There is generally a lot of lip service paid to offensive lines
in the fantasy community. For the most part, fantasy analysts
and managers overwhelmingly tend to reach the following conclusions
about teams as it relates to offensive lines:
1) They must have a good pass-blocking line if the quarterback
doesn't take a lot of sacks and
2) They must have a good run-blocking line if multiple backs on
the same team run "well" consistently.
As is typically the case in this industry, such analysis is far
too simplistic and far from 100 percent true. So why does that
logic seem to reign supreme? Analyzing offensive line play is
not glamorous or easy and requires a high degree of football intelligence.
Most analysts would rather resort to their models and hope for
the best when it comes to the health or performance of NFL offensive
lines.
There are also no well-established stats (or easily) available
to the public - other than those that players accumulate at other
positions - to inform the general fan as to how those five linemen
are performing play after play. A nuanced film watcher's educated
guess might be right about 90 percent of the time, but only each
team's offensive line coach can legitimately claim he knows what
each of his linemen should be doing - and who they should be blocking
- on every play.
Shockingly, offensive line coaches are not going to share that
information with Joe Q. Fan anytime soon.
Why does any of this matter? If "it all starts up front"
as coaches have been saying for decades, then getting a sense
of how proficient an offensive line is at their job should mean
quite a bit to the fantasy game. Many people could care less about
the hot dog is made. They care a lot more about how the hot dog
tastes. Those fantasy managers need to understand that line of
thinking only increases the chances of a potential bust landing
on our fantasy teams this summer.
Below you will find a team-by-team breakdown of the projected
five starting linemen for each AFC team at their likely spots.
A new feature this season: I am giving each starter and the starting
group as a whole a run- and pass-blocking projected score to illuminate
how I expect the lines to perform in 2023.
At the end of this article, I rank each team's offensive
line as a run-blocking unit, pass-blocking unit and by overall
score.
As I did last season, I am including backup linemen. I am doing
this to 1) illustrate the depth each team appears to have and
2) account for potential camp battles in which the "underdog"
overtakes the "favorite." Pro Football Focus' run-blocking
grade (RBG) from last season is included in the second-to-last
column, while PFF's pass-blocking grade (PBG) from last season
is in the last column.
Green box - Player graded 80 or higher in that
particular discipline per PFF (100-point scale) Blue box - Player graded between 70 or 79.9 in
that particular discipline Yellow box - Player graded between 60 or 69.9
in that particular discipline Red box - Player graded 59.9 or lower in that
particular discipline Black box - Rookie or did not play in 2022
Reason(s) for optimism: Johnson appears poised to take the Tyler
Smith career route, playing left guard for a year or two while
Humphries either begins to decline or becomes too costly for the
Cardinals (his cap number is set to reach $22.9 million next season).
Johnson started at guard for a season at Ohio State and was the
top lineman on Arizona's board (as his selection at No. 6 overall
would suggest).
Potential question mark(s): Hernandez bounced
back as a pass-blocker last year after two down seasons but remains
mostly average as a run-blocker. Beachum turned 34 years old in
early June.
Reason(s) for concern: Center. Froholdt held
up reasonably well last year in the pivot with the Browns considering
his lack of experience there, but neither he nor Lecitus Smith
(2022 sixth-rounder) should inspire much confidence at that spot.
(Froholdt is on his third team since he was drafted by the Patriots
in 2019.) Depth is also a problem inside. While Arizona could
probably withstand an injury to Humphries and/or Beachum (Johnson
could fill in at left tackle and Jones on the right side), the
Cardinals cannot afford to take a hit at guard or center.
Atlanta
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
T
Jake Matthews
31
6
8
69.5
80.9
G
Matthew Bergeron
23
6
6
C
Drew Dalman
24
7
5
69.5
55.1
G
Chris Lindstrom
26
9
7
93.1
81.7
T
Kaleb McGary
28
8
7
91.6
66.9
36
33
Reserves
G
Jalen Mayfield
23
G
Matt Hennessy
25
82.6
69
G
Kyle Hinton
25
65.5
81.7
G
Jovaughn Gwyn
24
Cornerstone(s): Matthews, Lindstrom
Reason(s) for optimism: McGary excelled as a run-blocker last
year. He also made a similar but equally significant improvement
in pass protection. Likely starting LG Bergeron played left tackle
at Syracuse and was considered one of the best run-blockers in
the 2023 draft class. The Falcons may envision him taking the
Tyler Smith route as a college tackle that begins as a guard before
moving outside later in his career.
Potential question mark(s): Dalman flashed in limited action
as a rookie in 2021, but he was exposed a bit more often as a
full-timer last year. All Atlanta has in reserve is seventh-round
pick Gywn and Jonotthan Harrison, who hasn't logged an NFL snap
since tearing his Achilles in October of 2021.
Reason(s) for concern: Depth. While the loser of the battle at
left guard (Bergeron versus incumbent Hennessy) figures to be
one of the better backup guards in the league, the Falcons will
have to scramble a bit if Matthews or McGary miss some time. Bergeron
was a very good tackle in college and would likely fill in on
the left or right side if that happened, but Atlanta can ill-afford
to lose Matthews or Dalman for any length of time.
Carolina
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Ikem Ekwonu
22
7
7
64
67.5
LG
Brady Christensen
26
6
7
53.3
68.8
C
Bradley Bozeman
28
7
6
67.3
53.3
RG
Austin Corbett
27
6
7
62.6
76.2
RT
Taylor Moton
28
6
8
55.2
82.4
32
35
Reserves
T
Cam Erving
30
58.3
78.5
G
Cade Mays
24
64
51.4
G
Chandler Zavala
24
C
Sam Tecklenburg
26
Cornerstone(s): Ekwonu
Reason(s) for optimism: Fourth-round selection Zavala, who is
a freaky athlete at 322 pounds and Ekwonu's former college teammate
at NC State. Bozeman signed a three-year, $18 million contract
to return to Carolina in March, suggesting the team expects him
to perform more like he did to begin last season than he did at
the end.
Potential question mark(s): Corbett, who is recovering from a
Week 18 ACL tear.
Reason(s) for concern: Bozeman struggled late in 2022, surrendering
10 pressures over his final four games after yielding two through
his first seven. Tecklenburg and his 131 snaps in the pivot from
2021 are all the Panthers have behind Bozeman.
Chicago
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Braxton Jones
24
8
7
79.4
70.5
LG
Teven Jenkins
25
7
6
82.2
65.9
C
Cody Whitehair
30
7
7
62.3
66.9
RG
Nate Davis
26
7
7
69.8
66.8
RT
Darnell Wright
21
6
7
35
34
Reserves
G
Lucas Patrick
29
62.5
30.8
G
Ja'Tyre Carter
24
55
83.9
T
Larry Borom
24
62.1
69.9
T
Alex Leatherwood
24
65.7
45.4
Cornerstone(s): Jones, Wright
Reason(s) for optimism: Jenkins. After the left tackle experiment
failed miserably in 2021, Chicago moved him inside and appears
to have stumbled onto a long-term answer inside. Borom - last
year's starting right tackle - figures to slide into a swing tackle
role, providing Chicago solid depth at the most important line
position. Likely new starting RG Davis should give the Bears a
run-blocking force it has not had at the spot in years.
Potential question mark(s): Patrick appeared to be on his way
to becoming a solid guard in 2020 with Green Bay, but he dropped
off a bit in 2021 and was little more than a turnstile as a pass-blocker
in his first season with the Bears in 2022. If Patrick can recapture
his 2020 magic, he would valuable insurance at all three interior
positions.
Reason(s) for concern: Whitehair. The only reason Whitehair is
listed here is that he has not logged a snap in the pivot since
2020. He experienced most of his best seasons as a full-time center
earlier in his career, so perhaps a return to that spot is what
solidifies the line.
Dallas
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Tyron Smith
32
6
7
52.9
64.4
LG
Tyler Smith
22
7
7
75.2
65.5
C
Tyler Biadasz
25
6
6
58.4
64.3
RG
Zack Martin
32
7
8
63.7
82.2
RT
Terence Steele
26
7
6
82.1
63.7
33
34
Reserves
T
Matt Waletzko
23
60
T
Josh Ball
25
86.2
29.1
G
Chuma Edoga
26
84.9
62.5
Cornerstone(s): Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Martin
Reason(s) for optimism: Steele performed admirably in his first
real shot at full-time action at right tackle, grading out particularly
well as a run-blocker. The Cowboys also know their future left
tackle (Tyler Smith) is already on the roster and more than capable
of holding down that spot based on what he did as a rookie in
2022.
Potential question mark(s): Depth. Dallas' projected backups
- at least the ones returning from last season - logged 243 snaps
combined in 2022. Of those four players, only Aviante Collins
enters the season with more than two years of NFL experience.
Landing the versatile Edoga in free agency at least gives the
Cowboys a fighting chance if one of the starters at tackle or
guard goes down.
Reason(s) for concern: Tyron Smith and Martin will both turn
33 years old late this season.
Detroit
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Taylor Decker
29
7
8
67.6
76.5
LG
Jonah Jackson
26
7
6
70.3
53
C
Frank Ragnow
27
8
7
78.9
68.9
RG
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
30
6
5
RT
Penei Sewell
22
8
8
83
74.2
36
34
Reserves
T
Colby Sorsdal
23
T
Matt Nelson
27
47.9
53.1
G
Logan Stenberg
26
57.2
15
C
Graham Glasgow
30
61.6
62.7
Cornerstone(s): Decker, Ragnow, Sewell
Reason(s) for optimism: Vaitai returns after missing all of 2022
with a back injury. Vaitai was coming off a good 2021 season at
right guard and should return to form playing in between Ragnow
and Sewell. Glasgow is coming off a down year in Denver but fared
well for most of his previous six seasons with the Lions (2016-19)
and Broncos (2020-21).
Potential question mark(s): Jackson would be a reason for optimism
for most teams and is hardly a weakness for one of the best o-lines
in the league. His biggest problem to this point is that he has
been an average run-blocker since becoming a pro three years ago
for a team that wants to pound the rock.
Reason(s) for concern: The depth behind Glasgow is lacking. While
he can cover any of the three interior spots, Nelson, who projects
as the top reserve at both tackle spots, has been mostly average
across 987 NFL snaps.
Green Bay
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
T
David Bakhtiari
31
7
8
68.5
87.8
G
Elgton Jenkins
27
7
7
71.8
67.8
C
Josh Myers
24
6
6
53.5
74.3
G
Jon Runyan
25
5
7
53.6
77
T
Zach Tom
24
6
7
55.7
78.1
31
35
Reserves
T
Yosh Nijman
27
54.1
74.4
T
Luke Tenuta
23
72.8
73.9
G
Sean Rhyan
22
G
Royce Newman
25
57.6
54.9
Cornerstone(s): Bakhtiari, Jenkins
Reason(s) for optimism: Tom held up exceedingly well - especially
as a pass-blocker - when he was asked to fill in for Bakhtiari
at left tackle last season as a rookie. Myers is well on his way
to becoming an above-average player in the pivot if he can shore
up his run-blocking; he is already there as a pass-blocker. The
same can be said for Runyan.
Potential question mark(s): Bakhtiari has played a combined 12
games over the last two seasons due to a knee injury. The good
news is that he and Green Bay are confident his knee issues are
no longer a problem.
Reason(s) for concern: Nijman is a good enough pass-blocker to
get Green Bay through a game or two without Bakhtiari or Tom and
Jenkins is versatile enough to play anywhere if necessary, but
the depth is lacking as a whole. An extended absence by Myers
would be crushing, as Jenkins (297 snaps in 2020) and Jake Hanson
(four snaps) are the only other Packers to have ever snapped the
ball to a Green Bay quarterback.
LA Rams
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Joseph Noteboom
27
6
6
71.8
60.1
LG
Steve Avila
23
7
6
C
Brian Allen
27
7
6
66.1
59.2
RG
Logan Bruss
23
6
5
RT
Rob Havenstein
31
7
7
71.7
68.6
33
30
Reserves
T
Alaric Jackson
24
58.2
69
T
Warren McClendon
22
G
Tremayne Anchrum
24
60
68.6
C
Coleman Shelton
27
55.4
71.3
Cornerstone(s): Havenstein may never be an All-Pro performer,
but he has performed well enough over the bulk of his career to
set the minds of HC Sean McVay & Co. at ease.
Reason(s) for optimism: Second-round pick Avila was just what
the doctor ordered for a unit that was ravaged by injury in 2022
and hopes to set a more physical tone in 2023. It should come
as no surprise if he ends up being the Rams' best guard since
Rodger Saffold.
Potential question mark(s): Allen has usually played at a high
level when he has been on the field, but bad luck has been a critical
part of his NFL resume. If he stays on the field this year, the
line should be good enough. If not, the Rams could be headed for
another year of playing the guessing game up front. LA's injury
adventure began in 2022 with third-round draft pick Bruss getting
hurt before the start of the season. Getting a full year from
him as well as Allen and Avila will be key to Cam Akers building
on his strong finish last season.
Reason(s) for concern: Noteboom was being counted upon to replace
the retired Andrew Whitworth last year. He did not play particularly
well before he was lost for the season in mid-October with an
Achilles injury. Fifth-round draft choice McClendon could conceivably
unseat him with a strong camp. Even though many players saw reps
up front for the Rams last season due to the laughable number
of injuries they suffered, quality depth is also a huge issue.
Minnesota
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Christian Darrisaw
24
8
8
90.6
82.4
LG
Ezra Cleveland
25
7
5
79.7
54.1
C
Garrett Bradbury
27
7
5
70.5
63.8
RG
Ed Ingram
24
6
5
64.2
42.6
RT
Brian O'Neill
27
8
8
82.4
77.9
36
31
Reserves
T
Oli Udoh
26
69.1
79.5
T
Blake Brandel
26
61.2
55.0
T
Vederian Lowe
24
44.1
63.3
C
Chris Reed
30
56.9
70.7
Cornerstone(s): Darrisaw, O'Neill
Reason(s) for optimism: Minnesota started to see more flashes
of the first-round investment it made in 2019 with Bradbury last
year. He has consistently graded out well in the run game, but
2022 was the first time his work in the passing game came close
to matching it. Udoh showed well enough in limited snaps to give
the Vikings reason to believe in their depth behind Darrisaw and
O'Neill. Ditto for Reed at each of the three interior spots.
Potential question mark(s): Cleveland has been a very good run-blocker
since entering the league three years ago, but his pass-blocking
grades have been mostly subpar. The same can be said for Ingram's
rookie campaign in 2022.
Reason(s) for concern: The lack of high-level guard play figures
remains an issue, but it is the kind of issue most NFL teams would
gladly accept over the depth concerns that plague more than half
of the teams in the league.
New Orleans
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Trevor Penning
24
8
6
80.2
38.7
LG
Andrus Peat
29
5
5
55.4
40.3
C
Erik McCoy
25
6
7
60.9
65.2
RG
Cesar Ruiz
24
5
6
51.5
63.4
RT
Ryan Ramczyk
29
8
8
73.8
76.4
32
32
Reserves
T
James Hurst
31
48.2
76.6
T
Landon Young
25
43.8
33.2
G
Calvin Throckmorton
26
42.8
45.5
G
Nick Saldiveri
22
Cornerstone(s): Ramczyk
Reason(s) for optimism: McCoy has graded out progressively worse
in each of his four seasons, but that statement may lack some
context. New Orleans has lost some talent up front in recent years,
which makes any center's job harder. Hurst may be one of the league's
projected backup tackles, even if his run-blocking leaves something
to be desired at times. He protected Andy Dalton's blindside reasonably
well in 2022 and has been a plus pass protector since landing
in The Big Easy three years ago.
Potential question mark(s): Penning logged only six games due
to injury as a rookie but was mostly stellar as a run-blocker
in part-time duty. He was just the opposite as a pass protector,
although a sizable chunk of his poor grade was a bad debut against
the ferocious 49ers defense in Week 12. Ruiz has been mostly average
through three seasons.
Reason(s) for concern: Peat has been average at best over the
last five seasons but has somehow been able to hold onto a starting
job. Perhaps fourth-round draft choice Saldiveri was drafted this
spring with an eye on giving Peat a run for his money sooner than
later. Either way, the Saints' guard play figures to be average
at best.
NY Giants
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Andrew Thomas
24
8
8
81.0
89.9
LG
Ben Bredeson
25
6
6
61.2
53.8
C
John Michael Schmitz
24
6
6
RG
Mark Glowinski
31
7
6
67.0
56.5
RT
Evan Neal
22
6
6
48.1
42.3
33
32
Reserves
T
Tyre Phillips
26
53.4
55.0
T
Matt Peart
26
64.7
43.8
G
Joshua Ezeudu
23
53.1
45.9
C
J.C. Hassenauer
27
66.2
56.7
Cornerstone(s): Thomas
Reason(s) for optimism: Neal endured his fair share of struggles
as a rookie (eight sacks and 52 pressures allowed), but he has
too much talent to beg against. He should take a huge step forward
in 2023 (or 2024, at worst). Second-round draft pick Schmitz was
considered by many to be the best center prospect in the draft.
Potential question mark(s): There was a time not so long ago
that Bredeson would have been considered a reason for optimism
for New York. He has flashed but never come close to playing a
full season entering his fourth year in the league.
Reason(s) for concern: The Giants have made some huge strides
forward over the last couple of years up front, but depth is still
very much a concern. J.C. Hassenauer is a quality backup center,
but New York could be in trouble if any of its starters miss more
than a game or two.
Philadelphia
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Jordan Mailata
26
8
8
80.6
76.3
LG
Landon Dickerson
24
7
7
69.7
78.7
C
Jason Kelce
35
8
8
90.0
83.3
RG
Cam Jurgens
23
6
7
70.0
78.8
RT
Lane Johnson
33
8
9
75.3
90.1
37
39
Reserves
T
Jack Driscoll
26
64.4
56.2
T
Tyler Steen
22
G
Iosua Opeta
26
40.8
57.1
Cornerstone(s): Mailata, Kelce, Johnson
Reason(s) for optimism: Philadelphia's two guard spots are expected
to be occupied by two former second-round college centers (Dickerson
and Jurgens) that have to play elsewhere because Kelce is still
playing at such a high level at age 35. This is part of the reason
that the Eagles are arguably more equipped to handle multiple
injuries up front than any team. They have three potential starting
centers, drafted a road-grading college offensive tackle (Steen)
to play guard and have a solid 26-year-old backup tackle in Driscoll.
Potential question mark(s): The only real question is whether
Jurgens can handle a full season of playing at guard.
Reason(s) for concern: Kelce's age and the drop-off from the
starters to the backups. Of course, that will happen when a team
boasts three potential All-Pro candidates.
San Francisco
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Trent Williams
34
9
8
91.8
88.3
LG
Aaron Banks
25
6
6
57.2
61.0
C
Jake Brendel
30
6
7
61.9
71.8
RG
Spencer Burford
22
6
6
49.1
60.3
RT
Colton McKivitz
26
6
6
57.7
85.9
33
33
Reserves
T
Matt Pryor
28
50.8
40.8
T
Jaylon Moore
25
67.6
55.6
G
Nick Zakelj
23
54.5
C
Jon Feliciano
31
55.3
66.5
Cornerstone(s): Williams remains in the discussion as the best
offensive lineman in the NFL, even as he enters his age-35 season.
Reason(s) for optimism: San Francisco threw its support behind
new starting RT McKivitz by passing on drafting a lineman with
all of its nine draft picks in April, suggesting the team has
plenty of confidence he will adequately replace Mike McGlinchey.
The 49ers should be fine in the pivot with either last year's
returning starter Brendel or free-agent pickup Feliciano.
Potential question mark(s): Banks and Burford return as the team's
starting guards, but neither has stood out in a meaningful way.
Both players deserve the benefit of the doubt, however, as each
one was a first-year starter in 2022.
Reason(s) for concern: Moore has performed fairly well when called
upon and Pryor offers experience and versatility, but San Francisco
cannot afford to lose Williams to a significant injury. The rest
of the line - not to mention the quality of depth - is just not
good enough for the 49ers to survive it when facing the top teams
in the league despite the talent they boast at the skill positions.
Seattle
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Charles Cross
22
7
7
62.3
64.8
LG
Damien Lewis
26
6
7
67.2
73.1
C
Evan Brown
26
6
6
69.5
45.5
RG
Phil Haynes
27
6
6
58.1
60.2
RT
Abraham Lucas
24
7
8
65.2
69.0
32
34
Reserves
T
Stone Forsythe
25
42.7
31.1
G
Jake Curhan
24
51.5
0.0
G
Anthony Bradford
24
C
Olusegun Oluwatimi
23
Cornerstone(s): Seattle appears to have struck gold in 2022,
as first-round draft choice Cross and third-round selection Lucas
both held up exceedingly well as rookies.
Reason(s) for optimism: Lewis turned in his most complete season
in 2022, grading out considerably better in pass protection than
he did in either of his first two years in the league.
Potential question mark(s): C Austin Blythe retired and backup
Kyle Fuller moved on to Denver, which means the Seahawks had no
one on the roster with any experience in the pivot. Brown - a
former Lion - will get his first real shot at becoming a full-time
player in his fifth NFL season (he did log 755 snaps at center
for Detroit in 2021 and 700 snaps at right guard in 2022).
Reason(s) for concern: Haynes appears to be in line for his first
full-time gig in 2023, although the jury is out on whether he
has done anything to deserve it. It should come as no surprise
if fourth-round draft choice Bradford replaces him at some point.
Bradford may not be athletic enough to hold up very well in the
passing game, likely meaning right guard will be a weak spot for
this team this season.
Tampa Bay
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Tristan Wirfs
24
7
8
64.6
89.1
LG
Matt Feiler
30
6
6
50.0
64.1
C
Ryan Jensen
32
7
6
50.4
13.3
RG
Cody Mauch
24
6
5
RT
Luke Goedeke
24
5
5
47.8
46.7
31
30
Reserves
T
Brandon Walton
25
57.2
65.3
G
Aaron Stinnie
29
G
Nick Leverett
26
55.8
71.0
C
Robert Hainsey
24
60.9
73.0
Cornerstone(s): Wirfs, assuming he proves as good on the left
side as he has been on the right side.
Reason(s) for optimism: Jensen was one of the league's best pivots
until missing the entire 2022 regular season with a major knee
injury (tears in his ACL, MCL and PCL along with multiple fractures,
a meniscus injury and a bone chip). It could be argued his absence
last season was the primary reason the offense rarely met expectations.
He is supposedly healthy now. Second-round draft choice Mauch
was one of the best athletes at his position in this draft class
and should prove to be an adequate replacement for Shaq Mason
in time.
Potential question mark(s): Projected starting LG Feiler is coming
off his worst season as a pro and was deemed expendable by the
Chargers. Entering his age-31 season, it is possible that his
days as a capable interior starter are ending.
Reason(s) for concern: Projected starting RT Goedeke spent most
of his rookie season at left guard (539 snaps at left guard, 55
at right tackle). Asking a young player to move from guard - where
he struggled - to right tackle could be a recipe for disaster.
To his credit, Goedeke played his best football - spending time
at three different positions in the final three games - at the
end of last season.
Washington
Pos
Player
Age
23 R-Rat
23 P-Rat
RBG
PBG
LT
Charles Leno Jr.
31
6
7
55.9
80.9
LG
Chris Paul
24
6
6
55.0
56.9
C
Nick Gates
27
6
7
58.2
69.0
RG
Samuel Cosmi
24
7
7
71.5
66.6
RT
Andrew Wylie
28
6
6
59.5
62.1
31
33
Reserves
T
Cornelius Lucas
31
70.0
63.5
G
Saahdiq Charles
23
51.3
29.7
G
Braeden Daniels
22
C
Ricky Stromberg
22
Cornerstone(s): None.
Reason(s) for optimism: Leno probably belongs in the cornerstone
group, but he is just inconsistent enough game-to-game to fall
short. The fact he will turn 32 during the season does not help
his cause, but that should not take away from the fact he has
been a very good player in his two seasons with Washington. Cosmi
is knocking on the door of being a cornerstone with two good seasons
before the age of 24 and could take the next step moving inside
to guard after holding up well as a right tackle. Gates should
be an upgrade over Chase Roullier, who could not stay on the field
over the last two years.
Potential question mark(s): Moving Cosmi inside to give Wylie
a spot in the lineup seems like a questionable move, although
new OC Eric Bieniemy likely knows Wylie as well as anyone from
their days together in Kansas City. LG Andrew Norwell endured
the worst of his nine seasons as a pro in 2022. There is speculation
he will be released soon.
Reason(s) for concern: Leno and Norwell are both 31 years old.
Beyond that, Wylie is a replacement-level tackle. The Commanders
could easily solve multiple problems if third-round draft choice
Stromberg shows well early and can lock down a starting job in
the pivot. Washington could then push Gates out to right guard
and Cosmi back out to right tackle. If Stromberg cannot break
through until 2024 and the left side of the line shows its age,
this thing could fall apart quickly.
As promised, my final projected grades for each team's offensive
line.
Doug Orth has written for FF Today since 2006 and has appeared as a guest analyst on several national sports radio shows and podcasts, including Sirius XM's Fantasy Drive, FantasyPros and RealTime Fantasy Sports. He is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association.