You hear it said all the time in the NFL. Winning starts in the trenches.
The big men up front dictate how successful or unsuccessful an offense functions before skill players can even make an impact.
All four teams in the NFC East have key pieces on their offensive line that make life easier for their quarterbacks.
My NFC East position rankings series continues today, examining the hogs up front for each of the four teams in the division.
To catch yourself up, utilize the following links.
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Tight ends
Wide receivers
Analysis will be completed in team alphabetical order with rankings revealed at the end of the article.
Dallas Cowboys
Projected starters: Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin, Terence Steele
Key depth: Matt Farniok, Matt Waletzko
Tyron Smith
The oldest member of the Cowboys’ offensive line, Tyron Smith is undoubtedly towards the end of his storied career.
Oft-injured over the past few seasons, Tyron is still in the conversation for the top left tackle in the league when healthy.
Despite filling in at right tackle in 2022, the best place for him is protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside for as long as his body holds up.
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith was drafted in the 1st round of the 2022 NFL Draft as the eventual replacement for the elder Smith.
His number was called before the season even started with Tyron’s injury in training camp.
In his short time playing left guard, he played at a high level.
Dallas believes he has the potential to be one of the best left guards in the NFL.
At least until he is inevitably needed to fill in at left tackle.
Tyler Biadasz
Tyler Biadasz was drafted out of Wisconsin with the unfair expectations of filling the shoes of the retired Travis Frederick.
Although they went to the same college, it was a steep drop off in talent and production on the NFL field.
Biadasz has progressed, and made his first Pro Bowl in 2022.
Maintaining that high level of play is paramount for Dallas’ success in 2023.
Zack Martin
The most decorated member of the Cowboys offensive line is nine year veteran Zack Martin.
Martin’s six All-Pro seasons, eight Pro Bowls, and his selection to the 2010’s All-Time team speaks volumes, and he shows no signs of slowing down yet.
Terence Steele
Rounding out the offensive line is right tackle Terence Steele.
Still recovering from an ACL tear, Steele hopes to be ready for the beginning of the season.
The Cowboys believe in Steele, and are impressed with his development since he arrived to Dallas.
Should he not be ready for Week 1, that’s where the depth behind him comes into play.
Matt Farniok/Matt Waletzko
While the Cowboys have a couple of Tylers in the starting lineup, their top two depth pieces are both named Matt.
Matt Farniok could very well end up being the starting left guard at some point in the season.
Until then, he provides flexibility at the center and right guard positions as well.
Matt Waletzko had his rookie season cancelled by a shoulder injury that required surgery.
He is back to full strength, and projects as the possible starting right tackle should Steele not be fully recovered for the initial game of the year.
This offseason, he has worked at both tackle spots, and even at left guard.
New York Giants
Projected starters: Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, John Michael Schmitz, Mark Glowinski, Evan Neal
Key depth: Matt Peart, Shane Lemieux
Andrew Thomas
Andrew Thomas is entering his fourth year in the NFL.
After struggling a little to start his career, he earned 2nd team All-Pro honors in 2022.
New York’s expectations of Thomas being the cornerstone of their offensive line were given validation following his improvement.
Ben Bredeson
Ben Bredeson was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, but only appeared in 10 games, mainly on special teams.
Last season he started eight games for the Giants.
He doesn’t jump off the screen on film, but he is a solid piece that can hold his ground.
John Michael Schmitz
The newest piece of the Giants offensive line, John Michael Schmitz was drafted in the 2nd round of this year’s draft.
The Giants plan for him to be the anchor of their offensive line for the next 10 years.
Mark Glowinski
The 2022 season was the first that veteran Mark Glowinski spent with the Giants.
An eight year veteran, Glowinski spent his first seven seasons with the Seahawks and Colts.
He is a veteran presence, but could be pushed for playing time by a younger player.
Evan Neal
Evan Neal is an athletic freak who surprisingly fell to the Giants at 7th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
If he hits his potential, the Giants could have the best duo of starting tackles in the NFL.
Matt Peart/Shane Lemieux
Matt Peart started 26 games at right tackle over his first two seasons, but was relegated to a backup role in 2022.
He provides valuable starting depth as a swing tackle.
Shane Lemieux is a former 5th round pick in 2020 who was forced into action for 12 games his rookie season.
He has since only played in two games, and is merely depth in case of injury.
Philadelphia Eagles
Projected starters: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Cam Jurgens, Lane Johnson
Key depth: Jack Driscoll, Tyler Steen
Jordan Mailata
Jordan Mailata is a 7th round pick going into his fourth year as starting left tackle for the Eagles.
In 2022 he played every single offensive snap, allowing 38 QB pressures and six sacks on the season.
It’s not every day a franchise can turn a 7th round pick into their left tackle of the future, but the Eagles have managed to do so.
Landon Dickerson
The Eagles spent a 2nd round pick in 2021 on Alabama product Landon Dickerson.
All he has done since then is start 30 games at left guard, and earn his first Pro Bowl berth in 2022.
He and Mailata make quite the tandem on Jalen Hurts’ blindside.
Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce considered retirement, but just can’t remove himself from the game.
Who can blame him? Despite entering his 13th season in 2023, Kelce is still widely considered the best center in all of football.
Cam Jurgens
With the rumors of Kelce’s retirement, the Eagles drafted his projected replacement Cam Jurgens in the 2nd round of the 2022 draft.
Jurgens only saw the field on special teams in his rookie season, and is projected to start at right guard until Kelce actually does decide to hang them up.
Lane Johnson
Drafted 4th overall in the 2013 draft, Lane Johnson has started all 127 games he’s played in at right tackle since then.
Johnson may be nearing the end of his career, but he is still considered one of the best tackles in the league.
Hurts does not have to worry about pressure from the right with Johnson manning that side.
Jack Driscoll/Tyler Steen
Beyond swing tackle Jack Driscoll, the Eagles have very questionable depth behind their starters.
Driscoll is a steep drop off in talent from Mailata or Johnson. The Eagles are best suited hoping those two stay healthy.
Tyler Steen is an interesting prospect out of Alabama who was drafted by Philadelphia in the 3rd round of this year’s draft.
A tackle in college, Steen is listed at guard on the Eagles depth chart, hinting that they value him more for interior depth.
Washington Commanders
Projected starters: Charles Leno Jr., Andrew Norwell, Nick Gates, Sam Cosmi, Andrew Wylie
Key depth: Cornelius Lucas, Ricky Stromberg
Charles Leno Jr.
Charles Leno Jr. has started every game at left tackle for the past seven seasons.
Five of those seasons with the Chicago Bears, and the past two with the Commanders.
He was tied for 5th in the NFL with only eight sacks allowed on the season, and is a valuable leader in the locker room.
Andrew Norwell
Andrew Norwell played the first eight seasons of his career in Carolina and Jacksonville, earning All-Pro honors in 2017.
He is a disciplined player who is slightly above average in both pass blocking and run blocking.
Nick Gates
Nick Gates was allowed to test the free agent market after the rival New York Giants didn’t offer him a new contract.
He landed with the Commanders, and is projected to start at center after playing center and left guard in a reserve role in New York last season.
Sam Cosmi
The offensive line shuffle continues for Washington with third year pro Sam Cosmi bumping inside to guard after spending his first two years at right tackle.
With no better options, Washington is taking a shot in the dark here.
Andrew Wylie
Andrew Wylie was just signed to a free agent deal after five years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He started 59 games with the Chiefs, and is an upgrade over Cosmi, who held the right tackle spot the past two years.
Cornelius Lucas/Ricky Stromberg
The addition of Wylie has pushed Cornelius Lucas down to a depth piece at swing tackle.
With 43 career starts, the Commanders could do much worse as far as contingency plans go.
Ricky Stromberg is a rookie out of Arkansas who primarily played center in college.
The Commanders look to have him provide depth at all three interior positions of the offensive line.
Final Rankings
Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Washington Commanders
It’s been Philadelphia for awhile.
Dallas did a great job, this off-season to reclaim their title!!!
Joey Uballe what did they do
Joey Uballe you’re dreaming.
Donn Arnold You are too old to comment
Joey Uballe old enough to know the Cowboys haven’t been relevant in 20 years.
Joey Uballe still didnt work
Donn Arnold hey hey it’s been 27 years
Is this breaking news???? It’s been over 5 years since we had the best OL.
What’s the purpose of this post?
Dude is lit posting this, even when we are top 2 on paper injuries factor in every year.
A big reason Zeke is released. Line has been substandard for a while.
Roger Trevino I mean he is slower, less elusive, and was incredibly overpaid. If we had the best oline in the NFL they should have still cut Zeke.
the reason Zeke was released was the number two back out performed him and by a lot. Zeke’s performance was bad.
Why they never built Dak a OL? They need a top L G for years.Now they need a top Center. I watch how our Center get pushed around when we play the 9er,s.
Melton Cole the entire offensive and defensive lines got pushed back in both games. The center made the Pro Bowl last season
Melton Cole he had a great O-line when during 2016-17…but he couldn’t do anything with it. Since Zeke and later Dak himself demanded huge paydays, the cap space made it impossible to pay top O-line players.
Daniel Pettie You are Right.
Daniel Pettie they went 13-3 his rookie year and if not for a miracle sideline pass and catch from Rodgers would have beaten Green Bay. Zeke and Prescott had nothing to do with getting offensive line help. Smith highest paid offensive tackle Martin highest paid guard and Frederick was the highest paid center. The problem especially with Tyron Smith the cowboys stayed with him to long.
Daniel Pettie that is a lie
Melton Cole since dak cannot throw from the pocket why build a line for him, Dak is a better qb when he scrambles and that has a lot to be desired.
Doug Mackenzie Look at the 49ers Game,tell me what happen.
Dwayne Meyers Dak injuries may have caught up with him.
Melton Cole simple offensive line and defensive lines GOT RUN OVER. In 2 games offensive line allowed 7 sacks and blocked so well Dallas gained about 100 yds total in 2 games. Defensive line allowed 270 plus rushing yds and got 2 sacks.
Since the 92 playoffs Dallas has ZERO playoff wins when score less than 24 points. So if you think the QB is the problem go buy football for dummies
Daniel Pettie How many points did that defense give up in that game? I’ll wait.
It hasn’t for awhile.
I’ll give you the tackle n center is not the best. But. Zac Maryin is still the best guard in football. Plus if his rookie season is any indication . Smith will mature into the best tackle in a couple of seasons.
Gab Leon yes to Martin more than a couple for Smith too many penalties
Gab Leon Z M is our R G.Why haven’t Jerry Jones Dafted him first Round L G ,or first Round Center since he has been there.Why do I have to be a History Teacher.
Why has Jerry Jones not build Dak a Wall like the other top QB have.Do you look at that?Every year look who gets the Top OL.
They lost that title awhile ago. Little late with this story.
Steve Preciado Right?! Approximately when Frederick left …..?
Jim Wright Exactly. And then Smith was starting to sit on the sidelines for a couple games which progressed into 6 or 7 games a year. La’el Collins was great at first but then he getting caught in that embarrassing bribery attempt to the official testing his urine plus his dominant skills started deteriorating (steroid dependant skills?). Yea that front line shoulda been addressed a long time ago which I’ve been harping on for years on these platforms. Dak and Elliott were so great as rookies because they inherited the awesome front line that was FINALLY established for Romo. Building a great offense begins with protection.
Steve Preciado they were really never the best it was 1 and 1A.They were both great and I’m a Birds fan so this hurts to admit a little.
This year Tyler Smith will make a statement!!!
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Media:
Let’s see if they take it personally and rise up
Duh
It’s been this way for years anyway
It’s been a while since thats been said. Lmao. The boys will be just fine at the OLine. Especially if they can keep Tyrone Smith upright. The other Smith is a problem too. They have a young cat who has been injured for the last two three years who is suppose to come back this year. I can’t think of his name but I heard he has been looking good. Long story short the boys will be fine there and this story is at least a couple years behind on this.
Dallas hasn’t had the best line in years. The line went down dramatically after Travis Frederick had to retire then Tyron Smith hasn’t had a decent year in 3 or 4 years. Martin is still good. Birdiesz isn’t strong enough to go against the bigger defensive tackles. Steele is good but always hurt. I would say their line is third in the east behind Philadelphia and the giants.
Roger Jurica That’s it.
Are you generating stories from 10 years ago now??!
Brian Samuelson thanks ❤️❤️❤️
That title ended after the 2016 season ended after both Leary and Free left
No kidding
What Dallas has an offensive line??? Since when?
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Media:
I got my “Just wait till next year” Flag, all ready for opening day in Dallas!
Those uniforms are terrible. The jersey’s need a complete overhaul and the helmet needs a silver stripe…maybe a gray facemask too. The pants are the only thing that don’t need work.
Dallas are trying alot
Pickett Russell IV non Cowboy fans cannot help themselves. This is about a position group not winning the Superbowl. Get a life and route for your team. Then stay off Dallas Cowboys fan pages.
When T Fred left that was a wrap.. Still solid af tho
So Dallas sucks so bad they are the ONLY team everyone talks about?
Clint Cockrell because the ownership switched their focus from winning to marketing. They’re so good at it;everyone’s got something to say. More importantly, anyone who has anything to do with the nfl benefits.
Tbh I don’t think that it helps them when a high price free agent is linked to them just bc Jerry gave a vague answer and the story gets clicks.
The agent wants association because it’ll if nothing else, improve visibility substantially.
Stop using them, especially the hate. Just another user; we know they’re usually average. We know they shouldn’t be on national TV every week. We know. The bottom line calls the shots in the nfl, cry we a river.
Your hatred is the product of very successful advertising campaigns.
That everyone in the nfl benefits from.
I heard my first podcast in 2002 on Jerry’s website. ESPN was one page of scores and podcasts didn’t exists.
Ya know he ushered in free agency in the 90s?
Grow up you child.
Dan Doody you are an idiot because you totally missed my point. I SUPPORT Jerry Jones and The Dallas Cowboys. My point was the haters fuel the popularity of this team. They hate the Cowboys and that’s ALL they talk about, they NEVER mention their own team and that was my original point. You ain’t too bright are you?
Pickett Russell IV again route for your own team. Apparently your twam must be hot garbage if you have to come on a Dallas fan page and troll.
It’s an acceptable ranking as far as pass blocking but run blocking is another story. Everybody blames Zeke as losing a step or two but reality is that run blocking has left a lot to be desired when it comes to his run production. Go back and watch gamefilm on Zeke’s run plays and see how many times defense was all over him before he could take a second step with the ball. Truly do you really see that he’s lost that much production because he’s lost a few steps. I see it as failure by offensive line to give him a running lane as defense has stacked up line against him. They are fine when Pollard runs but he is running through space around ends not up the middle like a power runner hence his better numbers. Can he produce like Zeke up the middle remains to be seen but I think he will face same problems as Zeke cuz the blocking is not there up front to open up running lanes against stacked line on defense. Love my boys but they need work badly on that department and Zeke has paid the price for their poor performance in that regard. Backups have fared better but they don’t face stacked defensive lines like Zeke because they’re afraid of what he can do. They’re fun to watch but not as much as old cowboys who could run down their opponents which is why Emmit was able to do what he did as Zeke should be able to do but can’t cuz line can’t open running lanes like cowboys of old. I would love to see Zeke back with a line like that and watch commentators eat their words about him when he runs roughshod through their opponents defenses and puts up gaudy numbers. Sad commentary about my boys but fair and true cuz they have not been able to closeout games by running the ball over their opponents and unfairly putting the onus on Zeke alone. However I still believe they can win big one through the air but it would be a lot easier if they could run it down their opponents throats with a balanced offense that can’t be stopped easily.
Hasn’t for years.. Philly has had the best line for the last 6+ years