Looking at offensive lines as we approach the NFL Draft, a few stand out as badly in need of a talent influx or key replacement. Some are dealing with losses to free agency or retirement, while some might need to address picks that have gone bad.
At the top of the preliminary rankings are the teams you'd expect, and they're also some of the most successful teams a year ago. Philadelphia, Detroit and Tampa Bay all sport first- or second-team All Pros. Denver and the Rams emerged as among the better lines last season. Washington and Chicago are teams who've made some big moves in free agency to get better.
At the other end of the spectrum I see a handful of teams who seem likely to be addressing the line early on in the NFL Draft. While the stories like to pair up top running backs and wide receivers with these clubs (seems like 5-6 different teams will be drafting Ashton Jeanty), don't be surprised if they're looking at offensive tackles or interior linemen in the first two rounds.
Miami Dolphins. With Tua Tagovailoa's concussion problems well known, the Dolphins seem likely to address offensive line early in the draft. Terron Armstead (pictured) is probably retiring; that's what his contract restructure suggests. Both of last year's starting guards at the end of the season signed elsewhere in free agency. They signed James Daniels for one guard spot, but he's coming off an Achilles injury. They brought back Liam Eichenberg for the other, but the small size of his deal suggests they'd prefer he be a backup.
Dallas Cowboys. How the mighty have fallen. This was one of the league's very best offensive lines not too long ago, but it looks shaky these days. Seven-time All Pro guard Zack Martin retired. Last year's first-round pick Tyler Guyton, a right tackle in college, struggled badly at left tackle last season, both in terms of allowing sacks and being one of the most penalized players at his position. Not that the team is giving up on him already, but they could be mulling using him elsewhere and drafting another option early. Two spots (Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith and third-round center Cooper Beebe) look great, but the holes are glaring.
Seattle Seahawks. After selecting tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas in the first and third rounds in 2022, Seattle looked to be in good shape at the position. But Cross has been mediocre and Lucas has played in only 6-7 games each of the last two seasons. But those are the more stable positions, with none of the interior spots set in stone. Laken Tomlinson left in free agency, so that's one guy they're replacing, and a pair of late-rounders from the last two years (Olu Oluwatimi, Sataoa Laumea) might be just placeholders. There isn't necessarily an above-average starter here, a concern considering the way new quarterback Sam Darnold struggled after the Vikings lost Christian Darrisaw to injury.
Houston Texans. Nobody seems to have a great understanding of why the Texans traded away their best lineman, Laremy Tunsil. They did get a bunch of picks for him, while getting rid of a huge contract and an aging player, so maybe they'll be able to draft some replacements. They signed Cam Robinson, but he wouldn't be with his third team since the start of last season if he were considered an above-average player. They signed a bunch of veterans (Laken Tomlinson, Trent Brown and Ed Ingram), but most have played their best ball and seem like insurance policies if the preferred starters don't work out. They're counting on last year's second-round tackle Blake Fisher to take another step up after starting down the stretch.
New Orleans Saints. Injuries, retirements and iffy picks are a factor for this line, too. Ryan Ramczyk is retiring; he missed all of last season due to knee issues. They found a nice starter in first-round tackle Taliese Fuaga, and that success might have them going early again this year to shore up issues elsewhere. Erik McCoy is a Pro Bowl center but missed 10 games due to injury, the third time in four years he's missed 4-plus games. Former first-rounder Trevor Penning struggled his first two seasons; he moved to right tackle last year and was improved, but the team could still look to add to the position. Left guard is uncertain, with a former mid-round pick (Nick Saldiveri) and free agent signing Dillon Radunz possibilities.
Other teams that look likely to address their offensive lines in the draft with early picks include New England, Jacksonville and Las Vegas. All seem to have holes and a dearth of elite players. At least, that's how things look right now.
--Andy Richardson