NFL's top 10 offensive tackles in 2022

Offensive tackles are one of the most important positions in the entire NFL. They contribute to the most significant responsibilities within most blocking schemes.

They are tasked with blocking the top pass rushers on opposing teams' defences to protect their own quarterbacks in the passing game. They also set the edge on most rushing plays.

The offensive line is the anchor of any successful offense. To have a dominant offensive line, the offensive tackles must be solid. This is why it is always among the highest-paid positions in the NFL.

The best players in the position are some of the most dominant forces in the league, especially the following 10 who stand above the rest.

#1 - Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Trent Williams began his career with the Washington Commanders, where he was one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. He has elevated his stock even higher over the last two years since joining the San Francisco 49ers, where they have allowed his athletic skillset to thrive.

Williams stands above every other offensive tackle in the NFL. He is also one of the best overall players in the league according to his PFF grade. His 96.9 grade over the last two seasons have led every other offensive tackle by five or more points. Aaron Donald is the only NFL player with a higher PFF grade.

#2 - Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady has always preferred to have an elite offensive line over a higher salary so he can operate at his highest level. This is one of the main reasons why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Tristan Wirfs in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Wirfs had high expectations entering his rookie season, but he far exceeded them. He received the highest grade of any rookie offensive tackle in more than a decade in one of the best rookie seasons by any offensive tackle in NFL history.

He was selected as a first-team All-Pro in his rookie year, an extremely rare accomplishment.

#3 - Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Lane Johnson is one of the most unique offensive tackles in the NFL. He is extremely athletic for his position. He is capable of pulling across an entire formation as well as getting to the second level of a defense with relative ease.

Johnson's skillset, along with Jason Kelce as well, are what allow Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles to run their signature read-option style of offense. He has finished with a grade of 80 or higher in each of the last five full seasons.

#4 - David Bakhtiari, Green Bay Packers

David Bakhtiari was the highest rated pass blocker among all offensive linemen during a five-year stretch between 2016 and 2020. His success in this area has allowed Aaron Rodgers more time to diagnose a defense. This has often been a winning formula for the Green Bay Packers.

While Bakhtiari still ranks in the top five among offensive tackles, he was even higher prior to the start of the 2021 NFL season. He missed almost the entire year with an injury, so the Packers OT will look to get back on track during the 2022 NFL season.

#5 - Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys

While Tyron Smith has struggled to stay healthy in each of the last few years, he is still one of the most dominant offensive tackles in the NFL when he's on the field. At his best, he's fully capable of being in the mix for the top spot in the position.

Smith has been a staple on the Dallas Cowboys offensive line. He is one of the main reasons why they have consistently been one of the best offensive lines in the league in recent years.

He is always graded among the best pass-blocking offensive linemen in the NFL, while also mauling defenders in the rushing game.

#6 - Ryan Ramczyk, New Orleans Saints

PFF WAR is an all-inclusive statistic that attempts to account for a player's overall value to their teams. While it's not a perfect metric, no offensive tackle in the league has measured higher than Ryan Ramczyk since the start of the 2017 NFL season.

Ramczyk has been extremely reliable during his time with the New Orleans Saints, rarely missing a snap and being a dependent staple in their blocking scheme. He is one of the best run blockers from the right tackle position, earning a higher PFF grade than anyone in the position over the last five years.

#7 - Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are fully committed to surrounding Justin Herbert with the best situation possible to succeed. This means solidifying the offensive line. They took a major step in doing so when they selected Rashawn Slater in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Slater was selected as a second-team All-Pro in his rookie season. This is not an easy thing for any player to achieve in his rookie year. His athleticism and versatile play, including the ability to play multiple positions, gives him significant value.

#8 - Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens

Ronnie Stanley would likely be ranked much higher on this list if he were able to stay consistently healthy. He has been unable to do so over the last two years, missing significant playing time in each of the last two seasons.

In his last year in full health, during the 2019 NFL season, Stanley was PFF's highest graded pass blocker by a wide margin. It's probably not a coincidence that Lamar Jackson was named the NFL MVP that season as Stanley's contributions were crucial to his incredible success.

#9 - Terron Armstead, Miami Dolphins

Terron Armstead was one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL during his time with the New Orleans Saints, grading in the top five as a pass blocker. This made him one of the most desirable free agents during the 2022 NFL offseason, regardless of position.

The Miami Dolphins landed Armstead during the free agency period during an aggressive effort to build the best offense possible around Tua Tagovailoa. They also acquired superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill, among several others.

#10 - Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans

Laremy Tunsil immediately became one of the best pass-blocking offensive tackles in the NFL when he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. He ranked in the top five among offensive tackles in the PFF pass-blocking grade in each of his first three seasons.

This sparked the Houston Texans to put together a massive trade package to acquire him.

The move worked out in the Texans' favor as Tunsil provided elite protection for star quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is now with the Cleveland Browns. Watson led the NFL in passing yards during the 2020 season. Tunsil's pass-blocking contributed to that success.