Our AFC West positional rankings series continues with a look at a young group of offensive linemen:
1. Ryan Clady, Denver: He was great in 2012. Denver is trying to secure him long term.
2. Branden Albert, Kansas City: Albert is not elite, but he is way above average. The Chiefs want to keep him with a long-term deal.
3. Zane Beadles, Denver: This big, athletic guard broke out in 2012.
4. Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland: I’m a big Wisniewski fan. Some scouts think he is better at guard than at his current center spot, but he is terrific anywhere.
5. Jared Veldheer, Oakland: The left tackle has gotten massive. He has big ability, but needs more consistency.
6. Eric Fisher, Kansas City: The Chiefs expect important impact at right tackle from the No. 1 overall draft pick.
7. Louis Vasquez, Denver: This massive guard was a huge pickup for Denver.
8. Nick Hardwick, San Diego: The venerable center is the anchor of a rebuilding line.
9. Orlando Franklin, Denver: A huge, nasty right tackle who fits the offense well.
10. D.J. Fluker, San Diego: Drafted with the No. 11 overall pick to play right tackle, his eventual spot may be right guard.
11. Jon Asamoah, Kansas City: A young, steady guard.
12. Max Starks, San Diego: A big mauler who will fill the left tackle hole for the Chargers.
13. Chad Rinehart, San Diego: An underrated offseason pickup that will play left guard.
14. Geoff Schwartz, Kansas City: Versatile free-agent pickup will find a way to help.
15. Jeff Allen, Kansas City: Like Schwartz, Allen can play anywhere.
16. J.D. Walton, Denver: The center is coming off an injury.
17. Rodney Hudson, Kansas City: Ditto.
18. Menelik Watson, Oakland: I think this raw but talented right tackle wins the starting spot.
19. Jeromey Clary, San Diego: Replaced right tackle is likely to start at right guard.
20. Donald Stephenson, Kansas City: This second-year player is good depth for the Chiefs.
21. Mike Brisiel, Oakland: A bad fit for the power-blocking scheme, he is likely in his last year in Oakland.
22. King Dunlap, San Diego: A lower-level swing player.
23. Tony Bergstrom, Oakland: Has a chance to start. Raiders were hoping for a quicker adjustment by the 2012 third rounder.
• Denver guard Chris Kuper would be on this list, but he is expected to be cut at some point because of injuries.