In the sport of football, if you aren’t a quarterback, wide receiver, or running back, you are susceptible to being very underrated, even if you’re among the best players at your position. Here are nine such players for the offensive line.
LT Kelvin Beachum, Pittsburgh Steelers
If you ask an average fan who the best offensive lineman on the Steelers is, they will say “Maurkice Pouncey” without a moment’s hesitation. However, that title may very likely belong to left tackle Kelvin Beachum, at least based on last season. Beachum—a 7th round pick in 2012—first made it onto the field during his sophomore season after the implosion of fellow 2012 draft pick Mike Adams. Today, he is Pro Football Focus’s No. 5 ranked tackle, anchoring the line for one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Beachum is a Steeler fan favorite due to how good he is despite being so unknown. Beachum’s play is unique in that though he is very short for an offensive tackle (6-foot-3) and marginal athletically, he makes up for what he lacks physically with outstanding effort, technique, and aggression. Beachum is one of the best pass-protecting tackles in the league, but struggles a bit with run blocking from time to time.
C John Sullivan, Minnesota Vikings
Center John Sullivan is part of the team that paved the road for Adrian Peterson during his 2,000-yard 2013 season. Sullivan has been the Vikings’ best lineman and an elite center for years, but he hasn’t received a single Pro Bowl bid to show for it.
