OOJack
07-16-2008, 03:39 PM
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Everyone notices when the stars have big games. But remember that every big rushing, passing or receiving game was set up by an offensive line opening holes or giving a quarterback time to throw. So which lines are the best in the NFL?
Scouts Inc. has ranked all 32 units in the league, and the resurgent Browns lead the way, boasting impressive depth and a left tackle who might be the best lineman in the NFL. Here's how the top 10 shakes down.
1. Cleveland Browns
While most NFL teams have about four linemen who are truly starting-caliber, the Browns have seven or eight. They not only are deep but also have arguably the best left side in the NFL (LG Eric Steinbach and LT Joe Thomas). Entering his second season, Thomas is talented enough to potentially be recognized as the best lineman in the game before the end of the 2008 season. He is a great athlete, has ideal size (6-foot-6, 313 pounds) and the passion to bury his opponent. As a rookie, he wasn't overwhelmed by the speed and size of the game at this level, and now he's had an entire offseason to properly prepare. Meanwhile, Steinbach is tall for a guard (6-6) and lacks ideal bulk, but he is very quick, smart and athletic. He consistently gets under the pads of his opponents, works hard to finish and is tremendous in space. The rest of the group isn't too shabby and made QB Derek Anderson look exceptional last year. The pass protection is impeccable. Ryan Tucker will miss time to start the season, but Cleveland shouldn't miss a beat in his absence. Center Hank Fraley is a tough guy in the middle of the line and does a fine job making the line calls. After a great season in 2007, this group will be even better in 2008.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Adding 6-6, 366-pound Leonard Davis to an already stable offensive line was a great move that paid off in a big way last year. A bit of a washout at tackle, Davis proved to be an exceptional guard, and the Cowboys ran behind him when they needed tough yards. Center Andre Gurode doesn't get the credit he deserves as one of the best pivot men in the game today. Getting to QB Tony Romo is very difficult against a group that not only pass protects well, but also holds its own as run-blockers. LT Flozell Adams had his best season, but he signed a new contract in the offseason and will need to keep his intensity up after the big payday. RT Marc Colombo is the weakest link among the starters and could be pushed for playing time if he doesn't play better in training camp. Still, this is a tough group that's coached by Hudson Houck, who is one of the best line coaches in the league and has a knack for getting the most out of his players.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Everyone on the planet knew that Minnesota was going to run the football last year, and what did they do? They ran it as well as anyone in the league, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. The lack of a passing game cannot be attributed to the Vikings' front five, but this unit is better at run blocking than pass protection. There simply isn't a better offensive lineman in the game than Steve Hutchinson, and his presence on this unit cannot be overstated. The rest of the crew is very solid, but Hutchinson is a superstar. Keep an eye on Bryant McKinnie's legal situation, though, as the Vikes do not have another left tackle to fall back on. McKinnie is more inconsistent than many realize, but playing next to Hutchinson can mask some problems. It is also conceivable that the right side of the line played over its head last year and could come back to earth, but the tandem of RG Anthony Herrera and RT Ryan Cook does have great size and some nastiness.
4. New England Patriots
How do you think Tom Brady was able to stand in the pocket all day and wait for his fantastic receivers to get open? This line is terrific. Last year New England only allowed 21 sacks, even though Brady threw it nearly 600 times. The line's ability to pass block was obvious, but for some reason, the Patriots' ability to open holes in the run game went under the radar. With all the star power on New England's offense, Logan Mankins is easy to forget, but he is one of the top guards in the league. There are some concerns about this group, however. Guard Stephen Neal is coming off shoulder surgery, OT Nick Kaczur -- the weakest link among the starters -- is dealing with off-the-field issues and the last game this group played was not its finest. While OT Matt Light had a good season and is a very good player, pure speed-rushers give him all that he can handle. But for all these problems, this group still had three Pro Bowl representatives last year and is one of the best out there.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Howard Mudd is among the best line coaches in the NFL, and his group of linemen consistently plays at a high level year after year. The Colts put a premium on left tackle and require an exceptional athlete to protect Peyton Manning's blind side, but they otherwise get by with intelligent, hard-working, fundamentally sound grinders who play very well within the system. The group is well-conditioned and handles assignments effectively. LT Tony Ugoh should be noticeably better in his second season. Center Jeff Saturday keeps it all together, and as evidenced by Indianapolis drafting three centers in this past draft, the organization fears for life after Saturday. Saturday is tough, technically sound and excels at handling the line calls in conjunction with Manning. The Colts lost Jake Scott, but he will probably be replaced by rookie Mike Pollak, who is also slated to be Saturday's heir some day. Charlie Johnson could factor in at guard or as a valuable sixth man. It's no secret that this group does a great job of keeping Manning clean in the pocket, but it is also proficient in the run game, executing Indianapolis' zone-stretch scheme. At the same time, it should not be overlooked that the many weapons on the Colts' roster and Manning's uncanny pocket presence help to make this line's job a little easier.
6. San Diego Chargers
This group struggled to start the 2007 season without C Nick Hardwick in the lineup. Unfortunately for San Diego, it will start the 2008 season without Hardwick, who is coming off foot surgery. However, this is a very good group overall. LT Marcus McNeill started slowly last season, but rebounded quickly. At 6-foot-7, 336 pounds, he has tremendous size, long arms and good athletic ability. McNeill and LG Kris Dielman make up one of the best left sides in the league, and this duo can be dominant at times. There are some concerns on the right side, however, as RG Mike Goff is starting to slow down with age and RT Jeromey Clary, who was a pleasant surprise last year, still needs to further prove himself. This group is better at pass blocking than run blocking, and the Chargers might look to throw more next season.
7. New York Giants
Chris Snee is the best player on this offensive line, but overall, it isn't a group loaded with big names. However, these guys produce as a unit and are well-coached, tough and reliable. An above-average pass-blocking group, it is simply an exceptional run-blocking line and paved the way for New York's backs to average a whopping 4.6 yards per carry in 2007. With the ability to consistently gain chunks of yardage on the ground, perhaps the Giants' Super Bowl run shouldn't have been all that surprising. Many felt that David Diehl was a guard playing out of position at left tackle and that speed rushers would have their way with him. Diehl proved his doubters wrong and did an admirable job of protecting Eli Manning's blind side on the edge. The depth here isn't ideal, but this is a line that can be counted on.
8. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have a solid but underrated set of starting tackles in Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton. Both players are smart, tough and highly effective. They also seem to play their best against top competition. On the interior, the Packers are young and deep -- qualities that will lead to excellent overall competition for playing time. At 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, Scott Wells isn't real big, but he is one of the better centers in the league and an exceptional technician. The interior is also athletic, fitting well with the Packers' zone-blocking principles. There may not have been a better pass-blocking line in the league last year, and this group got better in the run game as the season progressed. There should be very little drop-off in 2008.
9. New Orleans Saints
The Saints allowed a measly 16 sacks last year despite Drew Brees' 652 pass attempts. Brees, who is exceptional at feeling the rush and getting the ball out quickly, deserves some of the credit, but obviously, his protection was exceptional as well. However, the Saints didn't do nearly as good a job opening holes for the running backs, who averaged just 3.7 yards per rush. This stark contrast obviously puts a ton of pressure on Brees and the Saints' passing game, but that group has stepped up quite well. Still, to be an elite offense, New Orleans is going to have to run the ball with more consistency. Jammal Brown is one of the top left tackles in the league, but the Saints lost Jeff Faine to division rival Tampa Bay. Jonathan Goodwin, who is bigger and more powerful at the point of attack, will take over at center, but overall, this is a downgrade, and Faine's nasty edge and leadership will be missed. Keep an eye on underrated RG Jahri Evans. He has a chance to develop into one of the best guards in the game today.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Guard Shawn Andrews and tackle Jon Runyan make up one of the best right sides in the league, and the Eagles can count on them to move their opponent in short yardage and crucial situations. Runyan, who played much of last season with a cracked tailbone, is as tough as they come, and Andrews is versatile enough to kick out to tackle if needed. This is a much better run blocking than pass blocking group, but some of those issues can be attributed to Donovan McNabb's immobility early last season as he nursed his ailing knee. The Eagles' tackles also are getting up in age and not as quick out of their stances as they once were. Still, this is a mauling line that can move bodies, and although it is against his DNA, coach Andy Reid would be wise to incorporate more power running into this offense, which is notorious for throwing the ball. There is some healthy competitiveness and position versatility within this group as well, but there is not a true left tackle of the future. An injury to LT William Thomas could be a major problem.
The Jaguars are known for their physical running game, which has them on the cusp of being a top-10 offensive line. The Buccaneers and the Jets are knocking on the door as well thanks to emerging young players and impressive offseason additions.
Here's how those teams and the others outside the top 10 fall in line.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a big, physical line that obviously did a great job of opening running lanes for Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Jacksonville was second in the league in rushing (behind Minnesota) and averaged 149.4 yards per game. That should continue this season; this is the type of unit that can simply wear down a defense. Jacksonville's offensive line also was quite effective in pass protection, although it is not the most nimble or athletic group. QB David Garrard deserves some credit for getting the ball out quickly, and the Jaguars' effectiveness running the ball often slowed down their opponent's pass rush, but don't discount the job their big uglies did. Even though the Jags parted ways with OG Chris Naeole, there is continuity here, and the Jaguars return the starting unit they used much of last year. Depth is a bit of a concern, and their ability to succeed if they sustain an injury or two is in question. C Brad Meester is a very good player, but the drop-off with him out of the lineup is substantial and he has struggled to stay healthy. The tackle depth is particularly alarming. Still, LG Vince Manuwai is one of the most physical blockers in the league and a name you should know, and LT Khalif Barnes is talented but must avoid off-the-field issues and become more consistent on game day.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Do not be surprised if the Buccaneers have the best interior offensive line in the league by season's end. Guards Arron Sears and Davin Joseph, matched with newly acquired Jeff Faine, are going to pay huge dividends, particularly in the run game. Faine is a very good leader who excels at getting to the second level to cut off linebackers. The Bucs already had one of the best run blocking lines in the league even before signing Faine. Joseph is a superstar in the making, while Sears started every game during his rookie season and has a fine blend of aggression, size and agility. However, pass blocking is a problem area, and the Bucs' offensive tackles are less than ideal athletes. Perimeter heat will give the tackles trouble, but this is a line that plays the game with nastiness and an edge Jon Gruden loves. Donald Penn came out of nowhere, and while he needs to get stronger and add some weight, he already is a pretty good pass-blocker. There also is very good depth here and a fine blend of youth and experience. Offensive line has been a major priority in recent drafts, and Tampa Bay is beginning to reap the rewards of its efforts.
13. New York Jets
The Jets' offensive line was awful last year, but to their credit, they were extremely aggressive in upgrading this group. They signed Pro Bowler Alan Faneca to play left guard, but his influence on former first-rounders C Nick Mangold and LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is as important as his play on the field. The Jets are banking on Faneca's professional approach to the game being contagious. Ferguson, in particular, needs to step up his game, and he remains light for an offensive tackle at this level (they may list him at 312 pounds, but the only way he weighs that much is if he has a 20-pound weight in his pocket). In a more curious move, New York also inked Damien Woody to big money to play right tackle, which was a major problem area. While Woody is very talented and did shine at right tackle in a short stint last season, he is better suited to work on the interior. Woody always could bump inside if he can't handle the edge protection, but there isn't another suitable offensive tackle to make this move feasible. Woody, at 325 pounds, also must keep his weight in check. The interior of New York's offensive line looks like a team strength now with Faneca, Mangold and Brandon Moore from left to right. Moore is very reliable and steady. Faneca and Woody both are on the wrong side of 30 years old, but that can be looked at two ways. They could be declining, but this line needs some veteran experience. The addition of Bill Callahan to coach the line cannot be overlooked, as he has an impressive track record. The real worries here are the play at both tackle spots and overall depth. This group, however, features four former first-round picks and will be much better than last year.
14. Cincinnati Bengals
Many found it very curious when the Bengals put the franchise tag on Stacy Andrews, but they shouldn't have. As offensive linemen go, Andrews is a puppy who started playing the game very late in life. He is simply dripping with physical ability, though, and could become an elite right tackle or guard in this league. Andrews will get more consistent as he settles in at a position -- probably right tackle -- and gets more game experience. The rest of this line could be good as well, but they were a major disappointment in the run blocking department last season. Much of that was due to injuries, particularly to tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson. Both players are stalwarts who had down seasons as they struggled to stay healthy with knee injuries. Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams are massive guards who play the game with attitude and ruggedness, but they are not overly nimble or athletic. Whitworth also can play tackle. The center position is a weak spot as Eric Ghiaciuc is heady but undersized. While Cincinnati struggled opening holes for its running backs, it was awfully good in pass protection last year. There is no reason why it should digress with its protection, and there is some potential to really improve the running game. Don't be surprised if this group ranks noticeably higher one year from now.
Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Everyone notices when the stars have big games. But remember that every big rushing, passing or receiving game was set up by an offensive line opening holes or giving a quarterback time to throw. So which lines are the best in the NFL?
Scouts Inc. has ranked all 32 units in the league, and the resurgent Browns lead the way, boasting impressive depth and a left tackle who might be the best lineman in the NFL. Here's how the top 10 shakes down.
1. Cleveland Browns
While most NFL teams have about four linemen who are truly starting-caliber, the Browns have seven or eight. They not only are deep but also have arguably the best left side in the NFL (LG Eric Steinbach and LT Joe Thomas). Entering his second season, Thomas is talented enough to potentially be recognized as the best lineman in the game before the end of the 2008 season. He is a great athlete, has ideal size (6-foot-6, 313 pounds) and the passion to bury his opponent. As a rookie, he wasn't overwhelmed by the speed and size of the game at this level, and now he's had an entire offseason to properly prepare. Meanwhile, Steinbach is tall for a guard (6-6) and lacks ideal bulk, but he is very quick, smart and athletic. He consistently gets under the pads of his opponents, works hard to finish and is tremendous in space. The rest of the group isn't too shabby and made QB Derek Anderson look exceptional last year. The pass protection is impeccable. Ryan Tucker will miss time to start the season, but Cleveland shouldn't miss a beat in his absence. Center Hank Fraley is a tough guy in the middle of the line and does a fine job making the line calls. After a great season in 2007, this group will be even better in 2008.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Adding 6-6, 366-pound Leonard Davis to an already stable offensive line was a great move that paid off in a big way last year. A bit of a washout at tackle, Davis proved to be an exceptional guard, and the Cowboys ran behind him when they needed tough yards. Center Andre Gurode doesn't get the credit he deserves as one of the best pivot men in the game today. Getting to QB Tony Romo is very difficult against a group that not only pass protects well, but also holds its own as run-blockers. LT Flozell Adams had his best season, but he signed a new contract in the offseason and will need to keep his intensity up after the big payday. RT Marc Colombo is the weakest link among the starters and could be pushed for playing time if he doesn't play better in training camp. Still, this is a tough group that's coached by Hudson Houck, who is one of the best line coaches in the league and has a knack for getting the most out of his players.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Everyone on the planet knew that Minnesota was going to run the football last year, and what did they do? They ran it as well as anyone in the league, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. The lack of a passing game cannot be attributed to the Vikings' front five, but this unit is better at run blocking than pass protection. There simply isn't a better offensive lineman in the game than Steve Hutchinson, and his presence on this unit cannot be overstated. The rest of the crew is very solid, but Hutchinson is a superstar. Keep an eye on Bryant McKinnie's legal situation, though, as the Vikes do not have another left tackle to fall back on. McKinnie is more inconsistent than many realize, but playing next to Hutchinson can mask some problems. It is also conceivable that the right side of the line played over its head last year and could come back to earth, but the tandem of RG Anthony Herrera and RT Ryan Cook does have great size and some nastiness.
4. New England Patriots
How do you think Tom Brady was able to stand in the pocket all day and wait for his fantastic receivers to get open? This line is terrific. Last year New England only allowed 21 sacks, even though Brady threw it nearly 600 times. The line's ability to pass block was obvious, but for some reason, the Patriots' ability to open holes in the run game went under the radar. With all the star power on New England's offense, Logan Mankins is easy to forget, but he is one of the top guards in the league. There are some concerns about this group, however. Guard Stephen Neal is coming off shoulder surgery, OT Nick Kaczur -- the weakest link among the starters -- is dealing with off-the-field issues and the last game this group played was not its finest. While OT Matt Light had a good season and is a very good player, pure speed-rushers give him all that he can handle. But for all these problems, this group still had three Pro Bowl representatives last year and is one of the best out there.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Howard Mudd is among the best line coaches in the NFL, and his group of linemen consistently plays at a high level year after year. The Colts put a premium on left tackle and require an exceptional athlete to protect Peyton Manning's blind side, but they otherwise get by with intelligent, hard-working, fundamentally sound grinders who play very well within the system. The group is well-conditioned and handles assignments effectively. LT Tony Ugoh should be noticeably better in his second season. Center Jeff Saturday keeps it all together, and as evidenced by Indianapolis drafting three centers in this past draft, the organization fears for life after Saturday. Saturday is tough, technically sound and excels at handling the line calls in conjunction with Manning. The Colts lost Jake Scott, but he will probably be replaced by rookie Mike Pollak, who is also slated to be Saturday's heir some day. Charlie Johnson could factor in at guard or as a valuable sixth man. It's no secret that this group does a great job of keeping Manning clean in the pocket, but it is also proficient in the run game, executing Indianapolis' zone-stretch scheme. At the same time, it should not be overlooked that the many weapons on the Colts' roster and Manning's uncanny pocket presence help to make this line's job a little easier.
6. San Diego Chargers
This group struggled to start the 2007 season without C Nick Hardwick in the lineup. Unfortunately for San Diego, it will start the 2008 season without Hardwick, who is coming off foot surgery. However, this is a very good group overall. LT Marcus McNeill started slowly last season, but rebounded quickly. At 6-foot-7, 336 pounds, he has tremendous size, long arms and good athletic ability. McNeill and LG Kris Dielman make up one of the best left sides in the league, and this duo can be dominant at times. There are some concerns on the right side, however, as RG Mike Goff is starting to slow down with age and RT Jeromey Clary, who was a pleasant surprise last year, still needs to further prove himself. This group is better at pass blocking than run blocking, and the Chargers might look to throw more next season.
7. New York Giants
Chris Snee is the best player on this offensive line, but overall, it isn't a group loaded with big names. However, these guys produce as a unit and are well-coached, tough and reliable. An above-average pass-blocking group, it is simply an exceptional run-blocking line and paved the way for New York's backs to average a whopping 4.6 yards per carry in 2007. With the ability to consistently gain chunks of yardage on the ground, perhaps the Giants' Super Bowl run shouldn't have been all that surprising. Many felt that David Diehl was a guard playing out of position at left tackle and that speed rushers would have their way with him. Diehl proved his doubters wrong and did an admirable job of protecting Eli Manning's blind side on the edge. The depth here isn't ideal, but this is a line that can be counted on.
8. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have a solid but underrated set of starting tackles in Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton. Both players are smart, tough and highly effective. They also seem to play their best against top competition. On the interior, the Packers are young and deep -- qualities that will lead to excellent overall competition for playing time. At 6-foot-2, 295 pounds, Scott Wells isn't real big, but he is one of the better centers in the league and an exceptional technician. The interior is also athletic, fitting well with the Packers' zone-blocking principles. There may not have been a better pass-blocking line in the league last year, and this group got better in the run game as the season progressed. There should be very little drop-off in 2008.
9. New Orleans Saints
The Saints allowed a measly 16 sacks last year despite Drew Brees' 652 pass attempts. Brees, who is exceptional at feeling the rush and getting the ball out quickly, deserves some of the credit, but obviously, his protection was exceptional as well. However, the Saints didn't do nearly as good a job opening holes for the running backs, who averaged just 3.7 yards per rush. This stark contrast obviously puts a ton of pressure on Brees and the Saints' passing game, but that group has stepped up quite well. Still, to be an elite offense, New Orleans is going to have to run the ball with more consistency. Jammal Brown is one of the top left tackles in the league, but the Saints lost Jeff Faine to division rival Tampa Bay. Jonathan Goodwin, who is bigger and more powerful at the point of attack, will take over at center, but overall, this is a downgrade, and Faine's nasty edge and leadership will be missed. Keep an eye on underrated RG Jahri Evans. He has a chance to develop into one of the best guards in the game today.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Guard Shawn Andrews and tackle Jon Runyan make up one of the best right sides in the league, and the Eagles can count on them to move their opponent in short yardage and crucial situations. Runyan, who played much of last season with a cracked tailbone, is as tough as they come, and Andrews is versatile enough to kick out to tackle if needed. This is a much better run blocking than pass blocking group, but some of those issues can be attributed to Donovan McNabb's immobility early last season as he nursed his ailing knee. The Eagles' tackles also are getting up in age and not as quick out of their stances as they once were. Still, this is a mauling line that can move bodies, and although it is against his DNA, coach Andy Reid would be wise to incorporate more power running into this offense, which is notorious for throwing the ball. There is some healthy competitiveness and position versatility within this group as well, but there is not a true left tackle of the future. An injury to LT William Thomas could be a major problem.
The Jaguars are known for their physical running game, which has them on the cusp of being a top-10 offensive line. The Buccaneers and the Jets are knocking on the door as well thanks to emerging young players and impressive offseason additions.
Here's how those teams and the others outside the top 10 fall in line.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a big, physical line that obviously did a great job of opening running lanes for Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Jacksonville was second in the league in rushing (behind Minnesota) and averaged 149.4 yards per game. That should continue this season; this is the type of unit that can simply wear down a defense. Jacksonville's offensive line also was quite effective in pass protection, although it is not the most nimble or athletic group. QB David Garrard deserves some credit for getting the ball out quickly, and the Jaguars' effectiveness running the ball often slowed down their opponent's pass rush, but don't discount the job their big uglies did. Even though the Jags parted ways with OG Chris Naeole, there is continuity here, and the Jaguars return the starting unit they used much of last year. Depth is a bit of a concern, and their ability to succeed if they sustain an injury or two is in question. C Brad Meester is a very good player, but the drop-off with him out of the lineup is substantial and he has struggled to stay healthy. The tackle depth is particularly alarming. Still, LG Vince Manuwai is one of the most physical blockers in the league and a name you should know, and LT Khalif Barnes is talented but must avoid off-the-field issues and become more consistent on game day.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Do not be surprised if the Buccaneers have the best interior offensive line in the league by season's end. Guards Arron Sears and Davin Joseph, matched with newly acquired Jeff Faine, are going to pay huge dividends, particularly in the run game. Faine is a very good leader who excels at getting to the second level to cut off linebackers. The Bucs already had one of the best run blocking lines in the league even before signing Faine. Joseph is a superstar in the making, while Sears started every game during his rookie season and has a fine blend of aggression, size and agility. However, pass blocking is a problem area, and the Bucs' offensive tackles are less than ideal athletes. Perimeter heat will give the tackles trouble, but this is a line that plays the game with nastiness and an edge Jon Gruden loves. Donald Penn came out of nowhere, and while he needs to get stronger and add some weight, he already is a pretty good pass-blocker. There also is very good depth here and a fine blend of youth and experience. Offensive line has been a major priority in recent drafts, and Tampa Bay is beginning to reap the rewards of its efforts.
13. New York Jets
The Jets' offensive line was awful last year, but to their credit, they were extremely aggressive in upgrading this group. They signed Pro Bowler Alan Faneca to play left guard, but his influence on former first-rounders C Nick Mangold and LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is as important as his play on the field. The Jets are banking on Faneca's professional approach to the game being contagious. Ferguson, in particular, needs to step up his game, and he remains light for an offensive tackle at this level (they may list him at 312 pounds, but the only way he weighs that much is if he has a 20-pound weight in his pocket). In a more curious move, New York also inked Damien Woody to big money to play right tackle, which was a major problem area. While Woody is very talented and did shine at right tackle in a short stint last season, he is better suited to work on the interior. Woody always could bump inside if he can't handle the edge protection, but there isn't another suitable offensive tackle to make this move feasible. Woody, at 325 pounds, also must keep his weight in check. The interior of New York's offensive line looks like a team strength now with Faneca, Mangold and Brandon Moore from left to right. Moore is very reliable and steady. Faneca and Woody both are on the wrong side of 30 years old, but that can be looked at two ways. They could be declining, but this line needs some veteran experience. The addition of Bill Callahan to coach the line cannot be overlooked, as he has an impressive track record. The real worries here are the play at both tackle spots and overall depth. This group, however, features four former first-round picks and will be much better than last year.
14. Cincinnati Bengals
Many found it very curious when the Bengals put the franchise tag on Stacy Andrews, but they shouldn't have. As offensive linemen go, Andrews is a puppy who started playing the game very late in life. He is simply dripping with physical ability, though, and could become an elite right tackle or guard in this league. Andrews will get more consistent as he settles in at a position -- probably right tackle -- and gets more game experience. The rest of this line could be good as well, but they were a major disappointment in the run blocking department last season. Much of that was due to injuries, particularly to tackles Levi Jones and Willie Anderson. Both players are stalwarts who had down seasons as they struggled to stay healthy with knee injuries. Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams are massive guards who play the game with attitude and ruggedness, but they are not overly nimble or athletic. Whitworth also can play tackle. The center position is a weak spot as Eric Ghiaciuc is heady but undersized. While Cincinnati struggled opening holes for its running backs, it was awfully good in pass protection last year. There is no reason why it should digress with its protection, and there is some potential to really improve the running game. Don't be surprised if this group ranks noticeably higher one year from now.