Who were the top three NFL rookie offensive linemen in Week 5? Let's dive in and analyze.
Graham Barton
Graham Barton makes the list for the second time this season after an impressive showing against a formidable Atlanta Falcons defensive front. Once again, Barton’s play strength was on full display throughout the game.
Lined up against a nose tackle on most snaps, he effectively controlled the line of scrimmage and minimized backfield penetration. It was particularly exciting to see Barton tested by Grady Jarrett and a strong group of interior defenders, which provided another measure of his growing consistency and reliability.
As highlighted in Week 3, Barton continues to demonstrate a play-to-play steadiness that should inspire confidence both in his abilities and the Buccaneers’ long-term prospects at the center position. Consistency is arguably the most critical trait for any starting offensive lineman. In a position where one mistake can shift the outcome of a play or an entire game, having a player like Barton, who delivers with regularity, is invaluable. This reliability is a massive confidence builder in how coaches game plan and attack defenses, knowing they can trust Barton to perform at a high level on every snap.
Though Barton is still improving and adjusting to the speed of the professional game, it’s clear he's making strides. He’s facing new looks from opposing defenses each week and steadily adapting to the varied challenges presented by seasoned NFL play-callers. It’s encouraging to watch Barton chip away at his development week by week, and as long as he stays the course, he's on track to become one of the top offensive linemen to emerge from this stacked draft class. His progress so far is a strong indicator of just how bright his future could be.
Christian Haynes
Former UConn Husky Christian Haynes has been in fierce competition for the starting right guard position on the Seahawks’ offensive line throughout his rookie season. In limited snaps against the New York Giants, Haynes showed flashes of potential as he continues to adjust to the NFL’s faster, more demanding style of play.
From the outset, the Giants tested Haynes by isolating him against their star defensive lineman, Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence has been one of the league's most dominant players this season, but Haynes demonstrated he could hold his own in the trenches.
One of Haynes' standout traits is his ability to recover and re-establish leverage in pass protection. Although he lacks the ideal raw power of a prototypical NFL guard, he compensates with relentless effort to maintain leverage and positioning. His improved hand technique was also evident, as he frequently adjusted his hand placement when misfiring on an initial rush move, allowing him to recover and preserve the integrity of the pocket.
While Haynes did surrender a tough sack to Lawrence, he competed admirably under constant pressure, showing the kind of resilience needed to survive in the NFL. What’s particularly encouraging is how much he has developed as a professional, adapting to the rigors of the NFL with each passing week. Though he’s still adjusting to the speed and strength of NFL play, the Seahawks’ decision to give him meaningful snaps is a smart move that could pay off in the long run.
His growth is evident, and as he gains more experience with every game, his consistency should improve. After Week 5, Seahawks fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Haynes’ future and the kind of player he could become for this team.
Roger Rosengarten
After an impressive debut against the Buffalo Bills last week, Roger Rosengarten showed everyone why he was a second-round pick in this year’s draft. And this week, in an overtime battle against the Cincinnati Bengals, he proved he’s already one of the most exciting young linemen in the league.
Rosengarten has quickly embraced the Ravens' style, playing with a confidence that almost borders on arrogance. He earned his reputation as a prospect for his agility and footwork, but it’s his rapid adjustment to the speed of the NFL that’s been most impressive. His hands and patience in pass protection have taken a noticeable step forward, giving him the ability to handle power and finesse moves alike. You can sense the comfort in his pass sets, staying calm under pressure while keeping his feet balanced and his technique sharp. Earlier in the season, there were moments where he struggled with timing or positioning, but now he looks much more in control. It’s clear that the game is starting to slow down for him, and that’s where his real potential is beginning to show.
There’s still work to be done, of course. He’s facing some of the most athletic edge rushers in the league, and he’s still adapting to their level of talent. But to me, Rosengarten is the piece the Ravens' offensive line has been missing. With him now locked in as the full-time starter at right tackle, the line is starting to gel. Facing Von Miller and Trey Hendrickson/Myles Murphy in back-to-back weeks is no small task, but Rosengarten’s performance shows why there’s every reason to be optimistic. The Ravens may have found something special in Rosengarten.
