2012 NFL Free Agents: Analyzing the Overlooked Offensive Linemen

Compared to quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, the offensive lineman doesn't have the most appealing position in free agency.

That said, the linemen are in fact the most important unit to any one team because no quarterback, running back or receiver is going to dominate without the play developing, thanks to the blocking.

And there are a few linemen who may be a hot commodity this offseason, but here are some going overlooked.

Matt Birk

If there's one guy the Baltimore Ravens need to re-sign, it's Matt Birk.

He's a six-time Pro-Bowler with two All-Pro selections and, despite turning 35 years old before 2012 kicks off, easily the Ravens best offensive lineman.

For one, Birk is arguably the smartest player in the NFL and considering that he's been in the league since 1998, the experience and success factor also weighs heavy.

Running back Ray Rice may also be a free agent but if the Ravens lose Birk this offseason, Rice's production will take a steep decline. Birk is a leader on offense and has played long enough to recognize blitzes, stunts and defensive audibles.

Not to mention he has started in 96 straight games and 171 in total throughout his illustrious career. Despite having some injuries in the middle portion, Birk proved his tenacity and toughness to return even healthier.

Baltimore can't afford to lose that, and if Birk is given the opportunity to test the market, there will be more than a few teams calling.

Jeff Backus

It's extremely easy to overlook Detroit's Jeff Backus.

The man has never made a Pro Bowl or been selected to the All-Pro team, but still remains as the Lions' starting left tackle.

No, he's not the most explosive or overly dominant tackle in the game, nor the most appealing. However, Backus has been with The Motor City since 2001 and has never missed a game in his career (starting all 176 of them).

And there's a reason why he hasn't missed a game or a start. Backus has proved he can play at a consistently solid level and had his performance ever declined, he would have been replaced.

Let's put it this way, you don't start 176 straight games in 11 seasons without being durable, reliable and an overall good player. The Lions need him for Matthew Stafford's blindside and if the interior line improves in run blocking, Detroit can really become a complete offense with Backus anchoring the hogs.

That being said, if the Lions and Backus part ways, he won't be available long, as signing a reputable veteran to protect the blindside only improves an offensive line. And the Lions aren't the only franchise that could use a guy like Backus.

Dan Connolly

Perhaps the most appealing aspect as to why the New England Patriots need to re-sign Dan Connolly, is because he has experience at both guard and center.

Although he's never made a Pro Bowl, Connolly has proven his worth alongside other veterans such as Logan Mankins and Dan Koppen in protecting quarterback Tom Brady.

Obviously it does take pressure off a player when two vets like Koppen and Mankins are on either side, but having the ability to switch between guard and center displays excellent versatility.

The biggest difference between the two is that centers need a much quicker reaction time. While snapping the ball and then reading the defense, a center is under much more duress during that split second.

A guard may not have the direct responsibilities, but has to focus on both inside and outside blitzers. If need be, the guard must step out to help the tackle, chip the interior rusher for the center all while remaining laterally quick and agile.

Now, this an also be applied to each offensive lineman, however, proving solid play at both guard and center shows how unselfish and smart a player is. If Connolly becomes available, he'll be off the market rather quickly.

Samson Satele

When the 2011 NFL season was in its early stages, the Oakland Raiders offense was bowling over defensive fronts with running back Darren McFadden.

Then, Run DMC goes down and backup Michael Bush comes to fill in.

Needless to say, the Raiders ground game kept punishing defensive fronts and Bush simply picked up right where McFadden left off. And a big part of that is thanks to center Samson Satele.

Along the line with Satele, the Raiders have a reliable interior  with Cooper Carlisle and Stefen Wisniewski. That's where most of McFadden and Bush's yards came from and, lest we forget, Satele had to adjust to three different quarterbacks at one point last season.

Beginning with Jason Campbell, then briefly with Kyle Boller and finishing with Carson Palmer, it's not easy having to snap the rock to a different quarterback, let alone three in one season.

Still, Satele remained sound and has started 74 of 78 career games. The Raiders had one of the best ground games this season despite all the injuries and if Oakland doesn't re-sign him, Satele will quickly move elsewhere.

John Rozum on Twitter.