NFL: Top 5 offensive lines ahead of the 2021 season

During free agency and the 2021 NFL draft, the majority of the teams stocked up players in one of the most important positions on the team: the offensive line.

The O-line isn't just responsible for protecting the quarterback and keeping them upright, but also for creating gaps for the running backs to exploit.

Some teams already had strong offensive lines, while others used free agency and the NFL draft to make theirs better than it was last season.

5 Teams with the best offensive lines

Here are the teams with the best offensive lines going into the 2021 NFL season:

#1- Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are at the top of this list simply because they will be bringing back all five offensive linemen from the 2020 season.

The Browns have slowly built their O-line over the last few seasons and it paid dividends last season. Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills, Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter and Wyatt Teller have all been exceptional for the Browns. They also drafted James Hudson in this year's draft for added depth at tackle and guard.

#2 - New England Patriots

In 2020 the New England Patriots had the best run-blocking O-line in the NFL. The Patriots did lose Joe Thuney to the Kansas City Chiefs, but they also got Trent Brown back.

The Patriots also have Michael Onwenu, who had an impressive rookie season in 2020.

#3- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been able to bring back all of their starters, in all positions, for the 2021 season. As for the Buccaneers' offensive line, Tom Brady has become comfortable with Ryan Jensen at center in his first year with the Bucs.

Left guard Ali Marpet, left tackle Donovan Smith, right guard Alex Cappa and right tackle Tristan Wirfs formed a dominant O-line that helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl last season.

#4- Indianapolis Colts

For multiple seasons in the past, the weak point for the Indianapolis Colts offense was the O-line. But over the past few years, the Colts have used the NFL draft to build a solid offensive line that they hope will help reignite Carson Wentz's career.

The Colts offensive line consists of Pro Bowl center and guard duo, Ryan Kelly and Quinton Nelson, as well as Julien Davenport.

#5 - Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs' O-line's poor play was one of the reasons why Patrick Mahomes struggled in the Super Bowl. Due to injuries, the Chiefs' offensive line was made up of backups and players that switched positions. This offseason, the Chiefs have completely reconstructed their O-line.

The Chiefs brought in Orlando Brown from the Baltimore Ravens and signed free agent Joe Thuney to a five-year deal. The Chiefs also signed Kyle Long, who came out of retirement to play for the Chiefs and also signed former Los Angeles Rams center Austin Blythe.

About the author

Bethany Cohen is an NFL writer at Sportskeeda, with a rich prior 15-year experience in the sports writing industry, primarily covering the MLB and MiLB. She majored in Communications from the University of South Florida and has previously worked for top companies such as Examiner.com and Legends on Deck.

Bethany owes her NFL allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers owing to their long-standing tradition and competitiveness. She is a fan of old stalwarts such as Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and would love to watch them in the 1970s if she manages to get her hand on a time machine. She also acknowledges the greatness of modern icons like T.J. Watt for his desire to continuously improve despite being on top. She admires coaches Mike Tomlin and Andy Reid for their longevity and success.

The ace reporter credits her knowledge and love for the sport to be her biggest reporting strengths. Prior fact-checking is a big component of her process and she always scours through additional sources to ensure complete accuracy in her content.

Super Bowl XLIII, when the Steelers won the the grand prize after Santonio Holmes’ epic catch in the end zone with just seconds left on the clock is etched in Bethany’s memory forever. When she is free of her professional commitments, she likes to attend sports events and music concerts.

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