Offensive lines often get overlooked by casual observers but they are the pillar of the team. Having a porous offensive line means your quarterback will likely be running for his life every week (just ask C.J. Stroud). Getting top-notch pass protection can make a world of difference, as we’ve seen with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles.
We’ve been ranking every positional unit in the NFC West heading into the 2025 season and when it comes to the big men up front, the Los Angeles Rams are at the top of the class. They have one of the league’s best groups, though there is a major question mark with Alaric Jackson at left tackle.
Here’s how we ranked every O-line in the division.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Projected starters: Charles Cross, Grey Zabel, Olu Oluwatimi, Anthony Bradford, Abraham Lucas
The Seahawks are projected to have one of the weaker offensive lines in the NFL this season and looking at the depth chart, it’s easy to see why. Cross is a relatively bright spot at left tackle and Zabel has a lot of potential as a first-round rookie who can play just about anywhere on the interior, but big questions loom with Oluwatimi, Bradford and Lucas.
Bradford had a 48.3 overall grade at PFF last season, while Lucas’ was 61.9; Bradford allowed seven sacks and Lucas gave up four. Oluwatimi played 250 snaps and didn’t allow a sack but he only had a 54.8 pass-blocking grade.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Projected starters: Paris Johnson Jr., Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, Isaiah Adams, Jonah Williams
Collectively, the Cardinals are much closer to being the best O-line in the NFC West than they are to being the worst. Johnson was the sixth overall pick just two years ago and is becoming one of the better young left tackles in football. Brown, Froholdt, Adams and Williams are all returning starters after solid seasons in 2024; only Adams had a PFF grade below 65.9.
Kelvin Beachum is also a quality swing tackle in case of injury, so the Cardinals are equipped with a good starting lineup and fairly reliable depth.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Projected starters: Trent Williams, Ben Bartch, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz
Aaron Banks left in free agency and the 49ers replaced him with Bartch, who played just 32 snaps last season. That could wind up being an upgrade but the real strength of the O-line is at left tackle with Williams. Brendel needs to improve at center but Puni is a solid right guard (80.5 grade) and McKivitz only allowed two sacks last season.
If Williams can stay healthy and both Bartch and Brendel can become above-average starters, the 49ers’ offensive line should be in good shape in 2025. It could get back to being one of the top O-lines in football again if all goes according to plan.
1. Los Angeles Rams
Projected starters: Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein
On paper, the Rams’ offensive line is the best in the division. Jackson signed a massive extension this offseason to remain the Rams’ left tackle, Avila is a former second-rounder, Shelton returns to L.A. as an upgrade at center, Dotson has played like a Pro Bowler the last two years and Havenstein is a wall at right tackle when healthy.
There’s just one big question that looms over this group: Will Jackson play this season as he deals with blood clots? He missed nine games in 2022 while battling the same ailment, so it’s unclear when he’ll be back on the field. If he misses time, potentially for an extended period, the Rams would need to turn to D.J. Humphries, Warren McClendon Jr. or David Quessenberry.
Hopefully Jackson has a full recovery and gets back to playing the way he has the last two years.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFC West offensive line rankings: Rams boast elite unit with one big question looming
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
