Top 10 White Left Tackles of All Time: Dominating the Trenches and Protecting the Blind Side
The top white left tackles of all time represent a group of players who dominated the trenches, protected legends, and shaped the game with their power and precision. Joe Thomas is often the first name mentioned, but the story doesn’t stop there.
Jake Long crushed defenders while Jordan Gross anchored lines with unmatched consistency. These linemen didn’t just block – they controlled the flow of every play. If you think you know who stands at the top, you might be in for a surprise.
Table of Contents
1. Joe Thomas
- Position: Left Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 312 lb
- Teams: Cleveland Browns (2007 – 2017)
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Joe Thomas is hailed as one of the most consistent and formidable left tackles in NFL history. Playing every snap from his rookie year in 2007 until his unfortunate triceps injury in 2017, Thomas set an NFL record with 10,363 consecutive snaps, underscoring his reliability and endurance.
Known for his impeccable technique and strength, Thomas protected a slew of quarterbacks with unparalleled proficiency.
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Despite playing for a struggling Cleveland Browns team, Thomas’s personal excellence and commitment to the franchise earned him immense respect throughout the league. His seamless footwork and strong blocking were pivotal in his standout career.
- Accolades:
- 10× Pro Bowl selections (2007–2016)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (2009–2011, 2013, 2014)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2023)
2. Ron Mix
- Position: Left Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 250 lbs
- Teams: San Diego Chargers (1960-1969) Los Angeles Raiders (1971)
Ron Mix, an iconic figure in the American Football League, was known for his incredible athleticism and intelligence on the field. Playing mainly for the San Diego Chargers, Mix’s agility and strength made him a formidable presence at the left tackle position.
His technical prowess and clean play — he was rarely penalized — contributed to a dominant run and pass protection game.
Mix’s contributions were pivotal in the Chargers’ powerful offense of the 1960s, providing steady protection for quarterbacks and opening lanes for running backs. His performance prowess earned him a reputation as one of the best offensive linemen in AFL history.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1979)
- 8 AFL All-Star selections
- 9-time First-team All-AFL honoree
- Member of the AFL All-Time Team
3. Jake Long
- Position: Left Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 322 lbs
- Teams: Miami Dolphins (2008-2012), St. Louis Rams (2013-2014), Atlanta Falcons (2015), Minnesota Vikings (2016)
Jake Long quickly established himself as a dominant force on the offensive line after being selected first overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Known for his exceptional size, strength, and technique, Long was an exemplary pass protector and run blocker.
He anchored the Dolphins’ line, greatly contributing to their rejuvenated offensive strategy.
His keen ability to read defenses and anticipate rush moves made him a cornerstone of Miami’s rebuilding phase. Despite facing injuries in later years, Long’s early impact and consistency left an indelible mark on the franchises he played for, especially Miami.
- Accolades:
- 4× Pro Bowl selection (2008-2011)
- First-team All-Pro (2010)
- Second-team All-Pro (2009)
- NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year (2010)
- 2008 All-Rookie Team
4. Tony Boselli
- Position: Left Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 322 lbs
- Teams: Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-2001), Houston Texans (2002)
Tony Boselli was the first draft pick in Jacksonville Jaguars history, instantly becoming a cornerstone of their offensive line. Known for his imposing size and athleticism, Boselli’s playing style was defined by his exceptional footwork and relentless drive, making him a dominant force in protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
His impact was felt beyond the field, as he helped shape the identity and competitive spirit of the Jaguars during their formative years. Boselli’s legacy includes leading the team to multiple playoff appearances, establishing a standard of excellence for future Jaguars.
- Accolades:
- 5-time Pro Bowl selection
- 3-time First-team All-Pro
- 71 career starts
- Jacksonville Jaguars Ring of Honor inductee
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022
5. Dan Dierdorf
Position: Left Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 275 lbs
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1971–1983)
Dan Dierdorf was a dominant force on the offensive line throughout the 1970s and early 80s. Known for his exceptional technique and toughness, Dierdorf anchored the Cardinals’ offensive line, helping them lead the league in fewest sacks allowed for multiple seasons.
His durability and leadership earned him recognition as one of the premier linemen of his era.
Dierdorf’s intelligence and physicality allowed him to play both tackle and center at different points in his career. His contributions to the game extended beyond the field, as he went on to become a celebrated broadcaster after retiring.
Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
- 6× Pro Bowler (1974–1978, 1980)
- 3× First-Team All-Pro (1976–1978)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
6. Ron Yary
Position: Left Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 255 lbs
Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1968–1981), Los Angeles Rams (1982)
Ron Yary was the first offensive lineman ever drafted first overall in the NFL Draft (1968), and he more than lived up to expectations. Yary was a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offensive line during their four Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s.
His blend of size, agility, and power made him a nightmare for defensive linemen.
Yary’s dominance in pass protection and run blocking contributed significantly to the Vikings’ offensive success. His toughness and consistency were trademarks of his Hall of Fame career.
Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)
- 7× Pro Bowler (1971–1977)
- 6× First-Team All-Pro (1971–1976)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
7. Jimbo Covert
Position: Left Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 277 lbs
Teams: Chicago Bears (1983–1991)
Jimbo Covert was a key piece of the dominant 1985 Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. Known for his strength and athleticism, Covert was one of the league’s top blindside protectors during his career.
His ability to neutralize pass rushers and open lanes for Walter Payton helped solidify the Bears’ offense.
Though his career was relatively short due to injuries, Covert’s peak years were unmatched by most linemen of his era. His impact was crucial to the Bears’ success in the 1980s.
Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2020)
- 2× Pro Bowler (1985, 1986)
- 2× First-Team All-Pro (1985, 1986)
- Super Bowl Champion (XX)
8. Joe Staley
- Position: Left Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 315 lbs
- Teams: San Franciso 49ers (2007-2019)
Joe Staley was a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line for over a decade, known for his exceptional quickness and technique. His precision in blocking was a demonstration of his rigorous work ethic and dedication to mastering his craft.
Staley’s playing style combined agility with power, making him one of the most reliable linemen in the league.
Among his key moments was protecting quarterbacks like Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick during pivotal playoff runs, including the 49ers’ journey to Super Bowl XLVII. Staley’s influence extends beyond his gameplay as a leader and mentor for younger players.
- Accolades:
- 6× Pro Bowl selections (2011–2015, 2017)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2011, 2012, 2013)
- Named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2010s
- Integral part of the 49ers’ NFC Championship teams in 2012 and 2019
9. Taylor Lewan
- Position: Left Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 309 lbs
- Teams: Tennesse Titans (2014-2022)
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Taylor Lewan, a formidable force on the Tennessee Titans’ offensive line, is known for his athleticism and aggressive playing style. Since being drafted in the first round in 2014, Lewan has made a significant impact with his tenacity and leadership on the field.
His exceptional protection skills have been essential in empowering the Titans’ run-heavy offense while providing stability for the quarterback.
Despite facing injuries and controversies, Lewan’s perseverance and commitment to excellence have made him a staple on the team’s line, helping the Titans reach multiple playoff appearances and an AFC Championship game.
- Accolades:
- 3× Pro Bowl Selection (2016, 2017, 2018)
- 100+ career starts
- Key player in Titans’ 2019 AFC Championship Game run
10. Jordan Gross
- Position: Left Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 305 lbs
- Teams: Carolina Panthers (2003-2013)
Jordan Gross was a reliable force on the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line for over a decade. Selected 8th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft, Gross quickly proved his mettle with a combination of athleticism and technique.
Known for his consistency, he seamlessly shifted between left and right tackle, protecting the quarterback’s blind side with unyielding dedication.
His efficient blocking and leadership greatly contributed to the Panthers reaching Super Bowl XXXVIII. Gross’s remarkable durability allowed him to start 167 games, making him a cornerstone of the Panthers’ offensive efforts and earning him a place in the team’s Hall of Honor.
- Accolades:
- 3× Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2010, 2013)
- 2013 First-team All-Pro
- Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor inductee
- NFL All-Rookie Team (2003)
