Top 5 Interior Linemen
Marshal Yanda #73
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Strengths
+ rugged run blocker that moves defenders off the ball + great awareness and recognition of defensive stunts and twists + active pass blocker that consistently helps tackle with peel back blocks Weaknesses - average feet for an elite lineman - struggles with initial quickness and explosiveness |
Final Verdict
Baltimore Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda is regarded as one of the best interior linemen in the NFL. Yanda uses his natural lower body strength and savvy technique to drive defenders off the ball in the run-game. He is a consistent blocker that rarely makes assignment mistakes. As a pass blocker, he shows vulnerability against elite quickness right off the snap. However, he has the ability to reset his body and hold his block after losing at the point of attack. Consistency is the name of Yanda's game.
Josh Sitton #71
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Strengths
+ massive lineman with great pass and run blocking strength + arguably the best pass blocking guard in the NFL + arms act as suction cups and holds his block for an eternity Weaknesses - heavy plodding feet - average level movement skills in space |
Final Verdict
Over the past two seasons, Josh Sitton has established himself as an elite pass blocker in the NFL. Once defenders engage, they stick to him like glue. His ability to mirror pass rushers on the interior while Aaron Rodgers dances around the pocket behind him is uncanny. Possesses a strong punch and excellent balance. Sitton has below average foot quickness, but can use his brute strength to move defenders off the ball. If Sitton continues to play at his current level, a first team All-Pro selection is sure to be in his future.
Maurkice Pouncey #53
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Strengths
+ a center with "tackle feet" + exceptional setup quickness and footwork + moves in space with ease and consistently makes blocks in the second level of the defense + has experience playing both center and guard Weaknesses - can get blown up at the point of attack by brute strength - can improve his angles towards second level defenders |
Final Verdict
Maurkice Pouncey was a versatile player coming out of Florida and shows his unique skill-set playing center in the NFL. A center gifted with great foot quickness and speed. One of the best pass pro sets I have seen. Pouncey uses his quick set to gain the early advantage on opposing pass rushers. On on one blocks against strong defenders is one area he can improve on. There are occasions that he gets blown into the backfield right off the snap. In these situations, he must be able to re-anchor his base and nullify the defender's push. Pouncey is already one of the best interior lineman in the league. If he can improve his functional strength, Pouncey will be able to dominate any defender in the league.
Nick Mangold #74
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Strengths
+ consistent performer that is always accountable for his play and actions + versatile player that can play both center and guard + recognizes defensive fronts and pressures Weaknesses - can be a step slow to react off an initial move at the point of attack - not a great mover in space |
Final Verdict
The 6-time Pro Bowler is one of the most established interior linemen in the NFL. Over his career, he has played at a high level with multiple young signal callers behind him. Mangold has the body type of an old school mauler. A strong player that can move players off the ball at the point of attack. Has the ability to play any of the three interior positions on the line at a high level. However, his leadership and football acumen make him a perfect candidate for the center position. Expect Nick Mangold to continue his high level of play for a few more seasons.
Kyle Long #75
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Strengths
+ a relentless blocker that will continue to fight throughout the play + has experience at both right guard and tackle + an athletic player for a guard + shows above average strength for an interior lineman Weaknesses - looked outmatched at times as a tackle in the NFL - needs to work on hand placement technique to become an elite blocker |
Final Verdict
Long has the NFL pedigree and the look of a very promising player in the NFL. Shows the athletic ability to play both guard and right tackle. However he the lacked to technique and experience to play outside in his limited opportunities in 2015. He was too often beaten and unable to recover from the initial move. Long does show the potential to become an elite guard in the league. There is a toughness and relentless nature about him that shows in his play. Even when out matched, this guy doesn't quit. In a few years, look for Kyle Long's name to be mentioned as one of the elite linemen in the NFL.