The Top 10 Offensive Linemen to Watch in the 2010 NFL Season

When you watch a NFL game, typically you only pay attention to the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, tight ends, etc., the only reason if those guys excel is because they have good linemen.

Even though they might be the ugliest players in the NFL doesn't mean you can't like them; you have to like them the offensive linemen is what makes the NFL still classic today.

So the next time you see Tom Brady throw a touchdown pass, thank his offensive linemen, not his arm. Here is a list of the top linemen in the league to watch in the 2010 NFL season.

Honorable Mentions

Ryan Kalil: Center, the Carolina Panthers
Russell Okung: Offensive Tackle, the Seattle Seahawks (rookie) Brian Waters: Offensive Guard, the Kansas City Chiefs
Alan Faneca: Offensive Guard, the Arizona Cardinals
D'Brickashaw Ferguson: Offensive Tackle, the New York Jets
Shaun O'Hara: Center, the New York Giants
Bryant McKinnie: Offensive Tackle, the Minnesota Vikings
Michael Oher: Offensive Tackle, the Baltimore Ravens
Jeff Saturday: Center, the Indianapolis Colts
MIchael Roos: Offensive Tackle, the Tennessee Titans
David Stewart: Offensive Tackle, the Tennessee Titans

10. Ryan Clady: Tackle, Denver Broncos

I am sure some of you are wondering why isn't Ryan Clady higher on this list, if you forgot let me remind you Ryan Clady suffered a serious injury this offseason.

It might be a little of a risk to put him high on this list just simply because he might not be to form like he was in 2008 and 2009.

Ryan Clady is a good run blocker, but an average pass blocker, giving up over 4.0 sacks on the blind side.

9. Leonard Davis: Guard, Dallas Cowboys

Outside of Ray Lewis, Leonard Davis might one of the scariest players in the NFL.

First of all, Davis is huge standing 6'6 and weighing over 350 pounds; on some depth charts, he's being listed at 380 pounds.

Second of all, he can block like an All-Pro. I think there is just one concern his that he is getting up there in age, but I still think he can play at least three more seasons as a Pro-Bowl caliber player.

8. Jason Peters: Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

If Kevin Kolb didn't have a good offensive tackle in Jason Peters, then the Eagles would be picking a quarterback in the first round in 2010.

Peters made a difference in 2008 with Buffalo; he was a Second-Team All-Pro. The Bills let him go, and they had the worst offensive line in 2009.

I expect Jason Peters to be on Kolb's blind side for the next five to eight years.

7. Chris Snee: Guard, New York Giants

Despite only going to two Pro-Bowls thus far in his career, Chris Snee is arguably one of the best guards and offensive linemen in the NFL.

Snee has started every game he has played in since 2005 and has shown why he still does. Eli Manning is lucky he has a player like Chris Snee or he would be in big trouble.

But, it is not just his pass blocking skill that is intriguing; it's his dominant run blocking.

In 2008, he and the Giants offensive line led the way for two 1,000-yard running backs. I expect a few more Pro-Bowls for Snee and to remain as a starter for the next five to eight years.

6. Jake Long: Tackle, Miami Dolphins

Ever since Jake Long was drafted first overall of the 2008 NFL Draft the Dolphins some how knew exactly what they were getting, a future multi-time Pro-Bowler.

Well I wouldn't say "future Pro Bowler" anymore because Long has made the Pro-Bowl two times in his two seasons he has played.

Long really stepped up his game in 2009 being a dominant run blocker; he helped the Dolphins finish fourth in the NFL in rushing yards

Plus, Long recorded his first All-Pro honors making the second team.

If Jake Long continues to play like he is right now for how young he is, he might emerge as the NFL's top offensive tackle some day if he isn't close to that title already.

5. Logan Mankins: Guard, New England Patriots

When Scott Pioli surprised some when he selected Logan Mankins 32nd overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, he knew exactly what he was getting: a future All-Pro.

Mankins is probably the most consistent offensive linemen in the NFL starting every single game of his career.

Despite Mankins currently holding out and wanting to be paid, I expect him to get a deal done in the near future.

I also expect Pro Bowls and many good things to come in Mankins' career as a Patriot.

4. Kris Dielman: Guard, San Diego Chargers

Ryan Matthews will win the 2010 Offensive Rookie of the Year for two reasons: One he is one of the most explosive players coming out in 2010 and two he has Kris Dielman and the Chargers' offensive line leading the way.

Dielman is really on the rise and is in the prime of his career.

Despite being an undrafted free agent in 2005, Dielman remains in the Creme of the Crop of offensive linemen in the NFL.

I expect many good things in the upcoming years for the Chargers and Kris Dielman's career.

3. Nick Mangold: Center, New York Jets

Just like the many good young rising offensive linemen in the NFL Nick Mangold along with Jake Long, Joe Thomas, etc. has become the best center in the NFL.

Mangold has started every single game of his career since 2006 and all that playing time has really paid off.

In the fifth year in his career, I expect the Jets to have a premier passing attack that will be successful because of the offensive line led by Nick Mangold.

Like the title says this is a list of the best linemen going into the 2010 season not of the 2009 season and Nick Mangold will be the best center of the 2010 season.

2. Steve Hutchinson: Offensive Guard, the Minnesota Vikings

Steve Hutchinson has become the most dominant offensive guard in the NFL over the past decade along with Alan Faneca. Since being with the Vikings since 2006 Hutchinson has been named to four straight First Team All-Pro honors and four straight Pro-Bowls to go with it. The secret to the Vikings dominant offense with a combination of a power running game and passing attack may be so dominate because of Steve Hutchinson. I expect Steve Hutchinson to anchor the Vikings offensive line for the next 5 or so years.

1. Joe Thomas: Offensive Tackle, the Cleveland Browns

Yes, Joe Thomas is the NFL's best offensive linemen going into the 2010 NFL season. Despite the Browns having the worst passing game in the NFL, it is certainly not the left tackle Joe Thomas's fault I would blame that on the poor quarterbacks the Browns have. What is there not to say about Joe Thomas he only has played three NFL seasons, but has emerged as the best left tackle and linemen in the NFL. Thomas has made the Pro-Bowl each of his three NFL seasons and made First Team All-Pro honors in 2009. The Browns sure are lucky to have the best linemen in the NFL and arguably the best player in the NFL. I expect another Pro-Bowl and All-Pro honors for Joe Thomas in 2010.