left tackle Austin Jackson from USC and a second-round pick in Robert Hunt from Lousiana. Left guard Ereck Flowers was signed from Washington during free agency, and these moves should solidify the left side. At center, Ted Karras was signed from New England to replace Daniel Kilgore. Hunt should push both Michael Deiter at right guard and possibly Jesse Davis at right tackle.

OL Coach: Steven Marshall.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

Minnesota Vikings

Starters: Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Kline, Brian O’Neill

Backups: Rashod Hill, Ezra Cleveland [R], Dakota Dozier, Brett Jones, Dru Samia

Notes: This line specializes in outside zone scheme and returns all five starters from a year ago. At left tackle, veteran Riley Reiff remains the starter, but the team invested a second rd pick in left tackle Ezra Cleveland from Boise State. Right tackle Brian O’Neill is a young productive starter with upside, and Rashod Hill is a solid swing tackle. This Vikings line is decent but lacks high-end talent compared to other teams.

OL Coach: Rick Dennison.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

New England Patriots

Starters: Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Korey Cunningham

Backups: Jermaine Eluemunor, Yodny Cajuste, Dustin Woodard [R], Michael Onwenu [R], Marcus Cannon (opt-out)

Notes: Left guard Joe Thuney made the All-Pro second team and was designated the team’s franchise player during the offseason. Thuney could move to right tackle after Marcus Cannon opted-out for the season. Right guard Shaq Mason is a gap-power mauler. Center David Andrews, who was lost to injury last year returns to the lineup. Legendary line coach Dante Scarnecchia retired (again) this offseason, leaving the gig to a pair of assistants.

OL Coaches: Carmen Bricillo/Cole Popovich.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

New Orleans Saints

Starters: Terron Armstead, Andrus Peat, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz [R], Ryan Ramczyk

Backups: Nick Easton, Will Clapp, Ethan Greenidge

Notes: The dominance continues in New Orleans, with three of their five starters receiving Pro Bowl honors. Right tackle Ryan Ramzyck leads the unit making first-team All Pro. The team invested a first-round pick in center Cesar Ruiz from Michigan to replace right guard Larry Warford. Bringing back left guard Andrus Peat was a key move this offseason. This group specializes in the execution of the hybrid zone scheme.

OL Coach: Dan Roushar.

Ranking: Elite Top-Tier.

New York Giants

Starters: Andrew Thomas [R], Will Hernandez, Spencer Pulley, Kevin Zeitler, Cam Fleming

Backups: George Asafo-Adjei, Matt Peart [R], Shane Lemieux [R], Nick Gates, Nate Solder (opt-out)

Notes: The Giants selected tackle Andrew Thomas from Georgia with the fourth overall pick in the first round. Thomas is penciled in at left tackle, after Nate Solder opted-out of the 2020 season. The team also invested a third-round pick in right tackle Matt Peart from UConn, and he will compete with Cameron Fleming and Nick Gates for the open job at right tackle.

OL Coach: Marc Columbo.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

New York Jets

Starters: Mekhi Becton [R], Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant

Backups: Chuma Edoga, Josh Andrews, Cameron Clark, Jonotthan Harrison, Conor McDermott

Notes: This was a rebuilding offseason for this line as at least four new starters are in the lineup. Left tackle Mekhi Becton from Louisville was the team’s first-round pick, and center Connor McGovern was signed from Denver. Right tackle will be a battle between Chuma Edoga and Seattle signee George Fant, with Fant favored by most onlookers. Greg Van Roten was also added, and he will replace Brian Winters at right guard.

OL Coach: Frank Pollack.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

Philadelphia Eagles

Starters: Andre Dillard, Isaac Seumalo, Jason Kelce, Jason Peters, Lane Johnson

Backups: Jordan Mailata, Matt Pryor, Jack Driscoll [R], Prince Tega Wagano [R], Brandon Brooks (IR - Lower Leg)

Notes: The line remains strong in Philadelphia, despite an active off-season. Center Jason Kelce remains elite, making first-team All-Pro. Right tackle Lane Johnson is one of the best at his position in the game. Right guard Brandon Brooks made second-team All Pro but tore his Achilles' tendon in workouts and will miss the entire season. Left tackle Andre Dillard will take over for Jason Peters and the team re-signed Peters to play right guard to replace Brooks and provide an insurance policy at swing tackle. The team invested a fourth-round pick in Jack Driscoll and a sixth-round pick in Prince Tega Wagano, both from Auburn. They and Matt Pryor will compete for Brooks' right guard job in the long-term.

OL Coach: Jeff Stoutland.

Ranking: Elite Top-Tier.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Starters: Alejandro Villanueva, Kevin Dotson [R], Maurkice Pouncey, David Decastro, Matt Feiler

Backups: Chukwuma Okorafor, Stefen Wisniewski, Zach Banner.

Notes: Center Maurkice Pouncey and right guard David Decastro continue to lead this group, as both made the Pro Bowl running this team’s zone hybrid scheme. There will be one new starter at left guard where either Kevin Dotson (fourth-round pick from Louisiana) or Stefen Wisniewski will step in for Ramon Foster, who retired. The rookie Dotson is expected to win the job, as he has become an instant fan favorite.

OL Coach: Shaun Sarrett.

Ranking: Top-Tier.

San Francisco 49ers

Starters: Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, Weston Richburg, Mike Person, Mike McGlinchey

Backups: Shon Coleman, Erik Magnuson, Joshua Garnett

Notes: There will be two new starters this season for the 49ers. Left tackle Trent Williams arrived via trade from Washington during the draft. Williams is a multiple Pro Bowler who will start for retired left tackle Joe Staley. Right guard will be a battle between Daniel Brunskill and Tom Compton to replace last year’s starter in Mike Person. Brunskill has the upside and more recent starting experience.

OL Coach: John Benton.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Seattle Seahawks

Starters: Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, B.J. Finney, Damien Lewis [R], Brandon Shell

Backups: Phil Haynes, Jordan Simmons, Jamarco Jones, Ethan Pocic

Notes: This line’s cohesion will be low at the start of the season, as they have three new starters. At center, B.J. Finney was signed from Pittsburgh to compete with Joey Hunt, Right guard Damien Lewis (3rd rd pick from LSU) will likely step in for D.J. Fluker, and the team signed right tackle Brandon Shell from the Jets to replace Germain Ifedi). Left tackle Duane Brown is a finesse player, but this is a gap-power group otherwise.

OL Coach: Mike Solari.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Starters: Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Alex Cappa, Tristan Wirfs [R]

Backups: Joe Haeg, Aaron Stinnie, Zack Bailey, Michael Liedtke, Anthony Fabiano

Notes: The team invested a first-round pick in their one new starter this offseason, as right tackle Tristan Wirfs from Iowa is expected to step in right away for retired right tackle Demar Dotson. Center Ryan Jensen leads this zone hybrid unit, and he was rewarded for his efforts with All-Pro second-team honors. The guards of Ali Marpet and Alex Cappa are a stout run-blocking duo, and this unit is trending upward from last season.

OL Coach: Joe Gilbert.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Tennessee Titans

Starters: Taylor Lewan, Rodger Saffold, Ben Jones, Nate Davis, Isaiah Wilson [R]

Backups: Dennis Kelly, Kevin Pamphile, David Quessenberry, Jamil Douglas

Notes: Left tackle Taylor Lewan is a former Pro Bowler who continues to lead this strong, primarily outside-zone running attack. There will be one new starter compared to last year as the team invested a first-round pick in right tackle Isaiah Wilson from Georgia. Dennis Kelly could also compete for this spot, as he has several seasons of experience subbing for departed right tackle Jack Conklin when Conklin was injured.

OL Coach: Keith Carter.

Ranking: Mid-Tier.

Washington Football Team

Starters: Geron Christian, Wes Schweitzer, Chase Roullier, Brandon Scherff, Morgan Moses

Backups: Wes Martin, Saahdiq Charles [R], Keith Ismael [R], Cornelius Lucas, Jeremy Vujnovich

Notes: This line will have two new starters as left tackle Geron Christian III will take over for Donald Penn and left guard Wes Schweitzer was signed from Atlanta to replace Ereck Flowers. The team invested a fourth-round pick in tackle Saahdiq Charles from LSU and a fifth-round pick in Keith Ismael from San Diego State. Charles should compete at left tackle with Christian while Ismael will backup Chase Roullier at center.

OL Coach: John Matsko.

Ranking: Low-Tier.

Rankings Table

Coaching Information

Methodology

These rankings update weekly and consider lineup changes. Trades, "benchings" and injuries change the lineups and they must be tracked for any offensive line ranking to be useful. Most ranking lists are not kept this up to date.

By re-ranking the teams every week with a realistic lineup, a cohesion score is tracked. Cohesion is another way of saying experience together. The players build trust when they work at the same positions with the same guys beside them every week Good offensive lines trust each other to such an extent they can know what the hot blocking calls are going to be, even if they can't hear it, because they are playing on the road in Kansas City or Seattle and it sounds like a jet plane taking off.

For the purposes of the model:

Cohesion

• Started last year for the same team at the same spot (4 games or more) - 5.0/5
• Started last year for the same team at a different spot - 4.0/5
• Started last year for the same team at the same spot (4 games or less) - 3.5/5
• Played last year for the same team at the same spot - 3.0/5
• Played last year for the same team but never at this spot - 2.5/5
• Started with the same team in the past (for at least a season) at the same spot - 2.0/5
• Played with the same team in the past (for at least a season) at the same spot - 1.5/5
• Played with the same team in the past (for less than a season) at any spot - 1.0/5
• Played with the same team in the past (for at least a season) but never at this spot - 1.0/5
• Never played with this team before - 0.0/5

Each player's cohesion goes up 1 point each week they start (to a max of 5) and up 0.5 each week they are active but don't start (to a max of 4).

The team's average cohesion for that week is the average of the five starters.

Team Grades

• Tackle grades are weighted 2x. Center grades are weighted 1.5x.
• Cohesion is counted as a 6th starter in the lineup, 1x weighting like a guard.
• It takes a month (4 games) of regular-season playing time to build maximum 5 point cohesion.
• Initial rookie grades max at "B" for 1st rd rookies, "C+" for other round rookies, due to lack of NFL film. Their grades are revisited year 2.