Scout's take: Sizing up NFL's best big-men groups

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Other than the Rams' Aaron Donald (280 lbs.), overall, the big man who carries the most weight for this exercise is Fletcher Cox (310 lbs.). The fact that Cox also has Timmy Jernigan (295 lbs.) and Malik Jackson (290 lbs.) alongside him at defensive tackle is somewhat amazing. That alone would have Philadelphia high on this list, but the Eagles also are in the conversation for having the NFL’s best offensive line. How many teams in this league can trade up for a left tackle in the first round and not even start him? That is exactly what Philadelphia did in drafting Andre Dillard (315 lbs.), who is in an ideal position to learn from one of the best left tackles of this generation: Jason Peters (328 lbs.). Meanwhile, Jason Kelce (295 lbs.) and Lane Johnson (317 lbs.) are very much in the conversation for being the NFL’s best center and right tackle, respectively. And Brandon Brooks (335 lbs.) is an excellent guard. Philadelphia has an embarrassment of 300-pound riches.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers offensive line has amazing continuity and a huge component of sustained offensive line play — as well as depth. Pittsburgh has eight offensive linemen who could conceivably start on other teams and also has Pro Bowlers in Maurkice Pouncey (304 lbs.), David DeCastro (316 lbs.) and Alejandro Villanueva (320 lbs.). Pittsburgh’s big men on the other side of the ball are equally as impressive. Cameron Heyward (295 lbs.) is a solid player, and Stephon Tuitt (303 lbs.) is even more talented, often showing flashes of greatness. Javon Hargrave (305 lbs.) is very much a breakout candidate who has not seen as much playing time because of the team's two other excellent defensive linemen, and Tyson Alualu (304 lbs.) also provides strong depth. The Steelers being loaded with great big men has become the foundation of their franchise.

3. Carolina Panthers

It might shock some people that Carolina is this high on the list, but the Panthers did a great job this offseason at improving on both sides of the ball. After being released by the Buccaneers, Gerald McCoy (300 lbs.) was quickly snatched up by his former divisional rival. With Kawann Short (315 lbs.), the straw that stirs the drink for Carolina’s front, along with Dontari Poe (346 lbs.), the up-in-age McCoy should be able to rotate in and stay fresh, causing huge problems for interior offensive lines. The Panthers also have 2016 first-round pick Vernon Butler (330 lbs.). Matt Paradis (300 lbs.), one of the league’s top centers, was added this offseason as the Kalil brothers are now out of town. Greg Van Roten (305 lbs.) is an underrated guard and the weakest link of what is now a good young line. To make this group even stronger, Carolina grabbed Greg Little (310 lbs.) with a second-round pick. There is now plenty here for the Panthers to work with on both lines of scrimmage.

4. Green Bay Packers

It is amazing that David Bakhtiari (310 lbs.) doesn't get more national recognition, as he very well could be the best pass-blocking offensive tackle in the league. Opposite Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga (314 lbs.) has been a higher-end right tackle for some time now, but his health is a concern. Aside from that great set of bookends, the interior got a major shot in the arm with the signing of Billy Turner (310 lbs.) and the drafting of Elgton Jenkins (311 lbs.). Like Bakhtiari, it is incredible that Kenny Clark (314 lbs.) doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as a fantastic interior defensive presence. Finally, Dean Lowry (296 lbs.) is better than most realize.

5. New Orleans Saints

Losing Max Unger, who retired, is a blow to this group, but the Saints did sign Nick Easton (303 lbs.) and were fortunate enough to land Erik McCoy (314 lbs.) in the second round of the draft. But where the New Orleans offensive line really shines is at the tackle spots. Ryan Ramczyk (314 lbs.) has been simply a rock since joining the NFL. Terron Armstead (304 lbs.) hasn’t always been able to stay on the field, but he is one of the best talents at the position and plays up to that ability when healthy. This accomplished offensive line is also quite young. The Saints added 26-year-old Malcolm Brown (320 lbs.), who should occupy space in the middle of the defense quite well. But it is David Onyemata (300 lbs.), also 26, who needs to be recognized as a real up-and-coming defensive tackle.

6. Chicago Bears

Akiem Hicks (332 lbs.) might get overshadowed a bit by Khalil Mack in Chicago, but he is an immense talent who throws offensive linemen around like ragdolls at times. He is much more than just a run-stuffer. Eddie Goldman (320 lbs.) is another huge interior defensive lineman who makes those around him better by eating up double teams. The offensive line also is talented, even though there isn’t a true star in the group. Injuries have been a problem for Kyle Long (316 lbs.), who has missed 23 games over the past three years. But when Long is right, he is highly impressive. James Daniels (295 lbs.) looks to have a bright future, especially now that he is a full-time center, his natural position. Charles Leno (306 lbs.) seems to get better every year, and Cody Whitehair (310 lbs.) has been extremely effective wherever he has been asked to line up. Ted Larson (323 lbs.) also provides quality offensive line depth.

Honorable Mentions: (Alphabetical, with big-man standout for each):

• Dallas: Zach Martin, guard (315 lbs.)
• Detroit: Damon Harrison, nose tackle (350 lbs.)
• Indianapolis: Quenton Nelson, guard (331 lbs.)
• Los Angeles Rams: Aaron Donald, DT (284 lbs.)
• New England: Shaq Mason, guard (311 lbs.)
• San Francisco: DeForest Buckner, DT (287 lbs.)
• Tennessee: Jurrell Casey, DE (300 lbs.)