Offensive Line Rankings: Breaking down the NFL's best/worst protection units

This time of year, the vast majority of analysis is directed toward the skill positions - for good reason. With fantasy at the forefront, everyone wants to know the breakouts, busts, and sleepers heading into the season.

While they aren't draftable in fantasy, offensive lines have a major impact on the success of the players who are, and therefore remain a key factor to consider in your research.

These rankings are based on past performance, offseason upgrades, overall depth, and the very underrated element of continuity.

Offensive Line Rankings
32-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

32. St. Louis Rams

Depth: Tim Barnes, Garrett Reynolds, Andrew Donnal, Brandon Washington

• Robinson didn't look like a second overall pick in his rookie season. He will need to show more in 2015 or the "bust" tag may start to follow him around.
• The Rams had the right idea in drafting as many linemen as they did, but that strategy isn't likely to pay off this year.
• Still without a proven, starting-caliber player at any of the five spots, the Rams may have some trouble moving the ball with any consistency.

31. Carolina Panthers

Depth: Amini Silatolu, Daryl Williams, Nate Chandler

• The Panthers once again did curiously little to address the offensive line, the most concerning position group on an otherwise strong roster.
• Kalil is a solid presence in the middle, and Turner has the potential to become a dominant guard, but the weaknesses elsewhere up front may cause problems for the Carolina offense.
• Cam Newton could find himself on the run often this season, which doesn't bode well for a quarterback who already struggles with accuracy.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Depth: Mitch Morse, Paul Fanaika, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Zach Fulton

• Once the strength of their attack, the Chiefs' offensive line has fallen off considerably. If Fisher, who is dealing with a high-ankle sprain, can't take a significant step forward, the line may be in for another long year.
• Grubbs adds some much-needed experience on the interior front, but losing Rodney Hudson to free agency leaves a massive void at center.
• Allen missed nearly all of last season due to injury and is already dealing with what's believed to be an MCL sprain. The right side of the line will hold this offense back.

29. Buffalo Bills

Depth: Cyrus Kouandjio, Kraig Urbik, Cyril Richardson

• While Glenn gives the Bills a decent pass-blocker on the blind side, there's not much else to be excited about across the board.
• It's unclear how much Incognito has left after a year away from the game, but reports out of camp suggest he kept himself in great shape during his time off.
• The right side's lack of experience could be an issue throughout the season. The team is hoping third-round rookie John Miller can make a smooth transition to the pro game.

28. Atlanta Falcons

Depth: Jon Asamoah, Tyler Polumbus, Peter Konz, Mike Person

• The arrival of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and his zone-blocking scheme might end up being this group's biggest offseason addition.
• Matthews making good on his early-first-round draft status would send this unit flying up the list, but his disappointing rookie year left much to be desired on the left side.
• Stone started nine games at center last season. He appears to have an early edge on the left guard spot, with the veteran Chester lining up on the right side.

27. Denver Broncos

Update: The Broncos signed Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis to a one-year contract on Aug. 25.

Depth: Chris Clark, Gino Gradkowski, Ben Garland, Shelley Smith, Michael Schofield, Ryan Clady (INJ)

• Peyton Manning tends to make his offensive line look better than it is, but this group has lost far too many players to instill confidence.
• Ryan Clady's season-ending injury, combined with the loss of Orlando Franklin to free agency and Manny Ramirez via trade, leaves the unit particularly weak on the left side.
• Much like the Falcons, the Broncos will rely on a zone-blocking scheme to boost their overall performance. They will also be counting on a youth movement with Sambrailo, Garcia and Paradis all under the age of 25.

26. Seattle Seahawks

Depth: Garry Gilliam, Terry Poole, Mark Glowinski

• Russell Wilson's scrambling ability will be put to the test behind this unit.
• The Seahawks' line was relatively weak even before the club opted to move Max Unger in the trade that landed them Jimmy Graham.
• OL coach Tom Cable has a long history of getting the most out of his players, and Marshawn Lynch will continue to get his yards regardless, but Okung is now the only proven starter up front.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Depth: Gosder Cherilus, Garrett Gilkey, Kevin Pamphile, Patrick Omameh

• Losing Dotson to an MCL sprain was a serious blow to a line hoping to make strides this season. With Dotson out 6-10 weeks, the team signed veteran Cherilus.
• Upgrading the offensive front was a top priority for the Buccaneers this offseason. To their credit, they made sure to address that area of the roster in the draft.
• If Donovan Smith and Marpet can make an impact as rookies, Jameis Winston could find himself in a position to succeed from day one.

24. New York Giants

Depth: Will Beatty (INJ), John Jerry, Brandon Mosley

• Beatty tore his pectoral muscle, forcing first-round rookie Flowers into the starting spot at left tackle far sooner than expected. Beatty could miss the first half of the season.
• Despite the additional uncertainty across the rest of the line, Schwartz's return after missing nearly the entire 2014 season could be a significant boost on the interior.
• The move to guard will hopefully allow the Giants to recoup some of their investment in Pugh, who was a first-round pick in 2013. Pugh struggled at tackle, but might be more suited to play on the interior.

23. Jacksonville Jaguars

Depth: A.J. Cann, Austin Pasztor, Luke Bowanko

• This was undoubtedly one of the league's worst offensive lines in 2014, but some key upgrades have the Jaguars heading in the right direction.
• Wisniewski and Parnell will improve the line at their respective positions, while Cann should have an opportunity to compete for a starting guard spot as a rookie.
• Continuity is a major asset for an offensive line. This group will need to come together quickly if they are going to help improve the Jaguars' offense in 2015.

22. Indianapolis Colts

Depth: Donald Thomas, Hugh Thornton, Jonotthan Harrison, Joe Reitz

• The Colts refuse to build through their lines. Lucky for them, Andrew Luck can make plays behind any group of blockers.
• Mewhort showed well at guard throughout his rookie season, and replicating that success after moving to tackle would give the Colts a strong pair to build around on the edge.
• The interior still remains a weakness, potentially giving the Colts continued problems in both the run game and in pass protection.

21. Minnesota Vikings

Depth: Tyrus Thompson, Joe Berger, David Yankey, Phil Loadholt (INJ)

• Loadholt will miss the year after suffering a torn Achilles in the team's second preseason game. Fourth-round rookie Clemmings will be asked to take over at right tackle.
• The Vikings have some strong run-blockers, but a disastrous 2014 season from Kalil has overshadowed many of the positives for this group.
• If Kalil can rebound, there's potential for this line to shine, especially with Teddy Bridgewater emerging as a legitimate NFL starter and Adrian Peterson returning after a year away.

Offensive Line Rankings
32-21 | 20-11 | 10-1