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2014 NFL Free Agents: Offensive Tackles
1. Eugene Monroe, OT, Ravens. Age: 27.
I still don't understand why Jacksonville traded Eugene Monroe for mere fourth- and fifth-round picks. Monroe is one of the top left tackles in the NFL; he transitioned perfectly to Baltimore's offense upon being dealt in early October. He'll definitely be the recipient of a big contract.
2. Jordan Gross, OT, Panthers. Age: 34.
Jordan Gross has discussed retirement; he even told the media he isn't sure if he's returning next year. If he comes back, he'll still be a superior blind-side protector. He surrendered six sacks in 2013.
3. Jared Veldheer, OT, Raiders. Age: 27.
Jared Veldheer missed the first 12 weeks of the season with a triceps tear. Perhaps the Raiders will be able to retain him at a cheaper price as a consequence. If so, they should be happy because Veldheer is a solid blind-side protector.
4. Branden Albert, OT, Chiefs. Age: 29.
Branden Albert is more talented than this rating says he is, but he's always injured and has played all 16 games only once in his career. He's a strong blind-side protector when healthy.
5. Austin Howard, OT, Jets. Age: 27.
The once-beleaguered Austin Howard has improved every single season and is now viewed as a solid right tackle. He did a great job of improving his pass-protection skills this past year.
6. Rodger Saffold, OT/G, Rams. Age: 26.
Rodger Saffold is a quality tackle who can also play inside. However, he's had major issues staying healthy throughout his career. He's a high-risk, medium-reward signing.
7. Anthony Collins, OT, Bengals. Age: 28.
Anthony Collins took over the left tackle position once Andrew Whitworth moved inside to compensate for injuries. Collins performed well. He's a passable starter.
8. Michael Oher, OT, Ravens. Age: 28.
Michael Oher can be a very good blocker when focused, but he often has mental lapses, hurting his team with penalties and surrendered sacks.
9. David Stewart, OT, Titans. Age: 32.
David Stewart used to be one of the better right tackles in the NFL, but he's past his prime. He's still a serviceable starter, but he's not the Pro Bowl-caliber talent he used to be.
10. Tyson Clabo, OT, Dolphins. Age: 32.
Tyson Clabo was an absolute abomination in the first half of the season, which was a surprise because he was always a solid tackle for the Falcons. However, he picked up the slack and performed very well in the final two months. The downside is that he turns 33 in October.
11. Zach Strief, OT, Saints. Age: 31.
Zach Strief was abused by Chris Long in the Week 15 loss to the Rams, but otherwise showed improvement this season as the team's right tackle.
12. Mike Johnson, OT, Falcons. Age: 27.
Mike Johnson was set to be the starting right tackle this season, but he was lost for the year in training camp with a fractured fibula.
13. Byron Bell (RFA), OT, Panthers. Age: 25.
Byron Bell has been a serviceable right tackle for the Panthers the past few years, but they could stand to find an upgrade at this spot.
14. Eric Winston, OT, Cardinals. Age: 30.
Eric Winston struggled mightily in the first half of the season, surrendering five sacks in his first five games with the Cardinals. However, he gave up just two sacks the entire rest of the way.
15. Khalif Barnes, OT, Raiders. Age: 32.
Khalif Barnes was forced to play left tackle in the wake of Jared Veldheer's injury. This was viewed as a disaster area, but Barnes actually held up pretty well, surrendering only three sacks in 11 starts on the blind side.
Charles Brown, OT, Saints. Age: 27.
17. J'Marcus Webb, OT, Vikings. Age: 26.
18. Cameron Bradfield (RFA), OT, Jaguars. Age: 26.
19. Ryan Harris, OT, Texans. Age: 29.
20. Marshall Newhouse, OT, Packers. Age: 25.
21. Winston Justice, OT, Broncos. Age: 29.
22. Tony Pashos, OT, Raiders. Age: 34.
23. Jamon Meredith, OT, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
24. Mike Otto, OT, Titans. Age: 31.
25. Will Svitek, OT, Patriots. Age: 32.
26. Guy Whimper, OT, Steelers. Age: 31.
27. Eben Britton, OT, Bears. Age: 26.
28. Garry Williams, OT, Panthers. Age: 28.
29. Jason Fox, OT, Lions. Age: 26.
30. David Dihel, OT, Giants. Age: 33.
Guards
1. Travelle Wharton, G, Panthers. Age: 33.
Travelle Wharton was just a backup in the first month of the season, but he eventually took over the starting left guard position and was a monstrous blocker. He'll be 33 right after the 2014 NFL Draft.
2. Geoff Schwartz, G, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Geoff Schwartz started in the second half of the season and was pretty dominant. He appears to be over a hip injury that knocked him out for the entire 2011 season.
3. Kevin Boothe, G, Giants. Age: 31.
Kevin Boothe isn't a spectacular starter, but he's not bad either. His best attribute is his versatility; he can play all three positions in the interior.
4. John Jerry, G, Dolphins. Age: 28.
John Jerry is not a good fit for Miami's blocking scheme, so he should head elsewhere.
5. Willie Colon, G, Jets. Age: 31.
Willie Colon did a good job as the Jets' starting right guard this season, outside of his penalties. He pass protected very well. Unfortunately, he tore his biceps in the season finale.
6. Brian Waters, G, Cowboys. Age: 37.
Brian Waters is a good blocker and an even better leader in the locker room, but he's 37 in February and happens to be coming off a season-ending triceps injury.
7. Zane Beadles, G, Broncos. Age: 27.
Zane Beadles has played well in the past, but he struggled this previous season, especially in terms of pass protection.
8. Jon Asamoah, G, Chiefs. Age: 26.
Jon Asamoah was benched in the second half of the season, but he had actually blocked rather well when he was in the lineup. His replacement, Geoff Schwartz, was just better.
9. Chad Rinehart, G, Chargers. Age: 29.
Chad Rinehart is a decent guard. He might be ranked a little higher if he didn't constantly endure foot problems.
Shawn Lauvao, G, Browns. Age: 26.
11. Paul McQuistan, G, Seahawks. Age: 31.
12. Richie Incognito, G, Dolphins. Age: 31.
13. Chris Williams, G, Rams. Age: 29.
14. Mike Pollak, G, Bengals. Age: 29.
15. Charlie Johnson, G, Vikings. Age: 30.
16. Vladimir Ducasse, G, Jets. Age: 26.
17. Lemuel Jeanpierre, G, Seahawks. Age: 27.
18. Chris Kuper, G, Broncos. Age: 31.
19. Chris Scott, G, Panthers. Age: 27.
20. Rob Turner, G, Titans. Age: 30.
21. Jeff Byers (RFA), G, Panthers. Age: 28.
22. Shelley Smith (RFA), G, Rams. Age: 27.
23. Wade Smith, G, Texans. Age: 33.
24. Oniel Cousins, G, Browns. Age: 30.
Centers
1. Alex Mack, C, Browns. Age: 28.
Alex Mack is a top-five NFL center in his prime. He needs to be paid accordingly.
2. Evan Dietrich-Smith, C, Packers. Age: 28.
Evan Dietrich-Smith has been a strong starting center for the Packers the past year and a half. He's solid in both pass protection and run blocking. He can also play guard.
3. Brian De La Puente, C, Saints. Age: 29.
Brian De La Puente has been a quality starting center for the Saints during the past few seasons. He deserves a decently sized contract.
4. Roberto Garza, C/G, Bears. Age: 35.
The versatile Roberto Garza had yet another solid season for the Bears. Unfortunately, he'll turn 35 in March.
5. Dominic Raiola, C, Lions. Age: 35.
Re-signed with Lions (1 year)
Dominic Raiola surprisingly played well in 2013 after a couple of down seasons. He just turned 35 though, so he'll regress quickly soon.
6. Jonathan Goodwin, C, 49ers. Age: 35.
Jonathan Goodwin has told reporters that retirement has crossed his mind, but that didn't stop him from playing well in 2013. Goodwin will be 36 in December.
7. Rich Ohrnberger, C, Chargers. Age: 28.
Rich Ohrnberger played very well in place of an injured Nick Hardwick in San Diego's playoff victory over Cincinnati.
8. Ryan Wendell, C, Patriots. Age: 28.
Ryan Wendell had an excellent 2012 campaign, so his regression is a total mystery. He was so bad this year that he nearly got Tom Brady killed in several games.
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