2. Los Angeles Rams: A
Rams' OL grade: A-
Rams' DL grade: A+
When everyone is healthy and available, the Rams' offensive line doesn't really have many major question marks. That is especially true on the interior offensive line where guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson are maybe the league's best duo at the guard position(s).
Starting center Coleman Shelton is also underrated, and the Rams have developed former UDFA Alaric Jackson into a really quality starting left tackle. His availability to start the year is a question mark (possible suspension). That would really be a test of this team's talent depth at tackle plus how favorable the scheme really is for the linemen.
On the defensive line, there are zero question marks for this Rams team. They should be considered the #1 defensive line in the NFL after the addition of Myles Garrett to a unit that already included Pro Bowl edge rusher Byron Young as well as a couple of studs on the interior in Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske.
And now, Aaron Donald will likely be joining them. It's so unfair it almost feels illegal.
1. Denver Broncos: A+
Broncos' OL grade: A+
Broncos' DL grade: A+
When Sean Payton took over the Denver Broncos in 2023, they were an embarrassment in the trenches on both sides of the ball. He knew if he could quickly rebuild those units, the team would turn around quicker than expected.
And that's exactly what happened.
In his first free agent class with the team, Payton signed all of Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers, and Zach Allen to upgrade both sides of the line. Both McGlinchey and Powers have been stellar for the Broncos, and Allen led the entire NFL in QB hits last season.
They have also drafted and developed well. Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper have combined for 46 total sacks over the last two seasons. Behind them, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, and Que Robinson add even more depth.
The defensive line also includes Malcolm Roach and DJ Jones, two of the more underrated players in the NFL on the interior.
All-Pro Garett Bolles has become one of the top two or three best left tackles in the game. Pro Bowl guard Quinn Meinerz is likewise one of the best right guards in the game. Center Luke Wattenberg is a second-contract player.
This Broncos team -- the #1 team in sack differential the past two seasons (and fresh off of back-to-back years with a franchise record in sacks) -- has it all in the trenches.
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