Fantasy Football Offensive Line Rankings: OL Sleepers and Busts Analysis (2025)

Matt Donnelly ranks every fantasy football offensive line for the 2025 season. His top NFL OLs for quarterback and running backs, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, more.

More often than not, the play of the offensive line is a forgotten art form in fantasy football. A bad offensive line can make or break a fantasy asset, whether it’s a quarterback not having time to throw or a running back who is often met behind the line of scrimmage. There is a very good reason why smart quarterbacks buy their insurance policies with lavish gifts.

Ranking an offensive line is difficult. Many factors come into play. Continuity is always important, as the more a line can avoid injuries and stay together, the more chemistry a unit can develop. When a good line is established, it plays a significant factor in pass-blocking and run-blocking win rates, as pressures and sacks decrease, and the total offense improves.

With that said, here are all 32 teams ranked from best to worst as we head into training camp and the 2025 NFL season.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
• Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Tier 5- Have the Backup Quarterback on Speed Dial

32. Cincinnati Bengals 

Projected Starters: LT Orlando Brown Jr., LG Dylan Fairchild, C Ted Karras, RG Lucas Patrick, RT Amarius Mims

Cincinnati's 2024 offensive line was one of the worst, and the team did very little to address that issue heading into 2025. 

Amarius Mims stepped in last season after Trent Brown suffered a knee injury in Week 3. He, Orlando Brown, and Ted Karras return to the Bengals' starting lineup. Brown is returning after suffering a fractured fibula that limited him to just 11 games; however, in those 11 contests, Brown was less than spectacular, earning a PFF grade of 58.2 (92nd of 140), only slightly better than Mims's mark of 57.8.

New to the Bengals trenches this season is rookie Dylan Fairchild, who will partake in a camp battle for the right guard spot vacated by Alex Cappa with Cordell Volson and Lucas Patrick, who logged 562 snaps last season with the Saints.

PFF final end-of-season offensive line ranks for the Bengals:

2024: 30th
2023: 26th
2022: 28th
2021: 20th
2020: 30th

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) May 30, 2025

Cincinnati was in the bottom three in both pass-blocking and run-blocking win rates last season, and nothing they did here changed that.

31. Houston Texans 

Projected Starters: LT Cam Robinson, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Jake Andrews, RG Tytus Howard, RT Blake Fisher

Unlike the Giants, the Texans recognized they were struggling up front and rebuilt their entire line. The more things changed, the more they remained the same in Houston.

Usually, when your team surrenders 65 sacks, a 10.7% sack rate, and a pressure rate of 35.2% (fifth-worst), it's in a team's best interest to remove bad players from the equation and retain the good ones. However, Houston had other ideas as they dealt both Kenyon Green and All-Pro Laremy Tunsil in the offseason.

Houston added Cam Robinson, Trent Brown, and Laken Tomlinson. They drafted Aireontae Ersery back in April, who, at some point, will start. 

With all the personal changes, somehow Tytus Howard remains. Howard is kicking back inside this season after allowing 35 pressures and four sacks of 655 pass-blocking snaps.

30. New York Giants 

Projected Starters: LT Andrew Thomas, LG Jon Runyan, C John Michael Schmitz, RG Greg Van Roten, RT Jermaine Eluemunor

The New York Giants' success remains on the shoulders of Andrew Thomas, who missed 11 contests last season due to a foot injury and has played fewer than 1,000 snaps over the previous two seasons. Without Thomas coordinating the efforts along the trenches, this was a bad-looking group of little giants.

Without Thomas for much of the season, New York surrendered a pressure rate of 38.4%, the fourth worst, yielding 48 sacks. Remember, this line was foul last season, and they are bringing the band back together as Jon Runyan, John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten, and Jermaine Eluemunor are all set to return. Typically, continuity is key, but bad is bad, and something had to change. It did not.

One camp battle to watch is the one at right guard, where Van Roten is currently assigned the starter role. Van Roten could see a push from Evan Neal, who has been a bust early on in his career, as Neal transitions from tackle to guard to rejuvenate his career.

29. Seattle Seahawks 

Projected Starters: LT Charles Cross, LG Grey Zabel, C Olu Oluwatimi, RG Christian Haynes, RT Abraham Lucas

Good luck, Sam Darnold, in keeping those ghosts at bay. Last season, Seattle allowed the sixth-most sacks (54) and registered a sack rate og 8.3% and a pressure rate of 39.4%. Even Charles Cross, who graded out with an 82.5 overall grade and an 81.3 pass-blocking grade, surrendered 47 pressures and allowed six sacks on 724 pass-blocking snaps.

The answer to Seattle's pass-blocking woes was to select FCS standout Grey Zabel, who slots next to Cross on the left side. While Zabel proved his worth at the Senior Bowl, the quality of competition will remain a concern for him until he demonstrates his capabilities at the professional level.

Much has changed in Seattle, from the quarterback to the wide receiver room, to the offensive coordinator, and to the line coach. Seattle is a powder keg of instability.

28. Miami Dolphins

Projected Starters: LT Patrick Paul, LG James Daniels, C Aaron Brewer, RG Jonah Savaiinaea, RT Austin Jackson

A team with a quarterback with a history of severe head injuries would invest some money in protecting him. In games without Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins have posted a 7-13 record, averaging just 13.3 points per game. With a healthy Tagovailoa under center, Miami averages 26.2 points per game and has a record of 40-24.

A couple of seasons ago, they parted ways with Tunsil. Terron Armstead announced his retirement this past offseason, paving the way for Patrick Paul, whose 44.9 overall PFF grade ranked 126th out of 140 tackles. Protecting Tagovailoa's blindside will again be Austin Jackson, who surrendered 15 pressures and three sacks in 312 passing snaps.

On the inside, the Dolphins cleaned house, drafting Jonah Savaiinaea and adding Aaron Brewer and James Daniels via free agency. Miami's additions inside are expected to be an upgrade; however, it is yet to be seen if they can work together as a cohesive unit.

Tier 4 - Average at Best

27. Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Starters: LT Broderick Jones, LG Isaac Seumalo, C Zach Frazier, RG Mason McCormick, RT Troy Fautanu

Aaron Rodgers will have to babysit this season with an offensive line that averages 25.4 years of age. I can't see how this could end badly. Pittsburgh's offensive line has the potential to be one of the best in a couple of years; they just aren't there yet. 

The bottom line is that Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, and Zach Frazier are entering their sophomore seasons, while Broderick Jones is entering season number three. Technically, Fautanu only has one career start under his belt after his season ended after just one game, so he's essentially a rookie.

26. New England Patriots

Projected Starters: LT Will Campbell, LG Cole Strange, C Garrett Bradbury, RG Mike Onwenu, RT Morgan Moses

Another group of linemen that has sneaky potential in 2025 that could certainly exceed low expectations is this group from New England. 

New England has three new additions heading into training camp. They spent some of that free agency money on Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury, both of whom underperformed in 2024. At 34 and 30 years of age, both additions are past their prime but will be counted on to keep Drake Maye clean.

New England entered the offseason knowing the need to protect Maye. In addition to the free agent additions, the Patriots used the fourth overall selection on Will Campbell out of LSU, who will step in as the Day 1 starter at left tackle. Campbell was one of the safest picks from April's draft and has proven his worth in the run and passing game in college.

25. Tennessee Titans

Projected Starters: LT Dan Moore Jr., LG Pete Skoronski, C Lloyd Cushenberry, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT JC Latham

Tennessee should be a much-improved unit heading into 2025, but that doesn't necessarily mean it'll be good. Whether it was Will Levis or Mason Rudolph, Titans quarterbacks were sacked on 52 occasions in 2024, the sixth-most. 

Tennessee has learned that Levi wasn't their quarterback of the future, and with the first overall selection, they tagged Cam Ward as their franchise signal caller. To protect their investment, Titans brass spent some money bringing Dan Moore Jr. over from Pittsburgh and Kevin Zeitler from Detroit. Zeitler's presence, more so than Moore's, legitimizes this Titans group coming off an 86.5 overall grade, the fifth-best among guards in 2024.

Moore and Zeitler will also be tasked with providing mentorship for the 22-year-old JC Latham and the 23-year-old Peter Skoronski, in whom the Titans had previously invested first-round draft capital.

24. Las Vegas Raiders

Projected Starters: LT Kolton Miller, LG Dylan Parham, C Jackson Powers-Johnson, RG Alex Cappa, RT DJ Glaze

2025 brings new hope, as Geno Smith, Ashton Jeanty, and ageless wonder Pete Carroll look to breathe new life into an offense that had grown stagnant. The talent upgrade at those key positions should drastically improve things up front and for the offense.

As for the offensive line, Las Vegas is shuffling the deck, but they are returning four players up front. Kolton Miller returns to left tackle, where he posted an excellent 82.2 PFF pass-blocking grade, which Smith will certainly appreciate. Dylan Parham moves from right guard to left guard to make room for Alex Cappa, while Jackson Powers-Johnson moves from left guard to center, and DJ Glaze, who replaced Thayer Monford, is back at right tackle. 

Cappa is key to the Raiders' success or lack thereof. Cappa struggled in Cincinnati the past couple of seasons, but that is the case with many of the Bengals' additions on the line. A return to Pro Bowl form for Cappa could lead to a team exceeding all expectations.

23. New Orleans Saints

Projected Starters: LT Kelvin Banks Jr., LG Trevor Penning, C Erik McCoy, RG Cesar Ruiz, RT Taliese Fuaga

If not for the constant barrage of injuries last season, the Saints' offensive line group would have entered 2025 with some level of continuity. Still, as they head into training camp, this unit is right where they were last offseason and has some maturing to do together.

Due to the injuries, it’s challenging to gauge the Saints' true standing on this list. Even with an injury-depleted front, the Saints ranked 22nd in pressure rate (36.2); however, they were also 29th in Pass Block Win Rate.

There is talent to work with with a pair of young tackles in Taliese Fuaga, who moves from left to right tackle with the retirement of Ryan Ramczyk, and 2025 first-round selection Kelvin Banks Jr., who assumes the left tackle spot. Dating back to his time at Texas, Banks had allowed just three pressures and a pair of sacks over his last 1,043 pass-blocking snaps.

Inside, Erik McCoy earned PFF’s top grade among centers, scoring a 94.4 overall grade on the strength of a 94.6, also the best mark, for his run blocking. New Orleans hopes that a healthy Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning, who kicks inside, can anchor the Saints' interior.

Alvin Kamara rushes over 10+ yards last season pic.twitter.com/DkvCJAYdE9

— Saints Tape (@SaintsTape) July 16, 2025

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Starters: LT Walker Little, LG Ezra Cleveland, C Robert Hainsey, RG Patrick Mekari, RT Anton Harrison

Based on PFF's grades from 2024, Anton Harrison was the highest graded offensive lineman on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster with a 64.2 PFF grade. Harrison's grade ranks him as the 58th-best tackle of 140 qualifying tackles after allowing four sacks on 582 passing snaps. 

After Harrison, Jacksonville only has two other linemen who played for the team last season: Ezra Cleveland and Walker Little, who took over at left tackle after Cam Robinson was traded to Minnesota. Mitch Morse (retired) and Brandon Scherff (free agent) have been replaced along the interior with Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari. 

Let's see if new Jaguars Head Coach, Liam Coen, can help the Jaguars with play calling in an effort to keep Trevor Lawrence clean. This unit is currently projected to be average at best, with limited upside.

21. Cleveland Browns

Projected Starters: LT Dawand Jones, LG Joel Bitonio, C Ethan Pocic, RG Wyatt Teller, RT Jack Conklin

Cleveland can move up these rankings as we get closer to training camp. After more than 10 seasons, Jack Conklin and Joel Bitonio still have a little left in the tank, but their production shows signs of regression. Wyatt Teller enters his eighth season. He played 885 snaps last season and ranked in the middle of the pack as both a run and pass blocker.

For Cleveland to surpass expectations, the veterans need to find the fountain of youth and regain some of that vigour from yesteryear, while Dawand Jones needs to prove that he can be an NFL-calibre left tackle. After a season that graded Jones as the 123rd best tackle of 140, Cleveland added some insurance in the form of Cornelius Lucas, who could take the left tackle job away from Jones during training camp.

20. Dallas Cowboys

Projected Starters: LT Tyler Guyton, LG Tyler Smith, C Cooper Beebe, RG Tyler Booker, RT Terrence Steele

The biggest news along the trenches in Dallas, outside anything Micah Parsons-related, is the retirement of All-Pro guard Zack Martin. Replacing a future Hall of Famer is never easy, yet Dallas found themselves a real gem in Alabama's Tyler Booker. Booker was arguably the top interior lineman available in April's draft, and he addresses a significant need for the Cowboys.

Booker joins another Tyler along the Cowboys' interior in Tyler Smith, whose pass blocking grade of 76.0 was 14th, and run blocking grade finished 21st among 136 qualified guards. In Booker and Smith, the Cowboys have one of the better interiors moving forward.

The same can not be said on the outside, where Tyler Guyton and Terrence Steele patrol. Guyon specifically will need to take a major step forward in his second season after posting a 49.4 PFF grade as a rookie, allowing 26 pressures and six quarterback sacks on 439 pass blocking snaps.

19. Carolina Panthers

Projected Starters: LT Ikem Ekwonu, LG Damien Lewis, C Austin Corbett, RG Robert Hunt, RT Taylor Moton

Carolina tied the San Francisco 49ers for the 11th-fewest sacks surrendered in 2024, allowing just 36 on the season. One of the main reasons for the Panthers' and their offensive line's success last year was their run block win rate, which was the 10th best in the league; Chuba Hubbard's performance certainly helped out some of that.

Carolina is returning all five offensive line starters, including Pro Bowl guard Robert Hunt. Hunt, Damien Lewis, and the rest of the Panthers' line's exceptional run blocking propelled the team to a top-10 finish in yards per carry.

Carolina would be ranked much higher on this list if its kryptonite weren't its pass block win rate, which finished as the third-worst in the NFL. 

For that to happen, the 24-year-old Ikem Ekwonu must post a better grade as a pass blocker. Ekwonu was 38th last season among tackles overall, but his run game and pass blocking grades were opposites. Ekwonu posted a run-blocking grade of 80.5, the 11th best in the run game. Meanwhile, his pass-blocking grade was 66.2, which ranked him 65th.

Tier 3 - Not Quite There, But Not Far Off

18. Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Starters: LT Josh Simmons, LG Kingsley Suamataia, C Creed Humphrey, RG Trey Smith, RT Jawaan Taylor

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of those preseason mid-tier units that could surprise many and challenge for the crown as the best offensive line in the NFL.

However, that all comes down to the rookie, Josh Simmons, who slid down draft boards due to injury concerns. Simmons suffered a torn patellar tendon last October, and it appears that the injury is in the rear-view mirror as Simmons has already been taking first-team reps at left tackle. Simmons's addition means the subtraction of Wanya Morris, who graded out at 106th of 140 tackles, and relegating Morris and his 11 called penalties to the bench.

Kansas City's most significant loss comes at left guard, as they traded Joe Thuney to the Bears in the offseason, hoping that 22-year-old Kingsley Suamataia can transition from left tackle to left guard. Going in the Chiefs' favour is that the interior of that line is already locked down with Pro Bowlers Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.

On July 15th, the Chiefs recognized Smith as one of the best at the position, finalizing a monster four-year $94 million deal, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

17. San Francisco 49ers

Projected Starters: LT Trent Williams, LG Ben Bartch, C Jake Brendel, RG Dominick Puni, RT Colton McKivitz

While Trent Williams isn't getting any younger, his presence at left tackle allows the 49ers to remain considered an above-average unit. We saw what this line looked like without Williams after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury, and it's in Brock Purdy's best interest if they can avoid that moving forward.

One bright spot inside the trenches was rookie lineman Dominick Puni's performance. His overall grade of 80.5 was the 11th best among guards, and his Run Blocking Grade of 81.5 was the ninth highest. At the other guard position, we have Ben Bartch as the projected starter and a real wildcard after the 27-year-old played just 65 total snaps a season ago.

16. New York Jets

Projected Starters: LT Olu Fashanu, LG John Simpson, C Joe Tippmann, RG Alijah Vera-Tucker, RT Armand Membou

One of the toughest teams to get a bead on this offseason is the New York Jets. The offensive line has a range of outcomes, from being a potential top-10 unit to finishing in the bottom 10.

It all comes down to the play at tackle, where Olu Fashanu and rookie Armand Membou take over for Morgan Moses and Tyron Smith. The youth movement isn’t unwarranted, as both bookends have Pro Bowl potential.

Membou and Fashanu join the likes of John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, who have established themselves among the top guards in the NFL and, along with Joe Tippmann, form arguably the best interior in the league. With an average age of 24, New York’s line looks to be in good shape for years to come.

15. Green Bay Packers

Projected Starters: LT Rasheed Walker, LG Aaron Banks, C Elgton Jenkins, RG Sean Rhyan, RT Zach Tom

On July 22nd, the Green Bay Packers made a long-term investment in their offensive line, inking Zach Tom to a new four-year, $88 million extension, with a substantial $30.2 million signing bonus. Tom ranked 12th in pass blocking, 3rd in run blocking, and 4th out of 140 tackles, earning an overall grade of 87.5.

Zach Tom allowed 0 pressures in six of his 17 games last season 🏰

Only four full-time tackles had more such games (Lane Johnson, Spencer Brown, Laremy Tunsil, Garett Bolles) https://t.co/aBtd9fqtVG pic.twitter.com/3wksr5QfQg

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) July 21, 2025

Tom, along with Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, and Rasheed Walker, all return to anchor the Packers' offensive line. The only new addition is Aaron Banks, who spent the 2024 season in San Francisco. 

A couple of camp battles to keep a close eye on are the one at right guard, where Rhyan will look to hold off Jordan Morgan, who saw 186 snaps last season, as a rookie, and at left tackle, as Anthony Belton could push Walker throughout camp and early into the start of the season.

14. Atlanta Falcons

Projected Starters: LT Jake Matthews, LG Matthew Bergeron, C Ryan Neuzil, RG Chris Lindstrom, RT Kaleb McGary

With the Falcons opting for Michael Penix Jr. over Kirk Cousins, the emphasis on solid offensive performance in 2025 will be a weekly talking point for Atlanta's coaching staff.

Atlanta's line was good last season, allowing just 32 sacks (seventh-fewest) thanks to the play of Jake Matthews (15th of 81), Kaleb McGary (29th of 81), Chris Lindstrom (1st of 77), and Matthew Bergeron (19th of 77), all of whom graded inside the top 30 at their position.

Dwayne Ledford is tasked with maximizing the unit's potential and also serves as the run game coordinator. One of his major responsibilities will be finding a way to replace Drew Dalman at center with Ryan Neuzil, the most likely candidate.

13. Washington Commanders

Projected Starters: LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Brandon Coleman, C Tyler Biadasz, RG Sam Cosmi, RT Josh Conerly Jr.

One of the most significant additions this offseason was the Commanders' acquisition of Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. Despite what some consider a down year, Tunsil's 88.6 Pass Blocking Grade was the fourth-highest among tackles, allowing just a pair of sacks on 649 passing snaps. While the Houston line was bled for 54 sacks against, Tunsil was not to blame.

Laremy Tunsil had seven games where he did not allow a single pressure last season 🏰

Only Lane Johnson had more such games among full-time starters (8) https://t.co/qwLWVtD6Wr pic.twitter.com/JIGiRB8WR8

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) July 9, 2025

At the other tackle spot, the Commanders used their first-round pick to address the vacancy left by Morgan Moses in the selection of Josh Conerly Jr. During Conerly's time at Oregon, he allowed just a pair of sacks, impressive considering the amount of reps he saw against first overall pick Abdul Carter.

Washington faces some concerns regarding the guard positions. The expectation is that Brandon Coleman and Sam Cosmi will be the starters inside, with Coleman transitioning from tackle to guard and Cosmi coming off a torn ACL in the playoffs. Until Cosmi returns to active duty, it'll be up to another transitioning tackle, Andrew Wylie, to anchor the right guard position.

Tier 2- Offensive Lines That Could Challenge for the Crown

12. Los Angeles Rams

Projected Starters: LT Alaric Jackson, LG Steve Avila, C Coleman Shelton, RG Kevin Dotson, RT Rob Havenstein

Since 2023, Kyren Williams' 26 rushing touchdowns trail only Jalen Hurts, Derrick Henry, and Josh Allen, largely thanks to the maulers up front that include Alaric Jackson, Rob Havenstein, and Kevin Dotson. Not only have the Rams proven to be among the elite in the run-blocking game, but the 31 sacks allowed in 2025 (sixth-fewest) have painted a picture of one of the most complete offensive lines over the past two seasons.

Not only have the Rams proven to be productive, but they have also been resilient, surviving an onslaught of injuries early on during the 2024 campaign. Steve Avila was limited to 10 contests while Dotson was hampered by a foot injury much of the season. Between the injuries to both guards, there may be questions about whether the interior can withstand the rigours of a 17-game season.

One of the great equalizers with a questionable interior is a veteran quarterback who may help cover some of the warts. In 2024, Matthew Stafford was next level with a 105.2 passer rating against the blitz.

11. Arizona Cardinals

Projected Starters: LT Paris Johnson, LG Evan Brown, C Hjalte Froholdt, RG Isaiah Adams, RT Jonah Williams

One of the biggest shocks in 2024 was the standout play of the Arizona Cardinals' offensive line. Arizona allowed the fourth-lowest pressure rate and surrendered just 30 sacks during the 2024 campaign, the fifth-fewest. Arizona's offense also averaged a respectable 23.5 (12th) points per game and 358.2 (11th) total yards of offense per game.

Arizona has one of the most potent tackle duos in the league with Paris Johnson and Jonah Williams anchoring from the outside. At the same time, the interior got solid performances last season from both Hjalte Froholdt and Evan Brown, who ranked 7th (out of 64) and 46th (out of 136) at their respective positions.

The real question mark along the line comes at right guard, where a camp battle will determine whether Isaiah Adams or Royce Newman will earn the opportunity to round out the unit.

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Projected Starters: LT Rashawn Slater, LG Bradley Bozeman, C Zion Johnson, RG Mekhi Becton, RT Joe Alt

Los Angeles wanted to commit to the run last season with Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman calling the shots. Unfortunately, Gus Edwards wasn't the answer, and J.K. Dobbins had some durability concerns that resurfaced at an inopportune time.

With a pair of tackles like Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, which rival the Eagles' pairing of Johnson and Mailata, you can see why the coaching staff in Los Angeles believes in their offensive line. Slater finished 2024 grading out as the second-best tackle (90.9 PFF Grade), while the then-rookie, Alt's PFF mark of 77.6 was the 20th best among 140 qualified tackles.

The Chargers' interior protection will need to hold up if they are to remain inside the top 10. Bradley Bozeman, who played center last season, will swap positions with Zion Johnson as the team looks for the right combination inside. Los Angeles hopes Mekhi Becton is more than just an outlier after a rebirth in Philadelphia, converting from tackle to right guard.

9. Minnesota Vikings

Projected Starters: LT Christian Darrisaw, LG Donovan Jackson, C Ryan Kelly, RG Will Fries, RT Brian O'Neill

Indianapolis's loss is the Minnesota Vikings' gain. A season ago, the Vikings were victims of allowing the ninth-most sacks (49). Along with veterans Kelly and Fries, Minnesota was proactive in April's draft, selecting Donovan Jackson with their first-round selection.

Those additions, along with the return of Christian Darrisaw, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8, should lend themselves to early returns, especially as the Vikings send second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center for what is, in all essence, his rookie season.

If McCarthy gets the protection the team expects along the interior, then we could see this offense improve upon last season's 432 points scored, which was already the ninth most.

8. Indianapolis Colts

Projected Starters: LT Bernhard Raimann, LG Quenton Nelson, C Tanor Bortolini, RG Matt Goncalves, RT Braden Smith

Indianapolis suffered a pair of significant losses in the departures of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, who signed in Minnesota when free agency began. Despite the losses, the Colts still boast one of the best left sides in football with Quenton Nelson and Bernhard Raimann, each of whom graded in the top eight at guard and tackle.

For Indianapolis, Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves spent time in the starting lineup last season, so it's not like the Colts are completely raw and exposed. Expect the Colts to once again be strong in terms of running the ball. Nelson, Raimann, and right tackle Braden Smith will be well-versed and productive in creating room for Jonathan Taylor to do his thing.

7. Detroit Lions

Projected Starters: LT Taylor Decker, LG Christian Mahogany, C Tate Ratledge, RG Graham Glasgow, RT Penei Sewell

Detroit suffered a huge loss this offseason when Pro-Bowl center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement. However, Detroit had considered this possibility and selected Georgia Tate Ratledge in the draft.

Ragnow wasn't the only loss to one of the top-performing units from 2024. Detroit will require Graham Glasgow to move from left guard to right guard to fill the void left behind by Kevin Zeitler, while second-year guard Christian Mahogany is pencilled in on the right side.

One thing we know about Detroit, offensive linemen, and Dan Campbell is that they all love to run the ball and maul the opposition. All-Pro Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker are considered one of the best tackle duos in the NFL, and if the Lions' new starters can gain some traction early on, thanks to a commitment to the run game, Detroit can remain a top 10 unit in 2025.

6. Chicago Bears

Projected Starters: LT Braxton Jones, LG Joe Thuney, C Drew Dalman, RG Jonah Jackson, RT Darnell Wright

Chicago had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season. One of the most shocking revelations from that season is that Caleb Williams is returning for Year 2. 

In 2024, Williams was sacked on 68 occasions, the most in the NFL. Only two quarterbacks have been sacked more often than Williams. In 1986, Randall Cunningham, then with the Eagles, was sacked 72 times in 15 contests. Then, in 2002, David Carr was sacked to the turf on 76 occasions as he received his "Welcome to the NFL" treatment during his rookie season.

To ensure the well-being of their franchise quarterback, the Chicago Bears added a trio of veteran interior linemen this past offseason: Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. Both Thuney and Dalman have performed at a high level over the past couple of seasons, while Jackson and the Bears hope reuniting with Ben Johnson can help the former Lion and Ram return to form.

I can’t think of the last time the offensive line was genuinely a strength for the #Bears.

There’s potential for the OL to be a top unit this year. Two Pro Bowlers, one of the top centers in the game, two talented young tackles. Very high ceiling for that group. pic.twitter.com/el1scTGAi5

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) June 14, 2025

The additions will improve this Bears unit if they find continuity before Week 1.

Tier 1- Championship Caliber O-Line Units

5. Buffalo Bills

Projected Starters: LT Dion Dawkins, LG David Edwards, C Connor McGovern, RG O'Cyrus Torrence, RT Spencer Brown

There is nothing particularly sexy about the "Big Uglies" anchoring the trenches in Buffalo. Pro-Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins is the unit's leader, playing 959 snaps and registering an 81.2 Pss Blocking Grade last season, proving that even at 31 years of age, he can still get the job done.

Last season, Buffalo allowed a league-low 14 sacks while allowing just 160 pressures on 673 passing plays (23.7%). For Josh Allen, that's excellent news. It's even better news knowing that the entire band is back together, looking to run it back in 2025. Not only did Allen benefit from the play up front, capturing his first NFL MVP, but James Cook posted his second 1,00 yard season on the ground while seeing his rushing production increase from two rushing scores to 16 last season.

For the Bills to be considered an Elite unit, O'Cyrus Torrence must elevate his performance, finishing with the 17th-worst Run Blocking Grade among guards and being flagged on seven occasions. Buffalo could turn to Kendrick Green or Alec Anderson if Torrence struggles early.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Starters: LT Tristan Wirfs, LG Ben Bredeson, C Graham Barton, RG Cody Mauch, RT Luke Goedeke

If not for the Tristan Wirfs injury, Tampa Bay could argue that they are too low on this list. That said, the left tackle will be unavailable for at least the first four games of the 2025 season after the Buccaneers place the All-Pro on the PUP list after arthroscopic surgery on that right knee during the first week of July. Charlie Heck will be asked to hold the fort in Wirfs's absence.

Hopefully, Wirfs will return sooner rather than later for Baker Mayfield and company.

The emergence of Cody Mauch and Graham Barton along the interior was a major reason for the Buccaneers' passing success, as the unit was in the top five in both Pass Blocking Grade (2nd) and Pass Block Win Rate (5th). Mayfield experienced pressure at the third-lowest rate last season, being pressured on just 24.7% of his drop-backs.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Projected Starters: LT Ronnie Stanley, LG Andrew Vorhees, C Tyler Linderbaum, RG Daniel Faalele, RT Roger Rosengarten

For the Ravens, Ronnie Stanley's return to form and Chris Linderbaum's further cementing himself as one of the elite centers in the game were key to their success up front a season ago. 

While Baltimore was in the middle of the pack in Run Block Win Rate and Run Blocking Grade, they finished seventh or better in both Pass Blocking Win Rate and Passing Grade. They also kept Lamar Jackson clean, limiting the opposition to 24 sacks, tying them with the Broncos for the third fewest sacks allowed.

On the right side, Daniel Faalele and Roger Rosengarten looked solid; however, Andrew Vorhees at the left guard spot may be problematic.

Vorhees suffered an ACL injury in 2023; some of his struggles could be attributed to the recovery from that injury. It is hard to ignore that he ranked 60th at the position in pass blocking grade and was significantly worse in the run game, posting a 56.1 Run Blocking Grade, ranking 100th out of 136 guards.

2. Denver Broncos

Projected Starters: LT Garett Bolles, LG Ben Powers, C Luke Wattenberg, RG Quinn Meinerz, RT Mike McGlinchey

Denver enters the conversation as one of the most cohesive units, considering all five starters return with Garrett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz (All-Pro), and Ben Powers logging more than 1,100 snaps. At the same time, Luke Wattenberg (822) and Mike McGlinchey (849) saw more than 800.

Returning an entire front that yielded just 24 sacks, third-fewest, a season ago, while posting the top pass blocking grade and the top win rates in both pass locking and run blocking, realistically has the Broncos more of a 1B when talking about offensive line rankings.

The trust Bo Nix gained in the protection up front should translate as the second-year quarterback looks to take that next step in 2025. As Nix's confidence continues to improve, decisions on the field will be made even quicker, and those in the Broncos trenches won't need to work as hard for as long, allowing them to remain fresh deep into ball games.

1. Philadelphia Eagles 

Projected Starters: LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson, C Cam Jurgens, RG Tyler Steen, RT Lane Johnson

Despite surrendering 45 sacks last season, the Eagles head into the 2025 season with the top-rated offensive line unit. While Philadelphia will look to address the sack concerns, it's worth noting that Jalen Hurts' average time to throw was 3.23 seconds, the highest in the league.

Philadelphia is led by a pair of All-Pro bookends in Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, who, along with left guard Landon Dickerson, all graded among the top 10 at their position a season ago.

Jordan Mailata - 95.1 PFF grade last season

🦅 1st among all players in 2024
🦅 2nd best by any OL in the PFF-era

The No. 11 player and No. 1 OT on the PFF50 pic.twitter.com/evdRzzjnIi

— PFF (@PFF) July 18, 2025

The Eagles finished in the top 10 in both pass blocking and run blocking; however, Mekhi Becton's departure leaves some questions along the interior. Currently, Tyler Steen is tasked with solidifying the vacancy. Still, the newly acquired Kenyon Green could be a factor if Steen continues to struggle like he did last year, ranking 75th of 77 guards according to PFF's grades.

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