Top 10 Left Tackles in the NFL

As an avid football fan, I have always been fascinated by the left tackle position. It is one of the most important positions on the field, as the left tackle is responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side. In this article, I will be discussing the top 10 left tackles in the NFL. Let’s dive in!

Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information

The left tackle position was officially recognized as a separate position in 1981.
Only four left tackles have won the NFL MVP award.
Jonathan Ogden is the first left tackle to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The average height of a left tackle in the NFL is 6’5.
The average weight of a left tackle in the NFL is 315 pounds.
Joe Thomas is widely considered to be the greatest left tackle of all time.
The left tackle position is often referred to as the blind side because quarterbacks are right-handed and cannot see defenders coming from their left side.
The left tackle position requires a unique combination of size, strength, agility, and intelligence.
Left tackles are often the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL.
Left tackles have a crucial role in determining the success of an offensive play.

1. Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas is widely considered to be the greatest left tackle of all time. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2017 and was selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times. Thomas was known for his consistency, durability, and technique. He never missed a snap due to injury and was a model of excellence both on and off the field.

2. Walter Jones

Walter Jones played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1997 to 2009 and was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times. Jones was known for his athleticism, power, and agility. He was a dominant force in the run game and was equally adept at pass protection. Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

3. Anthony Munoz

Anthony Munoz played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1980 to 1992 and was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times. Munoz was known for his strength, technique, and intelligence. He was a master at both pass protection and run blocking and was widely regarded as one of the most complete left tackles in NFL history. Munoz was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

4. Jonathan Ogden

Jonathan Ogden played for the Baltimore Ravens from 1996 to 2007 and was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times. Ogden was known for his size, strength, and athleticism. He was a dominant force in both the run game and pass protection and helped lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2000. Ogden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

5. Orlando Pace

Orlando Pace played for the St. Louis Rams from 1997 to 2008 and was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. Pace was known for his size, strength, and agility. He was a dominant force in the run game and was equally adept at pass protection. Pace helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

6. Joe Staley

Joe Staley played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2007 to 2019 and was selected to the Pro Bowl six times. Staley was known for his athleticism, technique, and durability. He was a consistent performer both in the run game and pass protection and was a key member of the 49ers team that reached the Super Bowl in 2012. Staley retired following the 2019 season.

7. Tyron Smith

Tyron Smith has played for the Dallas Cowboys since 2011 and has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. Smith is known for his size, strength, and athleticism. He is a dominant force in both the run game and pass protection and has helped lead the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances. Smith is still in his prime and is widely considered to be one of the best left tackles in the NFL today.

8. David Bakhtiari

David Bakhtiari has played for the Green Bay Packers since 2013 and has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times. Bakhtiari is known for his athleticism, technique, and intelligence. He is a consistent performer both in the run game and pass protection and has helped anchor the Packers offensive line for several years. Bakhtiari is still in his prime and is widely considered to be one of the best left tackles in the NFL today.

9. Jake Long

Jake Long played for several teams during his NFL career, including the Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, and Atlanta Falcons. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was known for his size, strength, and technique. Long was a dominant force in the run game and was equally adept at pass protection. He retired from the NFL in 2017.

10. Andrew Whitworth

Andrew Whitworth has played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams during his NFL career and has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times. Whitworth is known for his size, strength, and technique. He is a consistent performer both in the run game and pass protection and has helped lead the Rams to multiple playoff appearances. Whitworth is still in his prime and is widely considered to be one of the best left tackles in the NFL today.

FAQs

1. What is a left tackle?

A left tackle is an offensive lineman who plays on the left side of the line. The left tackle is responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side and is therefore considered one of the most important positions on the field.

2. Who is the greatest left tackle of all time?

Joe Thomas is widely considered to be the greatest left tackle of all time. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 2007 to 2017 and was selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times.

3. What skills are required to play left tackle?

A left tackle requires a unique combination of size, strength, agility, and intelligence. Left tackles must be able to move quickly and fluidly, as well as react quickly to defensive players. They must also have a deep understanding of offensive schemes and be able to make split-second decisions.

4. Why is the left tackle position so important?

The left tackle is responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side, which is why the position is considered so important. If the left tackle fails to protect the quarterback, the quarterback is at risk of being sacked or injured, which could have serious consequences for the team’s success.

5. How much do left tackles make in the NFL?

Left tackles are often the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL. The exact salary varies depending on the player’s experience, skill level, and team, but left tackles can make millions of dollars per year.