Ranking AFC West interior offensive lines
The final part of the offense we’re ranking is the interior offensive line. Made up of three positions who are the first point of contact at the snap of the ball, so how they perform is quite important. Both in terms of run blocking, but in pass protection as well.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Starters: LG Matt Feiler, RG Zion Johnson, C Corey Linsley
Feiler and Linsley were the best interior duo in the division last season. They are joined by first round pick Zion Johnson, potentially forming one of the top interior trios in the league.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Starters: LG Joe Thuney, RG Trey Smith, C Creed Humphrey
Veteran Thuney joined the Chiefs last season after five seasons as the starting left guard for the Patriots where he won two rings. He was as advertised as one of the better guards out there. Humphrey and Smith were both rookies. Smith stepped up and played pretty well as a 6th round pick while the round two pick Humphrey was outstanding.
3. Denver Broncos
Starters: LG Dalton Risner, RG Graham Glasgow, C Lloyd Cushenberry
The Broncos’ run offense was right in the middle of the league. Risner and Glasgow were mediocre, with the two giving up a combined six sacks with six penalties. Cushenberry performed pretty poorly, allowing five sacks with seven penalties.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Starters: LG John Simpson, RG Denzelle Good, C Andre James
Despite having what appeared from the outset to have a top quality duo in Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, the Raiders finished in the bottom third in rushing yards and TDs. The one potential saving grace of this group is the absence of Alex Leatherwood and his eight sacks allowed and 14 penalties. But John Simpson and Andre James had 17 penalties between them while Good missed the season with a knee injury.
