The Best offensive lines in the NFL ranked for 2021

The importance of an offensive line cannot be emphasized enough. Without the ability to protect a quarterback and open up holes for backs, an offense has lost a game before it even starts, and a good line can put a team stacked with weapons at skill positions over the hump.

Join us as we rank the top five offensive lines in the National Football League!

5. Dallas Cowboys

It was a long 2020 for the Cowboys and their fans, and some of the troubles were due to a banged-up offensive line. Tyron Smith and La’el Collins both missed time last season and will be impact players if they’re healthy, and right guard Zack Martin is one of the best players in the league at his position.

4. New Orleans Saints

For the first time in many years, Drew Brees won’t be under center for New Orleans. One constant in the bayou, though, is a strong front line anchored by tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk, two of the best in the business. If the interior linemen step up, Jameis Winston should have plenty of time to make decisions and sling the ball downfield.

3. Indianapolis Colts

As of this writing, we’re not sure if offseason acquisition Carson Wentz will start for Indianapolis in Week 1. If he does, though, he’ll be protected by one of the better offensive lines in football. Left guard Quenton Nelson is one of the best interior linemen in the game, and he’ll be joined by, among others, left tackle Eric Fisher, who signed a one-year deal after spending eight seasons in Kansas City.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One had to figure Tampa Bay would make this list. The Bucs retained every starter from last year’s Super Bowl-winning squad, and that includes the five big guys up front. Add in the presence of third-round draft pick Robert Hainsey, and you have a group that’s talented, experienced, and extremely deep.

1. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland also returns all five starters from the 2020 campaign, and it’s this unit that tops the list. Left guard Joel Bitonio and center J.C. Tretter are bedrocks inside, while tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin took care of opposing edge rushers.

There are plenty of reasons for Browns fans to be optimistic, and five of them will look to protect Baker Mayfield and open holes for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.