AFC North Top 5: Offensive Linemen
January 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Irvin tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns (73) during the 2015 Pro Bowl practice at Luke Air Force Base. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The AFC North has some of the NFL’s elite offensive linemen. The offensive line is one of the most important units on a football team because they can separate a good team from a great team. Often, the big guys don’t get the recognition they deserve. Well, here’s a look at the top 5 in the AFC North.
Honorable Mention:
- G Kelechi Osemele, Ravens
- G Joel Bitonio, Browns
- G Kevin Zeitler, Bengals
- G David DeCastro, Steelers
5. C Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns
Offensive line will certainly be a position of strength for Cleveland in the upcoming season. The anchor in the middle is six-year veteran, Alex Mack. Mack is arguably a top 5 center in the NFL when healthy. He is an integral part of the Browns’ running game and when he went down early last season, the rushing numbers took a bit of a hit. Mack is strong, smart, and has great technique. When the All-Pro is in the lineup, the Browns are a much better team.
4. T Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati Bengals
Nov 30, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andrew Whitworth (77) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
For nine seasons, Whitworth has been a staple on the Bengals’ offensive line. He’s a very reliable player, having only missed two games in the past six seasons. Cincinnati was ranked third in the NFL for fewest sacks allowed (23). Whitworth gave up none of those and was only credited with eight quarterback hurries and one quarterback hit. He’s turning 34 years old this season, but he is still one of the premier offensive tackles in the league.
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3. G Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens
A case could be made that Yanda is the best offensive guard in the entire NFL. He’s certainly the best in the AFC North. Yanda is a solid pass blocker, but where he truly excels is in his run blocking. The four-time Pro Bowler and 2014 First Team All-Pro is the glue that holds the Ravens’ offensive line unit together. His play elevates the play of his teammates. According to Pro Football Focus, Yanda only allowed six knockdowns and 10 hurries on the season.
2. C Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers
Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) watches the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Steelers, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Maurkice Pouncey is probably the best center in the NFL. He is a forced to be reckoned with in both pass and run-blocking. The Steelers were ranked second in the NFL in total offense a season ago and Pouncey was an enormous reason why. As the man in the middle, he should be given a great deal of credit for running back Le’Veon Bell’s success in 2014. In five NFL seasons, Pouncey has been selected to four Pro Bowls and First Team All-Pro twice.
1. T Joe Thomas, Browns
Thomas has solidified himself as one of the NFL’s elite offensive linemen. He was ranked No. 25 in NFL Network’s Top 100 NFL Players in 2015. Thomas’ reliability is unrivaled, as he has yet to miss a game in his eight-year professional career. In 2014, he only allowed two sacks and three quarterback hits. Talk about dominance. Thomas has been named to the Pro Bowl each of his eight seasons and has been named First Team All-Pro five times.