The more information you have the better to make a decision between two available players.
There are a lot of factors that enter into an offensive line rankings that cannot be accounted for, such as how long the QB holds onto the ball (hey Ben), the quality of the wide receivers (Jax), or injuries (Rams). This is a composite list using 5 different sources.
YPC = yards per carry, ARP = average ranking position, * = highly regarded lineman from a deep rookie class
1. Cleveland: Surprised? One of the better offensive lines returns 5 starters and should be as good as last year. Allowed only 19 sacks (same as GB) and they have good depth. Didn’t add anyone. 4.3 YPC/19 sacks. (ARP 2.5)
2. Dallas: Returns five starters. While their 3.9 ypc the last half of the season is cause for concern, they are still a top ten run blocking team. They allowed only 25 sacks and have good veteran depth behind the starters. Good depth. Hudson Houch is one of the best line coaches in the game. No new additions. 4.2 YPC/25 sacks. (ARP 3.25)
3. Green Bay: Returns 5 starters and the line got better as the year went on. They had a 4.8 ypc in the last half of the season. Rodgers will pass behind a line that allowed a sack for every 30 pass attempts. They didn’t add anyone but the starters have shown good durability, in season improvement and the team has good depth. They have a good mix of veteran and young linemen. 4.1 YPC/19 sacks. (ARP 4.25)
3. New England: Returns all 5 starters. Their pass protection (21 sacks in close to 600 pass attempts) is second only to GB though their run blocking is artificially inflated because they didn’t run that much. They have very good depth, no lineman is older than 31 and should be as effective this year as last; one of the best lines in the game with one of the best coaches in Dante Scharnechia. Didn’t add anyone. 4.1 YPC/21 sacks. (ARP 4.25)
5. Minnesota: While all starters return a possible suspension of LT Bryant McKinnie would hurt, not to mention the loss of blocking FB Tony Richardson (NYJ). No other team averaged more tds per carry(22) or ypc (5.3) and this was when everyone knew they were going to run the ball. Their pass blocking needs some work. Their depth is good. They added C John Sullivan (R) G Drew Radovich* (R). 5.3 YPC/38 sacks. (ARP 5.5)
6. Indianapolis: RG Jake Scott moved on to the Titans but this line provided a TD every 23 carries, only Minnesota had a more effective run game. They allowed only 23 sacks which brings them in at #5 in pass defense. Their depth is average. Added T Mike Pollak (R), C Steve Justice (R), and C/G Jamey Richard (R). 3.8 YPC/23 sacks. (ARP 6.25)
7. Jacksonville: An underrated offensive line who opened lanes to the end zone every 29 carries. During the last half of the year (games 10-16) this line came together providing a 4.8ypc and allowing only one sack in each of the seven games. Their depth is very good. No new additions. 4.6 YPC/31 sacks. (ARP 7.25)
8. San Diego: A mixed bag. The line is statistically better at pass blocking than run blocking, however they return the 5 starters who, over the last quarter+ of the season, provided a 4.7 ypc but gave up 11 sacks over five games. With a tough pass schedule up for Philip Rivers his value could suffer. Depth is average. They added T Corey Clark (R) 4.2 YPC/24 sacks. (ARP 8.25)
9. NY Giants: They return all 5 starters and finished the year as one of the best run blocking units. They allowed a sack every 19 pass attempts which is still above average pass blocking, they just run the ball very well. They have average depth. 4.6 YPC/28 sacks. (ARP 9.25)
10. Denver: Tom Nalen’s health is a key. They averaged 5.0 ypc for the 4 full games he was healthy and allowed only a sack a game…they finished with 32 for the year. Still the line averaged an impressive 4.6 ycp. They have depth and are easily a top ten unit. They added C Casey Wiegman and rookies T Ryan Clady* and C Kory Lichtensteiger. 4.6 YPC/32 sacks. (ARP 10)
11. New Orleans: No OL finished with fewer sacks (16) per pass attempt (40) but sacks could slightly increase with the loss of C Jeff Faine and his attitude (to TB). Their run blocking is better than their ypc as they lost both starting RB’s. Their depth is good. This ranking is a bit low but the rankings are based on an average of rankings, so I didn’t artificially move them up. They added G Matt Lehr and T Carl Nicks*. 3.7 YPC/16 sacks. (ARP 11.25)
11. Philadelphia: Return 5 starters but a healthy McNabb helps. This OL could run block but was abysmal in pass defense giving up a sack for every 20 pass attempts, though some early sacks can be attributed to McNabb’s immobility and almost 20% came in one game vs the Giants. This will have to improve if McNabb is to bounce back this year. They added T Mike McGlynn*, T Mike Gibson, and T King Dunlap (R). 4.7 YPC/ 49 sacks. (ARP 11.25)
13. Tampa Bay: They are young and are close to a top 5 run blocking line. The addition of C Jeff Faine should help across the board as will the return of LT Luke Petitgout who missed all but four games last year. Pass protection could be a problem against speed rushers but this OL is beginning to reap the rewards of the focus in recent drafts on the OL. Could emerge as a top unit by the end of the year. In addition to Faine they added G Jeremy Zuttah (R) 4.2 YPC/36 sacks. (ARP 12.25)
14. Houston: The OL improved greatly last year and should continue to improve this year with the additions of C Chris Myers and T Duane Brown and the arrival of Alex Gibbs and his zone blocking scheme . They have good depth and are one of the younger lines in the league, depending on who starts. While the run blocking needs work Gibbs arrival should show immediate results and should allow an RB to step up. The line allowed one sack per 22 pass attempts but that is a bit misleading as the QB’s absorbed some heavy hits. 3.8 YPC/22 sacks. (ARP 13.5)
15. Cincinnati: A great pass unit, only N.O. was better but the run game suffered with the defection on the OL the year before and the injuries to tackles Jones and Anderson. Don’t be surprised if they end the year higher than their current rank. They added T Anthony Collins* (R). 3.7 YPC/17 sacks. (ARP 14)
16. Arizona: 5 starters return and steadily improved through the year,but they must continue to mature under Russ Grimm. They struggled as a run unit last year, finding the end zone once for every 44 carries but they allowed only one sack for every 25 pass attempts with immobile QB’s. They have fair depth. Added T Brandon Keith (R). 3.6 YPC/ 24 sacks. (ARP 18)
17. Washington: 5 Starters return but age and health are factors. How they hold up during the season will affect the run game which they struggled with last year (injuries). Additionally, they’ll be learning a new offensive scheme more like Seattle used. It could be a rough transition. They have good depth. They added T Chad Rinehart (R). 3.8 YPC/ 32 sacks. (ARP 19.75)
18. NY Jets: Aggressively upgraded the OL with the addition the premier OL FA in Alan Faneca as well as G Damien Woody, T Nate Garner (R) and the aforementioned blocking FB Tony Richardson. Bringing in Bill Calahan to coach the line should not go unnoticed, he is a good one. Their run game should be greatly improved which can only help reduce the number of sacks they allow; one every 9 pass attempts last year. Added G Alan Faneca, G Damien Woody, T Nate Garner (R). 3.8 YPC/53 sacks. (ARP 20)
19. Buffalo: Return 5 starters, and don’t let the yearly numbers fool you, they allowed only 13 sacks over the last 11 games. They are young, improving but have poor depth behind the starters. The run blocking will have to improve (23rd last year) for Lynch to continue to emerge though they were a run heavy offense. They added T Demetrius Bell (R). 4.0 YPC/26 sacks. (ARP 20.25)
20. Tennessee: Health is a key factor for this line as the depth is poor. Mawae is 37 yrs old and while he is the only one over 30 his line calls and attitude are key for the OL. Jake Scott will help with the pass defense as Young was sacked every 15 pass attempts. and the others are young enough that there is room for continued improvement. Poor depth. Added G Jake Scott. 3.9 YPC/ 30 sacks. (ARP 21.25)
21. Baltimore: Young(est) OL, good depth and 3 of last years starter’s return to their natural positions. The interior line is strong but pass protection was a problem last year as they gave up a sack every 14 pass attempts. Cam Cameron’s stated desire for more 3WR sets will put added stress on both tackles, which is where the question marks are. They added G Oniel Cousins* and T David Hale, both rookies. 4.0 YPC/39 sacks. (ARP 22.25)
22. Pittsburgh: Only SF allowed more sacks per attempt and yes, Big Ben does hold onto the ball too long. Though they averaged 135 rushing ypg, they only averaged a score for every 56 rush attempts. The loss of Faneca will hurt the run game. Hartwig at C is a slight upgrade but the line is a concern as they have average depth, questions at each position and Ben Roethlisberger will once again be under pressure to get the ball out. Another unit that could be ranked higher. They added C Justin Hartwig, T Tony Hills (R). 4.2 YPC/ 47 sacks. (ARP 22.5)
23. Miami: Another young offensive line returning two starters. They added two good run blockers in Long and Smiley but their pass protection allowed a sack for every 13 pass attempts. They have poor depth. Added G Justin Smiley, T Jake Long* (R), T Shawn Murphy (R), G Donald Thomas (R). 4.0 YPC/42 sacks. (ARP 22.75)
23. St.Louis: Injuries decimated this line last year. If Pace is healthy the addition of Bell at LG will help. They should incorporate more two tight end sets under Al Saunders to help with pass protection. Not matter how you look at it, they should be improved. They have fair depth. Added G Jacob Bell, T John Greco* (R), G Roy Scheuning* (R). 3.8 YPC/ 48 sacks. (ARP 22.75)
25. Seattle: The addition of Whale at LG should help a bottom third run game, but they can pass protect. Unfortunately, new line coach Mike Solari can’t overcome injuries. The reluctance to draft an offensive lineman in the draft could hurt them later in the year. Their depth is fair. Added G Mike Wahle. 3.8 YPC/ 36 sacks. (ARP 24.25)
25. Carolina: A line in transition. The two returning starters are switching positions which could lead to some early hard hits on Delhomme. Near the bottom in both rushing and pass protection the team went for massive size with their additions as they attempt to improve across the board. Good depth. Added G Milford Brown, G Keydrick Vincent, G Toniu Fonoti, T Jeff Otah* (R), C Ryan Kalil (R), T Geoff Schwartz (R), G Mackenzy Bernadeau (R). 4.0 YPC/ 33 sacks. (ARP 24.25)
27. Oakland: The zone blocking scheme was effective last year and they’ve upgraded their run game slightly with the additions of Harris and Wade. J.Russell needs to sharpen his pocket presence and the line needs to improve in pass protection as they allowed one sack for every 11 pass attempts. They could improve or take a step back. Depth is poor. Added T Kwame Harris and C John Wade. 4.1 YPC/41 sacks. (ARP 26.5)
28. San Francisco: The line is in transition with Staley moving to LT and two new guards. They will have to develop some chemistry quickly for the Martz offense as they’ll get no extra help in pass protection, which was dead last this past season. They can run block. Added G Chico Rachal* (R), T Barry Sims, C Cody Wallace (R). Their depth is fair. 4.1 YPC/ 55 sacks. (ARP 27)
28. Detroit: Four Returning starters, a rookie and Jim Colletto’s new zone blocking scheme should help the run game but the pass protection needs some work. They scored a rushing td for every 24 carries, good for third in the NFL, but they matched that by allowing the third most sacks. Depth is fair. They added T Gosder Cherilus* (R) 4.0 YPC/ 54 sacks. (ARP 27)
30. Chicago: Didn’t matter who the QB was, allowed a sack for every 13 pass attempts and the run line ranked 29th in the league. As a whole the line regressed last year as only G R.Garza a steady presence. Pass protection should be better with C.Williams at LT and J.Tait moving to RT. They could be improved, or it could be deja vu all over again. Added T Chris Williams* (R), G Chester Adams (R), Ta Kirk Barton (R). Poor depth. 3.1 YPC/ 43 sacks. (ARP 28.5)
30. Atlanta: Injuries last year, new guys this year, can’t be any worse. One td for every 55 rush attempts. This line needs some real improvements and it will take time. Good luck to Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. Added C Alex Stepanovick, T Sam Baker* (R). 3.9 YPC/ 47 sacks. (ARP 28.75)
32. Kansas City: Three starters have never started an NFL game, the other two return from a line that was dead last in the NFL last year. One td for every 63 carries and a sack each 10 passing attempts. Added C Wade Smith, G Brandon Albert* (R), T Barry Richardson (R). Average depth. 3.3 YPC/ 55 sacks. (ARP 32)
Read original 
blog post
Forums
