Buccaneers: Ranking the offensive line among their NFC South opponents

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Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Rankings

4. New Orleans Saints

It was a bit closer than some probably expected, but the combination of age, injury, unknowns and lack of depth were just too much to ignore for the Saints.

While they may have finished last overall, the team has some talented pieces and the situation isn’t so bad Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson shouldn’t still find ways to put up big points in 2017.

3. Carolina Panthers

The Kalil brothers could have put the Panthers at the top of every offensive line rankings a few years ago.

Today however, age and injury have taken them down a notch.

Right tackle has been a disaster for years in Carolina, and if they don’t get it figured out soon then Newton is going to spend his entire career with defenders getting in his face.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Some fans are certain to disagree here, and some will say they should be lower, which is ironic considering this is being written for a Bucs fan website.

The Bucs didn’t add to the offensive line in the draft or in free agency.

Still, if their players can learn from some of the struggles of 2016 then this group will be stronger than most can foresee today.

Marpet moving to center could give them an Alex Mack like presence snapping the ball, and this is something every Atlanta fan will tell you has a huge impact on the offense.

Donovan Smith and J.R. Sweezy are the biggest question marks for this unit, and answers will come before the end of September.

1. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons made it to the Super Bowl on the shoulders of their prolific offense and in part due to a surprisingly impressive defense down the stretch.

Where they’ve lost players coming into 2017 doesn’t look too damning, but if the team suffers one or two significant injuries it could all come crashing down.

This can be said of a lot of teams’ front lines, but it’s troubling anyway.

Not troubling enough to drag down the unit led by Alex Mack and Jake Matthews, as the Falcons take top billing in our first position group rankings.

Next: Best Buc to wear number 74

So there we have it.

How do you feel about the rankings, and where do you see things differently?

Give me a shout in the comments, on Facebook, on Twitter or email your thoughts to walkingtheplankpodcast@gmail.com!

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