Only casual fans underestimate the value of an offensive lineman. Unfortunately, statistical data isn't commonplace for the big guys up front, but that should be coming soon. Thankfully, while the world is lagging behind in their ability to judge a great lineman, Madden NFL 22 is not, and fans who have been watching these talented players finally get a metric to judge them by.
Run blocking, pass blocking, special teams, and snapping, the offensive line is a part of almost every aspect of a game in Madden NFL 22. A bad lineman will ruin entire games with penalties, sacks, and tackles for losses. A weak line means ten-minute games can feel like full-on NFL-length beatdowns. Success in the game doesn't start with Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady, it starts with these gentlemen right here.
Updated on April 22nd, 2022 by Hodey Johns: Because the line isn't measured by traditional statistics, some may be surprised to find how streaky these players can be. It's not unheard of for an All-Pro talent to inexplicably be allowing uncontested sacks and rack up holding penalties the very next season. With the 2021 season all wrapped up, it's interesting to look back and see which offensive linemen made an impact and which one fell off of the map. Given the talent of these individuals, here are the ones that Madden recognizes as at the top of their game going into the 2022 season.
10 Jason Kelce - Center - 91
There was only one player that broke into the top offensive linemen after finishing on the outside going into 2021. It's hard to say why Jason Kelce was ever left off to begin with, he's been a pro-bowler for the last three seasons and a rock for the Eagles O-Line.
Kelce has made a habit of defying expectations. He was penalized for being "undersized" despite his strength and speed and selected in the sixth round. That mistake by collective NFL scouts is one of the worst in NFL history and Kelce should relish making his skeptics look bad.
9 Brandon Brooks - Right Guard - 91
Brandon Brooks was a vital part of that Eagles team that beat the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. He was a Pro Bowler that year and for the next three years. The injury issue has reared its head for the last few seasons, but when he's on the line, he's one of the best.
Unfortunately, with injuries becoming a theme during this final stretch, Brandon Brooks announced his retirement from the NFL. What a note to go out on as he hangs up his helmet being ranked one of the best, both in Madden and in the NFL.
8 Ryan Jensen - Center - 91
Starting the season at a respectable 89, Ryan Jensen has done everything and more to get up to a 91. He's taken on assignments to block up the middle where defensive stalwarts have found it impossible to rush Brady, Jensen gets all the credit here.
He's being recognized by the entire league for more than just his improved snapping and blocking abilities. It's hard to find a more entertaining person on the mic and his contributions off of the field have been noted. Athletically and characteristically, he's been a feel-good story this year and finished it all with his first Pro Bowl nod.
7 Ronnie Stanley - Left Tackle - 92
The Ravens took a step back in 2020 after being one of the best rushing teams of all time for the last several seasons. This is easily attributed to the loss of Ronnie Stanley to injury. His talents on the offensive lines were sorely missed.
After a single game in 2021, Stanley opted for a second surgery on his ankle, ending his season early once again. He's dropped a point as a result. Players are hoping that this rest and time off give him everything he needs because the Ravens are just a few pieces away from a Super Bowl and he is one of those pieces.
6 Tyron Smith - Left Tackle - 93
The Cowboys are a team defined by great offensive lines today and throughout their history. Dallas, unfortunately, saw the entire thing fall apart in 2020 when Tyron Smith had to have surgery on his neck. Fans didn't know what they were missing until he was gone.
Thankfully, Tyron Smith came back just as strong as he left off, making another Pro Bowl in 2021. He rose two full points after debuting at the bottom of this list at the start of the season.
5 Terron Armstead - Left Tackle - 94
Fans always seem to be shocked that, when Drew Brees goes down, the offense doesn't stop working well. The secret ingredient is Terron Armstead, who completely nullifies opponents that try to get in hits on the quarterback. Miami has acquired him and the QBs there could not be more grateful.
Armstead has done his best despite a rotating cast of quarterbacks and running backs. He lost one point over the course of the season, but that might be more of a referendum on the status of the team than himself. The Dolphins are eager for him to prove that is the case.
4 Quenton Nelson - Left Guard - 95
Of all the halfbacks whose ratings improved last year, Jonathan Taylor was one of the biggest surprises. He was great in college, but many believed his style wouldn't translate to the NFL. That was a bad read; he finished 2021 on top in every rushing category and solidified himself as one of the league's best halfbacks.
These skeptics forgot about Quenton Nelson blocking for him. In recognition of his ability to open up holes in the middle of the line, Nelson should see an increase in the next game. If he continues to play well, he could top this list sooner rather than later.
3 David Bakhtiari - Left Tackle - 95
While many quarterbacks outplayed their projections last year, many couldn't believe that MVP Aaron Rodgers repeated his performance with a second go at the award. Everybody seems to play better when the blind side is being protected by David Bakhtiari.
Unfortunately, 2020's injury has followed Bakhtiari to the 2021 season. But after he was activated, he was instrumental in getting the Packers back on track. Many are expecting the Packers to be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl and a healthy Bakhtiari is key to that prediction.
2 Trent Williams - Left Tackle - 98
After playing in Washington for seven years, Trent Williams sat out the 2019 season in a contract dispute. After over one year of fighting about the issue, the 49ers traded for Williams, who immediately added an eighth and ninth Pro Bowl selection to his docket in his first two years with the team.
San Francisco does not have one of the game's best quarterbacks, but that hasn't seemed to matter thanks to a rushing game led by Williams. He was fifth on this list when the year started and now finds himself tied for first after yet another dominant season of work.
1 Zack Martin - Right Guard - 98
Zack Martin was forced to start out of position last year due to injuries to the offensive line and he excelled. While they're giving out a litany of X-Factor abilities in Madden, they should seriously consider giving Martin more than one of these. After all, it seems he can do it all.
He's one of five offensive linemen to make the Pro Bowl in all of his six first seasons. Due to injuries and a weird shift in 2020, he missed his first. After getting the ship righted and putting Martin back at guard, it was no surprise that he found himself back in the Pro Bowl and back on top of the offensive linemen rankings.
Madden NFL 22 was released on August 20, 2021, and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.