Ranking the top 30 NFL offensive tackles for 2022
Outside of wide receiver and quarterback, offensive tackle is the most coveted offensive position
Outside of wide receiver and quarterback, offensive tackle is the most coveted offensive position. College football infused the NFL with a new generation of quality tackles in the past few drafts, but there are still plenty of veterans dotting the landscape. This article highlights the league’s 30 best tackles in a historically deep position.
I organized this list by factoring in recent production, injuries, age, situations, and skill sets. The tiers are more important than the individual number ranking since most players are interchangeable in their tiers.
There are two 2021 rankings below each tackle. The first shows where I ranked the tackle among players at their position during the 2021 offseason. The second rank shows where each tackle landed on my top 200 players project last summer.
I understand these rankings will be controversial. Please remember that they are just my opinion and don’t really hold any greater meaning. You can reach me in the comments or on Twitter @Sam_Teets33 to tell me what I got wrong and what you would change.
*Indicates rookie player
NFL 2022: Top 30 Offensive Tackles
Tier 1: The Clear Leader
1. Trent Williams, OT San Francisco 49ers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 1
2021 Top 200 Rank: 20
It’s wild to consider that Williams sat out the entire 2019 season to escape Washington’s troublesome organization. Since arriving in San Francisco in 2020, he’s by far been the best offensive tackle in the NFL. Kyle Shanahan’s scheme plays to Williams’ strengths, but you can’t knock the nine-time Pro Bowler for finding the best landing spot possible.
Williams only has two All-Pro selections to his name, but he’s arguably been the league’s best tackle in three or four different seasons. If he played on a team other than Washington, the 34-year-old would probably have a Hall of Fame spot locked up.
Tier 2: All-Pro Candidates
2. Tristan Wirfs, OT Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 8
2021 Top 200 Rank: 69
3. David Bakhtiari, OT Green Bay Packers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 2
2021 Top 200 Rank: 28
4. Tyron Smith, OT Dallas Cowboys
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 18
2021 Top 200 Rank: 164
5. Lane Johnson, OT Philadelphia Eagles
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 17
2021 Top 200 Rank: 147
6. Ryan Ramczyk, OT New Orleans Saints
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 3
2021 Top 200 Rank: 25
7. Terron Armstead, OT Miami Dolphins
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 5
2021 Top 200 Rank: 53
8. Rashawn Slater, OT Los Angeles Chargers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
Tier 2 illustrates why the league’s current offensive tackle talent is so special. Seven players could lay claim to being the NFL’s second-best tackle. Even the top two tiers in the wide receiver rankings only went eight players deep in total, and that’s the league’s most loaded position.
The tackles in Tier 2 all perform at an All-Pro caliber and usually compete with each other for end-of-season awards. These are the studs every franchise chases. With consistent play and availability, these players possess Hall of Fame potential.
There wasn’t a clear No. 2 tackle behind Williams, but I elected to give Wirfs the title. He, Johnson, and Ramczyk are the game’s best right tackles. Not much separates Wirfs from Johnson and Ramczyk in terms of talent, but the 23-year-old started every game last regular season while Johnson missed four games and Ramczyk missed seven.
The trio of Johnson, Ramczyk, and Wirfs allowed 44 pressures and five sacks combined last year. In comparison, seven tackles by themselves allowed 44 or more pressures, and 26 allowed at least five sacks in 2021.
Armstead, Bakhtiari, and Smith are long-standing superstars at left tackle. Unfortunately, they all have extensive injury histories. Bakhtiari even missed most of 2021 because of a torn ACL. Meanwhile, Armstead missed nine games because of elbow and knee injuries, while Smith missed six.
When healthy, Armstead, Bakhtiari, and Smith are all elite players with Hall of Fame ceilings. Bakhtiari, a five-time All-Pro, and Smith, a four-time All-Pro, already have decent chances of reaching Canton someday. Bakhtiari has been the NFL’s best pass blocker in the post-Joe Thomas era, while Smith shook off the rust in 2021 to have his best season in nearly half a decade.
Armstead (2021), Bakhtiari (2020), and Smith (2021) allowed 32 pressures and three sacks combined.
Slater burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2021. The Northwestern product started 16 games, finished fourth in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. There’s still plenty for Slater to learn, but he was very impressive for a rookie who sat out the 2020 college season.
Tier 3: Rebounding from Injury
9. Jack Conklin, OT Cleveland Browns
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 9
2021 Top 200 Rank: 90
10. Ronnie Stanley, OT Baltimore Ravens
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 4
2021 Top 200 Rank: 40
11. La'el Collins, OT Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 16
2021 Top 200 Rank: 138
12. Laremy Tunsil, OT Houston Texans
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 12
2021 Top 200 Rank: 111
Unfortunately, injuries played a significant role in building these rankings. Tier 3 encompasses some elite and borderline elite players who consistently battle injuries and miss significant time. When healthy, these four players possess Tier 2 potential.
I can already hear people saying that many Tier 2 players missed time in 2021, especially Bakhtiari. Consistent, high-level play ultimately separates Tier 2 and Tier 3. The four Tier 3 players can reach All-Pro levels, but Tier 2 players are in Hall of Fame discussions. The peaks are simply different, and Tier 3 is more specialized than Tier 2’s well-rounded players.
Admittedly, Stanley challenges the divide between Tier 3 and Tier 2. He was the league’s best pass blocking tackle in 2019 and a First-Team All-Pro in just his age 25 season. However, he’s only appeared in seven games over the past two years.
Conklin was a First-Team All-Pro in 2016 and 2020, making him one of the few active tackles to earn the recognition twice. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn patellar tendon seven games into his 2021 campaign. The Browns have arguably the NFL’s best offensive line and can’t wait for Conklin’s return.
Collins and Tunsil have different specialties. Collins creates movement in the running game at an elite level. Even missing the entire 2020 season didn’t sap the 29-year-old’s outstanding traits. Sadly, he’s only appeared in 12 games over the past two years. On the other hand, Tunsil is a high-level pass blocker coming off a year where he only started five games.
Tier 4: The Pro Bowl Calls
13. Taylor Moton, OT Carolina Panthers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 11
2021 Top 200 Rank: 110
14. Jordan Mailata, OT Philadelphia Eagles
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
15. Penei Sewell, OT Detroit Lions
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
16. Dion Dawkins, OT Buffalo Bills
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
17. Elgton Jenkins, OT Green Bay Packers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: Honorable Mention
18. Kolton Miller, OT Las Vegas Raiders
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
19. Braden Smith, OT Indianapolis Colts
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 15
2021 Top 200 Rank: 134
20. Andrew Thomas, OT New York Giants
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
Tier 4 consists of players who consistently challenge for minor late-season awards and occasionally rank among the top ten players at their positions (left or right tackle). Tier 4 tackles possess high upward mobility, and some of the younger players in this group could eventually reach Tier 2. These are high-end, cornerstone players for most franchises.
It’s worth noting that the tiers are stacked differently for tackles than most other position groups. Tier 1 consists of only one player, and Tier 3 only includes players with lengthy injury histories. So, even though this is Tier 4, don’t look down on these tackles as “average.” They’re quite exceptional.
Moton is the steadiest member of Tier 4. He’s made every start over the past four years and constantly flirts with the line between above average and great.
Jenkins took an unconventional path to reach his current position. He primarily played left guard during his first two seasons before kicking out to left tackle in place of Bakhtiari last year. Jenkins only appeared in eight games, but he was quite impressive. Early depth charts list him as Green Bay’s starting right tackle.
Mailata is every general manager’s dream. A 6'8", 365 lb. rugby player turned seventh round pick, Mailata allowed just 20 pressures and three sacks last season. He also played over 100 snaps at right tackle while filling in for Lane Johnson. As you would expect, Mailata packs a punch in the run game, and he improved drastically from 2020 to 2021 in pass protection.
Sewell and Thomas are both young, up-and-coming tackles with the potential to reach Tier 2 eventually. However, both started their careers on rocky ground. Sewell had the snot beat out of him through the first month and a half of his rookie season, allowing 21 pressures and four sacks in his first five games.
Fortunately, Sewell stabilized down the stretch, surrendering only 14 pressures and one sack in his final 11 starts. The rookie also showed the versatility to play right and left tackle.
Thomas’ 2020 rookie season didn’t go as planned. The former fourth overall pick allowed 57 pressures (second-most in the NFL) and a league-high ten sacks. It was a disaster. New York fans are grateful that Thomas found his footing in 2021. The 23-year-old only allowed 18 pressures and two sacks in 13 games. It’s miraculous what patience and development can do for some young players.
Speaking of patience, Miller’s career didn’t start well either. Analysts believed the Raiders over-drafted the UCLA product at 15th overall in 2018, and they were probably right. However, Miller has improved each season to the point where he’s one of the better pass blocking left tackles in the NFL.
Dawkins and Smith are veterans with at least five years of experience on their current teams. Dawkins was Buffalo’s best offensive lineman last year. If not for ten penalties, he would’ve had a shot at ranking several spots higher. Dawkins is a solid run blocker, but the 28-year-old shines in pass protection. Buffalo is lucky he’s making under $15 million per year because he’s worth significantly more than that.
Smith makes more money per year than Collins or Conklin. That’s not because he’s more gifted than his fellow right tackles (he’s a converted college guard with some of the shortest arms among NFL tackles). The 26-year-old just consistently delivers as a run blocker. He’s excellent at opening holes for Jonathan Taylor and, with some help, is reliable in pass protection.
Tier 5: Quality Starters
21. Taylor Decker, OT Detroit Lions
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 13
2021 Top 200 Rank: 117
22. Garett Bolles, OT Denver Broncos
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 7
2021 Top 200 Rank: 60
23. Orlando Brown Jr., OT Kansas City Chiefs
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 24
2021 Top 200 Rank: 190
24. Brian O'Neill, OT Minnesota Vikings
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
25. Jake Matthews, OT Atlanta Falcons
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 21
2021 Top 200 Rank: 174
26. Rob Havenstein, OT Los Angeles Rams
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
Tier 5 contains players who generally don’t compete for end-of-season awards and offer consistent but unspectacular play. There’s limited upward mobility for these players as most have reached their peaks and still don’t come close to the game’s top tackles. However, these are still starters many teams would love to have on their rosters for the right price.
Decker and Matthews are veteran tackles who have reached the peaks of their powers. They’ve only earned one Pro Bowl selection combined, but that shouldn’t overshadow that they’re two of the best pass blocking left tackles in the league. Matthews hasn’t missed a start since his rookie season in 2015, while Decker is working back from an injury-shortened campaign.
Bolles struggled to catch on during his first three seasons in the NFL. However, he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2020 when the referees relaxed on calling penalties in the trenches. It was a new era for Bolles, until his play dropped back to its usual level in 2021. The former 20th overall pick is still a solid starter, but he’s not a star.
Bolles allowed 22 pressures and five sacks in 14 games last season.
Brown is in a similar position as Bolles, which is why they’re back-to-back on the list. Brown isn’t as penalty-prone as his Denver counterpart, but the former right tackle has some physical limitations that prevent him from performing at an elite level, especially in Kansas City’s system. The former Raven allowed career highs in pressures (36) and sacks (four) in 2021.
Except for a down year in 2019, Havenstein has consistently performed at the level of a borderline top ten right tackle. He and Andrew Whitworth provided the Super Bowl champion Rams with bookend tackles during the Sean McVay era.
O'Neill made the Pro Bowl last season. The soon-to-be 27-year-old played roughly 1,140 snaps, allowing 22 pressures and one sack. O'Neill still possesses upward mobility. Christian Darrisaw developing into a quality left tackle would go a long way to helping O'Neill crack Tier 4.
Tier 6: Best of the Rest
27. Duane Brown, OT Free Agent
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 6
2021 Top 200 Rank: 55
28. Jonah Williams, OT Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
29. Taylor Lewan, OT Tennessee Titans
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 19
2021 Top 200 Rank: 169
30. Donovan Smith, OT Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: NR
2021 Top 200 Rank: NR
Tier 6 contains quality starters who lack the production to crack Tier 5 and veterans who are rapidly declining. At just 24 years old, Williams has the best chance of escaping this bottom tier and potentially climbing as high as Tier 4. The Alabama product has the skill set to reach great heights, but his production hasn’t caught up to that level yet. Williams allowed 42 pressures and eight sacks in 2021.
After a rough start to his career, Smith has leveled out as a viable starter during Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady era. The 29-year-old allowed 30 pressures and one sack last season.
Brown and Lewan are former high-end left tackles near the end of the road. Consistent injuries drained Lewan over the past three years. He’s still a viable starter but not the dominant force from several years ago.
Brown experienced a sharp drop-off in 2021. The soon-to-be 37-year-old performed at an All-Pro level in 2020 before allowing 33 pressures and eight sacks in 2021. I wouldn’t rule out Brown returning to form this coming season, but he needs to find a team before we get too close to Week 1.
Honorable Mentions
Mekhi Becton, OT New York Jets
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 22
2021 Top 200 Rank: 186
Trent Brown, OT New England Patriots
Sam Cosmi, OT Washington Commanders
Charles Cross, OT Seattle Seahawks*
Christian Darrisaw, OT Minnesota Vikings
Ikem Ekwonu, OT Carolina Panthers*
D.J. Humphries, OT Arizona Cardinals
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 20
2021 Top 200 Rank: 174
Charles Leno Jr., OT Washington Commanders
Mike McGlinchey, OT San Francisco 49ers
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 23
2021 Top 200 Rank: 188
Morgan Moses, OT Baltimore Ravens
Evan Neal, OT New York Giants*
Jason Peters, OT Free Agent
Cam Robinson OT, Jacksonville Jaguars
Terence Steele, OT Dallas Cowboys
Jedrick Wills Jr., OT Cleveland Browns
Isaiah Wynn, OT New England Patriots
2021 Offensive Tackle Rank: 14
2021 Top 200 Rank: 120