It's well known that football fans and analysts generally undervalue the importance of a good offensive lineman. But anybody that has been building a team up in Madden NFL 21's franchise mode knows better. There's no sense in having Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady at quarterback if they get sacked a few seconds after the snap. And that seems like a hysterical reaction, just try lining an 80 OVR offensive lineman against Khalil Mack or Von Miller and think again.
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Unlike a wide receiver or a west-coast quarterback, players know they can expect consistency from these blockers. Here's a mind-blowing fact: All of these top ten offensive linemen at the end of the season were projected as top ten linemen at the game's launch. Some moved up and down in rank, but it just goes to show how superior a player at this position is over the rest of the field.
10 C Rodney Hudson - 92 OVR
The power of a great snapper can't be overstated. Rodney Hudson made a feast out of opponents in the middle of the line. It was clear that Derek Carr knew his value inherently. When rushers came off the sides, he stepped up a little big and Hudson would not let him down.
Unfortunately, his superiority was a little too obvious. Unable to pay for his extension, the Cardinals snapped him up in the offseason and signed him for all three years on his extension. So for anybody making a new character in Face of the Franchise, the Raiders could use some help at Center.
9 RG Brandon Brooks - 92 OVR
As a Pro Bowler for three years and a Super Bowl victory entering 2020, Brandon Brooks might have missed those honors this season, but it wasn't due to his efforts on the field. The Eagles fell apart and made very clear that they were rebuilding.
Brooks did himself a huge favor by never giving up on any play. The Eagles are looking to trade him as part of a complete team overhaul because his value is very high. One can only hope he winds up on a contender like he deserves. If not, at least he'll have the memes about the game to cheer him up.
8 LT Ronnie Stanley - 93 OVR
Coach John Harbaugh has put together two of the best rushing offenses the world has seen over the last few years. Much like Madden NFL 21, which was hit-and-miss, the Ravens were a hit in the regular season and fizzled out in the playoffs.
Ronnie Stanley has been core to the team's success in the run game. He started sixty-one straight games before injuring his ankle. When listing the key players that the Ravens are getting back, Stanley is the top dog on everyone's mind.
7 C Jason Kelce - 93 OVR
There is a reason Jason Kelce has been ranked among the top centers at his position for a long time now. As previously mentioned, the Eagles have been unloading their talent to rebuild, but they made an exception for Kelce.
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Kelce did save the team some money with a substantial contract restructure. Word is that the team is building around him, and it's not a bad idea as he's consistently one of the best pass blockers, run blockers, snappers, and has tremendous upfield speed.
6 LT Trent Williams - 94 OVR
After experimenting with some free agency, Trent Williams decided to sign with the 49ers. His wallet was not left uncompensated; he became the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
Word is that the team is going to be looking for alternatives to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and they've been linked to several trade rumors. The money spent on Williams might be worth it because quarterbacks don't like getting blindsided and Williams will be saving hides for another six years if the contract plays out.
5 LT Terron Armstead - 94 OVR
Armstead is a third-round pick that has played like a top-tier talent. Were all of those numbers Drew Brees racked up coincidence? Not a chance. For the last three years, the Pro Bowl has seen Armstead representing the left tackle position.
He has saved the Saints in more than just on-the-field activities. He restructured his contract to make the Saints compliant for the 2021-2022 reason. He must love it in New Orleans because there are lots of teams that would have taken his talents in an instant.
4 RT Mitchell Schwartz - 94 OVR
Mitchell Schwartz finds himself in an odd place. While he's never been more than a second-team Pro Bowler, he's been remarkably consistent and healthy, but the Chiefs decided to let him walk anyway. And it's taken him longer to find a landing spot than it should.
As an offensive lineman, Schwartz has started over 120 consecutive games and taken 7,894 consecutive snaps, more than any other lineman in the league. It's strange to see the lack of a premium on wellness.
3 LG Quenton Nelson - 95 OVR
Quenten Nelson has been recognized as the best left guard in Madden NFL 21 and while players love to debate rankings, even real football experts have him pegged at the number one role without any fuss.
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Nelson might soon become a victim of his own success; the team has mulled over moving him to left tackle with a glaring hole that that position. Moving the best player in the league at one position into another is an awful risk, but if anybody is up to the last, it's Nelson.
2 LT - David Bakhtiari - 96 OVR
The Packers were a game away from the Super Bowl in 2020 and they had to do it without their star left tackle due to an ACL tear. One can only imagine what might have been if David Bakhtiari had been around to hold off the Buccaneer defensive line.
Luckily for Green Bay fans everywhere, Bakhtiari signed a long-term contract before last season, so Rodgers and company will get another chance to make a run on the Super Bowl; hopefully with the highest-rated left tackle in tow.
1 RG - Zack Martin - 98 OVR
The Cowboys have long been recognized as having a top-tier offensive line. If Al Davis loved speed, Jerry Jones loves pass protection and run blocking. This is easy to boast when Zack Martin is on the squad.
He entered the last season as the highest-ranked offensive lineman and nothing changed. While the Cowboys struggled early and then struggled even more later on, Martin's services will be needed when Prescott next takes the turf.