Largely due to the lack of traditional stats, offensive linemen are the underrated players within the underrated group.

The first blocker to know is Patrick Mekari, a versatile piece on the Baltimore Ravens. He’s logged snaps at every position up front—including significant time everywhere but left guard—in five NFL seasons, mostly contributing as a left tackle for Baltimore in 2023.

Chicago used a second-round pick on Teven Jenkins in 2021, hoping he’d solidify a spot at tackle. That particular goal failed, but he’s turned into a respectable starter at left guard.

Also a 2021 draftee, Drew Dalman basically spent his rookie year on the sideline with the Atlanta Falcons. But over the past two seasons, Dalman has played every snap at center (when healthy, of course) and shined as a run blocker for Atlanta’s O-line.

There was something in the water in 2021, apparently.

Trey Smith, a sixth-rounder that year, immediately earned a starting job on the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s been a steady presence at right guard and already has a couple of Super Bowl rings in a young career.

Rounding out the group is Luke Goedeke, who shifted from left guard to right tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. He’d struggled badly at the interior spot as a rookie in 2022 but played an important role in front of Baker Mayfield during the QB’s resurgent year.