Football

Ranking the Best NFL Offensive Linemen 2022

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(AP Photo/John Amis)
Colton Pool @CPoolReporter Aug 18, 2022, 3:27 PM

Whether a team passes the ball 50 times or five times, an offensive line can sometimes be a difference in which team is favored in NFL betting lines.

Here’s a ranking of the best offensive linemen groups, which may help with things like NFL parlays.

2022 NFL Offensive Linemen Rankings

RankingsTeamGrade
1Chiefs97
2Chargers95
3Eagles93
4Buccaneers92
5Cowboys90
6Browns89
7Colts88
8Packers87
9Patriots85
10Lions83
11Commanders81
12Bengals79
13Ravens77
14Bills76
15Jaguars75
16Rams74
17Giants71
1849ers70
19Broncos69
20Vikings66
21Jets64
22Panthers62
23Raiders61
24Dolphins60
25Cardinals56
26Texans55
27Seahawks54
28Falcons50
29Saints48
30Steelers44
31Titans42
32Bears40

NFL Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers and Tight Ends | Defensive Linemen and Linebackers | Secondaries

Offensive Linemen Rankings, Team by Team

32. Chicago Bears (Grade: 40/100)

The Bears were 23rd in adjusted line yards and last in adjusted sack rate, measurements from Football Outsiders which examine run blocking and pass protection. None of their projected starters were better than 30th at their respective positions in Pro Football Focus’ grades among those who played 20% of the most snaps in the league.

31. Tennessee Titans (42/100)

The Titans were 16th in adjusted line yards and 26th in adjusted sack rate. They return three of the five linemen who started the most games last season. None of their projected starting guards or tackles were in the top 20 of PFF’s grades, though Ben Jones was eighth among centers.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers (44/100)

The Steelers were 28th in adjusted line yards and 11th in adjusted sack rate last season. The Steelers return three primary starters and lost Trai Turner, who was their highest-graded offensive linemen by PFF who played at least 10 games. 

They did add center Mason Cole and guard James Daniels, who both ranked in the top 20 in their respective positions in PFF’s grades.

29. New Orleans Saints (48/100)

The Saints were 27th in adjusted line yards and 23rd in adjusted sack rate last season. The five offensive linemen who started the most games for them are back. While they lost Terron Armstead, they drafted tackle Trevor Penning in the first round.

28. Atlanta Falcons (50/100)

Each of the Falcons’ primary starters are back with the team. They were 20th in adjusted line yards and adjusted sack rate in 2021 but didn’t make any substantial improvements.

27. Seattle Seahawks (54/100)

Four of the Seahawks’ projected starters return from last year after they were 14th in adjusted line yards and 25th in adjusted sack rate. None of them were above average in PFF’s grades.

They drafted Charles Cross ninth overall, but it may take him a while to become accustomed to the pro game, especially at left tackle.

26. Houston Texans (55/100)

Laremy Tunsil was a Pro Bowler and top-five in PFF’s grades in 2019 and 2020 before a thumb injury limited him to five games last year. However, the rest of the line is problematic. For example, Tytus Howard was tied for PFF’s 76th highest-rated guard last season and is projected to start at right tackle.

The Texans have tried to fix their O-line woes by adding Justin Britt and AJ Cann, as well as drafting Kenyon Green. Britt was graded PFF’s 23rd-best center. Cann played just four games in 2021 but was tied for PFF’s 19th-highest graded guard in 2020. 

25. Arizona Cardinals (56/100)

Last season, the Cardinals were 26th in adjusted line yards and 15th in adjusted sack rate. PFF graded their run blocking 31st and their pass blocking 18th.

The Cardinals also return four players who started at least 12 games up front, none of which were younger than 28. While DJ Humphries made the Pro Bowl last year, he was graded 49th by PFF.

Neither center Rodney Hudson or guard Justin Pugh ranked higher than 32nd in PFF’s grades at their position. Projected starting guard Will Hernandez and tackle Kelvin Beachum weren’t higher than 60th at their respective positions.

24. Miami Dolphins (60/100)

After ending up 30th in adjusted line yards and 19th in adjusted sack rate, the Dolphins return three of their primary starters. 

But they did pick up Terron Armstead, who was PFF’s 27th-highest tackle in 2021 after playing eight games. Connor Williams, the 10th-best guard for the Cowboys last season, is projected as the Dolphins’ center.

23. Las Vegas Raiders (61/100)

All five of the Raiders’ primary starters are back, including Kolton Miller, who was the fifth-best tackle in PFF’s grades. While they were 17th in adjusted line yards and 18th in adjusted sack rate, PFF graded their run blocking 29th and pass blocking 22nd.

22. Carolina Panthers (62/100)

The Panthers return two starters from an offensive line, which was subpar in a few ways. 

But they drafted Ikem Ekwonu sixth overall and added center Bradley Bozeman and guard Austin Corbett. Bozeman was 11th in PFF’s grades at center for the Ravens, and Corbett was 22nd at his position. Time will tell how well these new faces will jell.

21. New York Jets (64/100)

The Jets could outperform their 2021 season for a few reasons. First, they were 22nd in adjusted line yards and 28th in adjusted sack rate.

The Jets added Laken Tomlinson, who tied for 13th among PFF’s grades at guard. Mekhi Becton, a former first-round pick, could also be back after playing just one game in 2021.

George Fant was 41st in PFF’s grades at tackle. Alijah Vera-Tucker was graded in a tie for 40th among guards. Connor McGovern was ninth at his position in PFF’s grades.

20. Minnesota Vikings (66/100)

Four of the Vikings’ offensive linemen who started the most games last season are back. Among them, Christian Darrisaw showed promise in his rookie season after being drafted in the first round.

They were solid in pass protection (third in adjusted sack rate and seventh in PFF’s pass-blocking grades). However, their run blocking was below average (24th in adjusted line yards and 16th in PFF’s grades).

19. Denver Broncos (69/100)

Overall, the Broncos’ offensive line was mediocre last season. They were 18th in adjusted line yards and 21st in adjusted sack rate, and they return four of five who started Day 1 up front.

Garett Bolles was rated as the 40th-best offensive lineman by PFF, the highest among any Bronco. He was 25th among tackles.

Billy Turner is in line to replace Bobby Massie at right tackle. He was 53rd among tackles last year for Green Bay, but his familiarity with the coaching staff should boost the group overall.

18. San Francisco 49ers (70/100)

While the 49ers were among the top half of offensive lines in a few ways last season, they lost some crucial players. Alex Mack and Laken Tomlinson, who both started all 17 regular season games, are gone.

However, Trent Williams, the No. 1-rated tackle by PFF, and Mike McGlinchey return. They are capable of providing their team a boost on the edge.

17. New York Giants (71/100)

The Giants are making great strides with their offensive line. 

It started with drafting Andrew Thomas, who showed impressive strides in his second year and was 12th in PFF’s pass blocking grades last year. The Giants also drafted Evan Neal in the first round, giving them young, promising talents on either side of the line.

16. Los Angeles Rams (74/100)

The Rams lost Andrew Whitworth, arguably the best tackle in the NFL. But they still have a competent group up front which was sixth in adjusted line yards and seventh in adjusted sack rate last season.

The Rams return three who started at least 15 games. That includes David Edwards, the 29th-best guard by PFF, Brian Allen, the 10th-best center, and Rob Havenstein, tied for the 21st-best tackle. The Rams have also been high on tackle Joe Noteboom.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (75/100)

The Jaguars were undoubtedly solid up front, finishing 10th in adjusted sack rate and 13th in adjusted line yards. They return three primary starters from that unit.

Jacksonville also added Brandon Scherff, who tied for 13th among guards in PFF’s grades with Washington. The Jaguars drafted Luke Fortner in the third round and is projected as their starting center.

14. Buffalo Bills (76/100)

The Bills face massive expectations this season, and they trust their O-line to rise to the challenge. They were second in adjusted sack rate and 12th in adjusted line yards last season.

They return four players who started at least 10 games up front. Dion Dawkins was 17th among tackles in PFF’s grades last season.

13. Baltimore Ravens (77/100)

The Ravens weren’t even an above-average offensive line last year, but they dealt with key injuries. Ronnie Stanley is expected back at left tackle, and he’s one of the best at his position when healthy.

Guard Kevin Zeitler was 11th in PFF’s grades among guards. And while Bradley Bozeman is gone, the Ravens drafted Tyler Linderbaum in the first round of this year’s draft.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (79/100)

The Bengals made considerable upgrades up front during the offseason and may deserve to be even higher on this list depending on how well the new players mesh.

La’el Collins, PFF’s 15th-highest rated tackle, and Alex Cappa, the 19th-highest rated guard, are new to the team and have shown potential. They also drafted Jackson Carman, a projected starting guard.

11. Washington Commanders (81/100)

While Washington wasn’t high by some metrics, like 19th in adjusted line yards and 24th in adjusted sack rate, the team was graded fourth in pass blocking and sixth in run blocking by PFF.

The Commanders return four players who started at least five games, including Charles Leno Jr., the 12th-highest graded tackle in the NFL last year via PFF. Washington lost guards Ereck Flowers and Brandon Scherff but added Andrew Norwell (13th).

10. Detroit Lions (83/100)

The Lions have made drastic steps in this department in recent years. They were 21st in adjusted line yards and 12th in adjusted sack rate last year, but their unit should continue to coalesce in 2022.

Taylor Decker was sixth in PFF’s pass-blocking grades for tackles, and they expect Penei Sewell, the seventh overall pick last year, to continue to develop at right tackle.

9. New England Patriots (85/100)

The Patriots were ninth in adjusted line yards and eighth in adjusted sack rate. They tied for the third-fewest sacks allowed at 28.

David Andrews was rated the fifth-best center by PFF. Michael Onwenu was PFF’s third-best guard. 

The Patriots did lose Shaq Mason, graded the fourth-best guard, but they took Cole Strange in the first round.

8. Green Bay Packers (87/100)

This ranking greatly hinges on the health of the group. Last season, they were third in adjusted line yards and sixth in adjusted sack rate.

David Bakhtiari, a former All-Pro left tackle, played just one game last season following an ACL tear in 2020. He was put on the physically unable to perform list in July.

While the Packers lost tackle Billy Turner in free agency, they still return left guard Jon Runyan, center Josh Myers, right guard Royce Newman and right tackle Elgton Jenkins who all started at least six games each.

7. Indianapolis Colts (88/100)

The Colts were strong up front and should be again. They were seventh in adjusted line yards and 13th in adjusted sack rate in 2021.

Guard Quenton Nelson, center Ryan Kelly and tackle Braden Smith all started at least 11 games for the Colts. And while they lost Eric Fisher, Matt Pryor was 26th in PFF’s grades among tackles. They also drafted Bernhard Raimann in the third round.

6. Cleveland Browns (89/100)

The Browns were better with their run blocking, finishing first in adjusted line yards and fourth in PFF’s grades. Meanwhile, they were 11th by PFF in pass blocking and 30th in adjusted sack rate.

Guard Joel Bitonio was the best at his position, via PFF’s grades, while fellow guard Wyatt Teller was fifth. The Browns lost JC Tretter, among the best centers in the NFL, but they’re hopeful Nick Harris can step up.

5. Dallas Cowboys (90/100)

Offensive line will be an area of strength for the Cowboys yet again. Last year, they were second in adjusted line yards and ninth in adjusted sack rate.

Two stalwarts, tackle Tyron Smith and guard Zack Martin, were second at their respective positions in PFF’s grades. They also hope to boost the group with first-round pick Tyler Smith.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (92/100)

The Bucs’ makeup up front has changed, but they still are talented. Last year, they were fifth in adjusted line yards and first in adjusted sack rate with a league-low 23 sacks allowed.

Tristan Wirfs (sixth by PFF) and Donovan Smith (14th) are back at tackle. However, the status of Ryan Jensen, a Pro Bowler, is unclear. Alex Cappa and Ali Marpet are both gone, but the Bucs helped address it by trading for Shaq Mason.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (93/100)

The Eagles’ best O-linemen have been staples in the league for years. Center Jason Kelce and tackle Lane Johnson were third and 10th in PFF’s grades at their positions last year. Meanwhile, Jordan Mailata was best on the team as he was sixth among all linemen and third among tackles.

Philadelphia was fourth in adjusted line yards and 16th in adjusted sack rate.

2. Los Angeles Chargers (95/100)

The Chargers were fifth in adjusted sack rate and 10th in adjusted line yards in 2021. They tied for the sixth-fewest sacks allowed (31).

Corey Linsley and Rashawn Slater are two anchors for the unit. Linsley was graded second by PFF among centers. Slater, as a rookie, was graded eighth by PFF. The Chargers also added Zion Johnson in the first round of this year’s draft.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (97/100)

The Chiefs were top 10 by several measurements. That includes PFF’s grades for run blocking (tied for second) and pass blocking (sixth) as well as adjusted sack rate (fourth) and adjusted line yards (eighth).

Center Creed Humphrey (first), guard Joe Thuney (eighth) and tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (29th) were all among the top linemen in PFF’s grades at their positions.

Individual Offensive Line Rankings

RankingsPlayerTeam
1Trent Williams49ers
2Tyron SmithCowboys
3Quenton NelsonColts
4Tristan WirfsBuccaneers
5Zack MartinCowboys
6Laremy TunsilTexans
7Joel BitonioBrowns
8Jason KelceEagles
9Rashawn SlaterChargers
10Corey LinsleyChargers
11Shaq MasonBuccaneers
12Creed HumphreyChiefs
13Jordan MailataEagles
14Kolton MillerRaiders
15Wyatt TellerBrowns
16Lane JohnsonEagles
17Joe ThuneyChiefs
18Andrew ThomasGiants
19David BakhtiariPackers
20Charles Leno Jr.Commanders

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About the Author

Colton Pool

Read More @CPoolReporter

Colton Pool is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM living in Bozeman, Montana, focusing on the NFL and NBA. Previously, he covered Montana State football at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and worked at newspapers in his home state of North Dakota. He graduated from North Dakota State in 2015.

Colton Pool is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM living in Bozeman, Montana, focusing on the NFL and NBA. Previously, he covered Montana State football at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and worked at newspapers in his home state of North Dakota. He graduated from North Dakota State in 2015.