One of the dominant topics of any football message board or discussion is the importance of the OL to the  development of any team.  On this board we've seen debates regarding whether you build from the trenches or not.  We've seen references posters have made to some great OLs. Today, much of the discussion on the board has focused on who will man the C position now that Meester has retired.

 

But one thing I haven't seen-not even on NFL Network-is any effort to rank the all time great offensive lines in NFL history.

 

I have had a tough time ranking a 1 to 5 group, and I think it would be even harder ranking a 1-10.

 

Input, debate, and discussion on this topic is most certainly welcome.

 

Here is my stab at it-and I am by no means comfortable with this.  I could change it the more I think about it.

 

1.  Madden era Oakland Raiders. -Included All time greats Gene Upshaw (Hall of Famer and member of NFL's 75th anniversary all time team), Art Shell (Hall of Famer), and Jim Otto (Hall of Famer)

 

2.  1990s Dallas-quite possibly the most dominant run blocking team in NFL history.  Featured Hall of Famer Larry Allen, and Pro bowlers Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, Erik Williams.

 

3.  The Hogs-Won 3 Super Bowls with excellent OL play.  Featured Hal of Famer Russ Grimm, Pro Bowlers Joe Jacoby, and Jim Lachey.

 

4.  Lombardi era Packers-ran the legendary Packer sweep to perfection, winning numerous championships.  Featured Hall of Famer in Forrest Gregg, and should be HOFers Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

 

5.  Late 80s/Early 1990s Oilers-Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak are Hall of Famers and part of a dominant OL.

 

There are plenty of other teams I feel warrant consideration here.

 

What do you guys think?

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