For the 2023 NFL season, Mike Kashuba curated a Top 50 list, voted on by the Last Word On Sports NFL Department. The Los Angeles Chargers got lots of love from the staff, leading to multiple placements in the top 50. To kick us off, the superstar center, Corey Linsley is one of the few big boys to place in our list.
Corey Linsley Cracks the LWOS Top 50 Players in the NFL
Linsley’s Placement
Corey Linsley was voted in at 47 and was the highest center on the entire list. When you think of the Los Angeles Chargers, you probably don’t think of Corey Linsley, but without the former All-Pro center leading the way, players who also appear further on this list, wouldn’t of have nearly been as productive.
Justin Herbert is still young in his career, developing his understanding of defenses. Under the leadership of Linsley, protections were called out and executed. Surrounding Linsley you have now-two young guards and two very talented rising offensive tackles. Look to see talented players like Rashawn Slater & Zion Johnson fight for a spot on this list next year.
The Road to the Top 50
Corey Linsley was a fifth-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, by the Green Bay Packers. Coming out of The Ohio State University, the Packers expected a lot of the Day 3 selection, asking him to start all 16 games.
The Ohio State alumni got his first All-Pro nod in 2020, showing out as the league’s best center. After this showing, Linsley signed a record-setting deal with the Chargers. He proved to be worthy of this contract, earning Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2021. Hoping to continue his stellar play into 2022, Linsley hopes to show out with his second year under Joe Lombardi.
The 2022 Season
During the course of the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Chargers were cursed, as usual, with the injury bug. Corey Linsley was no exception to this. Linsley missed three games and was replaced during his time out by the infamous Will Clapp. Clapp played adequately during his starts, but the offense looked so much cleaner when the All-Pro center was in. Beyond his missed games, Linsley stayed consistent in his play, outwitting and moving defenders.
Linsley showed his prowess both in the run and the passing game, using his film study, experience, and of course, technique to ensure smooth runs for Austin Ekeler, and clean pockets for the current highest-paid player in the league, Justin Herbert.
Corey Linsley’s Outlook on 2023
Corey Linsley will once again look to be a rock for this Chargers’ offensive line in 2023. Justin Herbert may be progressing in his experience and ability to call protections, but the now ten-year veteran will provide his services as the caller of the protection. With the offensive line coming back at full strength with the recovery of Rashawn Slater, look for all five spots to be in perfect conjunction, starting with the Last Word On Sports’s 47th-ranked player, Corey Linsley.
Main Photo: Isaiah Downing – USA Today Sports
