The top 10 NFL Offensive Lineman of the 2000s

By Jason Bolton May 09, 2024 04:00

The 2000s witnessed the stellar performances of several outstanding NFL offensive linemen who played pivotal roles in shaping the success of their respective teams. These linemen showcased exceptional skills, strength, and versatility, earning them accolades and cementing their places in NFL history.

1. Jonathan Ogden

Team: Baltimore Ravens Accolades: 11-time Pro Bowl selection, 9-time All-Pro Jonathan Ogden, a cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line, was a force to be reckoned with.

His imposing stature and agility made him a formidable presence on the field, allowing him to protect the quarterback and pave the way for the running game with remarkable consistency.

2. Walter Jones

Team: Seattle Seahawks Accolades: 9-time Pro Bowl selection, 4-time All-Pro Walter Jones, known for his exceptional footwork and strength, was a linchpin for the Seattle Seahawks' offensive line.

3. Orlando Pace

Team: St. Louis Rams Accolades: 7-time Pro Bowl selection, 3-time All-Pro Orlando Pace's dominance on the offensive line played a pivotal role in the success of the St. Louis Rams' high-powered offense. His combination of size, agility, and technique made him a formidable force, earning him widespread recognition as one of the era's top offensive linemen.

4. Alan Faneca

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers Accolades: 9-time Pro Bowl selection, 6-time All-Pro Alan Faneca's tenacity and skill set him apart as one of the most impactful offensive guards of his time. His ability to open running lanes and provide solid pass protection contributed significantly to the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive prowess during the 2000s.

5. Steve Hutchinson

Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings Accolades: 7-time Pro Bowl selection, 5-time All-Pro Steve Hutchinson's arrival in the NFL brought a new level of excellence to the guard position.

6. Willie Roaf

Teams: New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs Accolades: 11-time Pro Bowl selection, 3-time All-Pro Willie Roaf's remarkable career spanned the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, during which he consistently showcased his exceptional skills as an offensive tackle.

7. Kevin Mawae

Teams: New York Jets, Tennessee Titans Accolades: 8-time Pro Bowl selection, 7-time All-Pro Kevin Mawae's proficiency as a center made him a linchpin for the teams he played for. Mawae's football IQ, coupled with his exceptional physical abilities, allowed him to excel in both pass protection and run blocking, earning him widespread acclaim as one of the top centers of the 2000s.

8. Matt Light

Team: New England Patriots Accolades: 3-time Pro Bowl selection, 1-time All-Pro Matt Light's consistency and reliability as a left tackle were instrumental in the New England Patriots' offensive success.

9. Jeff Saturday

Team: Indianapolis Colts Accolades: 6-time Pro Bowl selection, 2-time All-Pro Jeff Saturday's intelligence and leadership as a center were invaluable assets for the Indianapolis Colts. His ability to read defenses, make line adjustments, and provide unwavering protection for his quarterbacks solidified his reputation as one of the premier centers of his era.

10. Joe Thomas

Team: Cleveland Browns Accolades: 10-time Pro Bowl selection, 7-time All-Pro Joe Thomas' arrival in the NFL heralded the emergence of a generational talent at the left tackle position. Joe's exceptional technique, footwork, and durability made him a mainstay of the Cleveland Browns' offensive line and one of the most respected linemen in the league.

Ultimately, the 2000s showcased a remarkable cohort of NFL offensive linemen who left an indelible mark on the game.

As we reflect on their contributions, it becomes evident that these linemen played pivotal roles in shaping the success of their teams and elevating the standard of offensive line play in the NFL.