NFL Analysis

9/13/24

8 min read

Ranking NFL’s 10 Best Blindside Protectors In League Today

By Ian Valentino

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) is introduced before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

For many, offensive line play is something that is most interesting when something goes wrong. The importance of quality blocking can't be understated, though, as few playoff contenders can overcome instability and talent deficiencies along the unit. This starts with a team's blindside blocker.

Playing left tackle in the NFL brings as much pressure to perform as any non-quarterback role. The ability to survive on an island takes incredible athleticism and mental acuity. Even the best all-time blockers will lose a few snaps, but advanced metrics and charting have helped evaluators contextualize performances. 

We're using a blend of charting services and the eye test for physical capabilities to help define our list of top 10 blindside blockers in 2024. 

Top 10 NFL Blindside Blockers in 2024

With only one left-handed starting quarterback in the NFL right now (Miami's Tua Tagovailoa), 31 blindside blockers are left tackles. As we rank the top 10 NFL left tackles in the league in 2024, remember that we're not considering 31 right tackles since they don't qualify. This affects Terron Armstead since he'd be at least an honorable mention if he were a blindside blocker.

Here are four excellent left tackles who just miss the cut. 

Honorable Mentions

  • Rasheed Walker, Green Bay Packers
  • Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills
  • Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions
  • Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens

10. Andrew Thomas, New York Giants

While everything else about the New York Giants is concerning, developing Andrew Thomas into an All-Pro candidate has given the franchise stability at left tackle for the next decade. Graded as the sixth-most effective pass-blocker in 2023 despite dealing with hamstring and knee injuries, Thomas is mastering his craft in pass protection. This season should be even better if he's healthy.

Thomas' run blocking is where he can improve the most. Despite his power and length, Thomas could get lower and more effectively drive opponents out of gaps.

9. Charles Cross, Seattle Seahawks

An elite run blocker with some of the best agility in the league at the position, Charles Cross is entering his prime years as an under-the-radar left tackle. His Week 1 performance against Denver was dominant, and it's not surprising considering his career trajectory. Few players move as well in space as Cross, and that is on display as a pass-and-run blocker. 

He finished 2023 as the league's third-best left tackle in run-blocking win rate and cut his penalties and sacks allowed as a pass blocker. There's still room for improvement, as defenders can get into his 307-pound frame and use strength to walk him into the pocket too often. However, the total package is that of an above-average player at only 23 years old, and his consistency is improving. 

8. Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings

Some of Christian Darrisaw's 2023 stats were exacerbated by protecting four quarterbacks throughout the season. He had a career-high seven penalties and allowed six sacks, but a closer examination of those plays revealed more context that takes some blame off Darrisaw. It's better to focus on how effective the uber-athlete is.

Although only 25, Darrisaw has blossomed from a project into a franchise pillar for the Vikings. He's above-average in run and pass blocking and has the traits to elevate himself into the top few players at left tackle. 

7. Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers

When Rashawn Slater entered the NFL, evaluators felt he was a good candidate to move inside to guard or kick from left to right tackle. Considered short for a left tackle at 6-foot-4, Slater has had no issues being on the blindside island.

He's now so good that Los Angeles never considered moving Slater to right tackle so that 2024 first-round pick Joe Alt could take his spot. 

Slater allowed only three sacks in 1,154 snaps last season and won every pass-block snap in Week 1 against Maxx Crosby. He's not as physically intimidating or dominant with traits but is remarkably well-rounded and consistent. 

6. Kolton Miller, Las Vegas Raiders

A powerful blocker who once heavily relied on his athleticism to get by, Kolton Miller's development is one of the best examples of why teams bank on an individual's work ethic and natural gifts. Miller has blossomed into one of the NFL's steadiest and most reliable left tackles. After allowing seven sacks in 2019, Miller hasn't given up more than four in any season since.

Miller's coming off a stellar 2023 campaign with one penalty in 705 snaps. He finished with 25 wins in 26 pass-blocking snaps in Week 1 and received double-team help less often than all but one blindside blocker. Not even 30, Miller is someone the Raiders can still build around for the next half-decade. 

5. Tyron Smith, New York Jets

Injuries have limited Tyron Smith's time on the field, but it's unfair to characterize his play as slipping. He was a Second-Team All-Pro last season, allowing one sack in 499 pass-blocking attempts. Smith was second among left tackles in run block win rate and had the lowest double team rate of the top 10 tackles. 

His career has been defined by high-end impact and consistency, making Smith a future Hall of Famer. Though he's not as quick as before, Smith has remarkable technique and enough athleticism to still be a rock into his mid-30s with the Jets. 

4. Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles

There's no better run-blocking left tackle in the NFL than Jordan Mailata.

While the running game has been de-emphasized across the league, the Philadelphia Eagles have built their identity around winning in the trenches. Mailata's development into a dominant downhill blocker has undoubtedly benefitted the franchise.

Mailata's growth as a pass-blocker is more remarkable, considering he was a rugby player transitioning to the NFL. He graded out at 100 percent effectiveness in Week 1 against Green Bay, aided by Philadelphia's adaptation to a quicker-throwing offense. Expect to see his pressure rate (a career-high 6.6 percent in 2023) drop and better reflect his abilities in 2024.

3. Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Moving a top-two right tackle to the left side was a bold decision for the Buccaneers, but Tristan Wirfs is still pretty darn good. His first season as a blindside blocker wasn't quite as dominant as he learned to flip all of his movements. But Wirfs' performance was still far better than the average tackle, so it's not as if he's a liability.

It's possible Wirfs is the best overall athlete in the NFL, let alone just at tackle. 6-foot-5, 320-pounders shouldn't move the way Wirfs can, and his power is out of this world. That's the foundation for one of the most entertaining blockers in the NFL. 

2. Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans

One of the NFL's three best pure pass blockers, Laremy Tunsil, is a wall of stone. His heavy hands, quick feet, and impressive reaction ability easily shut down pass-rush moves. It doesn't matter whether he's facing speedier defenders or bull rushers. Tunsil wins as often as anyone in the sport.

What hurts the 29-year-old is his run blocking. Tunsil has gotten top-heavy throughout his career, so he struggles a bit to create the pad level and leverage needed to maul through traffic. Still, his pass protection is so valuable that it'd be unfair to dock Tunsil too much, given his impact.

1. Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

The fact that Trent Williams is 36 does not affect his performance. The future Hall of Famer is still playing at his peak, leveling defenders in the run game and being as reliable a pass protector as anyone.

Williams has allowed only two sacks since the end of the 2020 season and is the NFL's best run blocker.

The biggest knock on Williams is his durability. An ankle injury affected him throughout the second half of 2023, and he's missed time in every season since 2013. It's a minor knock, though, as the 49ers are more than happy to have Williams for the majority of a season and playoffs in return for a few missed games.

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Tags: Andrew Thomas, Charles Cross, Christian Darrisaw See More

Ian Valentino

Ian Valentino is an NFL and NFL draft contributor for The 33rd Team. He has covered all aspects of the NFL since 2013. He's previously provided scouting services to the NFL, XFL and CFL. He also has written for Bleacher Report, Complex Sports and Pro Football Network.

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