Offensive Line Rankings

The loss of veteran road grader RG Mike Goff to Kansas City could set this unit back a step in 2009 unless Louis Vasquez can step up in his place. Nick Hardwick is one of (if not) the best run blocking centers in the league and anchors the Chargers line that also features Kris Dielman and Marcus McNiel who have been Pro Bowlers in the past.

New offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski would like to place an even greater emphasis on running the football, which means big things for free agent acquisition Derrick Ward in 2009. A young talented group, the Buccaneers' offensive line will need to perform if they want any shot at making the playoffs. Tampa Bay's unit has the potential to be one of the top ten offensive lines in the game if it can step up its play in 2009.

Ryan Clady was a monster in his rookie season, anchoring a Bronco line that gave up just 12 sacks all season. Denver was excellent protecting the QB, and also averaged an impressive 116 yards per game (which bodes well for rookie Knowson Moreno in 2009).

LG Derrick Dockery returns after a stint in Buffalo, and his addition only improves a unit that averaged 130 yards per game on the ground last season. Clinton Portis will have solid blocking in 2009, but will the pass protection improve in front of Jason Campbell? The unit gave up 38 sacks last season and that number has to improve (especially with the pass rushes of Dallas, Philadelphia and the Giants in their own division).

David Garrard's struggles can be attributed to the injuries that occurred all along the Jaguars' offensive line last season. The Jaguars' offensive line should be much improved in 2009 with the addition of Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton through the NFL Draft; the signing of Tra Thomas adds much needed depth.

New Orleans' pass protection was a big reason behind Drew Brees challenging Dan Marino's record for yards in a season. Brees came up 15 yards short, and should be well protected once again with the entire offensive line returning in 2009. Pierre Thomas has always had success running behind the Saints' offensive line, so expect the Saints to average over 100 yards per game on the ground in 2009.

Cleveland failed to score an offensive touchdown in its final three games of 2008, and the entire unit was a disaster. Cleveland's line has plenty of talent but the rest of the offense is a major question mark from Jamal Lewis to Brady Quinn. The offensive line will produce, but will the rest of the offense in 2009?

Arizona's offensive line excels in pass protection, giving up just 28 sacks last season despite boasting the league's most pass happy offense. The reason Arizona put the ball in the air 66% of the time in 2008: the ineffectiveness of the Cardinals' #32 ranked rushing attack. Ken Whisenhunt has Steeler roots and will make handing the ball off to Chris "Beanie" Wells a priority in 2009.

The injuries became almost comical for Seattle last season, and the offensive line wasn't spared from injury either losing almost the entire starting unit by the end of the season. If this unit can stay healthy then they will take a step forward in 2009. With aging veterans anchoring the line it is difficult to imagine injuries not occurring. Seattle has a backup plan in place now after drafting versatile Oregon C Max Unger, who can play any position along the line.

The additions of Khalif Barnes, Samson Satele, and Lorenzo Neal will be major factors in turning Darren McFadden into a fantasy stud in 2009.

The Bengals' inability to protect Carson Palmer led to a season ending injury, and the poor pass protection didn't change with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. The run game turned it on late in the 2008 season, finishing with three straight 100 yard games. Andre Smith's addition through the NFL Draft will help improve the Bengals line in 2009.

The success of the unit depends on whether or not future Hall of Fame LG Brian Waters returns in 2009. The addition of RG Mike Goff should improve the Chief's run game that was average statistically last season. Matt Cassel has the ability to move outside the pocket to avoid pressure, so pass protection shouldn't be an issue in 2009 for Kansas City either.

San Francisco has two solid starters in Joe Staley and David Baas on the left side, but Eric Heitmann, Chilo Rachal, and Marvel Smith need to step up in order for this unit to improve this season. The 49ers gave up 55 sacks last season (32^nd in the league), which is no surprise in a Mike Martz offense, but the entire line needs to improve for Frank Gore to return to his elite form.

One of the NFL's weakest offensive lines, the Rams will look to rebuild its core around the #2 overall pick Jason Smith. Smith has quick feet and tremendous strength, qualities that a starting left tackle must have in the NFL. It won't be long before Smith is starting at left tackle and Alex Barron is out of town. Steven Jackson's value improves in 2009, but fantasy owners should hesitate before drafting any options in the passing game.

Buffalo gave up 38 sacks last season and then dealt away Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters to Philadelphia in a pre-draft trade. Buffalo's offensive line is trending downwards, which could be bad news for fantasy stars RB Marshawn Lynch and WR Terrell Owens. Buffalo will be looking to rebuild its offensive line around its 1^st round selection C Eric Wood out of Louisville. The bottom-line is that on paper Buffalo's offensive line appears to have taken a major step back from a season ago; fantasy owners should approach with caution.

Detroit's offensive line was a disaster last season, and the rebuilding will continue in 2009. 2008 1^st round pick Gosder Cherilus improved greatly as a rookie and the addition of Daniel Loper will hopefully pay dividends in 2009. TE Brandon Pettigrew (the best blocking tight end in the draft) is expected to make an immediate impact this season as well.