As we continue to look at each position group in the NFC West and ranking each team by position, we now arrive at the offensive line. However, with these rankings, it is important to note that every team in the division has concerns on the offensive line.
Where does each team rank?
4. Arizona Cardinals
Projected starting lineup: D.J. Humphries, Justin Pugh, A.Q. Shipley, J.R. Sweezy, Marcus Gilbert
This expected lineup is definitely an upgrade over last year’s many lineups. In all, they had 10 starting lineups because of injuries. The only player to not miss a play was Mason Cole.
Humphries, Pugh and Gilbert have a history of injuries. Shipley is coming off an ACL tear. Sweezy, though experienced, is not viewed by many as very good.
A healthy unit can be good. Gilbert is talented. Pugh had his best season at left guard. Humphries has the talent.
But until they put together, they can’t be viewed than the worst line in the division.
No. 3: Seattle Seahawks
Projected lineup: Duane Brown, Mike Iupati, Justin Britt, D.J. Fluker, Germain Ifedi
They replace J.R. Sweezy with Iupati, who has not played a full season in a while and has not been good since 2015. Ifedi continues to be a major question mark. Brown is very good and Fluker was solid at guard for them, so they are just behind the No. 2 team, but both these teams could definitely be swapped.
No. 2: San Francisco 49ers
Projected lineup: Joe Staley, Laken Tomlinson, Weston Richburg, Mike Person, Mike McGlinchey
Staley is still one of the top tackles. Richburg struggled last year after getting hurt and McGlinchey struggled in pass protection. They really like Tomlinson and they ran the ball well. They are not significantly better than the Seahawks but they are better. Let’s see them when it is isn’t C.J. Beathard or Nick Mullens playing quarterback.
No. 1: Los Angeles Rams
Projected lineup: Andrew Whitworth, Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen, Austin Blythe, Rob Havenstein
This was by far the best offensive line in the division but it has taken steps backward. Rodger Saffold left in free agency and the team didn’t bring back center John Sullivan.
But Whitworth is the best left tackle in the division and Havenstein was the best at right tackle last year. Noteboom and Allen are big question marks moving forward but with three solid starters returning, they still are the top of the division.
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