Average Height of NFL Offensive Tackles in 2024
In the NFL, the offensive tackle stands out—quite literally. These giants on the gridiron are pivotal to the success of any football team, protecting quarterbacks and clearing paths for running backs.
But just how tall are these behemoths in 2023?
It’s not just about towering over the competition; height plays a strategic role in the rough and tumble of NFL matchups.
For this deep dive, I examined the heights and weights of over 140 offensive tackles on opening-day rosters for the 2023 season. So, lace up your cleats, and let’s line up to uncover the towering truth behind these formidable players.
NFL OT Avg Height
The average height of an NFL Offensive Tackle in 2023 is 6’5 1/2″.
However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. I wanted to take a closer look.
So, in an effort to give you an even better idea of how NFL Offensive Tackles stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 6’2″ all the way to 6’9″.
Offensive Tackle Height Scale
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 6’2″ | 1 |
| 6’3″ | 3 |
| 6’4″ | 16 |
| 6’5″ | 52 |
| 6’6″ | 43 |
| 6’7″ | 16 |
| 6’8″ | 13 |
| 6’9″ | 1 |
An average height of 6’5 1/2″ already seems daunting enough, but when you group the entire position by height, it’s even more imposing.
While there is one player proving that you can technically play the position as short as 6’2″, 6’5″ almost seems to be the cut-off point to play tackle in the NFL (86% – 125 out of 145 – are at least 6’5″).
Which NFL Offensive Tackles are the Tallest?
Curious to know who the 14 guys are at the bottom of the table above? The ones standing 6’8″ or taller?
Thought you might:
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Jones | 6’9″ | Green Bay Packers |
| Daniel Faalele | 6’8″ | Baltimore Ravens |
| Dawand Jones | 6’8″ | Cleveland Browns |
| Trent Brown | 6’8″ | New England Patriots |
| Jordan Mailata | 6’8″ | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Orlando Brown | 6’8″ | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Rob Havenstein | 6’8″ | Los Angeles Rams |
| Cornelius Lucas | 6’8″ | Washington Commanders |
| Kolton Miller | 6’8″ | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Matt Waletzko | 6’8″ | Cowboys |
| Luke Tenuta | 6’8″ | Packers |
| Spencer Brown | 6’8″ | Bills |
| Mike McGlinchey | 6’8″ | Broncos |
| Stone Forsythe | 6’8″ | Seahawks |
Which NFL Offensive Tackles are the Shortest?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the tallest is which guys are actually the shortest.
The 4 shortest offensive tackles in the NFL are all 6’3″ or shorter.
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Wynn | 6’2″ | Miami Dolphins |
| Charles Leno Jr | 6’3″ | Washington Commanders |
| Kelvin Beachum | 6’3″ | Arizona Cardinals |
| Cody Ford | 6’3″ | Cincinnati Bengals |
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration into the heights of NFL offensive tackles in 2023, it’s clear that size does matter in the trenches of professional football.
With the average offensive tackle standing at an impressive 6 feet 5 and a half inches, these players are not just tall, they’re skyscrapers in cleats. This height provides a distinct advantage in leverage, vision, and reach, crucial for battling defensive linemen.
Interestingly, the spectrum of heights within the league is a testament to the diversity of talent in the NFL. On one end, we have the tallest offensive tackles reaching heights that make them seem more suited for basketball courts, while on the shorter end, there are players who defy the odds with skill and technique over sheer size.
This variation underscores a fundamental truth about football: while physical traits like height are significant, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Determination, skill, and strategy often hold the key to success on the gridiron.
