Team Report: Offensive Lines - 2007 Season
Posted 8/14 by Chris Smith, Exclusive to Footballguys.com
Grading System
- A… this offensive line is a dominant unit with depth
- B+… close to being a dominating unit
- B… very good unit
- C+… good unit but some question marks remain
- C … average unit
- D … below average unit
- E … terrible unit
Individual player rank
Ranked 1st to 32nd amongst starters at his position
* The player rankings were tabulated using an excel page created by Chris1969, one of the intelligent and interesting posters in our community of football fanatics. Many of my rankings are different than his own, but his impressive work in putting this page together was extremely helpful to me and made it easier to create this feature for your enjoyment.
Sorted in alphabetical order
Arizona Cardinals
Overall OL rank 2007: 29th
2006 Statistics: 1,338 rushing yards (30th), 3.2 YPC (32nd), 12 rushing touchdowns (18th),
15.6 Sacks / PA (17th), Avg. rank (24th)
Run blocking rank: 30th
Pass blocking rank: 20th
Depth: C+
Cohesion: D
Experience: C
Projected Starters
LT Mike Gandy: rank - 24th
LG Reggie Wells: rank - 23rd
C Al Johnson: rank - 21st
RG Deuce Lutui: rank - 20th
RT Levi Brown [r]: rank - 17th
Key Backups: Oliver Ross, Nick Leckey, Elton Brown, Brandon Gorin
Team Notes
- New HC Ken Whisenhunt and OL coach Russ Grimm like to put athletic players at guard instead of at tackle. That's why they moved Reggie Wells from RT to LG.
- Elton Brown will be in the hunt for a starting position along the offensive line
Atlanta Falcons
Overall OL rank 2007: 25th
2006 Statistics: 2,939 rushing yards (1st), 5.5 YPC (1st), 9 rushing touchdowns
(23rd), 8.9 Sacks / PA (31st), Avg. Rank (14th)
Run blocking rank: 18th
Pass blocking rank: 25th
Depth: C
Cohesion: B
Experience: B+
Projected Starters
LT Wayne Gandy: rank - 23rd
LG Justin Blaylock [r]: rank - 21st
C Todd McClure: rank - 21st
RG Kynan Forney: rank - 18th
RT Todd Weiner: rank - 14th
Key Backups: Tyson Clabo P.J. Alexander, Ben Wilkerson, Frank Omiyale
Team Notes
- Rookie center Doug Datish, a sixth-round draft pick from Ohio State, was placed on injured reserve after he broke his right wrist.
- The Falcons have signed Ben Wilkerson
Baltimore Ravens
Overall OL rank 2007: 18th
2006 Statistics: 1,637 rushing yards (25th), 3.4 YPC (31st), 11 rushing
touchdowns (22nd), 30.8 Sacks / PA (2nd), Avg. Rank (20th)
Run blocking rank: 21st
Pass blocking rank: 10th
Depth: A
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Jonathon Ogden: rank - 8th
LG Jason Brown: rank - 25th
C Mike Flynn: rank - 17th
RG Keydrick Vincent: rank - 17th
RT Adam Terry: 12th
Key Backups: Chris Chester, Ben Grubbs [r], Jared Gaither [r], Brian Rimpf, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Marshall Yando [r]
Team Notes
- Rookie LT Jared Gaither is clearly the surprise of camp. He has been 1st-string in the absence of Ogden
- Coaching staff believe talent along Ravens offensive line is at an all-time high
- Chris Chester is battling Keydrick Vincent for playing time at right guard and could emerge as the starter
Buffalo Bills
Overall OL rank 2007: 28th
2006 Statistics: 1,552 rushing yards (27th); 3.7 YPC (25th), 9 rushing
touchdowns (23rd), 9.2 Sacks / PA (30th), Avg. Rank (26th)
Run blocking rank: 23rd
Pass blocking rank: 29th
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Jason Peters: rank - 16th
LG Derrick Dockery: rank - 12th
C Melvin Fowler: rank - 18th
RG Duke Preston: rank - 28th
RT Langston Walker: rank - 29th
Key Backups: Terrance Pennington, Jason Whittle, Brad Butler, Kirk Chambers
Team Notes
- Jason Whittle and returning lineman Duke Preston our battling for the starting right guard position.
Carolina Panthers
Overall OL rank 2007: 14th
2006 Statistics: 1,659 rushing yards (27th); 3.9 YPC (25th), 7 rushing
touchdowns (28th), 16.8 Sacks / PA (10th), Avg. Rank (23rd)
Run blocking rank: 19th
Pass blocking rank: 5th
Depth: B
Cohesion: B
Experience: B+
Projected Starters
LT Travelle Wharton: rank - 20th
LG Mike Wahle: rank - 7th
C Justin Hartwig: rank - 9th
RG Evan Mathis: rank - 25th
RT Jordan Gross: rank - 4th
Key Backups: Ryan Kalil [r], Jeremy Bridges [ suspended 1st two games ], Geoff Hangartner, Will Montgomery
Team Notes
- OL Jeremy Bridges has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season, a day after his arrest on a misdemeanor assault charge.
- Panthers have considered moving veteran center Justin Hartwig to guard to make room for rookie Ryan Kalil.
Chicago Bears
Overall OL rank 2007: 2nd
2006 Statistics: 1,918 rushing yards (15th); 3.8 YPC (23rd), 14 rushing
touchdowns (11th), 20.6 Sacks / PA (11th), Avg. Rank (15th)
Run blocking rank: 4th
Pass blocking rank: 2nd
Depth: B
Cohesion: A
Experience: A+
Projected Starters
LT John Tait: rank - 14th
LG Ruben Brown: rank - 3rd
C Olin Kreutz: rank - 1st
RG Roberto Garza: rank - 11th
RT Fred Miller: rank - 3rd
Key Backups: John St. Clair, Terrence Metcalf, Josh Beekman [r]
Team Notes
- The Bears starting lineup is set in stone barring injury
Cincinnati Bengals
Overall OL rank 2007: 15th
2006 Statistics: 1,629 rushing yards (26th); 3.7 YPC (25th), 14 rushing
touchdowns (11th), 14.5 Sacks / PA (10th), Avg. Rank (18th)
Run blocking rank: 12th
Pass blocking rank: 11th
Depth: B
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Levi Jones: rank - 12th
LG Andrew Whitworth: rank - 16th
C Eric Ghiaciuc: rank - 20th
RG Bobbie Williams: rank - 12th
RT Willie Anderson: rank - 1st
Key Backups: Scott Kooistra, Stacy Andrews, Alex Stepanovich, Dan Santucci [r]
Team Notes
- LT Levi Jones continues to rehab his knee injury and could miss all of training camp. He is hopeful to be able to play by week one
- Scott Kooistra is working at right tackle in place of injured tackle Willie Anderson. Anderson should be ready to go soon
- Adam Kieft has returned following a two-year absence after he suffered a multi-ligament tear in a knee in the 2005 mock game.
Cleveland Browns
Overall OL rank 2007: 20th
2006 Statistics: 1,335 rushing yards (31st); 3.6 YPC (29th), 7 rushing
touchdowns (28th), 9.5 Sacks / PA (28th), Avg. Rank (29th)
Run blocking rank: 24th
Pass blocking rank: 12th
Depth: B
Cohesion: D
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Joe Thomas: rank - 21st
LG Eric Steinbach: rank - 2nd
C Hank Fraley: rank - 16th
RG Seth McKinney- 26th
RT Kevin Shaffer - 11th
Key Backups: Ryan Tucker [ suspended 4 games ], Lennie Friedman, Kelly Butler, Nat Dorsey
Team Notes
- Cleveland G/T Ryan Tucker was suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
- Cleveland Browns rookie tackle, Joe Thomas, continues to see work at the left tackle spot.
- Cleveland Browns left tackle Kevin Shaffer continued taking snaps at right tackle during practice
Dallas Cowboys
Overall OL rank 2007: 11th
2006 Statistics: 1,936 rushing yards (13th); 4.1 YPC (14th), 21 rushing
touchdowns (3rd), 13.7 Sacks / PA (20th), Avg. Rank (13th)
Run blocking rank: 5th
Pass blocking rank: 18th
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: A
Projected Starters
LT Flozell Adams: rank - 9th
LG Kyle Kosier: rank - 27th
C Andre Gurode: rank - 24th
RG Leonard Davis: rank - 6th
RT Marc Colombo: rank - 22nd
Key Backups: Doug Free [r], James Marten [r], Joe Berger, Pat McQuistan
Team Notes
- RT Marc Colombo has returned to practice after missing the previous sessions of Training Camp as he continued to recover from right knee surgery.
- "I'm seeing some Larry Allen stuff in his prime from Leonard Davis," owner Jerry Jones said. "He's really been impressive."
Denver Broncos
Overall OL rank 2007: 10th
2006 Statistics: 2,152 rushing yards (8th); 4.4 YPC (9th), 12 rushing
touchdowns (18th), 14.6 Sacks / PA (16th), Avg. Rank (13th)
Run blocking rank: 13th
Pass blocking rank: 15th
Depth: A
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Matt Lepsis: rank - 15th
LG Ben Hamilton: rank - 10th
C Tom Nalen: rank - 4th
RG Montrae Holland: rank - 21st
RT Erik Pears: rank - 23rd
Key Backups: Chris Kuper, Greg Eslinger, Adam Meadows, Ryan Harris [r]
Team Notes
- The Broncos have extended G Montrae Holland's contract through 2009
- Lepsis appears to be recovered from his torn ACL injury last season
Detroit Lions
Overall OL rank 2007: 27th
2006 Statistics: 1,129 rushing yards (32nd); 3.7 YPC (25th), 9 rushing
touchdowns (23rd), 9.5 Sacks / PA (28th), Avg. Rank (27th)
Run blocking rank: 25th
Pass blocking rank: 23rd
Depth: D
Cohesion: C
Experience: A
Projected Starters
LT Jeff Backus: rank - 17th
LG Edwin Mulitalo: rank - 22nd
C Dominic Raiola: rank - 27th
RG Damien Woody: rank - 24th
RT George Foster: rank - 15th
Key Backups: Jonathon Scott, Manuel Ramirez, Rex Tucker
Team Notes
- Lions OC Mike Martz as praised the offensive line this season. "The effort's real good," Martz said. "The attention to detail's good,"
- Detroit Lions OL Damien Woody has lost nearly 50 pounds and he took a huge pay cut to stay with the Lions proving the veteran offensive lineman means business.
Green Bay Packers
Overall OL rank 2007: 13th
2006 Statistics: 1,663 rushing yards (23rd); 3.9 YPC (18th), 9 rushing
touchdowns (23rd), 26.3 Sacks / PA (3rd), Avg. Rank (17th)
Run blocking rank: 22nd
Pass blocking rank: 9th
Depth: B
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Chad Clifton: rank - 8th
LG Daryn Colledge: rank - 19th
C Scott Wells: rank - 25th
RG Jason Spitz: rank - 10th
RT Mark Tauscher - 8th
Key Backups: Tony Moll, Junius Coston, Allen Barbre [r]
Team Notes
- Detroit Lions OL Damien Woody has lost nearly 50 pounds and he took a huge pay cut to stay with the Lions proving the veteran offensive lineman means business.
Houston Texans
Overall OL rank 2007: 22nd
2006 Statistics: 1,685 rushing yards (21st); 3.9 YPC (18th), 13 rushing
touchdowns (14th), 11.2 Sacks / PA (24th), Avg. Rank (19th)
Run blocking rank: 14th
Pass blocking rank: 28th
Depth: C+
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Jordan Black: rank - 30th
LG Chester Pitts: rank - 17th
C Mike Flanagan: rank - 19th
RG Fred Weary: rank - 19th
RT Eric Winston: rank - 21st
Key Backups: Charles Spencer (serious knee injury could derail promising career), Ephraim Salaam, Kevin Barry, Steve McKinney, Brandon Frye [r]
Team Notes
- The Texans have signed veteran free agent offensive lineman Kevin Barry to a one-year contract to provide depth to the unit.
- The Texans are placing LT Charles Spencer on the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he will miss at least the first six games of the season.
- Jordan Black is in a battle with veteran Ephraim Salaam for the starting left tackle position.
Indianapolis Colts
Overall OL rank 2007: 26th
2006 Statistics: 1,762 rushing yards (18th); 4.0 YPC (16th), 17 rushing
touchdowns (6th), 37.1 Sacks / PA (1st), Avg. Rank (10th)
Run blocking rank: 28th
Pass blocking rank: 3rd
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Tony Ugoh [r]: rank - 29th
LG Ryan Lilja: rank - 20th
C Jeff Saturday: rank - 2nd
RG Jake Scott: rank - 29th
RT Ryan Diem: rank - 10th
Key Backups: Dylan Gandy, Charlie Johnson, Rick DeMulling
Team Notes
- Pro Bowl LT Tarik Glenn has retired leaving a huge hole at left tackle. Rookie Tony Ugoh will attempt to fill the void.
- Indianapolis Colts second round draft pick LT Tony Ugoh has already cracked the starting lineup. Ugoh started at left tackle during Monday's practice. "My main concentration now is learning the system and getting the system down so I can play to the best of my abilities.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Overall OL rank 2007: 7th
2006 Statistics: 2,541 rushing yards (3rd); 5.0 YPC (2nd), 23 rushing
touchdowns (2nd), 14.9 Sacks / PA (15th), Avg. Rank (6th)
Run blocking rank: 6th
Pass blocking rank: 14th
Depth: B
Cohesion: B
Experience B
Projected Starters
LT Khalif Barnes: rank - 18th
LG Vince Manuwai: rank - 11th
C Dennis Norman: rank - 31st
RG Chris Naeole: rank - 16th
RT Tony Pashos: rank - 16th
Key Backups: Stockar McDougle, Maurice Williams, Brad Meester [ injured ], Uche Nwaneri [r]
Team Notes
- C Brad Meester broke a bone in his right ankle Monday night and will undergo surgery that could sideline him up to 10 weeks. Backup C Dennis Norman, who only has five starts in his career, will replace Meester in the lineup.
Kansas City Chiefs
Overall OL rank 2007: 30th
2006 Statistics: 2,143 rushing yards (9th); 4.2 YPC (11th), 17 rushing
touchdowns (6th), 11.0 Sacks / PA (25th), Avg. Rank (13th)
Run blocking rank: 26th
Pass blocking rank: 30th
Depth: B
Cohesion: C
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Will Svitek: rank 32nd
LG Brian Waters: rank 6th
C Casey Wiegmann: rank 8th
RG John Welbourn: rank 30th
RT Chris Terry: rank 30th
Key Backups: Damion McIntosh [injured 4-6 weeks ], Kevin Sampson, Rudy Niswanger, Tre Stallings, Chris Bober, Herbert Taylor [r]
Team Notes
- Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Damion McIntosh will miss four to six weeks due to a right knee sprain he suffered during Monday afternoon's practice.
- When asked if there was one guy that is going to take over for injured starting LT Damien McIntosh, Kansas City Chiefs HC Herman Edwards said the following: "Right now, it's [Will] Svitek. He's a guy that's a young player that hasn't been playing the position that long. He's got a great opportunity and we're going to have a great opportunity evaluating him and find out how he can hold up. He's going to be our guy."
Miami Dolphins
Overall OL rank 2007: 31st
2006 Statistics: 1,673 rushing yards (22nd); 4.2 YPC (11th), 7 rushing
touchdowns (28th), 14.4 Sacks / PA (18th), Avg. Rank (20th)
Run blocking rank: 31st
Pass blocking rank: 31st
Depth: C+
Cohesion: E
Experience: E
Projected Starters
LT Vernon Carey: rank - 25th
LG Chris Liwienski: rank - 32nd
C Samson Satele [r]: rank - 32nd
RG Rex Hadnot: rank - 31st
RT Anthony Alabi: rank - 31st
Key Backups: L.J. Shelton, Drew Mormino [r], Joe Toledo, Mike Rosenthal
Team Notes
- Shelton demoted to 2nd-string due to weight issues. He is 345 pounds and the Dolphins wish to see him at 330 pounds
- Sixth round pick G Drew Mormino is in competition for a starting spot at one of the two guard positions
- Carey excited to give the left tackle position a try once again to prove he can handle the role.
Minnesota Vikings
Overall OL rank 2007: 5th
2006 Statistics: 1,820 rushing yards (16th), 4.1 YPC (14th), 12 rushing
touchdowns (18th), 12.6 Sacks / PA (21st), Avg. Rank (17th)
Run blocking rank: 2nd
Pass blocking rank: 19th
Depth: C
Cohesion: B+
Experience: B+
Projected Starters
LT Bryant McKinnie: rank - 10th
LG Steve Hutchinson: rank - 1st
C Matt Birk: rank - 3rd
RG Artis Hicks: rank - 22nd
RT Ryan Cook: rank - 24th
Key Backups: Marcus Johnson, Anthony Herrera
Team Notes
- Birk has regained his pre-injury weight of 315 pounds and feels 100% healthy again.
- There is a big battle brewing for the right guard position between Artis Hicks and Anthony Herrera. It is too close to call.
- Marcus Johnson is battling Ryan Cook for the right tackle position.
New England Patriots
Overall OL rank 2007: 4th
2006 Statistics: 1,969 rushing yards (12th); 3.9 YPC (18th), 20 rushing
touchdowns (4th), 18.2 Sacks / PA (9th), Avg. Rank (11th)
Run blocking rank: 11th
Pass blocking rank: 1st
Depth: A
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Matt Light: rank - 11th
LG Logan Mankins: rank - 9th
C Dan Koppen: rank - 5th
RG Steve Neal: 9th
RT Ryan O'Callaghan: 19th
Key Backups: Wesley Britt, Billy Yates, Nick Kaczur, Russ Hochstein
Team Notes
- Ryan O'Callaghan may be winning the battle for the New England Patriots starting right tackle job. He is currently ahead of OT Nick
New Orleans Saints
Overall OL rank 2007: 9th
2006 Statistics: 1,761 rushing yards (19th); 3.7 YPC (25th), 19 rushing
touchdowns (5th), 25.2 Sacks / PA (4th), Avg. Rank (13th)
Run blocking rank: 15th
Pass blocking rank: 8th
Depth: C
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Jammal Brown: rank - 3rd
LG Jamar Nesbit: rank - 26th
C Jeff Faine: rank - 11th
RG Jahri Evans: rank - 15th
RT Jon Stinchcomb: rank - 26th
Key Backups: Jonathon Goodwin, Zach Strief, Andy Alleman [r]
Team Notes
- Left tackle Jammal Brown appears to have suffered only a bone bruise to his right knee on Tuesday, which is good news compared to what the team had feared earlier in the day. An MRI exam performed on Tuesday did not reveal any serious injury. "Everything came back structurally intact," Saints team spokesman Doug Miller said. No information related to when Brown might return to the playing field is currently available.
New York Giants
Overall OL rank 2007: 24th
2006 Statistics: 2,156 rushing yards (7th); 4.7 YPC (6th), 14 rushing
touchdowns (11th), 20.9 Sacks / PA (6th), Avg. Rank (8th)
Run blocking rank: 27th
Pass blocking rank: 24th
Depth: B
Cohesion: C+
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT David Diehl: rank - 28th
LG Rich Seubert: rank - 29th
C Shaun O'Hara: rank - 13th
RG Chris Snee: rank - 5th
RT Kareem McKenzie: rank - 20th
Key Backups: Guy Whimper, Gray Ruegamer,, Adam Koets, Zach Piller
Team Notes
- The battle for the starting LT spot for the New York Giants is becoming a blowout. OT Guy Whimper has struggled with backup defensive linemen. This would mean OG David Diehl would start at LT instead of LG, which would create another hole.
- Piller may compete with Rich Seubert for a starting position although it appears to be Seubert's spot to lose.
New York Jets
Overall OL rank 2007: 23rd
2006 Statistics: 1,738 rushing yards (20th); 3.5 YPC (30th), 15 rushing
touchdowns (9th), 14.4 PA / Sack (18th), Avg. Rank (19th)
Run blocking rank: 29th
Pass blocking rank: 21st
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Projected Starters
LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson: rank - 24th
LG Adrien Clarke: rank - 31st
C Nick Mangold: rank - 6th
RG Brandon Moore: rank - 23rd
RT Anthony Clement: 28th
Key Backups: Adrian Jones, Pete Kendall, Wade Smith, Jacob Bender
Team Notes
- Veteran lineman Pete Kendall is practicing with the Jets but is very unhappy and wants a trade
- LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, whose weight dipped to under 290 pounds last season, is back up to 305 pounds.
Oakland Raiders
Overall OL rank 2007: 32nd
2006 Statistics: 1,519 rushing yards (29th); 3.9 YPC (18th), 5 rushing
touchdowns (32nd), 6.7 PA / Sack (32nd), Avg. Rank (28th)
Run blocking rank: 32nd
Pass blocking rank: 32nd
Depth: D
Cohesion: E
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Barry Sims: rank - 31st
LG Robert Gallery: rank - 25th
C Jake Grove: rank - 28th
RG Cooper Carlisle: 32nd
RT Cornell Green: 32nd
Key Backups: Jeremy Newberry, Chad Slaughter, Kevin Boothe, Mario Henderson [r]
Team Notes
- The Raiders have moved former 1st pick Robert Gallery inside to guard after poor play at tackle
- New OL coach Tom Cable yells and screams and curses frequently at his charges. "There's a lot of work to do," Cable said at training camp Saturday in Napa. "You kind of have to start over. I like what they're doing, but it's definitely a project to rebuild it."
- Kevin Boothe is battling Cooper Carlisle for the starting right guard position
Philadelphia Eagles
Overall OL rank 2007: 3rd
2006 Statistics: 1,984 rushing yards (11th); 4.8 YPC (5th), 13 rushing
touchdowns (14th), 19.4 PA / Sack (8th), Avg. Rank (10th)
Run blocking rank: 4th
Pass blocking rank: 6th
Depth: A
Cohesion: A
Experience: A
Projected Starters
LT William Thomas: rank - 6th
LG Todd Herremans: rank - 14th
C Jamaal Jackson: 7th
RG Shawn Andrews: rank - 1st
RT Jon Runyan: rank - 6th
Key Backups: Winston Justice, Max Jean-Gilles, Scott Young
Team Notes
- Eagles RG Shawn Andrews will see a specialist for further examination of his right ankle, which he injured last Saturday. HC Andy Reid dismissed the move as precautionary, but it is the same ankle Andrews hurt which ended his 2004 season. G Scott Young will replace Andrews in practice for the time being.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall OL rank 2007: 13th
2006 Statistics: 1,992 rushing yards (10th); 4.2 YPC (11th), 16 rushing
touchdowns (8th), 10.7 PA / Sack (26th), Avg. Rank (14th)
Run blocking rank: 8th
Pass blocking rank: 22nd
Depth: B
Cohesion: B
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Marvel Smith: rank - 13th
LG Alan Faneca: rank - 4th
C Chukky Okobi: rank - 30th
RG Kendall Simmons: rank - 13th
RT Max Starks: rank - 12th
Key Backups: Chris Kemoeatu, Willie Colon, Cameron Stephenson [r], Sean Mahan
Team Notes
- Center Chukky Okobi suffered an apparent back injury during the team's practice session on Wednesday, August 9th. When asked to comment on the injury, head coach Mike Tomlin said "He went down with a lot of pain and discomfort but I don't expect anything long term."
- Kendall Simmons has locked-up the team's starting right guard position for the upcoming season, according to reports.
- Star LG Alan Faneca unhappy with contract but in camp ready to go.
San Diego Chargers
Overall OL rank 2007: 1st
2006 Statistics: 2,578 rushing yards (2nd); 4.9 YPC (4th), 32 rushing
touchdowns (1st), 16.6 PA / Sack (11th), Avg. Rank (4th)
Run blocking rank: 1st
Pass blocking rank: 4th
Depth: B
Cohesion: A
Experience: A
Projected Starters
LT Marcus McNeill: rank - 5th
LG Kris Dielman: rank - 8th
C Nick Hardwick: rank - 14th
RG Mike Goff: rank - 3rd
RT Shane Olivea: rank - 17th
Key Backups: Scott Mruczkowski, Roman Oben, Corey Withrow
Team Notes
- Chargers starting offensive line is set in stone and one of the premier units in football.
San Francisco 49ers
Overall OL rank 2007: 8th
2006 Statistics: 2,172 rushing yards (6th); 5.0 YPC (2nd), 12 rushing
touchdowns (18th), 12.3 PA / Sack (22nd), Avg. Rank (12th)
Run blocking rank: 9th
Pass blocking rank: 16th
Depth: A
Cohesion: A
Experience: A
Projected Starters
LT Jonas Jennings: rank - 22nd
LG Larry Allen: rank - 5th
C Eric Heitmann: rank - 15th
RG Justin Smiley: rank - 8th
RT Kwame Harris: rank - 25th
Key Backups: Adam Snyder, David Baas, Joe Staley [r]
Team Notes
- The San Francisco 49ers have a tremendous battle brewing in training camp between incumbent starter Kwame Harris and talented rookie Joe Staley. Both players are battling hard for the starting right tackle spot and it will be a difficult decision for the coaching staff to make. "I feel like I've made a lot of progress, as far as fundamentals, and since training camp started, I've become more confident in my abilities and what I can do at the NFL level," Staley said. "I've always kind of had that mean streak on the field," he said. "But you definitely have to have that as an offensive lineman coming out here, showing you're not going to back down to anybody as a rookie."
- When San Francisco 49ers left guard Larry Allen finally reported to training camp on Monday, he arrived in great condition, weighing just 340 lbs, which is where he wants to play at this season. "He looks great, as a matter of fact. I told him he could model for GQ," said 49ers HC Mike Nolen.
Seattle Seahawks
Overall OL rank 2007: 17th
2006 Statistics: 1,923 rushing yards (14th); 4.0 YPC (16th), 8 rushing
touchdowns (27th), 10.4 PA / Sack (27th), Avg. Rank (21st)
Run blocking rank: 7th
Pass blocking rank: 26th
Depth: B
Cohesion: C+
Experience: B
Projected Starters
LT Walter Jones: rank - 2nd
LG Rob Sims: rank - 15th
C Chris Spencer: rank - 12th
RG Chris Gray: rank - 27th
RT Sean Locklear: rank - 27th
Key Backups: Floyd 'Porkchop' Womack, Tom Ashworth, Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto[r]
Team Notes
- Star left tackle Walter Jones did not participate in practice on Monday morning, the fourth day he's missed with soreness in his shoulder. Most around camp are not alarmed and see it as nothing more than veteran bumps and bruises.
- Ray Willis stopped DE Darryl Tapp dead in his tracks with a block during the morning practice and he has been earning the attention of the coaches with his play at guard the first six days of camp. Willis, who was primarily a tackle in his first two seasons has spent time working with the first-unit offensive line as the right guard and has looked really good.
- Backup guard Floyd Womack will likely be held out of the team's first three exhibition games as he continued to recover from knee surgery and a strained hamstring.
St. Louis Rams
Overall OL rank 2007: 21st
2006 Statistics: 1,805 rushing yards (17th); 4.3 YPC (10th), 13 rushing
touchdowns (14th), 12.1 PA / Sack (23rd), Avg. Rank (16th)
Run blocking rank: 7th
Pass blocking rank: 27th
Depth: C+
Cohesion: B
Experience: C+
Projected Starters
LT Orlando Pace: rank - 1st
LG Mark Setterstrom: rank - 24th
C Andy McCollum: rank - 29th
RG Richie Incognito: rank - 14th
RT Alex Barron: rank - 9th
Key Backups: Claude Terrell, Adam Goldberg, Todd Steussie, Dustin Fry [r]
Team Notes
- As a rookie, Rams G Mark Setterstrom played nine snaps his first game in November. He started the remainder of the season and will go into the 2007 season the way he left the 2006 season. "He finished so strong last year," HC Scott Linehan said. "I'd be real surprised if he took any steps back." The Rams are confident that Setterstrom, 23, and G Richie Incognito, 24, will stabilize the position for many years to come.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall OL rank 2007: 19th
2006 Statistics: 1,523 rushing yards (28th); 3.8 YPC (23rd), 6 rushing
touchdowns (31st), 16.2 PA / Sack (12th), Avg. Rank (23rd)
Run blocking rank: 20th
Pass blocking rank: 13th
Depth: A
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Projected Starters
LT Luke Petitgout: rank - 27th
LG Arron Sears [r]: rank - 18th
C John Wade: rank - 31st
RG Davin Joseph: rank - 2nd
RT Jeremy Trueblood: rank - 7th
Key Backups: Dan Buenning, Jeb Terry, Matt Lehr, Anthony Davis
Team Notes
- New starting left tackle Luke Petitgout has been battling general soreness during training camp.
- Rookie OG Arron Sears has made a favorable impression with HC Jon Gruden. "We like Sears," he said.
- He's a big, athletic powerful guy and he's a quick study. He's going to make things very interesting inside. I do know this - with him and Davin [Joseph], we've got two very good young prospects at guard."
Tennessee Titans
Overall OL rank 2007: 6th
2006 Statistics: 2,214 rushing yards (5th); 4.7 YPC (6th), 15 rushing
touchdowns (9th), 15.4 PA / Sack (14th), Avg. Rank (9th)
Run blocking rank: 17th
Pass blocking rank: 7th
Depth: B
Cohesion: B
Experience: B+
Projected Starters
LT Michael Roos: rank - 19th
LG Jacob Bell: rank - 13th
C Kevin Mawae: rank - 23rd
RG Benji Olson: rank - 7th
RT David Stewart: rank - 5th
Key Backups: Seth Wand, Justin Geisinger, Daniel Loper, Leroy Harris [r]
Team Notes
- Despite returning to practice on a limited basis, Titans G Benji Olson continues to have problems with a lower back injury. Olson, who missed a game last season, said he'll have to take better care of himself this preseason so as to not further aggravate the injury. "Everybody gets to a point in their career when their body starts to shut down. I am not totally there yet, I have more fight left in me, but I just have to be smarter," he said.
Washington Redskins
Overall OL rank 2007: 16th
2006 Statistics: 2,216 rushing yards (4th); 4.5 YPC (8th), 13 rushing touchdowns (14th), 24.7 PA / Sack (5th), Avg. Rank (8th)
Run blocking rank: 10th
Pass blocking rank: 17th
Depth: C+
Cohesion: B
Experience: A
Projected Starters
LT Chris Samuels: rank - 4th
LG Todd Wade: rank - 30th
C Casey Rabach: rank - 26th
RG Randy Thomas: rank - 4th
RT Jon Jansen: rank - 2nd
Key Backups: Stephon Heyer, Jason Fabini, Taylor Whitley, Mike Pucillo
Team Notes
- Washington Redskins starting LT Chris Samuels will be sidelined up to four weeks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during yesterday's practice. An MRI late last night confirmed the initial diagnosis. Samuels tore up his MCL in the same knee in 2003, causing him to miss three games. Even if Samuels misses the entire four weeks, he still would be available for the Redskins' season opener Sept. 9 against Miami.
- Redskins LT Stephon Heyer will get the starting nod this weekend in the team's first preseason game at Tennessee. Heyer was surprised himself at his promotion to the first team offense last week, but he has been filling in admirably for injured LT Chris Samuels, who will miss most of the preseason with a knee injury.
Team Grades
|
Rank
|
Team |
Overall Grade
|
Depth
|
Cohesion
|
Experience
|
|
1
|
San Diego |
A
|
B
|
A
|
A
|
|
2
|
Chicago |
A
|
B
|
A
|
A+
|
|
3
|
Philadelphia |
A
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
|
4
|
New England |
A
|
A
|
B
|
B
|
|
5
|
Minnesota |
B+
|
C
|
B+
|
B+
|
|
6
|
Tennessee |
B+
|
B
|
B
|
B
|
|
7
|
Jacksonville |
B+
|
B
|
B
|
B
|
|
8
|
San Francisco |
B+
|
A
|
A
|
A
|
|
9
|
New Orleans |
B
|
C
|
B
|
B
|
|
10
|
Denver |
B
|
A
|
B
|
B
|
|
11
|
Dallas |
B
|
C+
|
C+
|
A
|
|
12
|
Carolina |
B
|
B
|
B
|
B+
|
|
13
|
Green Bay |
B
|
B
|
B
|
B
|
|
14
|
Pittsburgh |
B
|
B
|
B
|
B
|
|
15
|
Cincinnati |
B
|
B
|
B
|
B
|
|
16
|
Washington |
B
|
C+
|
B+
|
A
|
|
17
|
Seattle |
B
|
B
|
C+
|
B
|
|
18
|
Baltimore |
B
|
A
|
B
|
B
|
|
19
|
Tampa Bay |
C+
|
A
|
C+
|
C+
|
|
20
|
Cleveland |
C+
|
B
|
D
|
B
|
|
21
|
Houston |
C+
|
C+
|
B
|
B
|
|
22
|
NY Jets |
C+
|
C+
|
C+
|
C+
|
|
23
|
St. Louis |
C+
|
C+
|
B
|
C+
|
|
24
|
NY Giants |
C+
|
B
|
C+
|
B
|
|
25
|
Atlanta |
C
|
C
|
B
|
C+
|
|
26
|
Indianapolis |
C
|
C+
|
C+
|
B
|
|
27
|
Detroit |
C
|
D
|
C
|
A
|
|
28
|
Buffalo |
C
|
C+
|
C
|
B
|
|
29
|
Arizona |
C-
|
C+
|
D
|
C
|
|
30
|
Kansas City |
C-
|
B-
|
C
|
B
|
|
31
|
Miami |
D
|
C+
|
E
|
E
|
|
32
|
Oakland |
D
|
D
|
E
|
B
|
Individual player rankings
Ranked from 1st to 32nd (starters only)
|
Rk
|
Starting Left Tackles |
|
1
|
Orlando Pace |
|
2
|
Walter Jones |
|
3
|
Jammal Brown |
|
4
|
Chris Samuels |
|
5
|
Marcus McNeil |
|
6
|
William Thomas |
|
7
|
Jonathan Ogden |
|
8
|
Chad Clifton |
|
9
|
Flozell Adams |
|
10
|
Bryant McKinnie |
|
11
|
Matt Light |
|
12
|
Levi Jones |
|
13
|
Marvel Smith |
|
14
|
John Tait |
|
15
|
Matt Lepsis |
|
16
|
Jason Peters |
|
17
|
Jeff Backus |
|
18
|
Khalif Barnes |
|
19
|
Michael Roos |
|
20
|
Travelle Wharton |
|
21
|
Joe Thomas |
|
22
|
Jonas Jennings |
|
23
|
Wayne Gandy |
|
24
|
D'Brickashaw Fergu |
|
25
|
Vernon Carey |
|
26
|
Mike Gandy |
|
27
|
Luke Petitgout |
|
28
|
David Diehl |
|
29
|
Tony Ugoh |
|
30
|
Charles Spencer |
|
31
|
Barry Sims |
|
32
|
Will Svitek |
|
Rk
|
Starting Left Guards |
|
1
|
Steve Hutchinson |
|
2
|
Eric Steinbach |
|
3
|
Ruben Brown |
|
4
|
Alan Faneca |
|
5
|
Larry Allen |
|
6
|
Brian Waters |
|
7
|
Mike Wahle |
|
8
|
Kris Dielman |
|
9
|
Logan Mankins |
|
10
|
Ben Hamilton |
|
11
|
Vince Manuwai |
|
12
|
Derrick Dockery |
|
13
|
Jacob Bell |
|
14
|
Todd Herremans |
|
15
|
Rob Sims |
|
16
|
Andrew Whitworth |
|
17
|
Chester Pitts |
|
18
|
Anthony Davis |
|
19
|
Daryn College |
|
20
|
Ryan Lilja |
|
21
|
Justin Blalock |
|
22
|
Edwin Mulitalo |
|
23
|
Reggie Wells |
|
24
|
Mark Setterstrom |
|
25
|
Jason Brown |
|
26
|
Robert Gallery |
|
27
|
Jamar Nesbit |
|
28
|
Kyle Kosier |
|
29
|
Rich Seubert |
|
30
|
Todd Wade |
|
31
|
Adrien Clarke |
|
32
|
Chris Liwienski |
|
Rk
|
Starting Centers |
|
1
|
Olin Kreutz |
|
2
|
Jeff Saturday |
|
3
|
Matt Birk |
|
4
|
Tom Nalen |
|
5
|
Dan Koppen |
|
6
|
Nick Mangold |
|
7
|
Jamaal Jackson |
|
8
|
Casey Wiegmann |
|
9
|
Justin Hartwig |
|
10
|
Jeff Faine |
|
11
|
Chris Spencer |
|
12
|
Shaun O'Hara |
|
13
|
Nick Hardwick |
|
14
|
Eric Heitmann |
|
15
|
Hank Fraley |
|
16
|
Mike Flynn |
|
17
|
Melvin Fowler |
|
18
|
Mike Flanagan |
|
19
|
Eric Ghiaciuc |
|
20
|
Todd McClure |
|
21
|
Al Johnson |
|
22
|
Kevin Mawae |
|
23
|
Andre Gurode |
|
24
|
Scott Wells |
|
25
|
Casey Rabach |
|
26
|
Damien Raiola |
|
27
|
Jake Grove |
|
28
|
Brett Romberg |
|
29
|
Chukky Okobi |
|
30
|
John Wade |
|
31
|
Dennis Norman |
|
32
|
Samson Satele |
|
Rk
|
Starting Right Guards |
|
1
|
Shawn Andrews |
|
2
|
Davin Joseph |
|
3
|
Mike Goff |
|
4
|
Randy Thomas |
|
5
|
Chris Snee |
|
6
|
Leonard Davis |
|
7
|
Benji Olson |
|
8
|
Justin Smiley |
|
9
|
Stephen Neal |
|
10
|
Jason Spitz |
|
11
|
Roberto Garza |
|
12
|
Bobbie Williams |
|
13
|
Kendall Simmons |
|
14
|
Richie Incognito |
|
15
|
Jahri Evans |
|
16
|
Chris Naeole |
|
17
|
Chris Chester |
|
18
|
Kynan Forney |
|
19
|
Fred Weary |
|
20
|
Deuce Lutui |
|
21
|
Montrae Holland |
|
22
|
Artis Hicks |
|
23
|
Brandon Moore |
|
24
|
Damien Woody |
|
25
|
Evan Mathis |
|
26
|
Ryan Tucker |
|
27
|
Chris Gray |
|
28
|
Duke Preston |
|
29
|
Jake Scott |
|
30
|
John Welbourn |
|
31
|
Rex Hadnot |
|
32
|
Cooper Carlisle |
|
Rk
|
Starting Right Tackles |
|
1
|
Willie Anderson |
|
2
|
Jon Jansen |
|
3
|
Fred Miller |
|
4
|
Jordan Gross |
|
5
|
David Stewart |
|
6
|
Jon Runyon |
|
7
|
Jeremy Trueblood |
|
8
|
Mark Tauscher |
|
9
|
Alex Barron |
|
10
|
Ryan Diem |
|
11
|
Kevin Shaffer |
|
12
|
Adam Terry |
|
13
|
Todd Weiner |
|
14
|
Max Starks |
|
15
|
George Foster |
|
16
|
Tony Pashos |
|
17
|
Shane Olivea |
|
18
|
Levi Brown |
|
19
|
Ryan O'Callaghan |
|
20
|
Kareem McKenzie |
|
21
|
Eric Winston |
|
22
|
Marc Colombo |
|
23
|
Erik Pears |
|
24
|
Ryan Cook |
|
25
|
Kwame Harris |
|
26
|
Jon Stinchcomb |
|
27
|
Sean Locklear |
|
28
|
Anthony Clement |
|
29
|
Langston Walker |
|
30
|
Chris Terry |
|
31
|
LJ Shelton |
|
32
|
Robert Gallery |
