In the universe of DC Comics, there are many superheroes. In the NFL too and especially on the offensive line.
Superman Tier
Superman is the hero par excellence: the one with the most important powers.
Trent Williams (49ers), Zack Martin (Cowboys), Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers), Quenton Nelson (Colts), David Bakthiari (Packers), Laremy Tunsil (Texans), Orlando Brown (Bengals)
Trent Williams is without question the Superman of the offensive line! Imposing to resist the strongest attackers, it is also mobile to counter the fastest. Inside, Zack Martin and Quenton Nelson, despite a less good 2022 season, are well above the lot.
Tristan Wirfs is the rising star and a credible candidate to wear the red cape in the near future. Laremy Tunsil, despite his numerous penalties, proved to be this phenomenon announced on leaving university.
Orlando Brown had a magnificent 2022 season: only 4 sacks conceded in 893 games in protection. This performance earned him a championship ring with Kansas City and then to sign a very juicy contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Already 10 seasons that David Bakhtiari remains a reference to his position as left tackle. If his physical appearance evokes more Aquaman, he still has his place on the highest step.
Batman Tier
Less naturally gifted than Superman, Batman nevertheless remains a formidable fighter.
Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson (Eagles), Chris Lindstrom (Falcons), Ryan Ramczyk (Saints), Joel Bitonio (Browns), Nate Davis (Bears), Elgton Jenkins (Packers), Ronnie Stanley (Ravens), Terron Armstead (Dolphins) , David Andrews (Patriots), Ryan Kelly (Colts)
Yes Jalen Hurts and yes a terrifying defense. But if the Philadelphia Eagles have played two Super Bowls in six years, they also owe it to the quality of the offensive line. Inside, guards Chris Lindstrom, Joel Bitonio and Elgton Jenkins breach defenses like they’re driving a Batmobile.
Ronnie Stanley and Terron Armstead are sometimes handicapped by injury, but when they are on the pitch their qualities are superior. Ryan Ramczyk remains the safe bet of the New Orleans line while Nate Davis could become one in Chicago, after good performances in Tennessee.
Undrafted in 2015, Center David Andrews won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He was a major player in the success of this franchise. Still performing well at 31, he remains the cornerstone of Boston’s offensive line. Slightly younger and playing in the same position, Ryan Kelly seems made of the same temper.
Robin Tier
Faithful lieutenant, Robin cannot save the world by himself but knows very well how to assist his leader.
Frank Ragnow (Lions), Joe Thuney (Chiefs), Kolton Miller (Raiders), Jake Matthews (Falcons), Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys), Braden Smith (Colts), Brian O’Neill (Vikings), Jack Conklin (Browns), Taylor Moton (Panthers), Dion Dawkins (Bills)
If they are not necessarily top 5 in their positions, these players are easily top 10. After a cataclysmic rookie season in 2018, Kolton Miller has become a very solid player with the Raiders: hardly penalized and conceding few sacks.
Guard at Auburn University, Braden Smith became a tackle to meet the needs of the Colts: his reliability left him in this position since 2018.
If the star tackle in Minnesota is a player listed in the next category, Brian O’Neill is one of the most competent on the right of the offensive line. On the left side, Jake Matthews is regular in performance but probably pays for the poor results of his Atlanta team to be better considered. But if everyone dreams of being Superman or, at least, Batman, being compared to Robin is already a guarantee of high quality.
Flash Tier
He is the youngest of the superheroes. Already good and destined to take over from the best.
Andrew Thomas (Giants), Creed Humphrey (Chiefs), Penei Sewell (Lions), Christian Darrisaw (Vikings), Charles Cross (Seahawks), Rashawn Slater and Zion Johnson (Chargers), Tyler Smith (Cowboys), Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens) , Michael Onwenu (Patriots)
After a complicated rookie season, Andrew Thomas has established himself as one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. Although he is only 24 years old, he is already one of the leaders of a growing Giants team. Same age and same efficiency for Christian Darrisaw in Minneapolis.
Like Andrew Thomas at tackle, Creed Humphrey has the potential to become a Superman in the near future. And like the Giants player, he’s already a major part of his offense with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Scheduled to play guard, Tyler Smith held the position of left tackle for much of his rookie season in Dallas. Tall, burly and mobile, his NFL future looks bright. It was a lot more complicated for Charles Cross in Seattle, but after a learning season in 2022, he has what it takes to make a difference in 2023.
Steppenwolf Tier
Because every superhero fights a supervillain, Steppenwolf is the villain of the movie Justice League Zack Snyder’s Cut.
Trevor Penning (Saints), Landon Dickerson (Eagles), Jermaine Eluemunor (Raiders)
While none seem on the level of supreme villain Darkseid like Richie Incognito (2005-2020), these players have an aggressive game. Sometimes too much like Trevor Penning who during the Saints camps in 2022 had achieved the feat of starting three fights three days in a row! Hampered by an injury in 2022, New Orleans is counting on him in 2023 but he will have to be more disciplined.
Landon Dickerson was already recognized as an intimidating blocker at Alabama. Well surrounded in Philadelphia, he must however avoid penalizing his team (13 penalties in 2022!) Ditto for the Englishman Jermaine Eluemunor with Las Vegas. Undoubtedly the least talented of this trio, he uses his aggressiveness to gain respect.
Parademons Tier
They look fearsome but mostly serve as cannon fodder.
Donovan Smith (Chiefs), Jonah Williams (Bengals), Charles Leno (Commanders), Liam Eichenberg (Dolphins), Spencer Brown (Bills), Andre James (Raiders), Lloyd Cushenberry (Broncos), Dan Moore (Steelers), Josh Myers (Packers), Braxton Jones (Bears), Evan Neal (Giants)
However, benefiting from a Tom Brady throwing his ball very quickly, Donovan Smith however conceded 8 sacks in 2022: a figure which could have been doubled without his 7 penalties for retaining the jersey. Fortunately Patrick Mahomes knows how to move in the pocket because the protection on his left side could be chaotic!
Another 8 sacks conceded in 2022 for Charles Leno, this is not reassuring for the young quarterback Sam Howell. This result seems correct against the 11 sacks conceded by Jonah Williams in Cincinnati.
Extenuating circumstances for Braxton Jones (13 sacks) and Evan Neal (11 sacks) due to their rookie statuses. However, they will have to show something else in 2023.
Distribution of the NFL/DC Comics crossover
– Superman: Trent Williams (49ers)
– Batman: Jason Kelce (Eagles)
– Robin: Brian O’Neill (Vikings)
– Flash: Andrew Thomas (Giants)
– Steppenwolf: Trevor Penning (Saints)
– Parademon: Donovan Smith (Chiefs)
