Projected Starting Offensive Lines – Pre-Draft

Now that free agency is over, it’s time to look at the projected starting offensive lines for each team before the draft.

Underlined are new starters

Arizona Cardinals

LT D.J. Humphries – LG Justin Pugh – C Mason Cole – RG J.R. Sweezy – RT Marcus Gilbert

A.Q. Shipley was the starting center last year, but he’s still a free agent, so I’m giving the spot to Cole, who started all 16 as a rookie in 2018, but was a backup last year. Gilbert missed all last season after being traded by the Steelers, and was replaced by Justin Murray who started 12 games. Gilbert should retake that spot.

Atlanta Falcons

LT Jake Matthews – LG James Carpenter – C Alex Mack – RG Chris Lindstrom – RT Kaleb McGary

The Week 1 starting lineup from last season returns all the same. Jamon Brown filled in for Lindstrom after he went out from Week 2 to Week 13, then Lindstrom took back the starting job. They gave decent money to Brown and Carpenter last offseason, then drafted Lindstrom and McGary in the first round. Interesting roster building there, can’t have too many offensive lineman I guess.

Baltimore Ravens

LT Ronnie Stanley – LG Bradley Bozeman – C Matt Skura – RG Ben Powers – RT Orlando Brown Jr.

Losing franchise staple Marshal Yanda at right guard is a massive loss along an otherwise great line. I slotted in Ben Powers, a 2019 fourth-rounder who started for Yanda in Week 17 as starters were rested before the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if they add a veteran or get a guy in the draft to challenge Powers. Worth noting, Skura is coming off major knee surgery, and the undrafted Patrick Mekari filled in nicely for him at center the rest of the season. If Skura is not fully healthy, Mekari may be the Week 1 starter. Who knows, maybe Mekari could be the starting right guard instead of Powers.

Buffalo Bills

LT Dion Dawkins – LG Quinton Spain – C Mitch Morse – RG Jon Feliciano – RT Cody Ford

The same starting lineup from 15 of 16 games last season returns to start 2020. They did sign former Panther Daryl Williams, who could take a starting spot from someone, maybe Feliciano? Spain got a nice contract extension, Morse is great, and Ford was a second-rounder. This is my projected lineup, but Williams could shake things up in camp.

Carolina Panthers

LT Russell Okung – LG Dennis Daley – C Matt Paradis – RG John Miller – RT Taylor Moton

This isn’t a great line, it may not even be correct. Okung was acquired from the Chargers in the Trai Turner trade, filling the left tackle spot that didn’t really need filling, and created a void at guard. They drafted Greg Little in the second round last year in hopes he’d be their left tackle, but struggled. Sixth-rounder Daley was ahead of him, and wasn’t great either. Daryl Williams, a former second-team All-Pro at right tackle was bumped by Moton, which moved him all along the line, starting 4 at LT, 5 at LG, and 3 at RG. He’s now in Buffalo, and creates voids everywhere. I moved Daley to guard and the former Bengal Miller on the other side. Little could move inside to guard as well, but I’m giving it to Daley for now.

Chicago Bears

LT Charles Leno – LG James Daniels – C Cody Whitehair – RG Germain Ifedi – RT Bobby Massie

Kyle Long has retired, so they needed to find a new right guard. Rashaad Coward filled in for Long last season, but I’m giving the spot to Ifedi, the former Seahawks first-rounder who has primarily started at right tackle, but if more natural at guard. The Daniels/Whitehair center or guard debate is now over with their positions finally being decided last season, for the better. Not too much has changed along the line, with Leno and Massie back at their tackle spots.

Cincinnati Bengals

LT Jonah Williams – LG Michael Jordan – C Trey Hopkins – RG Xavier Su’a-Filo – RT Bobby Hart

Cordy Glenn is gone, so Williams gets the starting left tackle spot, the original plan last year before he tore his labrum. Jordan at left guard is interesting, as former first-rounder Billy Price was bumped last season for the fourth-round rookie. Hopkins is now cemented at center, which free agent signee Su’a-Filo as the new right guard after they cut John Miller. Price could challenge Su’a-Filo, but I’d put my money on the new guy. Hart is still there at right tackle, despite continuing to be one of the worst tackles.

Cleveland Browns

LT Chris Hubbard – LG Joel Bitonio – C J.C. Tretter – RG Wyatt Teller – RT Jack Conklin

The left tackle spot will likely be taken by a rookie, but for now I’m moving Hubbard from right to left after they gave big money to Conklin, and Greg Robinson ain’t coming back. Bitonio and Tretter return as starters obviously, with Teller taking the right guard spot after he outplayed Eric Kush last season to steal the job mid-season.

Dallas Cowboys

LT Tyron Smith – LG Connor Williams – C Joe Looney – RG Zack Martin – RT La’el Collins

Losing longtime center really stinks, they’ve had his replacement in house for several years in Looney, and even started all 16 in 2018 when Frederick missed the season. Williams gets the starting left guard spot back after Xavier Su’a-Filo leaves for Cincy. Keep an eye on 2019 third-rounder Connor McGovern to potentially challenge Williams, or maybe even Looney.

Denver Broncos

LT Garett Bolles – LG Dalton Risner – C Graham Glasgow – RG Elijah Wilkinson – RT Ja’Waun James

Former starting center Connor McGovern is now a Jet, so they gave big money to former Lions center/guard Glasgow to be the starter. James missed most of last season, and Wilkinson played very well in his absence, so it’d be tough to leave him off the starting lineup, so I’m moving him inside to guard, which was previously occupied by now free agent Ronald Leary, and later replaced by the undrafted Austin Schlottmann. Risner was terrific as a rookie and should develop into a top guard in this league, while Bolles needs to improve as a starter to keep his job.

Detroit Lions

LT Taylor Decker – LG Joe Dahl – C Frank Ragnow – RG Joshua Garnett – RT Halapoulivaati Vaitai

The team cut right tackle Rick Wagner, so they signed Vaitai, a career backup in Philly, although a very good backup. They also lost Graham Glasgow to the Broncos, so I’m giving the spot to former 49ers first rounder Garnett. He didn’t play in 2019, so who really knows what he’s got. Also in consideration is veteran Kenny Wiggins, former Buccaneer Caleb Benenoch, and 2018 fifth-rounder Tyrell Crosby.

Green Bay Packers

LT David Bakhtiari – LG Elgton Jenkins – C Corey Linsley – RG Billy Turner – RT Rick Wagner

Longtime right tackle Bryan Bulaga is now a Charger, so they brought in the former Lion Wagner to take his place. Jenkins is now the full time starter after replacing Lane Taylor due to injury. Taylor will either be cut or sent to the bench as the other spots are pretty much taken. He could very much challenge Turner for his spot.

Houston Texans

LT Laremy Tunsil – LG Max Scharping – C Nick Martin – RG Zach Fulton – RT Tytus Howard

This was the ideal starting lineup for the Texans last year before injuries got in the way. Howard’s position was up in the air, but he may have solidified himself as the starting right tackle. Scharping was a great find in the second-round last year.

Indianapolis Colts

LT Anthony Castonzo – LG Quenton Nelson – C Ryan Kelly – RG Mark Glowinski – RT Braden Smith

Nothing to see here, just the same 16-game starters from a year ago, the only line to do so in 2019. Good thing Castonzo didn’t retire.

Jacksonville Jaguars

LT Cam Robinson – LG Andrew Norwell – C Brandon Linder – RG A.J. Cann – RT Jawaan Taylor

This is a solid line, only if Robinson can stay healthy. Taylor was a gem for them after falling to the second round.

Kansas City Chiefs

LT Eric Fisher – LG Andrew Wylie – C Austin Reiter – RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif – RT Mitchell Schwartz

Three of these spots are locked up, with left guard and center up in the air. Wylie was benched in favor of Stefen Wisniewski, who’s now in Pittsburgh. This isn’t a great interior line class, which bodes well for Wylie and Reiter. But with the 32nd pick, it’d be appropriate for them to take the top interior guy.

Las Vegas Raiders

LT Kolton Miller – LG Richie Incognito – C Rodney Hudson – RG Gabe Jackson – RT Trent Brown

Injuries were in issue last year for Jackson and Brown, but they’ll be returning for 2020. Incognito had a nice comeback year after missing 2018 and being suspended the first four games.

Los Angeles Chargers

LT Trey Pipkins – LG Dan Feeney – C Mike Pouncey – RG Trai Turner – RT Bryan Bulaga

No more Russell Okung at left tackle, as he was traded for All-Pro guard Turner. He’ll slot in at right guard, replacing Michael Schofield, and former Packer Bulaga in at right tackle. Pouncey returns at center and Feeney at left guard. Trent Scott filled in for Okung last year and stunk. Sam Tevi stunk at right tackle, that’s why they got Bulaga. I’m giving the spot to 2019 third-rounder Pipkins. Perhaps 2018 second-rounder Forrest Lamp could move over to tackle as that’s what his college position was after all.

Los Angeles Rams

LT Andrew Whitworth – LG Joseph Noteboom – C Austin Blythe – RG David Edwards – RT Rob Havenstein

A bit of a shake-up here. Brian Allen gets bumped at center and is replaced with former starting right guard Blythe, who took Allen’s place in the lineup last year due to injury. Edwards was quite good at right guard, so he’ll remain there. Question is at right tackle. Havenstein is a very good tackle, but when he missed seven games, Bobby Evans was very good alongside Edwards. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt to Havenstein, but watch out for Evans. Noteboom’s spot isn’t guaranteed here either, as he missed 10 games, and eventually replaced with former Browns second-rounder Austin Corbett. So basically to sum up, every position on this line except for left tackle is up for grabs.

Miami Dolphins

LT Julien Davenport – LG Michael Deiter – C Ted Karras – RG Ereck Flowers – RT Jesse Davis

The Dolphins had the worst offensive line last year, which makes sense that they have two new starters. Davenport is the default left tackle right now as he started seven games there in 2019, but they need an upgrade. Expect the Dolphins to get one in the first round with one of their 3 first-rounders. Karras was great for the Patriots filling in as a starter, and Flowers had a resurgent 2019 after moving to guard with the Redskins. Davis returns at right tackle, and Deiter comes back as the left guard after coming in as a third-round rookie.

Minnesota Vikings

LT Riley Reiff – G Pat Elflein – C Garrett Bradbury – RG Dakota Dozier – RT Brian O’Neill

Most of the line comes back, minus at right guard as starter Josh Kline was released. Dozier started three games there in his place, so he gets the spot over 2019 fourth-rounder Dru Samia. Expect them to add an interior lineman in the draft, but not til later as this is not a good draft for them.

New England Patriots

LT Isaiah Wynn – LG Joe Thuney – C David Andrews – RG Shaq Mason – RT Marcus Cannon

The same line from previous years return, notably center David Andrews, who returns after missing 2019 with blood clots. Question is at left guard, as the iron man Thuney received the franchise tag, and many wonder if he’ll be moved during the draft.

New Orleans Saints

LT Terron Armstead – LG Andrus Peat – C Erik McCoy – RG Larry Warford – RT Ryan Ramczyk

Nothing new here. Peat comes back on a multi-year extension, that’s really it.

New York Giants

LT Nate Solder – LG Will Hernandez – C Spencer Pulley – RG Kevin Zeitler – RT Cameron Fleming

Some shakeup for the Giants line, which has been a weak spot. Last year’s starting RT Mike Remmers is on the Chiefs, so they brought in former Patriots and Cowboys swing tackle Cam Fleming. Right now he’s the starter, but I expect them to take a tackle in the first round. They also have a new center at the moment with Pulley, as Jon Halapio is still a free agent.

New York Jets

LT George Fant – LG Alex Lewis – C Connor McGovern – RG Brian Winters – RT Chuma Edoga

Basically every spot on the Jets line is up for grabs, minus maybe RG with longtime starter Winters occupying the spot. They gave big money to McGovern from Denver to start at center. They also signed guard Greg Van Roten, a multi-year starter for Carolina, so he could overtake Winters or the newly re-signed Lewis for a starting spot. At tackle, they gave a multi-year deal to former Seahawks swing tackle Fant. Third-rounder Edoga takes over the starting RT spot after beating out Brandon Shell last season, who’s now in Seattle.

Philadelphia Eagles

LT Andre Dillard – LG Isaac Seumalo – C Jason Kelce – RG Brandon Brooks – RT Lane Johnson

Longtime LT Jason Peters is 38 years old and a free agent. Last year’s first rounder Andre Dillard takes his spot, which was the plan when he was drafted. Former swing tackle H. Vaitai is now in Detroit, so the spot likely would’ve been his if he was still under contract. Everyone else on the line are entrenched starters.

Pittsburgh Steelers

LT Alejandro Villanueva – LG Stefen Wisniewski – C Maurkice Pouncey – RG David DeCastro – RT Matt Feiler

A changing of the left guard in Pittsburgh, as longtime starter Ramon Foster retired, so they signed veteran journeyman Wisniewski to take his spot. He’s a real good player, so it’s not a bad move. The only other question is at right tackle, as Marcus Gilbert was traded last year, and Feiler started most of the season, but 2018 third-rounder Chukwuma Okorafor could challenge his spot.

San Francisco 49ers

LT Joe Staley – LG Laken Tomlinson – C Weston Richburg – RG Tom Compton – RT Mike McGlinchey

Most of the San Fran line returns, minus right guard. Mike Person was released, so they signed veteran journeyman Compton gets the spot for now. I could see guys like Ben Garland, Justin Skule, Shon Coleman, or Daniel Brunskill challenge for that spot.

Seattle Seahawks

LT Duane Brown – LG Mike Iupati – C Justin Britt – RG D.J. Fluker – RT Cedric Ogbuehi

There’ll be a new right tackle in Seattle following the departure of Germain Ifedi. Former Bengals first-round bust Ogbuehi gets the spot for now, but that’s up for debate. They also signed former Jets starter Brandon Shell, so he could win the job. Other additions to compete for spots include C/G B.J. Finney and former Titans first-round guard Chance Warmack.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LT Donovan Smith – LG Ali Marpet – C Ryan Jensen – RG Alex Cappa – RT Joe Haeg

You’ve got to have a good line to protect the new 42 year old franchise QB. This is an ok like. Smith is a fine left tackle, and I like Marpet and Jensen, unknown on Cappa, but they need help at right tackle. They signed former Colts starter/backup Haeg, and longtime starter Demar Dotson is still a free agent. I have them taking a tackle in the first round.

Tennessee Titans

LT Taylor Lewan – LG Rodger Saffold – C Ben Jones – RG Nate Davis – RT Dennis Kelly

Right tackle Jack Conklin is now in Cleveland on a big contract, which is why they gave swing tackle Kelly a multi-year deal, and will likely be their starter. Davis took over mid-season and played well as a third-round rookie.

Washington Redskins

LT Cornelius Lucas – LG Wes Schweitzer – C Chase Roullier – RG Brandon Scherff – RT Morgan Moses

The left side of this line is very much up for grabs. Trent Williams refuses to play in Washington, so he’s not in this projected lineup. I’m giving the spot right now to Lucas as he started eight games for the Bears last year, and the only other listed tackle who’s also in consideration is 2018 third-rounder Geron Christian, who only has two starts under his belt. Ereck Flowers is in Miami, so the left guard spot goes to former Falcons starter Schweitzer. I would also expect 2019 fourth-rounder Wes Martin to compete, as he started five games last season.