The interior offensive linemen are the most unheralded players on the field. However, if you look at any team that plays winning football on a consistent basis, and you will find two strong guards and a center that will do anything they can to control the middle of the field.
The ability to block in the running game and to keep pass rushers from coming up the middle and hammering the quarterback is essential when it comes to establishing the personality of the team. Those who can control the middle of the field operate with a sense of confidence. They know that two or three bread-and-butter plays will be well-blocked on an every-game basis.
OTHER RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT
The Dallas Cowboys should feel very good about their interior blockers, as they have the top center in the league in Travis Frederick and the No. 2 guard in Zack Martin. Here’s my detailed look at the top interior offensive linemen in the league.
1. Kelechi Osemele, LG, Oakland Raiders
He is almost certainly the best blocker in the league, as the 6-foot-5, 335-pounder is an absolute mauler in the running game and a wall in pass protection. Osemele emerged as a superstar with the Baltimore Ravens. That resulted in a $58.5 million free-agent contract, and his play has been even better with the Raiders. Osemele could play tackle and do a solid job, but he is the best interior lineman by a fairly significant margin, and Oakland is right to play him at guard.
The Raiders allowed the fewest sacks in the league in 2016, and while they weren’t at that level last year, Osemele had no slippage. Expect him to dominate again this season.
2. Travis Frederick, C, Dallas Cowboys
Frederick is one of the best technical blockers at his position, and he is also one of the game’s best leaders. That has resulted from his consistency over his first five years with the team, and he has done an excellent job in helping running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott establish their careers. The 6-4, 319-pound Frederick can open holes in the middle of the offensive line, and he can also get to the outside and make key blocks on sweeps.
USA TODAY Images 3. Zack Martin, RG, Dallas Cowboys
After dominating as an offensive tackle during his college career at Notre Dame, Martin switched to guard with the Cowboys, and the move has turned out to be an excellent one. Martin has been a Pro Bowl performer in each of his four seasons, and he has also been a first-team All-Pro twice. The 6-4, 312-pound Martin is a very solid run blocker, but it is his pass blocking that allows him to stand apart from his peers. His technique was honed as a tackle with the Fighting Irish and has improved further in the NFL.
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4. David DeCastro, RG, Pittsburgh Steelers
DeCastro is fully inspired to dominate in the running game, as he has one of the game’s best running backs in Le’Veon Bell, who can take advantage of his outstanding work. DeCastro is a devastating blocker in the running game, and he was a first-team All-Pro player in 2015 and 2017.
He has been a dominant player since breaking into the lineup in 2013, and he has the technical skill to match up with his ability to overpower interior defensive linemen. DeCastro and his linemates in Pittsburgh often have one of the most difficult jobs in the sport, as they block for Ben Roethlisberger, who tends to hold on to the ball longer than any other signal-caller in the game. The Steelers’ guard is often up for the assignment, and he excels at holding onto his blocks for extended periods.
5. Alex Mack, C, Atlanta Falcons
Mack was already one of the best blockers in the league when he decided to leave the Cleveland Browns and sign a free-agent contract with the Falcons before the 2016 season. Mack was just what Atlanta needed, as his play helped steady what had been a shaky offensive line prior to his arrival. Mack has given quarterback Matt Ryan far more security, and the Falcons' offensive line has become a much more effective unit since his arrival. Mack is a five-time Pro Bowl performer who rarely makes mistakes.
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6. Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia Eagles
7. Trai Turner, RG, Carolina Panthers
8. Marshal Yanda, RG, Baltimore Ravens
9. Andrew Norwell, LG, Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Rodney Hudson, C, Oakland Raiders