2008 Offensive Lines Rankings

  Posted 8/17 by Chris Smith, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

2008 Offensive Line Rankings

Key
Dep - Depth
Coh - Cohesiveness
Exp - Experience
Pot - Potential

Arizona Cardinals

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank 17th

2007 Stats

• 1,440 rushing yards (29th)
• 3.6 YPC (30th)
• 9 rushing touchdowns (22nd)
• 24.6 PA/Sack (6th)
• Avg. rank (22nd)

2006 Stats

• 1,338 rushing yards (30th)
• 3.2 YPC (32nd)
• 12 rushing touchdowns (18th)
• 15.6 Sacks / PA (17th)
• Overall rank (25th)

Run blocking: D
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: C

Projected Starters

LT Mike Gandy
LG Reggie Wells
C Al Johnson
RG Deuce Lutui
RT Levi Brown

Key Backups

Nick Leckey, Elton Brown, Brandon Gorin

Team Notes

• G Keydrick Vincent signed with Carolina.
• OL Elton Brown signs one-year tender to remain with the club.
• Veteran OT Oliver Ross released. He was a huge disappointment last season

Atlanta Falcons

• 2008 Overall Grade: D
• Overall Rank: 32nd

2007 Stats

• 1,520 rushing yards (26th)
• 3.9 YPC (20th)
• 7 rushing touchdowns (28th)
• 11.8 PA/Sack (24th)
• Overall rank (30th)

2006 Stats

• 2,939 rushing yards (1st)
• 5.5 YPC (1st)
• 9 rushing touchdowns (23rd)
• 8.9 PA/Sack (31st)
• Avg. Rank (14th)

Run blocking: D
Pass blocking: D
Depth: C-
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C
Potential: C-

Projected Starters

LT Sam Baker [rookie 1st round pick – USC]
LG Justin Blalock
C Todd McClure
RG Harvey Dahl
RT Tyson Clabo

Key Backups

Alex Stepanovich, Kynan Forney, Ben Wilkerson, Terrence Pennington

Team Notes

• Center Alex Stepanovich (formerly with Cincinnati) signed and he'll compete for a starting spot.
• Veteran tackle Wayne Gandy released
• Rookie 1st round pick Sam Baker (USC) will compete for the LT position and should emerge as the starter
• Both centers Stepanovich and McClure have been battling injuries during training camp. McClure should be ready in week one.

Baltimore Ravens

• 2008 Overall Grade: C-
• Overall Rank: 28th

2007 Stats

• 1,797 rushing yards (16th)
• 4.0 YPC (15th)
• 11 rushing touchdowns (18th)
• 14.3 PA/Sacks (19th)
• Overall rank (18th)

2006 Stats

• 1,637 rushing yards (25th)
• 3.4 YPC (31st)
• 11 rushing touchdowns (22nd)
• 30.8 PA/Sacks (2nd)
• Avg. Rank (20th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C
Depth: D
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Jared Gaither
LG Ben Grubbs
C Jason Brown
RG Marshal Yanda
RT Adam Terry

Key Backups

Chris Chester, Adrian Clarke, Chad Slaughter

Team Notes

• Veteran LT Jonathon Ogden retired
• LG Jason Brown given 2nd round tender
• Veteran center Mike Flynn released
• Ravens battling injuries right now at both starting tackle positions

Buffalo Bills

• 2008 Overall OL Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 22nd

2007 Stats

• 1,800 rushing yards (15th)
• 4.0 YPC (15th)
• 8 rushing touchdowns (25th)
• 17.1 PA/Sacks (13th)
• Overall rank (17th)

2006 Stats

• 1,552 rushing yards (27th)
• 3.7 YPC (25th)
• 9 rushing touchdowns (23rd)
• 9.2 PA/Sacks (30th)
• Avg. Rank (26th)

Run blocking: C-
Pass blocking: C
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Jason Peters
LG Derrick Dockery
C Melvin Fowler
RG Brad Butler
RT Kirk Chambers

Key Backups

Langston Walker, Jason Whittle, Duke Preston, Demetrius Bell

Team Notes

• Jason Whittle, Brad Butler and Duke Preston will likely be in competition for the starting right guard position.

Carolina Panthers

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 24th

2007 Stats

• 1,824 rushing yards (14th)
• 4.0 YPC (15th)
• 7 rushing touchdowns (28th)
• 15.3 PA/Sacks (17th)
• Overall rank (19th)

2006 Stats

• 1,659 rushing yards (27th)
• 3.9 YPC (25th)
• 7 rushing touchdowns (28th)
• 16.8 PA/Sacks (10th)
• Avg. Rank (23rd)

Run blocking: C-
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C
Potential: B

Projected Starters

LT Jordan Gross
LG Travelle Wharton
C Ryan Kalil
RG Toniu Fonoti
RT Jeff Otah [rookie 1st round pick – Pitt]

Key Backups

Jeremy Bridges, Geoff Hangartner, Evan Mathis

Team Notes

• Veteran OG Mike Wahle has signed with the Seahawks
• Veteran C Justin Hartwig has signed with the Steelers
• 2nd-year player Ryan Kalil is ready to step into the starting center role
• Battle will be at the right guard position between a number of players
• Rookie Jeff Otah looks like he is the opening day starter at right tackle

Chicago Bears

• 2008 Overall Grade: D
• Overall Rank: 30th

2007 Stats

• 1,330 rushing yards (30th)
• 3.1 YPC (32nd)
• 8 rushing touchdowns (25th)
• 13.2 PA / Sack (22nd)
• Overall rank (31st)

2006 Stats

• 1,918 rushing yards (15th)
• 3.8 YPC (23rd)
• 14 rushing touchdowns (11th)
• 20.6 PA / Sack (11th)
• Avg. Rank (15th)

Run blocking: D
Pass blocking rank: C
Depth: D
Cohesion: C
Experience: C
Potential: C

Projected Starters

LT John St. Clair
LG Terrence Metcalf
C Olin Kreutz
RG Roberto Garza
RT John Tait

Key Backups

Josh Beekman, Chris Williams [rookie 1st round pick – Vanderbilt]

Team Notes

• The Bears have released both veteran RT Fred Miller and veteran RG Ruben Brown
• Veteran John Tait will slot back into the right tackle position
• The Bears first-round pick OT Chris Williams has had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back on Wednesday night. The team plans to keep Williams on the 53-man roster for now, but there is speculation that the recovery time will be long, and the team may shut the rookie down for the season.
• Bears have contacted Fred Miller about a possible return.

Cincinnati Bengals

• 2008 Overall Grade: C+
• Overall Rank: 13th

2007 Stats

• 1,556 rushing yards (24th)
• 3.7 YPC (28th)
• 10 rushing touchdowns (20th)
• 33.8 Sacks / PA (2nd)
• Overall rank (24th)

2006 Stats

• 1,629 rushing yards (26th)
• 3.7 YPC (25th)
• 14 rushing touchdowns (11th)
• 14.5 Sacks / PA (10th)
• Avg. Rank (18th)

Run blocking: C-
Pass blocking: B
Depth: B
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Levi Jones
LG Andrew Whitworth
C Eric Ghiaciuc
RG Bobbie Williams
RT Willie Anderson

Key Backups

Scott Kooistra, Stacy Andrews, Dan Santucci (injured)

Team Notes

• Rumors abound that Levi Jones wants out of Cincinnati

Cleveland Browns

• 2008 Overall Grade: B+
• Overall Rank: 6th

2007 Stats

• 1,895 rushing yards (10th)
• 4.3 YPC (6th)
• 13 rushing touchdowns (13th)
• 28.7 PA / Sack (4th)
• Overall rank (7th)

2006 Stats

• 1,335 rushing yards (31st)
• 3.6 YPC (29th)
• 7 rushing touchdowns (28th)
• 9.5 PA/Sack (28th)
• Avg. Rank (29th)

Run blocking: B
Pass blocking: A
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Joe Thomas
LG Eric Steinbach
C Hank Fraley
RG Rex Hadnot
RT Kevin Shaffer

Key Backups

Ryan Tucker, Seth McKinney

Team Notes

• Browns signed OG Rex Hadnot (Dolphins) and he'll compete with Seth McKinney for playing time at right guard

Dallas Cowboys

• 2008 Overall Grade: B
• Overall Rank: 11th

2007 Stats

• 1,746 rushing yards (17th)
• 4.2 YPC (7th)
• 14 rushing touchdowns (10th)
• 21.2 PA / Sack (9th)
• Overall rank (11th)

2006 Stats

• 1,936 rushing yards (13th)
• 4.1 YPC (14th)
• 21 rushing touchdowns (3rd)
• 13.7 PA / Sack (20th)
• Avg. Rank (13th)

Run blocking: C+
Pass blocking: C
Depth: C
Cohesion: C+
Experience: A
Potential: B

Projected Starters

LT Flozell Adams
LG Kyle Kosier
C Andre Gurode
RG Leonard Davis
RT Marc Colombo

Key Backups

Doug Free, Pat McQuistan, Joe Berger, Cory Procter

Team Notes

• The Cowboys re-signed starting LT Flozell Adams to a six-year extension

Denver Broncos

• 2008 Overall Grade: C+
• Overall Rank: 16th

2007 Stats

• 1,957 rushing yards (9th)
• 4.6 YPC (3rd)
• 10 rushing touchdowns (20th)
• 16.1 PA / Sacks (15th)
• Overall rank (12th)

2006 Stats

• 2,152 rushing yards (8th)
• 4.4 YPC (9th)
• 12 rushing touchdowns (18th)
• 14.6 PA / Sacks (16th)
• Avg. Rank (13th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Ryan Clady – [rookie 1st round pick – Boise St.]
LG Ben Hamilton
C Casey Wiegmann
RG Chris Kuper
RT Ryan Harris

Key Backups

Erik Pears, Montrae Holland, Tom Nalen, Isaac Snell

Team Notes

• Rookie draft pick Ryan Clady has looked tremendous so far in training camp.
• Matt Lepsis has retired
• Chris Kuper is currently starter at right guard as Montrae Holland reported to camp overweight.
• 2nd-year player Ryan Harris is currently the starter at right tackle

Detroit Lions

• 2008 Overall Grade: D
• Overall Rank: 31st

2007 Stats

• 1,288 rushing yards (31st)
• 4.1 YPC (15th)
• 13 rushing touchdowns (13th)
• 10.9 PA / Sacks (28th)
• Overall rank: 27th

2006 Stats

• 1,129 rushing yards (32nd)
• 3.7 YPC (25th)
• 9 rushing touchdowns (23rd)
• 9.5 PA / Sacks (28th)
• Avg. Rank (27th)

Run blocking: D
Pass blocking: D
Depth: D
Cohesion: C
Experience: C+
Potential: C-

Projected Starters

LT Jeff Backus
LG Edwin Mulitalo
C Dominic Raiola
RG Stephen Peterman
RT George Foster

Key Backups

Gosder Cherilus [1st round pick – Boston College], Jonathon Scott, Manuel Ramirez

Team Notes

• Veteran OL Damien Woody left to sign with the New York Jets
• Rookie 1st round pick Gosder Cherilus will be competing with veterans Jonathon Scott and George Foster for the starting right tackle position.

Green Bay Packers

• 2008 Overall Grade: B
• Overall Rank: 9th

2007 Stats

• 1,597 rushing yards (21st)
• 4.1 YPC (11th)
• 13 rushing touchdowns (13th)
• 30.4 PA / Sack (3rd)
• Overall rank (16th)

2006 Stats

• 1,663 rushing yards (23rd)
• 3.9 YPC (18th)
• 9 rushing touchdowns (23rd)
• 26.3 PA / Sack (3rd)
• Avg. Rank (17th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: A
Depth: B
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Chad Clifton
LG Junius Coston
C Scott Wells
RG Jason Spitz
RT Mark Tauscher

Key Backups

Tony Moll, Daryn Colledge

Team Notes

• Colledge, Coston and Spitz will once again compete for the two starting guard spots.

Houston Texans

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 19th

2007 Stats

• 1,586 rushing yards (22nd)
• 3.8 YPC (22nd)
• 12 rushing touchdowns (16th)
• 24.0 PA / Sacks (7th)
• Overall rank (20th)

2006 Stats

• 1,685 rushing yards (21st)
• 3.9 YPC (18th)
• 13 rushing touchdowns (14th)
• 11.2 PA / Sacks (24th)
• Avg. Rank (19th)

Run blocking: C-
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Duane Brown [rookie 1st round pick – Virginia Tech]
LG Chester Pitts
C Chris Myers
RG Fred Weary
RT Eric Winston

Key Backups

Ephraim Salaam, Kasey Studdard, Rashad Butler

Team Notes

• OL Steve McKinney has been released from the team. He was an original Texan back in 2002.
• Houston Texans offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee. No additional information related to his anticipated return is currently available.
• Duane Brown is currently slotted into the starting left tackle position

Indianapolis Colts

• 2008 Overall Grade: C+
• Overall Rank: 15th

2007 Stats

• 1,706 rushing yards (18th)
• 3.8 YPC (22nd)
• 19 rushing touchdowns (2nd)
• 24.0 PA / Sack (7th)
• Overall rank (10th)

2006 Stats

• 1,762 rushing yards (18th)
• 4.0 YPC (16th)
• 17 rushing touchdowns (6th)
• 37.1 PA / Sack (1st)
• Avg. Rank (10th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Tony Ugoh
LG Ryan Lilja
C Jeff Saturday
RG Charlie Johnson
RT Ryan Diem

Key Backups

Mike Pollak [rookie – Arizona State], Daniel Federkeil

Team Notes

• The Colts lost starting RG Jake Scott to divisional rival, Tennessee Titans
• Tony Ugoh had a very promising rookie campaign but missed five games with injury
• Dylan Gandy was released

Jacksonville Jaguars

• 2008 Overall Grade: B
• Overall Rank: 8th (with healthy Meester)

2007 Stats

• 2,391 rushing yards (2nd)
• 4.6 YPC (3rd)
• 18 rushing touchdowns (4th)
• 5.1 PA / Sack (18th)
• Overall rank (1st)

2006 Stats

• 2,541 rushing yards (3rd)
• 5.0 YPC (2nd)
• 23 rushing touchdowns (2nd)
• 14.9 Sacks / PA (15th)
• Avg. Rank (6th)

Run blocking: B
Pass blocking: C
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: B
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Khalif Barnes
LG Vince Manuwai
C Dennis Norman
RG Maurice Williams
RT Tony Pashos

Key Backups

Tutan Reyes, Uche Nwaneri

Team Notes

• The Jaguars re-signed Maurice Williams after his successful shift to the right guard position.
• Brad Meester (starting center) out until at least week four with a biceps injury. The OL struggled without him last season
• The Jaguars are projected as the 8th best offensive line. That will be significantly lower for as long as Brad Meester is out with his injury.

Kansas City Chiefs

• 2008 Overall Grade: C-
• Overall Rank: 29th

2007 Stats

• 1,248 rushing yards (32nd)
• 3.3 YPC (31st)
• 6 rushing touchdowns (30th)
• 10.2 PA / Sack (29th)
• Overall rank (32nd)

2006 Stats

• 2,143 rushing yards (9th)
• 4.2 YPC (11th)
• 17 rushing touchdowns (6th)
• 11.0 PA / Sack (25th)
• Avg. Rank (13th)

Run blocking: C-
Pass blocking: C-
Depth: C
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C-
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Branden Albert [1st round pick] (currently injured – may be out all of training camp)
LG Brian Waters
C Rudy Niswanger
RG Adrian Jones
RT Damion McIntosh

Key Backups

Barry Richardson [rookie], Anthony Alabi, Tre' Stallings

Team Notes

• Chiefs lost longtime center Casey Wiegmann to the Broncos
• Chiefs didn't re-sign veteran OL John Welbourn
• Veteran OL Kyle Turley retired
• Chiefs picked up OT Anthony Alabi
• 1st round pick Branden Albert is a future Pro Bowler and will start somewhere along the offensive line (either right or left tackle). He currently is battling a toe injury though.

Miami Dolphins

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 21st

2007 Stats

• 1,569 rushing yards (23rd)
• 4.0 YPC (15th)
• 14 rushing touchdowns (10th)
• 13.3 PA / Sack (21st)
• Overall rank (23rd)

2006 Stats

• 1,673 rushing yards (22nd)
• 4.2 YPC (11th)
• 7 rushing touchdowns (28th)
• 14.4 PA / Sack (18th)
• Avg. Rank (20th)

Run blocking: C+
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C-
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Jake Long [1st round pick]
LG Justin Smiley
C Samson Satele
RG Trey Darilek
RT Vernon Carey

Key Backups

Julius Wilson, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Steve McKinney

Team Notes

• Dolphins drafted OT Jake Long of Michigan with the #1 pick in the draft. This gives them a franchise LT and allows them to move Vernon Carey to the RT position in which he is more comfortable.
• Dolphins lost dependable lineman Rex Hadnot to the Cleveland Browns
• Dolphins didn't re-sign a number of veteran linemen including L.J. Shelton, Anthony Alabi, Chris Liwienski and Mike Rosenthal
• Dolphins signed guard Justin Smiley (formerly of the 49ers)

Minnesota Vikings

• 2008 Overall Grade: A
• Overall Rank: 3rd

2007 Stats

• 2,634 rushing yards (1st)
• 5.3 YPC (1st)
• 22 rushing touchdowns (1st)
• 11.4 PA / Sack (26th)
• Overall rank (4th)

2006 Stats

• 1,820 rushing yards (16th)
• 4.1 YPC (14th)
• 12 rushing touchdowns (18th)
• 12.6 PA / Sack (21st)
• Avg. Rank (17th)

Run blocking: A
Pass blocking: B
Depth: B
Cohesion: B
Experience: A
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Bryant McKinnie
LG Steve Hutchinson
C Matt Birk
RG Anthony Herrera
RT Ryan Cook

Key Backups

Marcus Johnson, Artis Hicks

Team Notes

• There is still competition for the right guard position between Artis Hicks and Anthony Herrera who shared the position last year. It appears Herrera may have a leg up at this point.
• McKinnie will miss the first four games this season due to poor personal conduct.

New England Patriots

• 2008 Overall Grade: A
• Overall Rank: 4th

2007 Stats

• 1,849 rushing yards (13th)
• 4.1 YPC (11th)
• 17 rushing touchdowns (5th)
• 27.9 PA / Sack (5th)
• Overall rank (5th)

2006 Stats

• 1,969 rushing yards (12th)
• 3.9 YPC (18th)
• 20 rushing touchdowns (4th)
• 18.2 PA / Sack (9th)
• Avg. Rank (11th)

Run blocking: C+
Pass blocking: B
Depth: A
Cohesion: A
Experience: A
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Matt Light
LG Logan Mankins
C Dan Koppen
RG Steve Neal
RT Nick Kaczur

Key Backups

Wesley Britt, Billy Yates, Ryan O'Callaghan, Russ Hochstein

Team Notes

• The top nine linemen all should be back this season

New Orleans Saints

• 2008 Overall Grade: C+ / Overall Rank: 14th

2007 Stats

• 1,466 rushing yards (28th)
• 3.7 YPC (28th)
• 14 rushing touchdowns (11th)
• 40.8 PA / Sack (1st)
• Overall rank (21st)

2006 Stats

• 1,761 rushing yards (19th)
• 3.7 YPC (25th)
• 19 rushing touchdowns (5th)
• 25.2 PA / Sack (4th)
• Avg. Rank (13th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Jammal Brown
LG Carl Nicks
C Jonathon Goodwin
RG Jahri Evans
RT Jon Stinchcomb

Key Backups

Jamar Nesbit, Matt Lehr, Zach Strief

Team Notes

• The Saints lost C Jeff Faine to divisional rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who made him the league's highest paid center
• Matt Lehr was signed to provide veteran depth and perhaps compete for a starting role
• Carl Nicks has had a phenomenal training camp and looks like the opening day starter at left guard.

New York Giants

• 2008 Overall Grade: A
• Overall Rank: 2nd

2007 Stats

• 2,148 rushing yards (4th)
• 4.6 YPC (3rd)
• 15 rushing touchdowns (7th)
• 19.4 PA / Sack (11th)
• Overall rank (3rd)

2006 Stats

• 2,156 rushing yards (7th)
• 4.7 YPC (6th)
• 14 rushing touchdowns (11th)
• 20.9 PA / Sack (6th)
• Avg. Rank (8th)

Run blocking: A
Pass blocking: B
Depth: C+
Cohesion: A
Experience: A
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT David Diehl
LG Rich Seubert
C Shaun O'Hara
RG Chris Snee
RT Kareem McKenzie

Key Backups

Guy Whimper, Gray Ruegamer, Adam Koets, Kevin Boothe

Team Notes

• The entire OL, including depth players are returning intact this season

New York Jets

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 18th

2007 Stats

• 1,701 rushing yards (19th)
• 3.8 YPC (22nd)
• 6 rushing touchdowns (30th)
• 9.7 PA / Sack (30th)
• Overall rank (26th)

2006 Stats

• 1,738 rushing yards (20th)
• 3.5 YPC (30th)
• 15 rushing touchdowns (9th)
• 14.4 PA / Sack (18th)
• Avg. Rank (19th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C+
Potential: B

Projected Starters

LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson
LG Alan Faneca
C Nick Mangold
RG Brandon Moore
RT Damien Woody

Key Backups

Wayne Hunter, Will Montgomery, Jacob Bender

Team Notes

• Jets sign two new starters in Alan Faneca (Steelers) and Damien Woody (Lions)
• Unlikely to re-sign Wade Smith and Anthony Clement

Oakland Raiders

• 2008 Overall Grade: C-
• Overall Rank: 27th

2007 Stats

• 2,086 rushing yards (6th)
• 4.1 YPC (11th)
• 11 rushing touchdowns (18th)
• 11.0 PA / Sack (27th)
• Overall rank (14th)

2006 Stats

• 1,519 rushing yards (29th)
• 3.9 YPC (18th)
• 5 rushing touchdowns (32nd)
• 6.7 PA / Sack (32nd)
• Avg. Rank (28th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: D
Depth: B
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C+
Potential: C

Projected Starters

LT Kwame Harris
LG Robert Gallery
C John Wade
RG Cooper Carlisle
RT Cornell Green

Key Backups

Jake Grove, Pat McQuistan, Mario Henderson

Team Notes

• The Raiders cut loose Barry Sims and lost veteran OL Jeremy Newberry to free agency
• The Raiders signed OT Kwame Harris and C John Wade and expect both to start

Philadelphia Eagles

• 2008 Overall Grade: B+
• Overall Rank: 5th

2007 Stats

• 1,974 rushing yards (8th)
• 4.7 YPC (2nd)
• 12 rushing touchdowns (16th)
• 11.8 PA / Sack (24th)
• Overall rank (15th)

2006 Stats

• 1,984 rushing yards (11th)
• 4.8 YPC (5th)
• 13 rushing touchdowns (14th)
• 19.4 PA / Sack (8th)
• Avg. Rank (10th)

Run blocking: B
Pass blocking: C
Depth: B
Cohesion: A
Experience: A
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT William Thomas
LG Todd Herremans
C Jamaal Jackson
RG Shawn Andrews
RT Jon Runyan

Key Backups

Winston Justice, Max Jean-Gilles, Scott Young

Team Notes

• It appears that the Eagles top-eight linemen will all be back this season
• Starting RG Shawn Andrews has been battling depression issues and is questionable to start the season. He has rejoined the team however and received medical help for his condition.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 20th

2007 Stats

• 2,168 rushing yards (3rd)
• 4.2 YPC (7th)
• 9 rushing touchdowns (22nd)
• 9.4 PA / Sack (31st)
• Overall rank (13th)

2006 Stats

• 1,992 rushing yards (10th)
• 4.2 YPC (11th)
• 16 rushing touchdowns (8th)
• 10.7 PA / Sack (26th)
• Avg. Rank (14th)
  

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C-
Depth: B
Cohesion: C
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Marvel Smith
LG Chris Kemoeatu
C Justin Hartwig
RG Kendall Simmons
RT Willie Colon

Key Backups

Max Starks, Sean Mahan, Trai Essex

Team Notes

• The Steelers lost LG Alan Faneca to the New York Jets
• Steelers signed veteran OG/C Justin Hartwig (Carolina) and he's competing with Sean Mahan for the starting center position

San Diego Chargers

• 2008 Overall Grade: A
• Overall Rank: 1st

2007 Stats

• 2,039 rushing yards (7th)
• 4.2 YPC (7th)
• 19 rushing touchdowns (2nd)
• 19.6 PA / Sack (10th)
• Overall rank (2nd)

2006 Stats

• 2,578 rushing yards (2nd)
• 4.9 YPC (4th)
• 32 rushing touchdowns (1st)
• 16.6 PA / Sack (11th)
• Avg. Rank (4th)

Run blocking: A
Pass blocking: B
Depth: B
Cohesion: A
Experience: A
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Marcus McNeill
LG Kris Dielman
C Nick Hardwick
RG Mike Goff
RT Jeromey Clary

Key Backups

Scott Mruczkowski, Corey Withrow, Tony Pape

Team Notes

• Former starting tackle Shane Olivea was released

San Francisco 49ers

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 26th

2007 Stats

• 1,477 rushing yards (27th)
• 4.1 YPC (11th)
• 8 rushing touchdowns (25th)
• 9.3 PA / Sack (32nd)
• Overall rank (28th)

2006 Stats

• 2,172 rushing yards (6th)
• 5.0 YPC (2nd)
• 12 rushing touchdowns (18th)
• 12.3 PA / Sack (22nd)
• Avg. Rank (12th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C-
Depth: C-
Cohesion: C
Experience: C
Potential: B

Projected Starters

LT Joe Staley
LG Adam Snyder
C Eric Heitmann
RG Tony Wragge
RT Jonas Jennings

Key Backups

Chilo Rachal [rookie 2nd round pick – USC], Joe Toledo, Qasim Mitchell, David Baas

Team Notes

• Two former starters (OT Kwame Harris (Raiders) and OG Justin Smiley (Dolphins) have been signed by other teams) while a third, OG Larry Allen hasn't been re-signed yet.
• Jennings missed 11 games last season

Seattle Seahawks

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 23rd

2007 Stats

• 1,619 rushing yards (20th)
• 3.8 YPC (22nd)
• 9 rushing touchdowns (22nd)
• 16.4 PA / Sack (14th)
• Overall rank (22nd)

2006 Stats

• 1,923 rushing yards (14th)
• 4.0 YPC (16th)
• 8 rushing touchdowns (27th)
• 10.4 PA / Sack (27th)
• Avg. Rank (21st)

Run blocking: D
Pass blocking: C
Depth: C+
Cohesion: C+
Experience: C+
Potential: C

Projected Starters

LT Walter Jones
LG Mike Wahle
C Chris Spencer
RG Rob Sims
RT Sean Locklear

Key Backups

Ray Willis, Mansfield Wrotto, Floyd Womack

Team Notes

• Seahawks signed veteran OG Mike Wahle who used to start in Green Bay for HC Mike Holmgren
• Longtime starting OG Chris Gray retired

St. Louis Rams

• 2008 Overall Grade: C
• Overall Rank: 25th

2007 Stats

• 1,527 rushing yards (25th)
• 3.8 YPC (22nd)
• 5 rushing touchdowns (32nd)
• 12.0 PA / Sack (23rd)
• Overall rank (29th)

2006 Stats

• 1,805 rushing yards (17th)
• 4.3 YPC (10th)
• 13 rushing touchdowns (14th)
• 12.1 PA / Sack (23rd)
• Avg. Rank (16th)

Run blocking: C
Pass blocking: C-
Depth: B
Cohesion: C-
Experience: C+
Potential: C+

Projected Starters

LT Orlando Pace
LG Jacob Bell
C Brett Romberg
RG Richie Incognito
RT Alex Barron

Key Backups

Brandon Gorin, Mark Setterstrom, Nick Leckey

Team Notes

• Rams signed veteran OG Jacob Bell (Tennessee)
• Pace missed almost all of the 2007 season as did Incognito
• Gorin will miss at least the next two weeks with partial tear of rotator cuff

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 2008 Overall Grade: B
• Overall Rank: 7th

2007 Stats

• 1,872 rushing yards (11th)
• 4.2 YPC (7th)
• 15 rushing touchdowns (7th)
• 13.6 PA / Sack (20th)
• Overall rank (8th)

2006 Stats

• 1,523 rushing yards (28th)
• 3.8 YPC (23rd)
• 6 rushing touchdowns (31st)
• 16.2 PA / Sack (12th)
• Avg. Rank (23rd)

Run blocking: A
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: A
Cohesion: C
Experience: C+
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Donald Penn
LG Arron Sears
C Jeff Faine
RG Davin Joseph
RT Jeremy Trueblood

Key Backups

Luke Petitgout, Dan Buenning, Anthony Davis

Team Notes

• The Buccaneers signed talented Jeff Faine to the richest contract at the center position in the NFL
• The Buccaneers allowed John Wade to leave, signing with the Raiders
• Donald Penn started 12 games in place of an injured Luke Petitgout last season and currently is ahead of Petitgout in the depth chart

Tennessee Titans

• 2008 Overall Grade: B
• Overall Rank: 12th

2007 Stats

• 2,109 rushing yards (5th)
• 3.9 YPC (20th)
• 17 rushing touchdowns (5th)
• 15.5 PA / Sack (16th)
• Overall rank (6th)

2006 Stats

• 2,214 rushing yards (5th)
• 4.7 YPC (6th)
• 15 rushing touchdowns (9th)
• 15.4 PA / Sack (14th)
• Avg. Rank (9th)

Run blocking: C+
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C-
Cohesion: C+
Experience: B
Potential: A

Projected Starters

LT Michael Roos
LG Eugene Amano
C Kevin Mawae
RG Jake Scott
RT David Stewart

Key Backups

Daniel Loper, Leroy Harris

Team Notes

• Titans lost starting left guard Jacob Bell to the Rams
• Titans signed starting LG Jake Scott from the Colts
• Titans lost starting guard Benji Olson to retirement.
• Starting right tackle David Stewart out for the rest of preseason with knee injury. Loper currently standing in at right tackle

Washington Redskins

• 2008 Overall Grade: B
• Overall Rank: 10th

2007 Stats

• 1,871 rushing yards (12th)
• 3.8 YPC (22nd)
• 15 rushing touchdowns (7th)
• 18.1 PA / Sack (12th)
• Avg. Rank (9th)

2006 Stats

• 2,216 rushing yards (4th)
• 4.5 YPC (8th)
• 13 rushing touchdowns (14th)
• 24.7 PA / Sack (5th)
• Avg. Rank (8th)

Run blocking: C+
Pass blocking: C+
Depth: C-
Cohesion: C+
Experience: A
Potential: B

Projected Starters

LT Chris Samuels
LG Pete Kendall
C Casey Rabach
RG Randy Thomas
RT Jon Jansen

Key Backups

Todd Wade, Jason Fabini

Team Notes

• Veteran Todd Wade played most of the season at right tackle in place of injured Jon Jansen