While the offensive line might not represent a direct draft day decision for your roster, few areas of knowledge can offer a competitive advantage in fantasy football like having a good grasp of the various units of trench soldiers around the league. Over the course of the next couple weeks, I'll break down every NFL team's' offensive lines into five tiers: the crème de la crème, the highly competent, the serviceable, the grim, and the bunk.
Think of the Highly Competents as the Trans Am of offensive lines; they may not be the highest performing vehicles on the market, but they are still pretty baddasss. These guys will not only do you know harm, but they'll provide some hidden gems and all but guarantee consistent numbers from the skill spots.
The Green Bay Packers: Come on guys, do you really believe that undrafted Ryan Grant is that good? You would be in good shape drafting Samkon Gado here if he was expected to start. The Packers offensive line is solid like the rock of Pantera. The main reason they are not in the Crème de le Crème is the guard spots are both up in the air, but the crux of the unit is solid with Chad Clifton (left tackle), Mark Tauscher (right tackle), and Scott Wells (center). The quick strike offense probably makes their low sack total seem better than it is, but this a really good pass blocking offense and a good run blocking offense.
2007 Sacks Allowed: 19
2007 Yards Per Carry: 4.1
Continue reading for the rest of the "Highly Competent" offensive lines.
The New Orleans Saints: It's hard to argue with a line that passed the most in the NFL, yet gave up the fewest sacks. Again, the quick strikes and dump off to the running backs bolster these numbers a bit, but this is a top producing offense. The loss of center, Jeff Faine, to Tampa Bay, drops them from the super elite. The rest of the unit returns unscathed, including trusty left tackle, Jamaal Brown (unless of course you count arrests and injuries in your reliability analyses), right tackle, John Sitcom, and guards Jamal Evans and Jeri Evans. After two solid years of playing as a unit, I'd be surprised if Jeri Evans and Jamaal Brown don't make the Pro Bowl. The rush yards per carry stat obviously looks shoddy, but do not forget that Deuce and Reggie suffered injuries in 2007.
2007 Sacks Allowed: 16
2007 Yards Per Carry: 3.7
The Arizona Cardinals: Coming into the second year under offensive line guru, Russ Grimm, Arizona's offensive line is now stronger and more experienced as a unit, so expect a marked improvement in 2008. Talent wise, the Cardinals are essentially a bunch of no-names, with the exception of perhaps second-year man, Levi Brown. The Cardinals looked solid in pass protection in 2008, but really struggled with the run. Should this offensive line performed better in run plays, the sky is the limit for Edgerrin James. Considering Arizona's improvement in 2007 combined with the fact that the entire unit returns unscathed. He will make a great #2 RB this season.
2007 Sacks Allowed: 24
2007 Yards Per Carry: 3.6
The San Francisco 49ers: Don't say we never take any risks around here. The 49ers allowed an utterly lousy 55 sacks in 2007, so to say they will improve is a pretty easy claim to make. The 49ers continue to build after the controversial trade for rookie Joe Staley in the 2007 draft, that ultimately led to New England's bargain basement pick up of Randy Moss from Oakland. Staley will move to the left tackle spot this allowing Jonas Jennings to go to the right tackle spot, where the 49ers expect he will be more consistent. The 49ers have a lot of young talent fighting for spots, which should prove a big factor with Larry Allen's spot (assuming he retires) open and David Baas uncertain with a torn pectoral. One key to watch is Staley's health. He has been struggling with a foot injury, but is expected to return to practice soon.
2007 Sacks Allowed: 55
2007 Yards Per Carry: 4.1
The Buffalo Bills: The entire offensive line returns as a unit in 2008. Jason Peters at left tackle is the rock and one of the best in the game. The stability and talent are the obvious pluses, but the pass blocking in 2007 was not very good (I know, it's Trent Edwards). The Bills paid heftily last season to shore up the line, acquiring Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker. The investment made dividends payments early as they cut the sack count by 21. Both the pass blocking and run blocking should continue to improve.
2007 Sacks Allowed: 26
2007 Yards Per Carry: 4.0
The Miami Dolphins: This represents some possible harebrained speculation, but I'm moving Miami from a clear "Bunk" program all the way up to "Highly Competent." Why so aggressive? Two words: Jake Long. He is capable of doing for the Dolphins exactly what Joe Thomas did for Cleveland in 2007. Long also allows Vernon Carey to move back to right tackle, his natural position. The remaining 3 starters are strong as well, guard Justin Smiley, center Samson Satele, and guard Shawn Murphy. This line will be a lot better than anybody really expects, so make some moves here. I wouldn't jump after Ronnie Brown, but he'll have a good year, if healthy. Ricky Williams is actually a really good add down in the 13th round or later.
2007 Sacks Allowed: 42
2007 Yards Per Carry: 4.0
The Tennessee Titans: The Titans offensive line went under the knife so-to-speak in the offseason and looks to pull a Henry Rowengardner-like recovery. Left Guard Jacob Bell went to the Rams and right guard Benji Olsen hung up his cleats. Jake Scott, a dependable upgrade, will fill in for Olsen. A talented young trio will compete for the open spot left in Bell's absence. Besides the new blood, the Titan's line is anchored by stalwart Michael Roos. Right tackle David Stewart is gritty and gets the job Kevin Mawae brings experience and leadership playing in his 15th year.
2007 Sacks Allowed: 30
2007 Yards Per Carry: 3.9
Click here to see the 2008 Creme de le Creme offensive lines.
