So much of an NFL team's success is dependant upon the five guys in front and this is an in-depth look at those lineman, who have a drastic effect on each team's skill position players and their respective statics.

The Cowboys front five is tops in the league

Dallas

This is the offensive line that Bill Parcells built. The Cowboys sent 3 of their offensive lineman to the pro-bowl last year and for good reason. Flozell Adams, Leonard Davis, and Andre Gurode all played great but Kyle Kosier was also a key component to their success. Tackle Marc Colombo, a 1st round bust taken by Chicago in the ’02 draft, has quietly improved and has finally shown that he can stay healthy for 16 games the last two seasons. His improvement solidifies this unit. All 5 starters are returning for a 3rd straight year, so don’t expect any kind of drop-off in production from the Cowboys in ’08.

GRADE: A


New England

It’s hard to argue that the success New England had in 2007 isn’t the result of spectacular protection from the O-line and you won’t hear such a quarrel from me on that note. Matt Light, Logan Maknins, and Dan Koppen form one of the best left sides in the AFC. If there is cause for concern, it’s on the right side. Guard Stephen Neal is solid in the run game but is coming back from off-season shoulder surgery. Also, the arrest of Nick Kaczur for drug possession could result in a 4-game suspension(possibly more) and hinder this unit’s performance in ’08. The top backups are 2nd year man Ryan O’Callaghan & veteran Russ Hochstein.

GRADE: A

Joe Thomas looks to turn the Browns into a powerhouse

Cleveland

The Browns, once the laughing stock of the league, turned into a team on the cusp of a playoff berth and it was all due to the dramatic improvement of the O-line. The additions of Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach helped make this unit one of the best in the league. Former left tackle Kevin Schaeffer’s transition to the right side went extremely well and center Hank Fraley played much better than anyone expected, considering he was slated to backup LeCharles Bently. New addition Rex Hadnot will help if Seth McKinney can’t come back from a season ending injury or if Ryan Tucker breaks down. Regardless, this is a talented group with very good depth that should be tops in the NFL again in 2008.

GRADE: A-


Indianapolis

The Colts remain one of the better O-lines in the league but Peyton Manning’s presence is a large part of that. Rookie left tackle Tony Ugoh held his own last season. He wore down as the season progressed but the former Razorback has all the potential in the world. Veteran Ryan Diem had another solid season and center Jeff Saturday is as good as any player in the league at the position. The Colts re-signed left guard Ryan Lilja but lost their other starting guard, Jake Scott, to Tennessee via free agency. Rookie center Mike Pollak is expected to compete for the vacant guard position with top backup Charlie Johnson.

GRADE: A-


San Diego

The left side of Marcus McNeil and Kris Deilman is as good as it gets. Both players earned a trip to the pro-bowl last year and are the best run blockers on the team. Veteran guard Mike Goff is a hard-nosed player who is as tough as any in the league however, there are some major question marks for the Bolts. Center Nick Hardwick is rehabbing from off-season foot surgery and when he was out last season the Chargers struggled. His backup, Cory Withrow, is sub-par at best. The right tackle position is also unsettled with Jerome Clary and journeyman LJ Shelton expected to compete for the job. Still, this is one of the better groups in the AFC due to the left side and I expect them to have a great season if Hardwick returns to form.

GRADE: B+

Jammal Brown is one of the elite tackles in the league

New Orleans

Jamal Brown is without a doubt one of the best tackles in the NFC and he sets the tone for this unit. Right guard Jahri Evans has continued to improve and is now one of the elite players at his position. Jon Stinchcomb and Jamar Nesbit are intelligent lineman who are versatile. It remains to be seen if the loss of Jeff Faine will hurt the line but the Saints are very high on his replacement, Jonathan Goodwin. This group struggled in the run but that can be traced back to loosing their two top running backs to season-ending injuries, which forced them to pass more than any team in the league. Probably the most telling stat was that even while leading the NFL in passing attempts, they gave up the least amount of sacks at 16.

GRADE: B+


Minnesota

This is the best run blocking line in football(period). Left tackle Bryant McKinnie is a great player but this group’s strength is the interior. Steve Hutchinson proved to be worth the ton of money the Vikings threw his way in the off-season and right guard Anthony Herrera continues to improve each year. The two guards tandem with pro-bowl center Matt Birk perfectly. Right tackle Ryan Cook is extremely versatile and could be Birk’s eventual replacement but will fill in at tackle again this year. The only reason for their lack-luster pass protection numbers is lack of talent at the skill positions. There is some cause for concern here, as McKinnie could face a suspension from an off-season arrest in downtown Miami.

GRADE: B+


New York Giants

This group played its best football when it mattered most. They were a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Center Shaun O’Hara sets the tone for this unit and is a great pass blocker. Guards Chris Snee and Rich Seubert are both smart players who excel at pull, trap, and scheme blocking. There were major concerns last year that David Diehl would not be able to replace the departed Mike Rosenthal but Diehl showed extreme toughness and versatility, while proving to be the perfect blind-side protector of Eli Manning. Kareem McKenzie is mistake prone but makes up for it with his physical style of play. There are no pro-bowl caliber players on this line, with Snee being the lone exception, but they work together cohesively as a unit. With all starters returning, expect improved offensive numbers from the Giants.

GRADE: B+

Alan Faneca gives the Jets a much needed upgrade

New York Jets

The Jets were desperately in need of a make-over on the offensive front and that’s exactly what they got this off-season. They signed the best available guard in free agency and in football with the acquisition of seven-time pro bowler Alan Faneca. He solidifies the left side of the line since he’ll start in between 3rd year players D’Brickishaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold. All three were selected in the 1st round of their respective drafts. The Jets also acquired Damien Woody to start at tackle. Even though he is a natural guard, Woody should be an improvement over last year’s starter Anthony Clement. Starting right guard Brandon Moore is a solid and versatile lineman.

GRADE: B+


Jacksonville

The Jags have a very athletic line and Kahlif Barnes is tops in that department. Once dogged for his off-field transgressions, he appears to have matured into the building block the club drafted him to be. Free agent acquisition Tony Pashos progressed nicely as the season went along and is slated to be the starter again this year. Veteran center Brad Meester played very well last season, considering he came back from a broken ankle in training camp and guard Vince Manuwai has quietly become the team’s most consistent lineman. The only question mark is at the other guard position. The team released veteran Chris Naeole and while Maurice Williams started 10 games in that spot last season, it appears to be an open competition in training camp between Williams and 2nd year man Uche Nwaneri. This is one of the most underrated offensive lines in the league, which gets very little respect for the rushing numbers they put up.

GRADE: B


Cincinnati

The Bengals have the best depth in the league when it comes to offensive lineman. The only downside is that they need it when considering both of their starting offensive tackles have missed a combined 20 games the last two seasons. When healthy Levi Jones and Willie Anderson are a force to be reckoned with but injuries have plagued both players as of late. Bobbie Williams and 2nd year pro Andrew Whitworth are entrenched as the starting guards. Both are very versatile and tough players, who excel in pass protection. The Bengals used their franchise tag on guard/tackle Stacey Andrews, brother of Shaun, who played extremely well in Anderson’s absence. Eric Ghiaciuc is serviceable but needs to improve his run blocking. The club also drafted Anthony Collins from Kansas who can play either guard or tackle. If this unit’s veterans can stay healthy, then sky’s the limit for 2008.

GRADE: B


Carolina

The Panthers' offense was terribly inconsistent last year and it resulted in a complete overhaul of the offensive line. There will be a new starter at every position this year and that starts with Jordan Gross moving over to the left side. Former left tackle Travelle Wharton will move inside to guard and the release of Justin Hartwig will allow Ryan Kahlil to move back to his natural position at center. The Panthers drafted one of the most physical tackles available in the draft with the selection of Jeff Otah, who is expected to start right away. The other guard spot will be a battle between free agent acquistitons Keydrick Vincent, Toniu Fonoti, and holdover Jeremy Bridges, who started 10 games last year. This looks to be a very much improved unit that could surprise a lot of people this season.

GRADE: B


Tampa Bay

The Bucs are an offensive line on the rise. The addition of free agent center Jeff Faine should be a marked improvement over John Wade and solidify the interior of the line. Guards Davin Joseph and Aaron Sears are both big, physical, and mean. They were one of the main reason for Tampa’s successful rushing attack that was 11th in total rushing yards, 9th in yards per carry, and tied for 7th in rushing touchdowns. After a season-ending injury to starting left tackle Luke Petitgout in the 4th week of the season, 3rd year player Donald Penn stepped in and impressed the coaches with his keen pass blocking and toughness. Jeremy Trueblood should retain his spot on the right side and continue to improve. Once again, this is a very young and very talented group.

GRADE: B-

Shawn Andrews anchors the Philly O-line

Philadelphia

The Eagles have one of the best right sides in football with veteran John Runyan and massive guard Shaun Andrews. Andrews enjoyed his second pro-bowl appearance and is a rising star at his position. Left tackle Tra/William Thomas is as solid as they come and Center Jamaal Jackson has shown a lot of promise. Todd Herremans is slated to start at left guard but he could be challenged early on by 3rd year guard Max Gean-Gilles. An area of concern is the aging tackle combo of Thomas and Runyan, who will turn 34 and 35 respectively this year. They can’t play forever and the Eagles do not have the suitable depth to replace either of them at this point, as seen in the Giants game when Osi Umenyiora destroyed Thomas’ backup, Winston Justice.

GRADE: B-


Green Bay

This group is anchored by veteran tackles Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton. Both are smart heady players who have yet to show any signs of breaking down, despite their advanced years. On the inside, Jason Spitz enjoyed a great season at right guard and is entrenched as the starter. 2nd year man Daryn Colledge had a rough year on the left side and as a result of his struggles, he could be challenged in training camp by Allen Barbre & rookie Josh Sitton. Center Scott Wells proved he is the future at the position and should have another good season. The Packers have a good mix of veteran and young lineman, which will be a big help with new QB Aaron Rogers at the healm.

GRADE: B-


Seattle

Steve Hutchinson’s departure has clearly hurt this offensive line. Walter Jones is starting to show his age and the supporting cast isn’t what it used to be either. Chris Spencer and Rob Sims both struggled in their first full seasons as starters but they still the potential to improve. Right tackle Sean Locklear was re-signed, so there should be some cohesiveness there. Seattle did make two big moves that should improve the line’s performance by leaps and bounds. They hired Mike Solari as offensive line coach and landed free agent guard Mike Wahle very early in the off-season. It’s to be hoped that Wahle can help re-create what was once a dominating left side.

GRADE: C+


Washington

The Redskins are one of the oldest offensive lines in the game and as a result, they’re injury prone. All-Pro tackle Jon Jansen was lost for the season after suffering a sever ankle injury, marking the second time in the last four years that he’s missed an entire season. The oft-injured Randy Thomas tore his triceps muscle in the second game and was lost for the rest of the year. He has only played one full season in the last four years. Center Casey Rabach and left tackle Chris Samuels were the mainstays of this group and can be counted on to stay healthy. Pete Kendall had another fine season but at 34, you have to wonder how much he has left in the tank. The youngest starter on this line is 30 years old and there isn’t much depth past Jason Fabini. When fully healthy, this is one of the better lines in the NFC but if these old vets garner more injuries, look for a rough year in Washington.

GRADE: C+


Tennesse

This offensive line’s strength is its outside tackles who were both just re-signed to long term deals. Michael Roos is a prototype left tackle with great feet and speed to stop the quickest speed rushing ends and David “Big Country” Stewart is a classic mauler who out physicals his opponents and also plays with a mean streak. The interior is in a state of flux with the retirement of Benji Olson and the departure of Jacob Bell via free agency. The Titans signed former Colt Jake Scott to take Olson’s place and reserve Ben Amano is expected to man the left guard spot due to his quick feet and adept pass blocking. Veteran center Kevin Mawae is still an all star level player, who captains this unit.

GRADE: C+

Jason Peters is a rising star in the league

Buffalo

The Bills spent big money before last season to improve the o-line and while it may not have paid off on the stat sheet, this group is a lot better than basic statistics show. Jason Peters made his very first pro-bowl of what looks to be many more to come. He is far and away the best lineman on the team and one of the best in the league. His cohort on the left side, Derrick Dockery played well but he’s not worth the chunk of change the Bills doled out for him in last year’s free agent frenzy. Center Melvin Fowler is undersized and has been outmanned by larger defensive tackles in pass protection. Another of Buffalo’s free agent additions from last year, Langston Walker, enjoyed one of the better seasons of his career. He struggled in pass protection but provided a much needed boost in the run game. Right guard Brad Butler is a massive young player who has a lot of upside but is still a work-in-progress. Reserves Jason Whittle and Duke Preston provide decent depth.

GRADE: C+


Houston

The Texans’ offensive line had the best season of their young history but that’s not saying a whole lot when considering their history. They allowed the 6th fewest sacks in the league and ranked 11th in passing yards, much to the chagrin of former 1st round bust David Carr. Right tackle Eric Winston showed a lot of improvement in the run game and Ephraim Salaam has been solid filling in for Charles Spencer, who has spent the last 20 months rehabilitating a very serious knee injury. The club added former Broncos’ center Chris Myers and rookie tackle Dwayne Brown, both of whom will compete for a starting job in camp. Fred Weary should return from a season-ending leg injury to start at right guard but the other guard position will be an open competition. It’s very likely that the loser of the left tackle position will move inside if Spencer isn’t healthy. The Texans do have decent depth for the first time since their inception to the league but it remains to be seen how fast they can mesh as a group. The hiring of offensive line guru Alex Gibbs should help speed the process along immensely.

GRADE: C

Rookie Ryan Clady will start on the left side

Denver

Once considered a top tier offensive line, the Broncos took a huge step back in 2007. Matt Lepsis played so poorly that he decided to retire after the season, while former all-stars Tom Nalen and Ben Hamilton both ended up on injured reserve after suffering season ending injuries early in the year. With a patch-work unit, the Broncos still managed to finish 9th in rushing, 5th in yards per carry, and 13th in passing yards. The only sure thing on this line will be Montre Holland returning at right guard. Tom Nalen is expected to return from a torn biceps. As an insurance policy, the club acquired veteran center Casey Wiegmann from the Chiefs. 2nd year pro Chris Kuper is expected to start if Ben Hamilton does not return. Golden Domer Ryan Harris looks to man the right tackle spot but will be challenged by Erik Pears as well as Kuper. 1st round pick Ryan Clady is already slated to start at left tackle and should be a moderate improvement over the aging Lepsis, who was nothing more than a converted collegiate tight end in the first place.

GRADE: C


Pittsburgh

For the first time in years, there is now a gaping chasm at the left guard position in the Steel city. Alan Faneca was the main cog in Pittsburgh’s trade mark counter trap and counter lead rush plays. Guards Kendall Simmons and Chris Kemoeatu are both very physical players but lack the footwork to get to the next level. Free agent addition Justin Hartwig should be a marked improvement at center, while tackles Marvel Smith and Willie Colon are servicable. It’s possible that Max Starks could replace Colon at the right tackle position, allowing him to move to one of the guard spots but his lack of foot speed doesn’t bode well for that modification. There is little depth behind the starters unless rookie tackle Tony Hills impresses coaches in training camp.

GRADE: C


St. Louis

No franchise suffered through more injuries to the offensive line than the Rams in ’07. Only one starter made it through the entire regular season healthy(Alex Barron). The biggest question mark, as always, is the health of Orlando Pace who has missed 23 out of 32 games in the last two years. Pace is expected to be back and Alex Barron is still improving but at a very slow rate. The addition of former Tennessee Titan Jacob Bell should improve the line. Richie Incognito is a physical player who excels in the run game. The center position will be a training camp battle between Brett Romberg and Mark Setterstrom. Once again, the health of Orlando Pace is what will make or break this group. If those health concerns didn’t exist, then the Rams would grade out much higher.

GRADE: C-

Levi Brown looks to help the Cards offense succeed

Arizona

This is a group that is improving but still has a long ways to go. The right side has a lot of potential with Deuce Lutui at guard and last year’s 1st rouner Levi Brown at tackle. Brown had a decent rookie year but was slowed by a nagging ankle injury. He should prove to be the anchor of this line. Left tackle Mike Gandy played better than expected and showed that he is more than capable of shutting down defensive ends from that side. Guard Reggie Wells was very consistent and center Al Johnson had one of his best years as a pro. Another year under the tutelage of line coach Russ Grimm should help this unit improve in the running game.

GRADE: C-


Detroit

The Lions' offensive line is on an upswing after the drafting of Gosder Cherilus. Starting left tackle Jeff Backus is a solid player and Cherilus is expected to start immediately on the right side. The two should form a solid outside tandem and center Dominic Raiola is undersized but a solid technician. Edwin Mulitalo is a mauler, who is a better run blocker than a pass protector. The other guard spot will be between Stephen Peterman and Frank Davis. On the whole, this group is much better at creating running lanes than protecting the passer and Mike Martz’s departure should actually help them………. As crazy as it sounds, it’s absolutely true.

GRADE: C-


Oakland

The Raiders enjoyed a much improved rushing total in ’07 but that’s largely due to their 4th most rushing attempts in the league last year. The newly implemented zone-blocking scheme was effective and line coach Tom Cable is to be commended for that. The team did let go of starting tackle Barry Sims and center Jeremy Newberry via free agency but they replaced them with new acquisitions Kwame Harris from San Francisco and John Wade from Tampa Bay. Last year’s guard comination of Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle are returning and should provide stability for this group. Right tackle Cornell Green must return healthy from a foot injury that cut his ’07 season short. This unit may not strike people as dominant but they function well in Cable’s system and understand their assignments.

GRADE: C-


Baltimore

The retirement of Jonathan Ogden really hurts this unit’s overall performance, as it leaves the team with 2nd year players Marshall Yanda and Jared Gaither as its starting tackles. Both have plenty of potential but have a long ways to go. The strength of this group is its interior players, who are young and talented. Chris Chester, Jason Brown, and Ben Grubbs form a solid run blocking trio on the inside. The Raven’s strength will be its run blocking but whoever lines up at QB will have a difficult time throwing the ball, as they have less than desirable pass blocking abilities.

GRADE: D+

Jake Long looks to solidify the Dolphins line

Miami

This group is the epitome of the phrase; “In a state of flux”. The upshot is that Vernon Carey will finally be able to move back to his natural position of right tackle with the drafting of #1 pick Jake Long. Long is an exceptional run blocker with very good feet and a ton of potential. The club acquired free agent guard Justin Smiley from San Francisco and he’ll fit in nicely at left guard. The Dolphins are very high on center Samson Satele who is a very smart and versatile player. The only missing link is at the other guard spot where coaches hope rookie Shawn Murphy can outplay holdover Drew Mormino to win the starting spot. This unit is very inexperienced but has a ton of potential. It will take a while but the wait will be well worth it.

GRADE: D+


San Francisco

This line is in for a major overhaul after a severe drop-off in performance from last season. Almost every position along the line will have a new starter in place for ’08. The only person expected to maintain his slot is center Eric Heitmann. He started every game last year after returning from a very serious leg fracture that sidelined him for most of 2006. 2nd year pro Joe Staley will switch from the right side to the left to take advantage of his quickness and last year’s right tackle Jonas Jennings is expected to battle rookie Chilo Rachal there. The 49ers drafted Rachal for his versatility and believe that he has the potential to be a starting tackle in this league. Adam Snyder and David Baas are expected to man the guard positions but Baas is a bit of a question mark after recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. It will take some time for this unit to gel, so don’t expect a blowup from the 49ers skill position players.

GRADE: D


Chicago

The Bears took a big step down last season after going to the Super Bowl just the year before and the offensive line was as much a part of the problem as any other unit. Gone are veterans Ruben Brown and Fred Miller, while their replacements are sub-par at best. The anchor of this line is veteran center Olin Kreutz, who is still one of the best centers in the league. John Tait will switch over to left tackle but the drafting of rookie tackle Chris Williams might create a competition between the two, with the loser of the battle will likely start on the right side. Roberto Garza is a solid guard but the other vacant spot will be an open competition amongst a few crusty rag-tags.

GRADE: D


Atlanta

This was one of the worst offensive lines in football last year and they don’t stand to be improved in 2008. They traded up in the draft to reach for USC’s Sam Baker with the 21st pick and he’s already expected to start at the left tackle position, where he will likely be outmanned by stronger edge bull rushers. The team is flirting with the idea of transitioning last year’s rookie guard Justin Blaylock to the right tackle position if Todd Weiner doesn’t recover from knee surgery. Kynan Forney had a terrible season last year and is serviceable at best. Todd McClure should maintain his spot as the team’s starting center. Don’t expect much from Michael Turner this year.

GRADE: F+


Kansas City

How the mighty have fallen. If you remember back to 2004, this was once one of the league’s elite offensive lines but now they’re nothing more than an also ran. Each successive year they lost a pro bowl caliber lineman either to free agency or retirement and it began with John Tait in 2005, then Willie Roaf retired in 2006, followed by Will Shields retirement in 2007, and this year Casey Wiegmann fled via free agency to Denver. The only remaining member of that 2004 line is guard Brain Waters, who is a three-time pro bowler but can not make up for a sub-par surrounding cast. The best addition the Chiefs made this off-season was drafting Brandon Albert from Virginia who will be given a chance to win one of the vacant tackle spots. The other spots on this sorry excuse of an offensive line will be manned by journeymen Damion McIntosh, Wade Smith, Herb Taylor, and Anthony Alibi. They are possible the worst offensive line in the AFC.

GRADE: F


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