Offensive Lines in the Playoffs

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Since we've been talking about the Jets offensive line, I was curious to see how the playoff teams built their lines. And I wanted to point out three out of the four offensive lines.

Minnesota Vikings
LT Bryant McKinnie – 1st rd pick in 2002 (Pro Bowler)
LG Steve Hutchinson – 1st rd pick by SEA in 2001 (acquired by Minny as FA in 2006; Pro Bowler)
C John Sullivan – 6th round/187th pick in 2008
RG Anthony Herrera – Undrafted FA in 2005
RT Phil Loadholt – 2nd round/54th pick in 2009

New Orleans Saints
LT Jermon Bushrod – 4th rd pick in 2007
LG Carl Nicks – 5th rd pick in 2008
C Jonathan Goodwin – 5th rd pick 2002 (acquired by N.O. in 2006)
RG Jahri Evans – 4th rd pick 2006 (Pro Bowler)
RT Jon Stinchcomb – 2nd rd pick 2003 (Pro Bowler)

New York Jets
LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson – 1st rd pick 2006 (Pro Bowler)
LG Alan Faneca – 1st rd pick 1998 by PIT (acquired by Jets as FA in 2008; Pro Bowler)
C Nick Mangold – 1st rd pick 2006 (Pro Bowler)
LG Brandon Moore – Undrafted FA in 2002
RT Damien Woody – 1st rd pick 1999 by NE (acquired by Jets as FA in 2008)

I like the way the Jets built their lines, especially acquiring players like Ferguson and Mangold. All of these teams have had success running the ball (Rushing rankings: Jets #4, N.O. #6, and Minny #13), and have done a good job protecting their QB (Fewest sacks rankings: N.O.#4, Jets #10, and Minny tied for #15).

Proof that there's more than one way to skin the cat. The Skins can still re-build the O line even if they don't use the #4 pick on an O-linemen. Free agency and later round draft picks is just as viable an approach. And I'll take the QBs from 3 out of the 4 in a heartbeat as well - Favre, Manning, Brees. Rivers would be there if it weren't for his girlified kicker.