Ranking the 6 best offensive linemen in the AFC West

The AFC West has quickly become one of the best divisions in football. One of the reasons is the overwhelming amount of talent on both sides of the ball.

Today, we are taking a look at the six best offensive linemen in the division, ranking them from No. 6 to 1. So without further ado, let us begin.

6. RG Gabe Jackson, Oakland Raiders

Oct 29, 2017; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive guard Gabe Jackson (66) jogs on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

At No. 6 is Oakland’s Gabe Jackson, who had a bit of a down year by his standards. When he is at full strength, there aren’t many guards in the NFL that possess his kind of power and strength in the run game. He can move defensive tackles off the line of scrimmage with ease and open up massive holes for running backs.

However, Jackson wasn’t anywhere near healthy last season as he dealt with a nagging elbow injury. Now that he is healthy again look for him to get back to his Pro Bowl caliber play and become one of the league’s best right guards.

5. LT Eric Fisher, Kansas City Chiefs

Jan 12, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (97) during the AFC Divisional playoff football game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

At No. 5 is the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft in Eric Fisher of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Early in his career, there were some doubts if Fisher would ever become even an average tackle in the NFL. But over the last few seasons, he has established himself as one of the better left tackles in the league. 2018 was his best season as he started all 16 games and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

Fisher is an incredible athlete that moves effortlessly in the passing game. While he needs to continue to add strength to his game, he has done a fantastic job at protecting the blindside of 2018 MVP Patrick Mahomes.

At just the age of 28, don’t be surprised if the ultra-athletic Fisher is just starting to reach his prime.

4. RT Trent Brown, Oakland Raiders

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 25: Trent Brown #77 of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 25, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history is Trent Brown, but he finds himself as just the fourth-best player on the line in the AFC West.

After winning a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots at left tackle, Brown is making the switch back to the right side, where he started his career. While he may not be as good as his contract suggests, he is still one of the best tackles in the league.

Look for Brown to be an even better player on the right side in 2019 as he can use his power and athleticism to dominate in the run game. He should be a significant improvement over the likes of Donald Penn and Brandon Parker on the right side.

3. LT Russell Okung, Los Angeles Chargers

Aug 25, 2018; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung (76) works against New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The well-traveled Russell Okung lands at No. 3 on this list after putting together another fantastic season in Los Angeles. Okung is one of the best athletes at left tackle, using his long arms and light feet to stay in front of defenders.

While he has struggled to stay on the field in previous seasons, he has started 30 out of 32 games for the Chargers over the last two years. As long as he can stay healthy, he is one of the best left tackles in the entire NFL.

2. RT Mitchell Schwartz, Kansas City Chiefs

OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 16: Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs blocks against linebacker Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter on October 16, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Chiefs won 26-10. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Coming in at No. 2 is arguably the best right tackle in all of football in Mitchell Schwartz. He is coming off the best year of his career in which he was named a first-team All-Pro selection despite not making the Pro Bowl. Schwartz finished the season as Pro Football Focus’ fifth-ranked tackle in the NFL with an overall grade of 82.9:

Mitchell Schwartz had an exceptional season for Kansas City pic.twitter.com/YHyKBkKyyK

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) February 17, 2019

Schwartz may not be the “biggest” name on the offensive line, but he is a fantastic player. Given his reliability, consistency, and ever-improving play, it wouldn’t be hard to make a case that he is the best offensive lineman in the division.

1. C Rodney Hudson, Oakland Raiders

Sep 10, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls plays at the line behind center Rodney Hudson (61) against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The best offensive lineman in the AFC West entering the 2019 season is none other than Raiders’ center Rodney Hudson.

Hudson was phenomenal in 2018, despite all of the chaos surrounding him. He has become the league’s very-best pass-blocking offensive linemen, finishing No. 1 for the fourth-straight season, according to Pro Football Focus. 

Hudson was a Pro Bowl snub this season as the Raiders’ struggled as a team. But make no mistake about it, Hudson is still the best center in all of the league. His spot at No. 1 in the AFC West wasn’t a difficult one to rank.