B/R NFL 1000: Ranking the Top 35 Left Tackles from 2014
Who is the best player in the NFL? Not based on the last 10 years, or one game, but over the last year, who was the best? Good luck answering that one without starting a fight, right?
Well, that's what the NFL 1000 aims to do by scouting, grading and then ranking the best players at each position before putting them in order and breaking ties to come up with the top 1,000 players. No narratives, no fantasy football points, no "QBR", this is cold-hard scouting.
You can find rankings for all other positions on our B/R NFL 1000 main page.
The B/R 1000 metric is based heavily on scouting each player and grading the key criteria for each position. The criteria are weighted according to importance for a possible best score of 100.
Potential is not taken into consideration. Neither are career accomplishments.
Left tackles are judged, quite simply, on pass blocking (50 points), run blocking (45) and their value as a starter or backup (5).
In the case of ties, our team asked, "Which player would I rather have on my team?" and set the rankings accordingly.
Subjective? Yes. But ties are no fun.
Each player was scouted by me and a team of experienced evaluators (Dan Bazal, Cian Fahey, Dan Hope, Marshal Miller, Justis Mosqueda), with these key criteria in mind. The following scouting reports and grades are the work of months of film study from our team.
All statistics from Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Players' heights, weights and seasons played from NFL.com.
35. Jake Matthews, Atlanta Falcons
1 of 35
Pass Block
Jake Matthews (6’5”, 309 lbs, one season) struggled to protect the blind side in his rookie year. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 draft, Matthews gave up seven sacks and incurred seven penalties on passing plays in his first NFL season. Many of his problems came with bull rushes, as he lets defenders get into his pads too easily; he lacks the strength to recover when he loses leverage. He got jolted back too easily, struggled to guard his inside and did not show an effective counterpunch. Matthews has great feet and adequate length, but he needs to clean up his technique to use them more effectively.
Run Block
Matthews has great foot skills, which enable him to get to the second level quickly and to be used as a pull-blocker. The problem for Matthews as a rookie was that when he reached defenders, he did not show much ability to redirect his opponents and clear them out of running lanes. Never going to be one to regularly overpower defensive linemen, Matthews needs to be more consistent with hand placement and leverage in order to be an effective lead blocker.
Starter
While Matthews’ rookie season was a disappointment, as he was expected to be an immediate fix for the Falcons' offensive line, he improved over the course of the season—especially in pass protection—and still has the potential, at just 23 years old heading into next season, to be an excellent NFL left tackle. His limited strength and technical flaws were regularly exposed in 2014, but he battled through an ankle injury that affected his play for much of the season.
Overall
34. Byron Bell, Tennessee Titans
2 of 35
Pass Block
In his first year at left tackle after three seasons at right tackle, Byron Bell (6’5”, 340 lbs, four seasons) proved largely incapable of being a blindside pass protector. He’s not a very aggressive pass-blocker, as he rarely initiates contact, and he tends to drop too close to the quarterback. Possessing subpar quickness and length and lacking a strong punch, he gets beaten around the outside too easily. Bell allowed nine sacks in 15 games this past season.
Run Block
Bell is nimble enough to get downfield as a run-blocker, but it’s often ineffectual. He is slow to accelerate and too frequently gets to the second level only to not end up getting his hands on any defender. Despite his massiveness, he doesn’t show much ability to move or redirect defenders. He plays too high to get leverage on his opponents with any regularity.
Starter
Bell, an unrestricted free agent, should not be viewed by NFL teams as a starting-caliber offensive tackle, especially on the left side.
Overall
33. Matt Kalil, Minnesota Vikings
3 of 35
Pass Block
Matt Kalil (6’7”, 308 lbs, three seasons) was a major liability in pass protection for the Vikings in 2014. While he has prototypical foot skills and length for the left tackle position, his effort often looks lazy. Many of his 12 sacks allowed, the most against any offensive tackle in the NFL this past season, came as a result of him never getting his hands on his opponent or failing to finish plays.
Run Block
Kalil is at his best when down-blocking on an inside defender, as he is good at using angles and leverage to his advantage to generate movement. When blocking a defender straight on, Kalil lacks the power to drive his man downfield. He has the athleticism to be an effective second-level blocker, but he struggles with getting proper hand placement on defenders in space.
Starter
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2012 draft, Kalil has the potential to be a great left tackle, but it’s looking as though he might never make good upon it. His play has declined in each of his three seasons, when it really should be improving, and the Vikings must seriously consider signing or drafting his replacement this offseason.
Overall
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32. James Hurst, Baltimore Ravens
4 of 35
Pass Block
Thrust into starting duty for five games despite being an undrafted rookie, James Hurst (6’5”, 308 lbs, one season) was often overmatched by his opponents. Hurst has good footwork and a solid punch, but he has subpar length and quickness for an NFL left tackle. When his hand placement is off, as it was too often this past season, his physical limitations get exposed. He allows defenders to get into his pads too easily and lacks the strength to offset bull rushes when he loses leverage.
Run Block
Hurst has the skill to get to the second level and make blocks on defenders in space, but he’s fairly slow getting there. He has the strength to move smaller defenders downfield, but he lacks the power to generate the push to redirect defensive linemen away from runs. He often tries to cut-block to make up for his deficiency in drive-blocking, but he too often whiffs on his attempts.
Starter
Hurst’s effort as a spot starter in his rookie year was admirable, but he projects as a swing backup tackle rather than a starter going forward. His technique is solid for a young player, and he gained experience playing on both sides of the line in 2014, but his limited physical tools make him unlikely to be more than a below-average NFL starter.
Overall
31. Eric Fisher, Kansas City Chiefs
5 of 35
Pass Block
Having allowed seven sacks in each of his first two NFL seasons, Eric Fisher (6’7”, 315 lbs, two seasons) has not played up to expectations thus far in his career. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft, Fisher has great length and quick feet, but he lacks an impactful punch and struggles with balance. If Fisher is going to be the star left tackle he has the potential to be, he needs to maintain better body positioning and get better at countering pass-rushing moves with his hands.
Run Block
With impressive ability to accelerate downfield, Fisher can get out in front of runs quickly and make key lead blocks. That said, he doesn’t always stick his blocks and can be slow in recognition, leaving too many plays where he does not get his hands on any defender. At the line of scrimmage, he has not exhibited the power and the leverage to drive many defenders off the line of scrimmage.
Starter
Fisher has been a disappointment thus far in his NFL career, but he is just 24 years old, and the 2014 season was his first as an NFL left tackle after he played his rookie year at right tackle. He has the physical attributes to be a great player at his position, but he needs to continue improving technically if he is going to dominate on the blind side the way he did at Central Michigan.
Overall
30. Greg Robinson, St. Louis Rams
6 of 35
Pass Block
He’s often able to get away with it because of his agility, long arms and power-packed punch, but Greg Robinson (6’5”, 332 lbs, one season) is very raw as a pass-blocker from a technical standpoint. Sloppy footwork often gets exposed by outside speed-rushers, and he struggles to get the hand placement he needs to keep pass-rushers from ripping their way off him. He plays with inconsistent leverage and allows defenders to get inside his pads too easily. In 10 starts at left tackle as a rookie, Robinson allowed five sacks.
Run Block
Robinson has an exceptional burst off the line of scrimmage and can quickly explode to the second level, throwing his weight into a defender and burying him into the ground. He’s not yet consistent with his angles on open-field blocks, and sometimes he whiffs or fails to sustain his presence on a defender, but any opponent who stands straight in his path typically gets run over. His raw power should enable him to dominate as a drive-blocker, but he needs to establish leverage more effectively to consistently move defenders off the line of scrimmage.
Starter
Robinson’s best blocks often become viral videos because of how incredibly he can accelerate and how devastating his punch is. Most of his success during an up-and-down rookie campaign came simply because of how physically gifted he is. He has a long way to go in developing his technique, but if he can put it all together, Robinson has the potential to be one of the NFL’s elite left tackles.
Overall
29. Luke Joeckel, Jacksonville Jaguars
7 of 35
Pass Block
After missing most of his rookie season with an ankle injury, Luke Joeckel (6’6”, 306 lbs, two seasons) struggled in pass protection throughout his sophomore year. Joeckel is a great athlete with clean footwork, but he needs much better upper-body technique: He tends to lean too far forward, enabling rushers to knock him off balance, while he is inconsistent with his hand placement and lacks a consistent punch. He allowed eight sacks in 2014.
Run Block
A fluid athlete, Joeckel moves to the second level with ease. He is very good at picking up chip blocks on linebackers, although he does not consistently sustain those blocks. What Joeckel hasn’t shown yet is the strength to move NFL defenders off the line of scrimmage. When a defender is able to get an angle on Joeckel, the left tackle struggles to redirect the defender away from the direction of a running play.
Starter
Joeckel’s length and foot skills give him the potential to develop into an excellent NFL left tackle, but the 2013 No. 2 overall pick’s flaws have been exposed early in his NFL career. The 23-year-old needs to continue to work on his technique and would benefit from bulking up to add more strength.
Overall
28. Anthony Collins, Free Agent (Played 2014 with Tampa Bay)
8 of 35
Pass Block
Anthony Collins (6’5”, 315 lbs, seven seasons) had a rough first, and perhaps only, season in Tampa Bay, as he allowed 30 quarterback pressures, and he was flagged for six penalties on passing plays in just 10 starts. Collins has adequate physical attributes for an offensive tackle and clean footwork, but he is sloppy with his hand placement. He was too susceptible this season to being beat by pass-rushing moves, especially on his outside. He also plays too high at times and can be driven backward by bull rushes.
Run Block
Collins has the athleticism to quickly get downfield to the second level or out to the sideline in order to clear a defender out of a running lane. He is good at sticking his blocks in the open field and is able to sustain them and move while engaged in a block. He’s not as effective at the line of scrimmage, where he struggles to generate significant pushes on defensive linemen, but he exhibits the ability to turn out on defenders who try to attack plays in the backfield.
Starter
Viewed as a long-term upgrade by the Buccaneers when they signed him to a five-year, $30 million contract last offseason, Collins was a major disappointment in 2014. He played just 10 games, as he missed time with foot and elbow injuries, and then he was benched for poor play in the last month of the season. It’s probable he won’t get his starting job back in Tampa Bay, and he could be a candidate for a release.
Overall
27. Eugene Monroe, Baltimore Ravens
9 of 35
Pass Block
Eugene Monroe (6’5”, 300 lbs, six seasons) is an agile left tackle who uses a clean kick-slide to get out in front of pass-rushers and keep them outside the pocket. He has a solid punch and is good at using his hands to counter pass-rushing moves. Monroe doesn’t always finish blocks as well as he needs to, which sometimes results in him losing a defender around the edge and giving up a lane to pressure the quarterback. In an injury-plagued year that saw him only start 11 games, Monroe allowed three sacks.
Run Block
Monroe has no problems getting out of his stance to get into position to pick up run blocks, as he has a quick burst off the snap and is a nimble mover. Where he has struggled, especially this past season, is in redirecting defenders once he arrives to them. He does not frequently move defenders to clean out running lanes, and instead, defenders often turn the table on Monroe and move their opponent toward the direction of the run while getting there themselves to get in on a stop.
Starter
As knee and ankle injuries combined to knock Monroe out of five games in 2014, the left tackle never looked his best over the course of his second season in Baltimore. That said, Monroe remains just 27 years old and can be one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen when he is fully healthy and on top of his game. Just one season into a five-year contract with the Ravens, Monroe will be back as the team’s starting left tackle in 2015.
Overall
26. David Bakhtiari, Green Bay Packers
10 of 35
Pass Block
The job of David Bakhtiari (6’4”, 310 lbs, two seasons) as a pass protector is made easier by having the mobile, instinctive Aaron Rodgers behind him at quarterback, but Bakhtiari’s play also helped Rodgers be great in 2014. Bakhtiari does not have ideal length or quickness, but he wins with technique. He consistently keeps his upper and lower body in sync, with an even base that enables him to summon all of his strength and hand placement that keeps pass-rushers within his frame. He fights to sustain blocks and does so consistently. At times, when Bakhtiari does allow rushers to get outside his frame, he can be pushed aside and blown by. He allowed six sacks among 29 total pressures in 16 games this past season.
Run Block
Bakhtiari lacks the power to generate significant movement as a run-blocker. He does not exhibit the ability to drive defensive linemen downfield, and it’s rare to even see him significantly redirect a defender away from a running play. Without much of an explosive burst off the line of scrimmage and limited lateral movement skills, Bakhtiari struggles to get out in front of runs and stick impactful downfield blocks.
Starter
Pressed into duty as a rookie starter in 2013 due to injuries, Bakhtiari has started every game for the Green Bay Packers so far in his two-year career. He’ll probably never be a dominant left tackle due to his physical limitations, but he’s proved capable of protecting the blind side for one of the NFL’s best offenses.
Overall
25. Jermon Bushrod, Chicago Bears
11 of 35
Pass Block
Lacking the lateral quickness that most NFL left tackles have, Jermon Bushrod (6’5”, 320 lbs, eight seasons) has to play to his strengths to survive in pass protection. Bushrod punches powerfully with his hands, which enables him to knock pass-rushers away from the pocket. He has long arms and usually wins when he gets his opponent engaged, although he occasionally plays too high and gets bull-rushed backward. When he fails to get a clean block on his man, he is unable to recover, as he has a narrow slide and subpar agility. Bushrod allowed five sacks in 14 games in 2014.
Run Block
When Bushrod identifies a defender in space prior to the snap, he has enough burst to get downfield and can pop smaller defenders backward or to the ground. Trying to find or switch a block midplay doesn’t often work well for Bushrod, due to his limited short-area quickness. At the line of scrimmage, he doesn’t often overpower defenders as a drive-blocker.
Starter
Bushrod is below-average for an NFL starter on the blind side, but he has three years left on a five-year contract he signed with the Bears in the 2013 offseason. Bushrod could potentially be a better fit and an upgrade at right tackle if the Bears were to look for a replacement at left tackle, but the 30-year-old’s play is of enough quality that he is likely to keep his starting job in Chicago for at least one more year.
Overall
24. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets
12 of 35
Pass Block
D’Brickashaw Ferguson (6’6”, 310 lbs, nine seasons) only allowed one sack in 2014, but in a year when he allowed 37 total quarterback pressures, his ability to excel as a pass-blocker continued to decline. Less agile than he was in his younger years, Ferguson is unable to recover when he makes technical mistakes. He has a clean shuffle and places his hands well, but he is a waist-bender who sometimes gets pushed through because he gives up leverage.
Run Block
Ferguson has never been an overpowering run-blocker, in part because his posture is too top-heavy, and he is unable to fully generate power through from his lower body to his upper body. He is able to redirect an opponent when he gets his hands on him right away, but he struggles to catch defenders in motion. He lacks an explosive burst off the line of scrimmage and can be too slow getting to the second level to make impactful lead blocks.
Starter
Having never missed a single game in his nine-year career, Ferguson has been incredibly reliable for the New York Jets, a player they don’t have to worry about. The 31-year-old’s career is on its downswing, but he is under contract with the Jets through 2017 and should at least be the team’s starting left tackle for one more year.
Overall
23. Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos
13 of 35
Pass Block
Ryan Clady (6’6”, 315 lbs, seven seasons) didn’t play up to his usual standard in pass protection in 2014. Clady is an aggressive pass-blocker who is quick off the snap and typically shoots his hands onto opponents rather than letting them come to him, but inconsistent hand placement led to some bad beats this past season. Clady remains up to par physically, as he moves his feet well and has a powerful punch, but he also often bends at the waist and gives up bull rushes due to losing leverage.
Run Block
Clady can explode off the line of scrimmage and get to the second level quickly, but he whiffs on too many blocks in space. When he gets his hands on his opponent cleanly, he has the strength to redirect his defender and sustain his block. He does not have quite enough quickness to be a regularly effective pull-blocker, and he allows defenders to cross him and beat him inside too easily.
Starter
Although Clady earned the fourth Pro Bowl selection of his career this year, his tape shows he didn’t play up to his usual standard after missing nearly all of the 2013 season with a Lisfranc injury. His job has also been made easier by playing in front of Peyton Manning, who is as adept at making quick decisions to avoid sacks as any quarterback in the NFL. Still, Clady has the talent to be a top-tier starter in the NFL, though he does project as a potential cap casualty for the Broncos this offseason.
Overall
22. Jake Long, Free Agent (Played 2014 with St. Louis)
14 of 35
Pass Block
Coming off a torn ACL and MCL, Jake Long (6’7”, 322 lbs, seven seasons) no longer displayed the agility he did early in his career. Long is also not a particularly aggressive pass-blocker, as he tends to retreat and catch defenders on most plays, and he often gets jolted backward by a pass-rusher’s initial punch. Fundamentally, Long is still sound, as he is consistent with his hand placement, has clean footwork and does a nice job steering defenders away from the pocket. He was beaten for three sacks in seven starts in 2014.
Run Block
Long typically sticks his blocks in space, but he lumbers to the second level, no longer possessing the explosive athleticism he once had. He has good overall strength and can turn defenders at the line of scrimmage to redirect them away from runs, but he’s not an overpowering drive-blocker.
Starter
In October, Long tore the ACL in his right knee for a second time in just 10 months. His best years in the NFL are behind him, as the 2008 NFL draft’s No. 1 overall pick is unlikely to ever regain the physical ability that he had in his younger years. It’s unknown if Long will be back with the Rams in 2015, and even if he is, the Rams plan to move forward with Greg Robinson as their left tackle.
Overall
21. Nate Solder, New England Patriots
15 of 35
Pass Block
Regarded as one of the NFL’s most talented left tackles coming into the 2014 season, Nate Solder (6’8”, 320 lbs, four seasons) had a disappointing year. When Solder is at his best, he uses his prototypical length and athleticism to get out ahead of speed-rushers and keep them away from the pocket; however, he is inconsistent with his hand placement and too easily lets pass-rushers use moves to disengage from his blocks. He also had some issues this past season with playing too high and letting opponents get underneath his pads to win with leverage.
Run Block
Solder, who started his collegiate career at Colorado State as a tight end, is very comfortable getting downfield and making blocks in space. He has great acceleration for an offensive tackle and uses his punch to knock defenders backward in the open field. Solder is also effective when used as a pull-blocker, as he has the foot skills to turn inside quickly and get out in front of a running play. What you won’t see Solder do often is drive defensive linemen down the field, as he has limited upper-body power.
Starter
Solder failed to play up to his potential in 2014, but he is still among the NFL’s most gifted offensive linemen. He has started all but four Patriots games in his first four seasons. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, he will have a chance to cash in with a lucrative deal if he re-establishes himself as one of the league’s top left tackles in 2015.
Overall
20. King Dunlap, San Diego Chargers
16 of 35
Pass Block
One of the tallest players in the NFL, King Dunlap (6’9”, 330 lbs, seven seasons) is actually disadvantaged by his height, as he has trouble bending. Dunlap often allows pass-rushers to get underneath his pads and obtain leverage with which they are able to drive him backward, despite his size advantage. On the other hand, Dunlap’s long arms are an asset; while his limited agility is sometimes exposed by outside speed-rushers, his large wingspan enables him to entrap rushers within his frame.
Run Block
When Dunlap attacks downhill, he is a bulldozer who can push defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage and decleat smaller defenders in space. Impressively nimble for a man of his size, Dunlap shows the ability to get downfield and clear defenders out of running paths. He would have more success as a run-blocker if he played with better leverage.
Starter
Fresh off starting a full 16 games for the first time in his NFL career, Dunlap is an unrestricted free agent who should either earn a new deal with the Chargers or garner significant interest on the open market. The 29-year-old lacks the prototypical quickness of a left tackle—some teams might view him as a stronger candidate to play right tackle—but he’s a good enough pass-blocker whose ability to make impact blocks in the ground game should keep him in a starting lineup going forward.
Overall
19. Riley Reiff, Detroit Lions
17 of 35
Pass Block
Not the longest, quickest or most powerful offensive tackle, Riley Reiff (6’6”, 313 lbs, three seasons) sometimes gets physically overmatched by his competition. A sound technician, Reiff has clean footwork and is typically able to counter pass-rushing moves, but he tends to catch pass-rushers rather than attack them, and that can result in him being jolted back to the quarterback. Reiff only allowed two sacks in 15 games, but he gave up 34 total pressures in 2014.
Run Block
Although not a particularly explosive athlete, Reiff moves well downfield and can stick blocks at the second level to lead runs. He’s not overpowering at the line of scrimmage and sometimes gets moved by defensive linemen in one-on-one battles. Still, Reiff shows aggressiveness in getting his hands on defenders, whether blocking inside or outside, and he does a nice job sustaining run blocks.
Starter
A first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft, Reiff hasn’t developed into a top-tier left tackle, but he’s rarely a liability. Reiff improved in pass protection in his second full season as a starter, and he missed just one game due to a knee injury. That said, it’s been suggested Reiff might be better suited in moving to right tackle or to guard.
Overall
18. Russell Okung, Seattle Seahawks
18 of 35
Pass Block
Russell Okung (6’5”, 310 lbs, five seasons) is and has been an efficient blindside pass protector for one of the NFL’s best teams. Combining workmanlike feet with long arms and a strong punch, Okung is able to regularly handle most of his competition on the edge. He has some trouble sustaining blocks against opponents who are active with their hands, but he rarely gives up immediate pressure off the snap. He allowed just one sack in 14 games this past season.
Run Block
Okung can produce the initial jolt to redirect defenders away from runs, but he has limited power and rarely drives defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage. He shows enough ability to get downfield and knock defenders down in space, but as he has battled some injuries over the past couple of seasons, he has not been moving with the same agility that he once did.
Starter
Although he only missed two games, 2014 was the second consecutive year in which Okung battled through injuries, including foot surgery over the summer, a labral tear in his shoulder and a bruised lung. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2015, Okung will desire to return his play to the elite level of 2012, but he’ll need to stay healthy to do so.
Overall
17. Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans (Retired in 2015 Offseason)
19 of 35
Pass Block
One of the NFL’s most fundamentally sound offensive tackles, Michael Roos (6’7”, 313 lbs, 10 seasons) rarely makes technical mistakes. Roos shuffles his feet cleanly while using his long arms to guide defenders away from the pocket. He sets himself up in proper positions and consistently positions his hands correctly on his opponents. Roos is not exceptionally quick, especially at this point in his career, but he’s agile enough to get out in front of outside pass-rushers.
Run Block
Utilizing his technical prowess, Roos is good at establishing angles on defenders to redirect them away from runs. He doesn’t often explode off the line of scrimmage, but he exhibits the ability to get to the second level and stick blocks on defenders in space. He has decent strength, but sometimes he gets moved by defenders and doesn’t drive defensive linemen back from the line of scrimmage.
Starter
Roos played well in the first five games of the Titans’ 2014 season, but he missed the rest of the year with a knee injury. He has been one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles of the past decade, but he is an unrestricted free agent who is set to be replaced in Tennessee by Taylor Lewan. On the downswing of his career at 32 years old, Roos’ time as an NFL starter might be coming to an end.
Overall
16. Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills
20 of 35
Pass Block
After missing most of training camp and the preseason with an undisclosed illness, Cordy Glenn (6’6”, 345 lbs, three seasons) failed to lock down the blind side against pass-rushers the way he did in 2013, as he allowed eight sacks compared to just two the previous season. That said, Glenn still has the skills to be a very good pass-blocking left tackle. He doesn’t have great first-step quickness, so he occasionally gets beat by speed around the outside, but he shuffles his feet efficiently and is very good at shielding rushers outside the pocket.
Run Block
Glenn has good strength and rarely gets pushed backward, but he doesn’t overpower defenders the way one might expect from a lineman of his mass. He’s not explosive off the line of scrimmage, but he is a fluid mover who can make downfield blocks inside five yards. That said, Glenn didn’t make nearly as many impact blocks this past season as he did in 2013.
Starter
Although Glenn’s play took a step back in 2014, he was still the best player on the Bills' offensive line. It is sometimes suggested that Glenn would be better suited playing right tackle or guard, but he can have a long future at left tackle so long as he returns to his top form in 2015.
Overall
15. Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans
21 of 35
Pass Block
An excellent athlete, Taylor Lewan (6’7”, 309 lbs, one season) has clean footwork and excels at keeping outside rushers on the exterior of the pocket. Lewan packs a strong initial punch with which he can jolt defenders backward, while he skillfully mirrors pass-rushers’ movements and shuts down spin moves and outside stunts. He has some issues against inside rush moves, and he allowed four sacks in just six starts as a rookie, but he possesses all of the tools to be an excellent blindside protector.
Run Block
Lewan wins as a run-blocker by angling defenders away from runs and then sending power through his long arms to move his opponents out of running lanes. He’s not a natural at picking up blocks in space, but he has the quickness to get to the second level and lead the way downfield.
Starter
A four-year starter at Michigan, Lewan looked polished and performed well in his rookie season. He started the year on the bench and missed Tennessee’s final five games with an ankle injury, but the 23-year-old has the potential to emerge as one of the NFL’s best left tackles.
Overall
14. Terron Armstead, New Orleans Saints
22 of 35
Pass Block
One of the most physically gifted offensive linemen in the NFL, Terron Armstead (6’5”, 304 lbs, two seasons) kick-slides with ease to protect the edge of the pocket. He has the lateral quickness to quickly shield pass-rushers outside, while he also exhibits the strength to hold his ground against bull rushes. He has some trouble using his hands to counter pass-rushing moves; still, Armstead allowed just three sacks in 14 games this year.
Run Block
Possessing rare speed for an offensive lineman, Armstead can explode off the line and make blocks well downfield. That said, he needs to be more aggressive as a run-blocker. Lacking the power to generate significant pushes at the line of scrimmage, Armstead can effectively turn out on defenders to open lanes, but he’s more effective in space than he is trying to move defensive linemen.
Starter
Just 23 years old and coming off his first full season as a starter, Armstead is still learning the fundamentals of his position, yet he performed well in 2014. He has the potential to emerge as one of the league’s premier left tackles within the next few seasons.
Overall
13. Donald Penn, Oakland Raiders
23 of 35
Pass Block
Possessing very clean footwork for a big man, Donald Penn (6’4”, 340 lbs, nine seasons) solidified the left side of the 2014 Oakland Raiders offensive line in pass protection. While his agility does not stand out, Penn kick-slides efficiently and plays with good balance. He rarely loses a battle once he gets his hands on a defender, as he skillfully counters rips and spin moves. He doesn’t always get his arms extended out enough, and he can be susceptible to rushers going around him or bursting inside him, but he only allowed four sacks this past season.
Run Block
Lacking a significant power element to his game, Penn struggles to move defenders off the line of scrimmage and create running lanes. Penn doesn’t make many impact blocks downfield either, as he does not have explosive acceleration off the line of scrimmage. He is most successful when he is able to angle out on a defender and turn his opponent away from the direction of a run.
Starter
After a 2013 season disappointing enough that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him, Penn turned his game around in 2014 and was the most consistent player on a struggling Raiders offense. The 32-year-old will be back in the Raiders lineup next year on the second year of a two-year contract.
Overall
12. William Beatty, New York Giants
24 of 35
Pass Block
William Beatty (6’6”, 319 lbs, six seasons) is a fluid athlete who slides laterally with ease and can match up against speed-rushers on the edge. Beatty’s hands and feet are regularly in sync, and he can effectively mirror the movements of an engaged defender. He has some trouble holding his ground against bull rushes, and he can be beaten by quick bursts off the snap, but he only allowed three sacks in 16 games this year.
Run Block
Beatty accelerates well off the line of scrimmage and is good at getting his hands on defenders at the second level to wall them away from running plays. He struggles to generate significant pushes, however, and he is rarely seen moving defenders more than a few yards at a time.
Starter
In the second year of a five-year contract with the Giants, Beatty bounced back from a disappointing 2013 season. He was significantly better in pass protection and re-established himself as a quality NFL starter.
Overall
11. Trent Williams, Washington Redskins
25 of 35
Pass Block
Naturally nimble as one of the NFL’s most athletic offensive tackles, Trent Williams (6’5”, 337 lbs, five seasons) has clean footwork and is consistently able to shield the outside of the pocket. He typically positions his hands well and packs a strong punch with which he can knock defenders away from the quarterback. He occasionally has issues with playing too highly and giving up ground on bull rushes, but he only allowed four sacks in 15 games this season.
Run Block
Williams can accelerate quickly out of his stance to pick up blocks at the second level or shoot across the pocket to pick up blocks all along the line of scrimmage. Despite his great size, Williams does not often overpower defenders as a drive-blocker, and he is sometimes unable to get out of the way of his team’s running backs as a result.
Starter
Despite battling through knee, ankle and shoulder injuries, Williams started all but one of Washington’s 2014 games and made his third consecutive Pro Bowl. Just 26 years old, Williams remains one of the NFL’s elite offensive line talents.
Overall
10. Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts
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Pass Block
Anthony Castonzo (6’7”, 311 lbs, four seasons) is built like an NFL scout's dream for the position. He’s long-armed and has the lean profile of an athlete moving off the ball at left tackle. He’s a physical, aggressive blocker who finishes and closes down blocks with a mean streak. He doesn’t have elite athleticism when asked to move off his spot or redirect on a counter move, but his footwork and timing are technically savvy. His hand use is very good, and his punch will stun pass-rushers. He’ll get a little high in his sets when engaged by a power rusher, but he still only allowed two sacks during the regular season.
Run Block
The run game is where Castonzo will struggle at times. He naturally plays high and upright, and that causes struggles when he needs to get low to drive a defender out of a hole. His lack of high-end lateral agility pops up here too, as he’s not fluid when asked to work to his left or right on an angle block. He’s powerful and tough, but his run blocking is below-average compared to other top tackles.
Starter
The Indianapolis offensive line has underperformed, but Castonzo is the glue that holds it together. His ability in pass protection with the mobile Andrew Luck behind him is where he makes his money, and for that reason, he’s definitely a lock as a starter for the long haul.
Overall
9. Duane Brown, Houston Texans
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Pass Block
Duane Brown (6’4”, 303 lbs, seven seasons) has become a mainstay on lists like this—and for good reason. In 2014, Brown saw his season start slowly with a handful of bad games through the first four weeks, but then he found his rhythm and started kicking tail again. Brown is blessed with great movement skills off the line. He can meet a speed-rusher at the corner and has the agility to then counter the rusher’s moves with his feet or with his hands. And while he’s not a super-strong puncher, his timing and length make him a tough tackle to beat on the edge. Brown allowed just two sacks all season with a revolving door at quarterback—both coming against teams running a 3-4 set. His technique and production speak for themselves in the pass-protection department.
Run Block
The Texans are famous for their zone-run scheme, and in it, Brown is asked to be a man of angles and agility. He does both well, showing fluid motion to his left and to his right. When asked to go left and reach an outside defender, he has good balance and timing to get his hands on his man. When going right, or closing down the line on a tackle, he has good power to collapse the line. Brown will still struggle with accuracy at times—hitting his man in space—but he improved greatly as a run-blocker in 2014.
Starter
The 2013 season may have been Brown’s worst, but he rebounded well under new head coach Bill O’Brien and returned to form as one of the game’s premier pass protectors. As long as he’s healthy, his job as the starting left tackle isn’t in jeopardy.
Overall
8. Kelvin Beachum, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pass Block
Stats will show you that Kelvin Beachum (6’3”, 303 lbs, three seasons) allowed seven sacks on the season—a lot for a guy ranked in the top 10. But look deeper and you’ll see him developing and improving each week. Over the last 12 weeks of the season, he allowed just three sacks and none over the final eight games (playoffs included). Beachum matured into one of the game’s better tackles by season’s end, and that’s reflected here. He did struggle at times, but his patience and balance are impressive on a strong, stout frame. His shorter arms were a limitation in 2013, but improved timing, awareness and angles made him a top-tier pass protector for much of 2014.
Run Block
Last season, we noted that Beachum needed to work on playing with better leverage in the run game—he did that. For a shorter player, Beachum too often stood up out of his stance, but in 2014 he fired out with lower pad height and got into his defender before extending his legs and arms. Now, he’s able to drive-block and use his natural advantage with a lower center of gravity to push the pile. There are still times when he’ll struggle to reach on outside blocks, but he has the footwork to improve in this area with more development.
Starter
Beachum’s one very good season makes him look like the Steelers’ left tackle of the future, but his so-so 2013 campaign is still fresh in our minds. He looks like a starter here for the foreseeable future, but it’s too soon to say definitively that he’ll consistently be a top-10 performer.
Overall
7. Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys
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Pass Block
The Dallas offensive line received much-deserved credit for an impressive 2014 season, and as the left tackle, Tyron Smith (6’5”, 320 lbs, four seasons) enjoyed the most notoriety of the group. He earned it, too, with impressive athleticism and technique on the edge. In 16 games, Smith allowed just two sacks and showed the light-footed agility we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from him, while also displaying the power to finish blocks and lock down power-rushers. Penalties did creep up on Smith (nine total), but that was on par with other top-tier tackles this year, such as Jason Peters and Joe Thomas.
Run Block
We all know the Dallas run game was dominant this past season, and Smith had a big hand in that. He’s powerful coming off the line and shows the combination of speed and power needed to win against run defenders no matter the alignment or play call. He can get outside the box and attack an outside linebacker or shoot upfield to take on a middle linebacker, but he also plays well closing down on a defensive tackle or kicking out an end. He could stand to play lower and work to keep his hands inside the defender’s frame, but Smith is a successful run-blocker as is.
Starter
The unquestioned leader of the Dallas offensive line, Smith has emerged as a building block for the franchise. As quarterback Tony Romo ages and the Dallas running attack searches for their next premiere running back, the Cowboys can rest easy knowing they have one of the best left tackles in football under contract.
Overall
6. Jared Veldheer, Arizona Cardinals
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Pass Block
A change of venue was a good thing for Jared Veldheer (6’8”, 321 lbs, five seasons) in 2014 as he settled into his first year with the Arizona Cardinals. In Bruce Arians’ offense, Veldheer quickly became one of the NFL’s best pass protectors. On the year, he allowed just one sack and four quarterback hits—remarkable when you consider the pass-heavy offense he played in. Veldheer is long-armed, and while he’s not an elite mover, he anticipates pass-rushers well and has a deadly punch. He can also slide and shuffle his feet well enough to be a nuisance for speed-rushers. Improved balance and a healthy season saw Veldheer improve from a No. 25 overall ranking last season.
Run Block
The triceps injury that limited Veldheer in 2013 cleared up this year, and that showed in his ability to drive and redirect defenders in the run game. He’s a natural athlete with good upper- and lower-body strength—something that shows in his aggressive style in the run game. He can get too aggressive at times, but largely he was consistent in getting to the second level and outside the box to reach defenders on outside runs.
Starter
Veldheer wasn’t a marquee free-agent signing, but his immediate impact on the Arizona offense was huge. He filled a void in the offensive line that existed in each of the previous three seasons the NFL 1000 series existed. His impact and production warrant a very high ranking.
Overall
5. Branden Albert, Miami Dolphins
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Pass Block
Branden Albert (6’5”, 310 lbs, seven seasons) missed seven games in 2014, but when healthy, he emerged as one of the most balanced and most athletic tackles in football. Albert was always a good pass protector, but his patience and vision stood out on film. He timed his punches better, moved with more grace to cut off the edge and finished blocks with more power than he demonstrated in Kansas City. Were it not for injury, Albert may have been the NFL’s most improved left tackle in 2014.
Run Block
Albert is a very good athlete, and that shows up in his movement skills from the tackle spot. You can see his upbringing as a guard at Virginia in his hand placement and angles, but Albert will come in too high at times and will struggle to contain a rip move from a defender. Albert is functionally strong and is smart in his assignments, but he could stand to be more consistent in his pad level and drive.
Starter
When healthy, Albert is one of the NFL’s best pass-blocking left tackles. He has been dogged by injuries the past three seasons, which makes his status and potential worth questioning.
Overall
4. Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers
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Pass Block
The San Francisco 49ers offense struggled in 2014, but Joe Staley (6’5”, 315 lbs, eight seasons) was his normal top-tier self again. In pass protection, Staley does a great job adjusting with a moving pocket. Most quarterbacks release the ball on a predetermined step count, and the offensive line is protecting based on that internal clock. But in San Francisco, with Colin Kaepernick in the backfield, that step count is rarely on time due to his scrambling ability. That puts more pressure on the offensive line, but Staley holds his ground and holds his blocks longer than most tackles. He’s powerful for a lean tackle and does a very good job winning battles with his feet and then closing up shop with a punch that can stun speed-rushers and stop a power move.
Run Block
The power run game disappeared at times this season, but Staley does his part as well as any left tackle in football. He’s powerful at the point of attack and does a great job getting his pads down to win in short-yardage situations. He’s agile and attacks in space very well, something the 49ers use to their advantage by having Staley pull and trap from the tackle spot. He’s strong enough to close down and wall off the edge on outside runs.
Starter
The San Francisco offensive line may see big changes this offseason, but Staley is the foundation it can rebuild on. He has consistently been a top-tier starter since taking over the left tackle job in 2008, his second year as a pro.
Overall
3. Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati Bengals
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Pass Block
Very quietly, Andrew Whitworth (6’7”, 330 lbs, nine seasons) played at an All-Pro level in 2014. You can look at his zero sacks allowed—or that he allowed just one quarterback hit and only eight hurries—and have a strong statistical argument for his dominance this year. But turn on the film and you see a left tackle battling for positioning and finishing blocks. Whitworth isn’t the biggest or most fluid left tackle, but he doesn’t let defenders break free from him. His shadow game is top-notch, and his left-hand punch knocks defenders off their balance. Whitworth then pounces on players and doesn’t let up until the ball is released.
Run Block
The ability to excel in the run game against varied defensive fronts was a big factor in grading this season, and Whitworth was impressive no matter if he saw a three- or four-man front. He’s agile enough to reach defenders off his shoulder, but he has the power to drop his rear end and power-drive a head-up defender. In a zone scheme, Whitworth is a smooth mover and has a great understanding of angles and the leverage needed to work through defenders.
Starter
A fixture at left tackle in Cincinnati, Whitworth has been low-key great over the past two seasons after starting his career as a solid starter. The Bengals are in very good hands with No. 77 protecting the blind side.
Overall
2. Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles
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Pass Block
Left tackle Jason Peters (6’4”, 328 lbs, 11 seasons) didn’t get as much national attention in 2014 as his play warranted. He’s an amazing athlete moving off his spot to attack and protect the corner. Peters also understands timing and angles, which is what makes him the best pass protector we graded during the past season. His shorter arms and bulkier frame may scare some, but Peters combines speed, awareness and a strong punch to dominate in pass protection. Peters did allow four sacks, but we chalked two of those up to being on the quarterback and not on his play.
Run Block
The Eagles’ scheme will get credit for the run success, but Peters moves so well to the first and the second level that he’s worth mentioning in their successes. Peters may lose leverage at times, but he’s agile enough to pull, trap and kick out to reach outside linebackers on the backside. Few tackles have his ability to move with speed and balance in space.
Starter
Peters is a top-level starter and an unquestioned star heading into 2015. He’s one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen.
Overall
1. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
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Pass Block
Joe Thomas (6’6”, 312 lbs, eight seasons) dominated pass-rushers again in 2014, showing the balance and the power protecting the edge that makes him the gold standard of left tackle play. Through 16 games, he had few hiccups, and only then, it was against speed-rushers teeing off on an offense that lacked talent at quarterback and wide receiver. Thomas’ play, when viewed in the scope of the offense, was top-notch once again, as he allowed just two sacks the entire season.
Run Block
Thomas has long been recognized as an elite pass protector, but the past season saw him improve as a run-blocker. Thomas used his patented power at the point of attack to push the pile off the left side and saw him holding angles better to allow for outside runs. Penalties did creep up this year (nine), but overall, his ability to lock on to a defender and ride him out of the play in the run game was much-improved.
Starter
Thomas remains the ideal left tackle for today’s NFL. He’s an All-Pro-caliber player with few peers in terms of total-game balance.
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