Top offensive linemen in 2015Jake Long, Tyron Smith among top projected offensive linemen Originally Published: June 18, 2012By Matt Williamson | ESPN.com Recommend0Email Future Power Rankings Content: Future Power Rankings | Top RBs | WRs | TEs | Offensive linemen The offensive line is vital to the success of any NFL offense. Without good pass protection, a quarterback doesn't have enough time to throw, tight ends have to stay in to block and wide receivers don't have time to get open. Without good run blocking, running backs usually don't get far past the line of scrimmage. Continuing with this summer's theme of looking ahead in the NFL, we took a look at the top 15 offensive lineman in 2015. 1. Jake Long, LT, Miami Dolphins Long fought injuries and wasn't himself in 2011, but I have no doubts about his overall talent. In fact, I think he might just be the best offensive lineman in the game today. Many don't realize just how light on his feet Long is for such a massive offensive tackle, and he plays with a great tenacity. The first overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, Long will turn 30 years old in the offseason before the 2015 season, and I don't see him slowing down by then.
Yes, sign Jake Long. I would love to have the best LT covering my backside while I learn the speed of the NFL game. With love, Ryan Tannehill Im sure those are Ryans thoughts when he hears Jake Long and contract come up. If we have to purge some fat to make it happen, do it. The last thing I want is Tannehill getting David Carr'ed; i.e. getting the crap beat out of him the first few years cause we didnt look out for Tannehills backside. Now, you could make a case that in a year or two Jonathan Martin could shift back to the left side where he played in college but wouldnt you want to try to test drive that idea before you do it?
I'd rather keep pushing Martin to play RT so we can have 2 studs at the ends and a stud in the middle.
The only reason for not resigning him is health matters. I don't at all buy the idea that he suddenly won't be a fit scheme-wise, or that his skills will be de-emphasized in a new scheme.
I would too *but* it would follow the GB model of what they have done or thought about doing with Sherrod.
Worst case scenario in my opinion is that you franchise Long, provided he gets through this season uninjured, and you can work on extensions for Hartline, Starks, and/or Smith. Then you can work on Jake Long after 2013. That very well might not be the case, but I think that's a viable option that allows you to keep most, if not all, of that grouping of players - Long, Starks, Hartline, and Smith.
