Top 10 Offensive Tackles Revealed for 2023 – As the NFL training camps draw near, anticipation and excitement fill the air. It’s that time of the year when the true insiders of the league gather to share their thoughts and insights. To uncover the top talents, ESPN embarked on its annual quest to rank the best players at each position. This year’s rankings are the product of a comprehensive survey involving league executives, coaches, scouts, and players. The aim? To determine the top 10 offensive tackles in the league a position critical to the success of any team’s offense. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these remarkable athletes who tirelessly protect their quarterbacks and open lanes for running backs.
Top 10 Offensive Tackles Revealed for 2023: Trent Williams – The Unstoppable Force
Trent Williams of the San Francisco 49ers is at the forefront of this distinguished list. Williams has been a revelation since joining the 49ers, earning back-to-back first-team All-Pro selections. His seamless integration into Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme has been remarkable. With an impressive pass block win rate of 92.4%, Williams has solidified his reputation as an elite left tackle. He joins an exclusive group of only six left tackles since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to earn multiple first-team All-Pro honors after 30.
Laremy Tunsil: The Physical Dominator
Laremy Tunsil, the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL, secures the second spot on our list. The Houston Texans recognized Tunsil’s immense talent by offering him a three-year, $75 million deal, with $60 million guaranteed. Tunsil’s prowess extends beyond statistics. While he allowed six sacks and incurred ten penalties, his physical dominance cannot be undermined. His impeccable pass block win rate of 92% showcases his natural agility, range, and brute strength, making him a formidable force in the league.
Penei Sewell: Rising Star in the Making
Penei Sewell, selected as a top-10 draft pick in 2021 by Detroit Lions’s quarterback Matt Stafford to fill correct tackle, experienced an inauspicious rookie campaign after being bounced between left and correct tackle positions during 2021’s NFL regular season. But Sewell eventually found his rhythm as a correct tackle during 2022 and produced an exceptional Pro Bowl performance; 321 run block wins were amongst the best of the position group, while his pass blocking skills resulted in only three attributed sacks; his future remains bright as Sewell continues his technique to become an influential force on an offensive line!
Lane Johnson: An Incredible Athlete
Lane Johnson is an outstanding athlete when healthy. Over his past three seasons, Johnson earned first-team All-Pro honors twice (2018-2022). Additionally, his 95% pass block win rate tied him for the league lead among offensive tackles; others may attribute this achievement to playing in a run-pass-option offense which helped to reduce his sack count; yet regardless of personal opinion, there’s no questioning his place as one of football’s premier performers endowed with incredible athleticism and sheer force.
Kolton Miller: Rising Star Kolton Miller’s meteoric ascension earns him a place on our list following an exceptional 2022 campaign. Though previously overlooked, Miller earned much-deserved notice due to his outstanding pass-blocking performance – leading the offensive tackle group in run block win rate while contributing significantly to running back Josh Jacobs’ success and contributing significantly towards running back Josh Jacobs’ success. Miller has become an outstanding offensive tackle. His well-rounded skills and impactful field presence mark him as one of our rising stars among offensive tackles!
Jordan Mailata: An Unconventional Triumph
Jordan Mailata is an unprecedented story. A former rugby player without any previous football experience, Mailata used his 6-foot-8 frame and 345 pounds to become one of the NFL’s premier left tackles – described by one high-ranking official as similar to “manlike behavior”. Often considered to be “superior”, his dominance creates unique problems for opposing pass rushers while at the same time unraveling football’s intricate details as each game passes on, all with his journey being guided by legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland himself!
Andrew Thomas Has Become the Cornerstone Of Their Offense Andrew Thomas has established himself as one of the New York Giants’ cornerstone left tackles since joining in 2022. Over that season, he worked to support running back Saquon Barkley while fortifying their offense by blocking two penalties per season with an impressive 92.66% pass block win rate — placing him amongst the best offensive linemen in the league! With such unwavering dedication from Thomas, the Giants now consider him indispensable.
Rashwan Slater: An Impressive Rookie
Rashwan Slater made waves as one of his NFL rookie season highlights by posting an impressive 95.7% pass-blocking success rate during limited action (winning 66 of 69 pass-blocking plays) during limited playing time as a Rookie. Now fully recovered and prepared for his sophomore campaign, Slater stands poised to regain his status as an elite offensive tackle, with resilience and unwavering determination propelling him towards that goal in coming seasons.
Christian Darrisaw Has Unleashed Its Full Potential Christian Darrisaw showcased tremendous promise during his second season, showing his skills and adaptability on the field. After missing five games during his rookie campaign, Darrisaw rebounded strongly to record an 80.5% run block win rate – second only among offensive tackles of his position group! While some voters may question whether Darrisaw should break into the Top 10, those familiar with his talent hold him highly regarded. Darrisaw appears well poised for dominating roles within his position group as his upward trajectory shows excellent promise for development into dominant forces within years!
Tristan Wirfs was named as one of three Pro Bowl performers after an ankle injury sidelined him for four games this year, yet he still allowed just one sack – tied for first among offensive tackles with Lane Johnson! He earned two Pro Bowl nods within three NFL seasons thanks to such consistent performance from Tristan Wirfs’ consistent pass-blocking abilities. As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers transition Wirfs to left tackle this offseason, his adaptability, and talent will be fully displayed.
Beyond the Gridiron: Blake Martinez’s Pokemon Business
Top 10 Offensive Tackles Revealed for 2023 – While the success and accolades achieved on the football field are impressive, former NFL linebacker Blake Martinez has found an entirely different avenue for financial prosperity. Martinez retired from football last season, realizing that the world of Pokemon card sales held immense potential for him. His business venture, Blake’s Breaks, has already generated a staggering $11.5 million in revenue. Surpassing his earnings from football, Martinez’s foray into the world of collectibles showcases his entrepreneurial acumen and a keen eye for lucrative opportunities.
Conclusion
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the anticipation surrounding the league’s top offensive tackles continues to grow. These exceptional athletes demonstrate unwavering dedication, skill, and versatility, ensuring the success of their teams’ offenses. From Trent Williams and Laremy Tunsil to rising stars like Penei Sewell and Kolton Miller, these players command respect and admiration for their contributions to the game. Beyond the field, Blake Martinez’s transition to the world of collectibles exemplifies the myriad opportunities available to athletes beyond their playing careers. As the NFL landscape evolves, these remarkable individuals will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the sport and inspire future generations of offensive tackles.