July 30, 2009

2009 Draft Prep: Eyeballing the offensive lines

By Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer
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You might not think you're drafting Bryant McKinnie or Steve Hutchinson when you take Vikings rusher Adrian Peterson No. 1 overall in your draft this summer, but you are.

Rank	Team	GPA	Grade
1	Carolina Panthers	3.40	B+
2	New York Giants	3.33	B+
3	Dallas Cowboys	3.26	B
3	New York Jets	3.26	B
3	Philadelphia Eagles	3.26	B
6	New England Patriots	3.20	B
7	Atlanta Falcons	3.13	B
7	Denver Broncos	3.13	B
7	San Diego Chargers	3.13	B
7	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	3.13	B
11	Indianapolis Colts	3.06	B
11	Tennessee Titans	3.06	B
13	Minnesota Vikings	3.00	B
14	Baltimore Ravens	2.93	B-
14	New Orleans Saints	2.93	B-
16	Houston Texans	2.86	B-
16	Jacksonville Jaguars	2.86	B-
16	Miami Dolphins	2.86	B-
19	Cleveland Browns	2.80	B-
19	San Francisco 49ers	2.80	B-
19	Seattle Seahawks	2.80	B-
22	Arizona Cardinals	2.73	B-
22	St. Louis Rams	2.73	B-
24	Kansas City Chiefs	2.66	B-
25	Green Bay Packers	2.60	C+
25	Oakland Raiders	2.60	C+
25	Pittsburgh Steelers	2.60	C+
28	Detroit Lions	2.46	C+
29	Chicago Bears	2.40	C+
30	Washington Redskins	2.31	C
31	Cincinnati Bengals	2.00	C
32	Buffalo Bills	1.66	C-

The unsung heroes on offenses across the league are the linemen. They protect the quarterback and open holes up for the running back, and they do it with little praise and fanfare. Sure, Fantasy Football enthusiasts recognize that they're there, but we don't draft them, trade them or pick them up off the waiver wire, so sometimes they're invisible to us -- even though many of them weigh over 300 pounds.

But in your quest to draft the best players, considering the five guys in front of them is a must. Without good interior linemen, running backs could struggle to gain yardage against defenses with quality defensive linemen. Without good tackles, quarterbacks might see pass rushers in their face more often than normal. And without cohesiveness, O-lines could stumble, draw penalties and even get their skill-position players hurt.

There's a reason why Peterson has been a Fantasy stud for two years. There's a reason why the zone-blocking scheme has become popular across the NFL. The skill and ability of a team's offensive line usually correlates directly to the success and failure an offense experiences. As such, you must pay attention to these O-lines.

How we grade

Like we did last year, we graded linemen individually on a scale similar to your basic school report card. We did give weighted value to players who have been in the same scheme for a long time, especially if the men around them have been there for a while, too. We also would give a player a better grade than they deserve if their backup is just as capable of doing their job. And like last year, we mandated that no rookie gets a grade higher than a 'B.'

We then took each individual grade and computed the cumulative average without any bell curve or weighing grades for blind-side tackles. Like any offensive line coach will tell you, a line is only as strong as its weakest link, so all linemen were graded and scored equally.

Be sure to consider these rankings when reviewing for your draft this summer. After all, these players are huge keys to the Fantasy studs you'll be targeting early on in your drafts.

Arizona Cardinals
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Mike Gandy	Reggie Wells	Lyle Sendlein	Deuce Lutui	Levi Brown
B-	B-	C-	B+	B+
Cumulative GPA: 2.73 (B-)
Atlanta Falcons
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Sam Baker	Justin Blalock	Todd McClure	Harvey Dahl	Tyson Clabo
B+	B-	B-	A-	B+
Cumulative GPA: 3.13 (B)
Baltimore Ravens
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Jared Gaither	Ben Grubbs	Matt Birk	Marshal Yanda	Michael Oher
B+	A-	B	C+	C+
Cumulative GPA: 2.93 (B-)
Buffalo Bills
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Langston Walker	Andy Levitre	Geoff Hangartner	Eric Wood	Brad Butler
C-	D+	C-	C+	D+
Cumulative GPA: 1.66 (C-)
Carolina Panthers
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Jordan Gross	Travelle Wharton	Ryan Kalil	Keydrick Vincent	Jeff Otah
A	A-	B	C+	A-
Cumulative GPA: 3.4 (B+)
Chicago Bears
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Orlando Pace	Frank Omiyale	Olin Kreutz	Roberto Garza	Chris Williams
B-	B-	B	C	C
Cumulative GPA: 2.4 (C+)
Cincinnati Bengals
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Andrew Whitworth	Nate Livings	Kyle Cook	Bobbie Williams	Andre Smith
C+	D+	D	B	C+
Cumulative GPA: 2.0 (C)
Cleveland Browns
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Joe Thomas	Eric Steinbach	Hank Fraley	Rex Hadnot	John St. Clair
A	B+	C+	C	C+
Cumulative GPA: 2.8 (B-)
Dallas Cowboys
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Flozell Adams	Kyle Kosier	Andre Gurode	Leonard Davis	Marc Colombo
B+	B	A-	B+	B
Cumulative GPA: 3.26 (B)
Denver Broncos
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Ryan Clady	Ben Hamilton	Casey Wiegmann	Chris Kuper	Ryan Harris
A	B+	C+	B-	B+
Cumulative GPA: 3.13 (B)
Detroit Lions
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Jeff Backus	Damion Cook	Dominic Raiola	Stephen Peterman	Gosder Cherilus
B	C-	B	C	B-
Cumulative GPA: 2.46 (C+)
Green Bay Packers
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Chad Clifton	Daryn Colledge	Scott Wells	Jason Spitz	Allen Barbre
B+	C+	B-	C+	C+
Cumulative GPA: 2.6 (C+)
Houston Texans
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Duane Brown	Chester Pitts	Chris Myers	Mike Brisiel	Eric Winston
B	B-	B	C	A-
Cumulative GPA: 2.86 (B-)
Indianapolis Colts
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Tony Ugoh	Ryan Lilja	Jeff Saturday	Mike Pollak	Ryan Diem
B	B+	B+	B-	B
Cumulative GPA: 3.06 (B)
Jacksonville Jaguars
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Tra Thomas	Vince Manuwai	Brad Meester	Maurice Williams	Tony Pashos
B	B+	B-	C+	B
Cumulative GPA: 2.86 (B-)
Kansas City Chiefs
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Branden Albert	Brian Waters	Rudy Niswanger	Mike Goff	Damion McIntosh
B	A-	C	C+	C+
Cumulative GPA: 2.66 (B-)
Miami Dolphins
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Jake Long	Justin Smiley	Jake Grove	Brandon Frye	Vernon Carey
A	B+	C	C	B
Cumulative GPA: 2.86 (B-)
Minnesota Vikings
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Bryant McKinnie	Steve Hutchinson	John Sullivan	Anthony Herrera	Phil Loadholt
A-	A+	C-	B-	B-
Cumulative GPA: 3.0 (B)
New England Patriots
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Matt Light	Logan Mankins	Dan Koppen	Steve Neal	Nick Kaczur
B+	A	B+	B-	B-
Cumulative GPA: 3.2 (B)
New Orleans Saints
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Jammal Brown	Carl Nicks	Jonathan Goodwin	Jahri Evans	Jon Stinchcomb
A	C	B-	B	B
Cumulative GPA: 2.93 (B-)
New York Giants
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
David Diehl	Rich Seubert	Shaun O'Hara	Chris Snee	Kareem McKenzie
A-	B	B+	A-	B
Cumulative GPA: 3.33 (B+)
New York Jets
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
D'Brickashaw Ferguson	Alan Faneca	Nick Mangold	Brandon Moore	Damien Woody
B+	A+	A-	B-	C+
Cumulative GPA: 3.26 (B)
Oakland Raiders
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Mario Henderson	Robert Gallery	John Wade	Cooper Carlisle	Cornell Green
C+	B	B-	B	C
Cumulative GPA: 2.6 (C+)
Philadelphia Eagles
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Jason Peters	Todd Herremans	Jamaal Jackson	Stacy Andrews	Shawn Andrews
A	B+	B	B	B
Cumulative GPA: 3.26 (B)
Pittsburgh Steelers
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Max Starks	Chris Kemoeatu	Justin Hartwig	Darnell Stapleton	Willie Colon
B	B	C+	C	B-
Cumulative GPA: 2.6 (C+)
San Diego Chargers
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Marcus McNeill	Kris Dielman	Nick Hardwick	Kynan Forney	Jeromey Clary
B+	B+	B+	B-	B
Cumulative GPA: 3.13 (B)
Seattle Seahawks
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Walter Jones	Mike Wahle	Chris Spencer	Rob Sims	Sean Locklear
B+	B-	B	C+	B-
Cumulative GPA: 2.8 (B-)
San Francisco 49ers
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Joe Staley	David Baas	Eric Heitmann	Chilo Rachal	Marvel Smith
B+	C+	B-	B-	B
Cumulative GPA: 2.8 (B-)
St. Louis Rams
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Alex Barron	Jacob Bell	Jason Brown	Richie Incognito	Jason Smith
D	B+	A-	B-	B
Cumulative GPA: 2.73 (B-)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Donald Penn	Arron Sears	Jeff Faine	Davin Joseph	Jeremy Trueblood
B	B	B	A-	B
Cumulative GPA: 3.13 (B)
Tennessee Titans
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Michael Roos	Eugene Amano	Kevin Mawae	Jake Scott	David Stewart
B+	C+	B+	B+	B
Cumulative GPA: 3.06 (B)
Washington Redskins
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Chris Samuels	Derrick Dockery	Casey Rabach	Randy Thomas	Stephon Heyer
B+	B	B-	B+	C-
Cumulative GPA: 2.31 (C)

Have a question or a comment for Dave about Fantasy Football? Send your thoughts or questions to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com and he'll get to as many as he can. Be sure to put Attn: Offensive lines in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.

Winslow a 'rotational player?'
Kellen Winslow, TE, SEA
5/25/2012

News: Kellen Winslow became a Seahawk recently, and he's spoken highly of his new team. But it remains how they'll use him and how often they'll use him. According to SiriusXM NFL Radio, a league personnel executive believes that Winslow's best days are behind him. "We talked to the Bucs before the draft and talked about (Winslow) further internally," said the source. "We just didn't think he could be more than a rotational player at this point (in his career) after examining his tape and performance."

Analysis: Winslow had 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011 and has caught at least 66 passes in each of his last three years while not missing a game. There is definitely a perception that he's old and over the hill, which his receiving average (10.2 yards per catch last year) supports. And he joins a crowded tight end corps in Seattle, but should be a fairly regular player in the offense. Problem is, he hasn't been productive enough to be considered reliable for Fantasy use week after week. He's fine as a No. 2 Fantasy TE worth a late pick, but don't expect him to put up huge numbers.

Charles to rest until camp
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
5/25/2012

News: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest running back Jamaal Charles until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Head coach Romeo Crennel hopes Charles will be cleared in time for camp.

Analysis: Charles has been vocal about being ready for the season, calling himself hungry and passionate to return to form. But the fact remains that he's coming off of a major injury and isn't promised to have any of the explosiveness he had before he got hurt. Tack on the Chiefs' addition of Peyton Hillis (Charles thinks Hillis will get the tough yards and goal-line work like Thomas Jones was supposed to previously), and there's a limit to Charles' 2012 expectations. So long as Charles proves that he's ready to roll, Fantasy owners should be optimistic. Assuming he's fine, Charles will be worth taking in the early rounds on Draft Day, but more as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. Plan on drafting Charles between 25th and 35th overall in all leagues.

Source: Nicks could return before camp
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5/25/2012

News: ESPN reports that a source familiar with the broken bone in Hakeem Nicks' foot says the receiver might miss four-to-six weeks recovering from the injury and not the 12-week timeframe the Giants said on Thursday. Nicks fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during an OTA practice. The team is hoping to have him back at some point during training camp and the preseason.

Analysis: Unless the diagnosis on Nicks' foot changes, we're not believers that he'll be ready in six weeks and thus long before the start of training camp. Nicks' teammate, Prince Amukamara, took 15 weeks before he was comfortable practicing last year according to the Newark Star-Ledger and he had the same injury. Nicks has had all sorts of issues with hamstrings, knees and his feet over the years. So long as he is healthy for the start of the season and gets some work in camp and a preseason game or two, the injury is more of a reminder that he's injury prone and less of a factor on his 2012 season. We'll see if this lasts into late August and the regular season; for now expect his stock to slip in drafts. He'll be a Round 3-4 choice as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver.

Roethlisberger admits to issues with new playbook
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
5/25/2012

News: Ben Roethlisberger's transition to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook is not going as smoothly as Steelers fans had hoped. Roethlisberger said Thursday that so far it's been "frustrating at times" but that he's going to put in "extra work" to understand what Haley wants him to do. "I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us," Big Ben said on a radio interview, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Me, maybe, in particular, I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

Analysis: There's all sorts of talk that Haley wants Roethlisberger to stay in the pocket to avoid excess hits and that Haley wants to run the ball more. We're not sure how this is going to play out, but we do think there's a chance Roethlisberger could attempt a ton of passes given that Rashard Mendenhall is out and Isaac Redman, while talented, might not be a 20-touch back from week to week. Much of the offense might fall on Roethlisberger's shoulders. We consider Big Ben a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues well worth a mid-round pick.

Bradford's ankle 'getting there'
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
5/25/2012

News: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said his left ankle, injured in October at Green Bay, is nearly 100 percent. "It's getting there," he said. "It feels better every week -- less soreness, more things I can do. It's definitely on the right track."

Analysis: There's no questioning his arm as several Rams receivers, including their rookies, have been in awe over his passing skills. Bradford is continuing to learn the Rams' new offense and says it's close to the West Coast offense he ran two season ago. But with a so-so offensive line and an unproven receiving corps, now's not the time to call Bradford a breakout candidate. He should have some good games, but no one should consider him either a Fantasy starter or a blue chip prospect. For now we're resigned to calling him a late-round pick as a good, not great, No. 2 quarterback.

Titans' Palmer breaks down QB battle
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, TEN
5/25/2012

News: It's no secret that the Titans will have a competition for the starting quarterback job between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year gunslinger Jake Locker. What remains to be seen is when they'll name a starter. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that the job is up for grabs, that no preseason starts have been promised and that the coaching staff will pick a winner based on who can lead the team to wins, starting in Week 1 against the Patriots. Palmer said that while Locker's mobility is very appealing, Hasselbeck's experience and body of work from last season also gives him a chance to remain the starter. "Jake may not give all the other guys the opportunity to make plays like Matt does, but Jake can make plays with his legs," Palmer concluded. "When you add up how many plays Matt can make with the team and how many plays Jake can make with the team then you kind of have an idea who's going to give us the best chance to win."

Analysis: Hasselbeck started every game for the Titans in 2011 and threw for 3,571 yards with 18 scores and 14 interceptions. But when Locker did play, he did well, passing for four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 56 yards on eight carries with a touchdowns run. Locker's completion percentage continued to be an eyesore (34 of 66 passing for 51.5 pct.), but the stats speak for themselves. Unless Locker can really prove that he's progressed as a passer, Hasselbeck is likely to take this job -- though there's no promise he'll start every game. Neither Titans QB should be drafted with anything more than a late-round pick. We'll keep you posted on the battle.

Lloyd already up to speed with Pats
Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
5/25/2012

News: New Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd has been impressive during the team's OTAs, but many people expected that. After all, Lloyd is on his third stop with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows the playbook and play calls like the back of his hand. Lloyd has been so impressive that the Boston Globe reports that Patriots quarterbacks have been looking for him all week because he's been exactly where he needs to be on every play. Lloyd was coy when it came to his role and his goals for this season but gave a pretty simple explanation on why he wanted to follow McDaniels to New England. "You find something good, you stick with it," he said. "I think that's the case for everybody, with everything in life."

Analysis: Lloyd had 51 catches for 683 yards and five scores last year in 11 games in St. Louis when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator, and that came on the heels of a 77-catch, 1,448-yard, 11-touchdown season with McDaniels in Denver. He'll probably see a dip in opportunities because he'll share the field with so many other great weapons there. But he should still be about as productive as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver and should be drafted as such with a mid-round pick.

Tamme: Hillman looks good
Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme gave an encouraging scouting report on rookie rusher Ronnie Hillman. "He seems to have a lot of quickness," Tamme said. "I've got to see him carry a few and catch some passes, he seems like a guy who can really move and sort of be a threat from the scatback-type position."

Analysis: Yep, that sounds like Hillman, who averaged over 130 total yards per game in 2011 with 20 total touchdowns while breaking some of Marshall Faulk's records at San Diego State. Hillman isn't a big back (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) but definitely plays bigger than he is. He's done good work between the tackles but is better known for his lateral agility and breakaway speed. Landing in Denver is nice since he won't be stuck behind a young back for long -- Willis McGahee will turn 31 in October and Knowshon Moreno is coming off of a torn ACL. We could see Hillman contribute this season, especially if he can perfect his pass blocking and receiving skills. Expect him to be taken late in all seasonal drafts as well as with a mid-to-late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.

Tamme talks offense, role
Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme sounded very excited to follow quarterback Peyton Manning to Denver from Indy, adding that he "looks great." Tamme's also excited about the direction of the new offense, calling it a mix of what he did with Manning with the Colts and what offensive coordinator Mike McCoy wants to do. On the topic of his specific role with the Broncos, Tamme didn't want to give away much but did offer what he thinks is great about being a tight end. "I'm comfortable in slot and love that, but I would say I lined up on the line of scrimmage more than everywhere else [with the Colts]," Tamme said. " ... We should be able to move around and what we're going to do offensively, hopefully, we'll be able to move around some. I think that's what's great about playing tight end these days, you get to do everything. It's what makes the position a lot of fun."

Analysis: If we're reading between the lines, the Broncos could use Tamme as a tight end, slot receiver and H-back this season, all roles he's capable of playing as evidenced by his time in Indianapolis. Being comfortable with Manning is also built-in thanks to their relationship back in Indiana. Tamme had just 177 yards on 19 catches in 2011 with one score, but he worked behind starter Dallas Clark in a Manning-less Colts offense. In 10 games without Dallas Clark in 2010, Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Expect him to have some Clark-like potential and thus get swiped with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer as a borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE.

Hill lines up as starter in OTAs
Stephen Hill, WR, NYJ
5/25/2012

News: Jets rookie receiver Stephen Hill lined up opposite Santonio Holmes with the first-team offense during their recent OTAs. He caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, burning cornerback Kyle Wilson in the process, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Analysis: The Jets aren't going to have a dominant pass attack, so that could limit Hill's production. But he does have the chance for plenty of playing time, which is a plus. He's worth a late-round pick in seasonal formats, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a Top 20 pick in rookie-only drafts.

More Updates

1	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tom Brady, NE, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Matthew Stafford, DET, QB
6	Philip Rivers, SD, QB
7	Eli Manning, NYG, QB
8	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
9	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
10	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
All Rankings

1	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
2	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
3	Ray Rice, BAL, RB
4	Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB
5	Matt Forte, CHI, RB
6	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
7	Ryan Mathews, SD, RB
8	Chris Johnson, TEN, RB
9	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
10	Steven Jackson, STL, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Wes Welker, NE, WR
3	Roddy White, ATL, WR
4	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
5	Hakeem Nicks, NYG, WR
6	Greg Jennings, GB, WR
7	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
8	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
9	Mike Wallace, PIT, WR
10	Miles Austin, DAL, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
5	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
6	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
7	Vernon Davis, SF, TE
8	Jermichael Finley, GB, TE
9	Brent Celek, PHI, TE
10	Fred Davis, WAS, TE
All Rankings

1	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
2	Mason Crosby, GB, K
3	Sebastian Janikowski, OAK, K
4	David Akers, SF, K
5	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
6	Dan Bailey, DAL, K
7	Jason Hanson, DET, K
8	Neil Rackers, WAS, K
9	Alex Henery, PHI, K
10	Nate Kaeding, SD, K
All Rankings

1	49ers, DST
2	Texans, DST
3	Ravens, DST
4	Giants, DST
5	Steelers, DST
6	Seahawks, DST
7	Eagles, DST
8	Packers, DST
9	Jets, DST
10	Patriots, DST
All Rankings