Who Drafts OL Well?

I can tell you one thing... don't look at the Redskins!

I think the Seahawks do pretty well. Walter Jones, Kevin Mawae, Steve Hutchinson, Todd Weiner, Pete Kendal, Andy Heck. They haven't done so hot the last few years though.

Olinement may be the most difficult position to draft. The change is the game from college to pro is very drastic at that position especially at the tackle positions.

Since 2000 probably the Patriots. There line is strong and steady. In Tom Brady's 105 games played (and 3363 passing attempts), he has only been sacked 192 times. That's about 1.8 per game. The starting o-line this year (and a majority of the line for the last several years) are made up of players drafted by the Patriots. OG Logan Mankins was their 2005 1st rounder and OT Matt Light was a 2nd rounder in 2001. They don't just do well with early round picks either. Center Dan Koppen was a 5th round pick in '03 and OG Stephen Neal was undrafted free agent that didn't even play football in college. OT Nick Kaczur was a 3rd rounder in 2005.

I also think the Colts draft good offensive linemen. When Tarik Glenn abruptly retires this offseason the Colts already had his replacement: Tony Ugoh their 2nd round pick in 2007. Glenn was also drafted by the Colts (1st round, 1997). Ryan Lilja was undrafted and, after few chances with the Chiefs, now is steady for the Colts. Starting C Jeff Saturday is similar to Lilja. He was undrafted and had few opportunities with the Ravens before signing with Indy, where he has started since 2000. OG Jake Scott was a 2004 5th round choice and OT Ryan Diem was 2001 4th rounder for the Colts. Back up Charlie Johnson was 2006 6th rounder.

Each of these teams has drafted linemen well. I don't think it is a coincidence that they are the top two teams in the league and have been for the last few years. A steady and strong o-line is an underrated necessity in the game. Yes it helps to have Manning or Brady but someone needs to keep them up right. The Colts and Patriots o-line are good run blockers, too.