Top 10 offensive lines

By: Josh Frey-Sam

It’s fair to say the Chicago Bears are the most improved offensive line in the league.

But are they the best?

Now that the draft is over and we have a better idea of what each team’s starting five will be in Week 1, I think now is a great time to rank the top 10 groups in the league.

I. Philadelphia Eagles

Projected: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Kenyon Green, Lane Johnson

The best offensive line in football last year remains on top. The only change from last season comes at right guard, where the Eagles traded for former first-round pick Kenyon Green from the Houston Texans to replace the departure of Mekhi Becton.

II. Denver Broncos

Projected: Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey

The Broncos were a different unit once Mike McGlinchey returned from injury. This starting five remains in tact from last season, and while most names don’t have the name power that other teams have, they get the job done.

III. Los Angeles Chargers

Projected: Rashawn Slater, Bradley Bozeman, Zion Johnson, Mekhi Becton, Joe Alt

Perhaps my favourite offensive line in the league. HC Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz have quickly remade this unit into a talented group of maulers. The final piece of the puzzle was adding Mekhi Becton in free agency. The Chargers are going to beat people up next season.

IV. Green Bay Packers

Projected: Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Jordan Morgan, Zach Tom

The Packers were quietly one of the best in football last season. Jordan Love’s jersey was kept clean more times than not, while Josh Jacobs eclipsed 1,300 rushing yards. This unit could look a bit different than last year, though. Aaron Banks was given big money to play LG, pushing Elgton Jenkins to centre, while second-year pro Jordan Morgan could start at RG.

V. Detroit Lions

Projected: Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Tate Ratledge, Penei Sewell

The Lions remain among the league’s best, despite losing a key veteran, Kevin Zeitler, to free agency. Rookie Tate Ratledge should slide into the right guard spot from Day 1, and this line should continue to see similar success.

VI. Dallas Cowboys

Projected: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Bebee, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele

I’m not sure this group is being talked about enough. A lot of people didn’t like the Cowboys selecting Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick, but it really was a pick that solidified this unit. The best Cowboys teams have had dominant offensive lines, and this unit can be among the league’s best.

VII. Chicago Bears

Projected: Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright

What was one of the worst lines in the league just a few months ago has the makings of one of the best in football this season. Lots of new faces (the entire interior of the line), and I do question depth, but if this group is healthy, then it’ll be good.

VIII. Buffalo Bills

Projected: Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown

IX. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected: Tristan Wirfs, Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke

X. Atlanta Falcons

Projected: Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Ryan Neuzil, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary

🚨 Before I end today’s newsletter, I want to let you all know about some important changes that are coming.

Effective immediately and through August, Briefs will be sent out three times per week (usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday) instead of six.

I need to make this change due to my work schedule and some other endeavours that are taking up my time. I’m simply too busy right now, and something needs to give.

The content will remain the same, but it won’t be as often. I will be back to six days per week once the regular season begins!

I sincerely appreciate your support.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh