Califan007
June-15th-2011, 08:01 AM
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8205178d/article/protect-and-serve-nfls-best-olinemen-come-in-all-forms?module=HP_cp2
When talking about the best offensive linemen in the NFL, it's easy to mention left tackles because they play an elite position and are typically the best paid. But there's so much more to the success of an offensive line.
I got opinions from three NFL offensive line coaches to go along with my own opinion in creating this list of the 25 best offensive linemen, which includes 11 tackles, eight guards and seven centers. None of the coaches had the same player ranked No. 1, which I found interesting.
Group A
(tumbleweeds)
Group B
Chris Snee, G, Giants (>): Like Roos, Snee hasn't missed a start in his six years. In the last four years he has given up just nine sacks protecting Eli Manning. Snee is a dominant run blocker and is the point of attack for an excellent Giants run game.
Group C
(crickets chirping)
Group D
Andre Gurode, C, Cowboys (>): His highest ranking by the line coaches was No. 14, but all three coaches had him in the top 20. He has tremendous sustainability when he gets on a defender and finishes his blocks. In the last three years he has only given up six sacks in 48 starts.
Group E
Jason Peters, T, Eagles (>): Peters had a bad 2008 season for the Bills, giving up close to 12 sacks, and was shipped off to the Eagles. In two years as an Eagle in a heavy passing attack he has given up just eight sacks (two in 2010). The Eagles, under new offensive line coach Howard Mudd, can get even more out of Peters, and he will be pushed.
There are a number of young O-linemen close to the top 25, and by this time next year they should make the list. Keep an eye on Cleveland's Alex Mack, Cincinnati's Kyle Cook, Seattle's Russell Okung, New England's Sebastian Vollmer, St. Louis' Rodger Saffold, and Houston's Eric Winston.
When talking about the best offensive linemen in the NFL, it's easy to mention left tackles because they play an elite position and are typically the best paid. But there's so much more to the success of an offensive line.
I got opinions from three NFL offensive line coaches to go along with my own opinion in creating this list of the 25 best offensive linemen, which includes 11 tackles, eight guards and seven centers. None of the coaches had the same player ranked No. 1, which I found interesting.
Group A
(tumbleweeds)
Group B
Chris Snee, G, Giants (>): Like Roos, Snee hasn't missed a start in his six years. In the last four years he has given up just nine sacks protecting Eli Manning. Snee is a dominant run blocker and is the point of attack for an excellent Giants run game.
Group C
(crickets chirping)
Group D
Andre Gurode, C, Cowboys (>): His highest ranking by the line coaches was No. 14, but all three coaches had him in the top 20. He has tremendous sustainability when he gets on a defender and finishes his blocks. In the last three years he has only given up six sacks in 48 starts.
Group E
Jason Peters, T, Eagles (>): Peters had a bad 2008 season for the Bills, giving up close to 12 sacks, and was shipped off to the Eagles. In two years as an Eagle in a heavy passing attack he has given up just eight sacks (two in 2010). The Eagles, under new offensive line coach Howard Mudd, can get even more out of Peters, and he will be pushed.
There are a number of young O-linemen close to the top 25, and by this time next year they should make the list. Keep an eye on Cleveland's Alex Mack, Cincinnati's Kyle Cook, Seattle's Russell Okung, New England's Sebastian Vollmer, St. Louis' Rodger Saffold, and Houston's Eric Winston.