Establishing the line of scrimmage is crucial in football. No offence can be successful without a line of blockers capable of protecting the passer and opening up wide running lanes.
A number of top linemen have already re-signed ahead of free agency — Stanley Bryant, Nolan MacMillan, Ucambre Williams — but there are still plenty of talented players who could potentially be available.
Check back tomorrow for our receiver rankings or view our previous rankings for defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, and specialists.
Americans
1) Ryker Mathews, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The 27-year-old plays left tackle at an all-star level and has helped secure the blindside of Hamilton’s quarterbacks over the past three seasons.
2) Derek Dennis, Calgary Stampeders
A former CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman who played through injury in 2019, starting 16 games at left and right tackle.
3) Justin Renfrow, B.C. Lions
The 30-year-old helped stabilize B.C.’s offensive line following a trade from Calgary, starting 11 games at right tackle.
4) Thaddeus Coleman, Saskatchewan Roughriders
The six-foot-eight, 320-pounder started all 18 games for the Riders at right tackle last season; he’s a solid blocker, but turns 35 in June.
5) Tommie Draheim, Edmonton Eskimos
The 31-year-old has dressed for just 29 games over the past five years, though he started ten games at left tackle in 2019.
Best of the rest: Travis Bond, Edmonton Eskimos; Antonio Johnson Sr., B.C. Lions
Nationals
1) Michael Couture, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The soon-to-be 26-year-old cracked Winnipeg’s starting lineup in 2019, helping pave the way for the league’s top rushing attack at centre.
2) Dariusz Bladek, Saskatchewan Roughriders
He started just eight games in 2019 due to a logjam along Saskatchewan’s offensive line, but the Bethune-Cookman product is capable of starting at guard or centre.
3) Ryan Bomben, Free Agent
Released by the Argonauts prior to receiving an off-season roster bonus, the four-time East Division all-star still has some gas left in the tank.
4) Philip Blake, Saskatchewan Roughriders
The 34-year-old started just eight games due to injury but remains a consistent starter at guard.
5) David Foucault, B.C. Lions
The soon-to-be 31-year-old is a serviceable blocker capable of starting at guard or sliding out to tackle in a pinch.
6) Spencer Wilson, Free Agent
Recently released by the Alouettes, the nine-year veteran is capable of filling in at all five spots along the offensive line.
7) Tyler Holmes, Toronto Argonauts
The former East Division all-star is coming off a down year with the Argos, but he may still be able to help a team.
8) Jean-Simon Roy, B.C. Lions
The Laval product would make a nice addition for any team looking to enhance their depth at centre.
9) Josiah St. John, Edmonton Eskimos
The former first-overall pick continues to search for a long-term home having split the 2019 season between practice rosters in B.C. and Edmonton.
