Creating a Team USA Olympics football roster using NFL athletes

6. Offensive Line

Left Tackle: Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns

Joe Thomas has been arguably the best offensive lineman in all of football for many years. Despite consistently playing for a losing franchise, Thomas is an elite-level pass protector who can also make plays in the run.

He is the perfect left tackle to protect Brady’s blind side, and is obviously hungry for some success. Don’t let playing for the Browns fool you, Thomas is the best left tackle in the NFL.

Left Guard: Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have the most talented offensive line in the entire NFL. Simply taking their entire offensive line to the Olympics may not be a bad idea, but we can do better. Zack Martin plays right guard on their incredible line, but he makes more sense at left guard here.

While Martin is a great run blocker, his ability to protect the passer from the interior is truly elite. Another blind side protector, Martin is a great addition to the Team USA offensive line.

Center: Ryan Kalil, Carolina Panthers

Cowboys’ center Travis Frederick could easily be the choice at center, but it is hard to argue against Ryan Kalil, who is an incredible veteran center. Kalil is a solid force in the middle who was an extremely important part of the Panthers’ offensive success last season.

He is a guy who Team USA can count on to lead the team up front.

Right Guard: Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens

A mean and nasty run blocker who creates rushing lanes all by himself, Marshal Yanda is arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the NFL. His combination of power and quickness makes him an elite-level run blocker and pass protector.

Setting him up in his familiar right guard position to protect Brady and open up holes for Peterson is undoubtedly a recipe for success.

Right Tackle: Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys

I considered taking Tyron Smith over Joe Thomas at left tackle, but decided that simply moving him over to the right side made more sense. Smith is an incredible athletic offensive tackle who shines as a pass protector, but it is his run blocking ability that really stands out.

Smith is a fantastic overall offensive lineman, but his incredible run blocking ability makes him a better fit for the right side than Thomas. Regardless, the duo of Smith and Thomas is as good as it could possible get at the offensive tackle position.

Next: 7. Defensive Line