Offensive Line Rankings - Updated

Photo: Kyle Terada, USA Today Sports

Upgrades

St. Louis Rams: The Rams are upgraded based on the return of center Scott Wells to the lineup. Wells had an injury plagued campaign last year but seems to be healthy in camp this year. The line is relatively experienced, with no projected starters having less than four years experience. The left guard competition continues with Chris Williams and Shelley Smith, either should be fine in between two former All-Pro's in Wells and left tackle Jake Long.

New York Giants: The Giants are upgraded due to the return of David Diehl to the starting lineup. There was some belief that the team would elevate first round pick Justin Pugh to the right tackle position and leave former All-Pro Diehl on the bench. This did not come to pass as Pugh was looking raw before suffering a concussion in practice which has left him sidelined. This unit is more cohesive with the veteran starting, at least in the short term.

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are upgraded by signing free agent Eric Winston. Winston immediately claimed the right tackle position, previously manned by Bobby Massie. Winston is a huge improvement over Massie, at least in the near term. Meanwhile Nate Potter appears to be seriously pushing Levi Brown at left tackle, and this competition bears further observation. On the interior, Jonathan Cooper has the left guard job and Paul Fanaika has been capably stepping in for the injured Daryn Colledge. Rookie Earl Watford also provides interesting depth at several positions. Overall this line has more quality players than last season and should be average, after being awful.

Downgrades

Denver Broncos: At the center position the Broncos have been bit by the injury bug pretty badly. Last year's starter J.D. Walton as well as his replacement Dan Koppen are both out for the year. This leaves career guard Manny Ramirez working at first team center and recently signed Ryan Lilja in the mix. Lilja was lured out of retirement and it is questionable how effective he can be at this point in his career.

Green Bay Packers: Terrible news for the Packers, who lost arguably their best tackle Bryan Bulaga to a leg injury. Undersized rookie David Bakthiari is getting the first shot at the job, while last year's starter Marshall Newhouse remains at right tackle. Another draft pick, J.C. Tretter out of Cornell was also lost for the year due to injury. Overall this unit could be in trouble, and the offense's production will depend on the quick release of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His line probably won't do him any favors this season.

For further information, please see the team-by-team reports, as we will be publishing offensive line centric blurbs for all of the league's teams, through each week of preseason.