Top 20 OL per position

[xwalker]

Post 1: Cowboys and Rams OL
Post 2: Top 20 OL per position rankings.

I'm interested in the rankings of the Rams OLinemen that played in 2018.

My opinion: Rams OL dominated Cowboys more with scheme than talent.

Rams 2018
LT Andrew Whitworth - 3rd OT
LG Rodger Saffold - 9th OG
OC John Sullivan - Not Rated
RG Austin Blythe - Not Rated
RT Rob Havenstein - Not Rated

Note: 2019 LG Rodger Saffold - Now with Titans.


Obviously we're all interesting in the Cowboys Rankings.

Cowboys 2019
LT Tyron Smith - 7th OT {de-rated due to injuries}
LG Connor Williams - Not Rated
OC Travis Frederick - 2nd OC
RG Zack Martin - 1st OG
RT La'el Collins - Not Rated

 

[xwalker]

2019 NFL Tackle Rankings
1. David Bakhtiari, Green Bay
Might have done his best work in 2018 considering it took Aaron Rodgers an average of almost three seconds to fire off a pass, which ranked as the NFL's fourth-slowest release time last season. He is Green Bay's first first-team All-Pro tackle selection since Forrest Gregg in 1967, although as one long-time NFL offensive lineman said: "He still probably doesn't get the credit he deserves."

2. Mitchell Schwartz, Kansas City
Pro Football Focus proclaimed him the NFL's best lineman last season after he allowed just 23 pressures on 687 drop-backs and was one of only three tackles to rank in their top 10 for both run and pass blocking. Has never missed an NFL snap with his streak now at 7,000-plus entering his eighth season.

3. Andrew Whitworth, Los Angeles Rams
He must be drinking from the Tom Brady Fountain of Youth. Still among the best all-around blockers and pass protectors at age 37.

4. Ryan Ramczyk, New Orleans
Picked up the baton from mainstay Zach Strief in 2017 and hasn't stopped running with it since. Speaking of which, Ramczyk was voted the NFL's best run-blocking offensive lineman in 2018 by Pro Football Focus.

5. Terron Armstead, New Orleans
A six-game absence in 2018 continued a brutal injury history that has forced Armstead out of 21 games the past three seasons. But he was dominant as usual when healthy, not allowing a sack and committing just one penalty for five yards in 10 regular-season starts.

6. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia
Translated the skills learned from the grave-digger job he held in high school into burying defensive linemen, as Houston and Chicago experienced in two huge 2018 Eagles victories. Admitted disappointment at not being voted to the 2018 Pro Bowl will provide fuel for the 2019 season.

7. Tyron Smith, Dallas
Was arguably the NFL's best tackle until injuries forced him to miss three games each of the past three seasons. But even when he was ailing in 2018, the Cowboys credited Smith with not allowing a sack in 15 games (13 regular season and two playoff).

8. Joe Staley, San Francisco
The longest-tenured 49ers player by a wide margin (2007) remains an imposing force on San Francisco's offensive line at age 34. Retirement isn't in the cards, either, with Staley stating this offseason that he wants "to play as long as I can" — although his 49ers contract is set to expire after the 2019 campaign.

9. Taylor Lewan, Tennessee
Flipping off an overhead television camera while being treated for an injury during a prime-time game symbolizes his rugged approach to football. With three straight Pro Bowl selections, he’s the franchise's most productive left tackle since Leon Gray roughly 40 years ago.

10. Jason Peters, Philadelphia
The Eagles have so much trust in Peters and respect for what he provides as part of the team's fabric that he’s back for a 16th NFL season. "He still plays well," one longtime offensive line coach says.

11. Laremy Tunsil, Miami
12. Trent Williams, Washington
13. Eric Fisher, Kansas City
14. Mike McGlinchey, San Francisco
15. Marcus Cannon, New England
16. Trent Brown, Oakland
17. Donovan Smith, Tampa Bay
18. Jake Matthews, Atlanta
19. Alejandro Villanueva, Pittsburgh
20. Charles Leno Jr., Chicago

2019 NFL Guard Rankings
1. Zack Martin, Dallas
Should return to elite status provided the knee injuries that hindered his 2018 season don't linger. Still gutted his way through 82 percent of the Cowboys' offensive snaps and committed only one penalty — a false start.

2. David DeCastro, Pittsburgh
A key contributor in an offense that produced a franchise-record 54 TDs in 2018. He amassed 958 snaps without allowing a sack despite playing with an injury.

3. Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis
Already considered a generational-caliber guard despite a self-admitted lapse in technique late in the 2018 season. Nelson and linebacker Darius Leonard became the first pair of rookies from the same team to earn first-team All-Pro honors in more than five decades.

4. Brandon Scherff, Washington
The Commanders' postseason chances were shot when Scherff and his some of his deputies along the line went down with injuries. He should be playing at a blue-chip level again after returning from a torn pectoral muscle.

5. Kevin Zeitler, New York Giants
The NFL's first $12 million-a-year guard was traded after two seasons in Cleveland by GM John Dorsey, who needed to surrender a quality player to land coveted Giants defense end Olivier Vernon. Zeitler is an outstanding pass protector, which is critical with a quarterback of limited mobility like Eli Manning under center.

6. Marshal Yanda, Baltimore
Run-blocking ability was on display when the Ravens switched to a ground-based offense under rookie QB Lamar Jackson.

7. Joe Thuney, New England
Spearheaded the Patriots' successful effort to nullify the Rams' Aaron Donald in Super Bowl 53. The first player in NFL history to start three Super Bowls in his first three seasons.

8. Brandon Brooks, Philadelphia
Brooks' ultimate return from an Achilles injury will add some oomph to a running game bolstered by the offseason trade for Chicago’s Jordan Howard.

9. Rodger Saffold, Tennessee
Standout 2018 season led to a big contract ($22.5 million guaranteed) from the Titans. Saffold was key to the Rams boasting the only offense to finish in the NFL’s top five in rushing and passing yards.

10. Shaq Mason, New England
The Patriots, who are notoriously shy about paying offensive linemen, knew Mason's value when signing him to a five-year, $50 million extension during the 2018 preseason.

11. Kelechi Osemele, New York Jets
12. Trai Turner, Carolina
13. Andrew Norwell, Jacksonville
14. Andrus Peat, New Orleans
15. Ali Marpet, Tampa Bay
16. Ramon Foster, Pittsburgh
17. Gabe Jackson, Oakland
18. Ron Leary, Denver
19. Larry Warford, New Orleans
20. Frank Ragnow, Detroit

2019 Center Rankings
1. Jason Kelce, Philadelphia
The first Eagles player to receive consecutive first-team All-Pro nods since 1991-92.

2. Travis Frederick, Dallas
The NFL's top center the previous few seasons is expected to recover from Guillain-Barre syndrome to anchor the Cowboys' vaunted offensive line in 2019.

3. Alex Mack, Atlanta
The best player on a line that helped Atlanta finish fourth in passing (284.9 ypg) and eighth in total offense (389.1 ypg) in 2018.

4. Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh
Earned the seventh Pro Bowl of his nine-year NFL career. Has avoided injury the past three years after having two seasons (2013 and 2015) wiped out by leg ailments.

5. Rodney Hudson, Oakland
An outstanding pass blocker who was named a Pro Bowl alternate while playing every snap at center in 2018 despite dealing with knee and ankle problems.

6. Mike Pouncey, Los Angeles Chargers
Enjoyed a wildly successful first season with the Chargers. He's a big reason why Los Angeles averaged almost 20 more rushing yards per game (117.1) than the previous year.

7. Matt Paradis, Carolina
Suffered a lower leg injury that caused the Broncos to cool on re-signing him. There was no hesitation by the Panthers, who needed a strong replacement for Ryan Kalil.

8. Brandon Linder, Jacksonville
Nasty, no-nonsense blocker who was sorely missed after becoming one of four Jaguars starting offensive linemen to land on injured reserve in 2018.

9. Mitch Morse, Buffalo
The Bills wanted a top-tier center to help in the development of young quarterback Josh Allen. Morse fits the bill.

10. David Andrews, New England
Has earned gushing praise from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, particularly for being adept at recognizing defensive fronts and helping to set New England's pass protections.

11. Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis
12. Corey Linsley, Green Bay
13. Justin Britt, Seattle
14. Ryan Jensen, Tampa Bay
15. Pat Elflein, Minnesota
16. Weston Richburg, San Francisco
17. Matt Skura, Baltimore
18. Ben Jones, Tennessee
19. J.C. Tretter, Cleveland
20. Nick Martin, Houston

https://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfl-offensive-linemen-rankings

 

[ColoradoCowboy]

Sullivan is criminally disrespected. Definitely top 10.

 

[Aerolithe_Lion]

Eagles got 4 out of 5 on the list. Apparently they're not believers in our turnstyle left guard position.

This list is further proof that if La'el isn't making strides at his position in year... 5(?), then he's probably not going to. He was a good LG, make him move back.

 

[xwalker]

Eagles got 4 out of 5 on the list. Apparently they're not believers in our turnstyle left guard position.

This list is further proof that if La'el isn't making strides at his position in year... 5(?), then he's probably not going to. He was a good LG, make him move back.

Collins has played 4 years, 2 at RT.

He is not terrible at RT but he's not great either.

He has the physical ability to be great at OG but I'm not sure about the mental makeup.

I doubt if they have any plans to re-sign him after this season.

Williams at RT and Collins at LG would make more sense but I doubt the Cowboys want to do that yet.

They'll likely have CW practice some at OT but he'll likely start at LG unless McGovern is super awesome in training camp.

CW did get much better after he returned to the starting lineup later in the season and the playoffs.

CW showed good technique and awareness for a rookie but lacked strength/size (296 when drafted).

The Cowboys will find a decent solution at LG.

My concern is depth at OT. If Fleming has to start more than a couple of games at LT, then the team is in trouble.

 

[AbeBeta]

"Mental makeup."

My dog is freaking out.

Sad post.

 

[buybuydandavis]

They'll likely have CW practice some at OT but he'll likely start at LG unless McGovern is super awesome in training camp.

I don't think McGovern has to be super awesome, but serviceable and promising.

There are plenty of reasons in addition to his play to start McGovern:
McGovern is likely our starting LG from 2020-2022.
Williams can then spend the season at RT, where he will be from 2020-2022.
Let them both play and develop, and the entire oline be set and develop in place *for the next 3 years*. Continuity.
Trade Collins, save cap.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Collins has played 4 years, 2 at RT.
He is not terrible at RT but he's not great either.
He has the physical ability to be great at OG but I'm not sure about the mental makeup.

Collins looks the part of a LG and not a RT, but he plays better at RT. Collins has never shown the interior power needed at G, while he has enough agility and pop to be a decent RT.

Before our Oline coaching debacle in 2018, Collins had been making great progress at RT in 2017. There was noise about him making the jump to pro bowl contender in 2018. Alexander's change to the system set him back the most.

 

[gimmesix]

I don't think McGovern has to be super awesome, but serviceable and promising.

There are plenty of reasons in addition to his play to start McGovern:
McGovern is likely our starting LG from 2020-2022.
Williams can then spend the season at RT, where he will be from 2020-2022.
Let them both play and develop, and the entire oline be set and develop in place *for the next 3 years*. Continuity.
Trade Collins, save cap.

As we saw with Williams, making the transition to NFL starter is not easy. Williams did not need to be thrown in the starting lineup last year, and the same likely can be said for McGovern this year. Some players do, however, show that there are ready for it right off the bat. If McGovern does that, I'd have no problem moving Williams to right tackle.

 

[erod]

Lines are units now than players.

The Cowboys once put together the best line in NFL history with the following:

Undrafted DEFENSIVE lineman
Undrafted journeyman from from the USFL
Undersized 3rd round center
8th round pick
3rd round pick from an NAIA school

None are Hall of Famers.

Later they added a 2nd round pick from Sonoma State that became the greatest lineman in NFL history.

 

[xwalker]

Collins looks the part of a LG and not a RT, but he plays better at RT. Collins has never shown the interior power needed at G, while he has enough agility and pop to be a decent RT.

Before our Oline coaching debacle in 2018, Collins had been making great progress at RT in 2017. There was noise about him making the jump to pro bowl contender in 2018. Alexander's change to the system set him back the most.

Alexander Change: Agree

Collins Lacking Power: Strongly Disagree.

Collins Better at RT: Maybe. OG more challenging mentally.

 

[Ranching]

Post 1: Cowboys and Rams OL
Post 2: Top 20 OL per position rankings.

I'm interested in the rankings of the Rams OLinemen that played in 2018.

My opinion: Rams OL dominated Cowboys more with scheme than talent.

Rams 2018
LT Andrew Whitworth - 3rd OT
LG Rodger Saffold - 9th OG
OC John Sullivan - Not Rated
RG Austin Blythe - Not Rated
RT Rob Havenstein - Not Rated

Note: 2019 LG Rodger Saffold - Now with Titans.


Obviously we're all interesting in the Cowboys Rankings.

Cowboys 2019
LT Tyron Smith - 7th OT {de-rated due to injuries}
LG Connor Williams - Not Rated
OC Travis Frederick - 2nd OC
RG Zack Martin - 1st OG
RT La'el Collins - Not Rated

Mom of this matters unless you have equal coaching staffs, which we don't. Coaching matters.

 

[xwalker]

I don't think McGovern has to be super awesome, but serviceable and promising.

There are plenty of reasons in addition to his play to start McGovern:
McGovern is likely our starting LG from 2020-2022.
Williams can then spend the season at RT, where he will be from 2020-2022.
Let them both play and develop, and the entire oline be set and develop in place *for the next 3 years*. Continuity.
Trade Collins, save cap.

My statement is how the team is likely to handle the situation.

Personally, I would be OK with your suggestion, except I don't want to decrease the depth at OT.

They have multiple options at OG but are limited at OT.

I don't completely trust Fleming. He's good as a backup and spot starter but longer term he could be a disaster, especially at LT.

Maybe Fleming would be OK starting at RT but at LT he would soon become a liability.

Ideally, CW practices at both LT and RT. He does not really have the ideal measurable(s) for LT but he does have very quick feet.

Collins and Fleming are bigger and more powerful at this point than CW but they're not close to his foot quickness.

Team's don't tend to move players around or plan on trading away incumbent starters very often (Belichick might, but...).

I don't see Collins with 1 season remaining before free agency having significant trade value.

Also, the Cowboys would want to see CW at OT in real games before trading Collins.

Collins trade value might increase if he is performing really well during the season, but if he's performing well the Cowboy won't want to trade him.

 

[xwalker]

Mom of this matters unless you have equal coaching staffs, which we don't. Coaching matters.

I'm not comparing the Rams and Cowboy OL per se.

I really just wanted to review the individual talent of the Rams OL vs their performance a unit.

The Cowboys listing is just because we're Cowboys fans and their individual rankings are of interest.

I am concerned about Columbo as the OL coach. He obviously did better than Paul Alexander, however...
- Columbo played under Houck with the Cowboys but the best years for the Cowboys OLine were under Callahan.
- The Houck and Callahan OL schemes are significantly different. Houck was man-blocking. Callahan was zone and man blocking.
- When Callahan was with the Cowboys the scheme had many of the same elements as the Rams OL scheme in 2018.
- When Houck was the OL coach for many years, the scheme didn't really give the OL and advantage. It was all about individual talent and individual technique.

A huge part of the Rams scheme was the blocking of players other than OLinemen.
- The WRs/TEs were integral to their blocking scheme.
- The scheme put WRs in a position to succeed as blockers.
- WRs didn't have to really "hold" their blocks, they just needed to slow defenders down.
- Pardon the pun on "hold"...

Boise St. with Kellen Moore used some concepts in blocking that the Rams used in 2018.

Memphis (Tony Pollard's college team) used some of these concepts also.
- Moore reportedly really wanted Pollard in the draft.

 

[Techsass]

Mom of this matters unless you have equal coaching staffs, which we don't. Coaching matters.

It's OK. McVay will catch up with Garrett & Kellen eventually.

 

[jazzcat22]

Can't argue with those rankings. I am sure some will shift a few around. But seems about right.

 

[jazzcat22]

Eagles got 4 out of 5 on the list. Apparently they're not believers in our turnstyle left guard position.

This list is further proof that if La'el isn't making strides at his position in year... 5(?), then he's probably not going to. He was a good LG, make him move back.

I think Collins leaves via FA, which is why they drafted McGovern, or seems to be the reason. Planning ahead.

Right now I will give the Eagles the edge over Dallas as to OL strength, only because of the health of Tyron, and need to see if Williams actually improves, and if Frederick regains his form. If so, then I will say about equal, but give the edge to Dallas. Because I am a fan. .
I am sure you feel the same way about Philly.

It will be interesting this year again, of how each DL and front 7 does against each OL. Again I give the edge to Philly, as Dallas has too many unknowns still. On paper they look to be there, but need to see it on the field.
But I do give Jaylon, Lee, LVE at LB the edge of the Eagles group.

 

[Roadtrip635]

I'm not comparing the Rams and Cowboy OL per se.

I really just wanted to review the individual talent of the Rams OL vs their performance a unit.

The Cowboys listing is just because we're Cowboys fans and their individual rankings are of interest.

I am concerned about Columbo as the OL coach. He obviously did better than Paul Alexander, however...
- Columbo played under Houck with the Cowboys but the best years for the Cowboys OLine were under Callahan.
- The Houck and Callahan OL schemes are significantly different. Houck was man-blocking. Callahan was zone and man blocking.
- When Callahan was with the Cowboys the scheme had many of the same elements as the Rams OL scheme in 2018.
- When Houck was the OL coach for many years, the scheme didn't really give the OL and advantage. It was all about individual talent and individual technique.

A huge part of the Rams scheme was the blocking of players other than OLinemen.
- The WRs/TEs were integral to their blocking scheme.
- The scheme put WRs in a position to succeed as blockers.
- WRs didn't have to really "hold" their blocks, they just needed to slow defenders down.
- Pardon the pun on "hold"...

Boise St. with Kellen Moore used some concepts in blocking that the Rams used in 2018.

Memphis (Tony Pollard's college team) used some of these concepts also.
- Moore reportedly really wanted Pollard in the draft.

Another factor in the Rams favor last season, all 5 OL starters, started every regular and playoff game. They all know each other, comfortable with each other, communication along the OL is much smoother, that kind of consistency is a big benefit for a position group that has to function as a unit. They had very little change along the OL.

Contrast that with the Cowboys that had a new OL Coach teaching a different technique, 2 new starters, including a rookie, injuries that limited the effectiveness in some games/missed games to Tyron and Martin, signing a LG off the street mid-season and 4 inexperienced TE's that are a crucial element to our blocking schemes. That many changes are going to have an affect, communication isn't going to be as sharp or quite in sync especially when handling stunts, blitzes, chips etc. They haven't had the time to work together to learn each others tendencies and gel as a unit.

 

[xwalker]

Another factor in the Rams favor last season, all 5 OL starters, started every regular and playoff game. They all know each other, comfortable with each other, communication along the OL is much smoother, that kind of consistency is a big benefit for a position group that has to function as a unit. They had very little change along the OL.

Contrast that with the Cowboys that had a new OL Coach teaching a different technique, 2 new starters, including a rookie, injuries that limited the effectiveness in some games/missed games to Tyron and Martin, signing a LG off the street mid-season and 4 inexperienced TE's that are a crucial element to our blocking schemes. That many changes are going to have an affect, communication isn't going to be as sharp or quite in sync especially when handling stunts, blitzes, chips etc. They haven't had the time to work together to learn each others tendencies and gel as a unit.

Good post!

Yes, I had noticed that none of their 5 starting OL missed a start in 2018. That's amazing.

In fact, I had created a thread back in March that the Cowboys should offer the Rams trainer or training staff big money to come to the Cowboys.

 

[xwalker]

Another factor in the Rams favor last season, all 5 OL starters, started every regular and playoff game. They all know each other, comfortable with each other, communication along the OL is much smoother, that kind of consistency is a big benefit for a position group that has to function as a unit. They had very little change along the OL.

Contrast that with the Cowboys that had a new OL Coach teaching a different technique, 2 new starters, including a rookie, injuries that limited the effectiveness in some games/missed games to Tyron and Martin, signing a LG off the street mid-season and 4 inexperienced TE's that are a crucial element to our blocking schemes. That many changes are going to have an affect, communication isn't going to be as sharp or quite in sync especially when handling stunts, blitzes, chips etc. They haven't had the time to work together to learn each others tendencies and gel as a unit.