The Falcons have had the top player just once so far in our 2019 NFC South positional rankings, which has included quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end. Today, we’re going to take a different approach, giving you our ideal starting five offensive linemen made up exclusively of NFC South players.
Starting with left tackle and moving our way over, here is our all-division offensive line for 2019.
Left tackle: Terron Armstead – Saints
2018 Stats: Started 10 games, Pro Football Focus grade: 87.4
In six seasons, Armstead has developed into one of the elite players at his position. He played just 10 games in 2018, however, he was one of the most effective pass-blocking offensive linemen in the league, while maintaining his dominance in the run game. Pro Football Focus graded him out as the league’s No. 2 offensive tackle, with an overall grade of 87.4. Armstead’s presence has been a big part of New Orlean’s transition from a pass-heavy offense to a more balanced unit focused on running back Alvin Kamara. At just 27 years old, Armstead is entering his prime.
Left guard: Ali Marpet – Buccaneers
2018 Stats: Started 16 games, Pro Football Focus grade: 73.2
After playing a couple mediocre seasons at right guard and one at center, Marpet showed significant improvement at left guard for the Bucs. In particular, Marpet broke through as a run-blocker during his fourth NFL season. He’s still not yet a finished product, but he’s come a long way since being selected in the second round of the NFL draft back in 2015. Tampa’s offensive line has a few holes. At least they have a good building block in place with Marpet at left guard, though.
Center: Alex Mack – Falcons
2018 Stats: Started 16 games, Pro Football Focus grade: 77.4
Mack has been a staple of Atlanta’s front five since signing as a free agent in 2016. Entering his eleventh pro season, he’s been the most reliable offensive lineman the Falcons can count on each year. Mack made his fifth Pro Bowl in 2018, but the team has struggled to find the same stability elsewhere, aside from Jake Matthews at left tackle. That should change after the Falcons both spent a ton of cap space and draft capital to improve the unit this offseason. Still, Mack is by far Atlanta’s best lineman and the top center in the division.
Right guard: Trai Turner – Panthers
2018 Stats: Started 13 games, Pro Football Focus grade: 64.5
With four Pro Bowl trips in five NFL seasons, Turner was a no-brainer to fill our right guard spot. On a revamped Carolina offensive line, Turner now takes on the senior leadership void left by Ryan Kalil. While 2018 wasn’t his bet year, he may have been slowed by injuries. When he’s healthy, Turner is trouble as a run blocker and should continue to be for at least a few more seasons. Turner can still improve as a pass protector, but he’s only 26 years old and has probably not even peaked yet.
Right tackle: Ryan Ramczyk – Saints
2018 Stats: Started 15 games, Pro Football Focus grade: 81.3
The Saints made the right call in the 2017 NFL draft when they took Ramczyk at No. 32 overall. He stepped right in and elevated the play of New Orleans’ offensive line. Ramczyk was so good in 2018, he made Pro Football Focus’ Top 50 players for 2019. His presence has boosted the Saints’ run game and he has also done an excellent job of keeping veteran quarterback Drew Brees upright. Whoever the second best right tackle in the division is, they’re far behind Ramczyk.
Follow @TheFalconsWire and @MattUrben on Twitter!
