The 15 Shortest Offensive Linemen in the NFL (2024)
In a sport where size is often equated with strength and dominance, particularly among offensive linemen, a group of players is breaking the mold with their lesser stature. From a detailed analysis of nearly 300 active offensive linemen on the 2023 Week 1 rosters, a select few have emerged as the shortest in the league.
These players, defying the traditional expectations for their position, demonstrate that height is not the sole determinant of success on the offensive line.
This article will focus on the careers and playing styles of these shortest offensive linemen. Despite not possessing the towering frames typically seen in their role, they bring unique strengths to the table.
Shortest OL in the NFL
| Name | Height | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Harris | 6’1″ | C | Cleveland Browns |
| Aaron Brewer | 6’1″ | C | Tennessee Titans |
| Shaq Mason | 6’1″ | G | Houston Texans |
| Doug Kramer | 6’2″ | C | Chicago Bears |
| Brian Allen | 6’2″ | C | Los Angeles Rams |
| Tyler Linderbaum | 6’2″ | C | Baltimore Ravens |
| Olu Oluwatimi | 6’2″ | C | Seattle Seahawks |
| Xavier Newman-Johnson | 6’2″ | G | Tennesse Titans |
| Jordan Meredith | 6’2″ | G | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Jordan McFadden | 6’2″ | G | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Tremayne Anchrum | 6’2″ | G | Los Angeles Rams |
| Kyle Hinton | 6’2″ | G | Atlanta Falcons |
| Damien Lewis | 6’2″ | G | Seattle Seahawks |
| Jovaughn Gwyn | 6’2″ | OL | Atlanta Falcons |
| Isaiah Wynn | 6’2″ | OT | Miami Dolphins |
The average offensive lineman in the NFL is an impressive 6’5″, so while these guys are by no means “short”, they are much shorter than most of their counterparts in the league.
It’s also rather noticeable that the 15 shortest linemen are almost all Centers and Guards. As hard as it is to play Offensive Line at 6’2″ or less, it’s even harder to try to do it as a Tackle.
Nick Harris
- Height: 6’1″
- Team: Cleveland Browns
- Position: Center
Nick Harris plays center for the Cleveland Browns. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Washington, Harris quickly demonstrated his capability as a reliable and technically sound lineman.
Despite being shorter than many of his counterparts, his agility and quickness, combined with excellent leverage skills, make him effective against larger defenders. His ability to anchor the Browns’ interior line and assist in both pass protection and run blocking showcases his value to the team.
Aaron Brewer
- Height: 6’1″
- Team: Tennessee Titans
- Position: Center
Aaron Brewer is a center for the Tennessee Titans. Joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2020 from Texas State University, Brewer has shown his versatility and adaptability.
Known for his quickness and strength, Brewer excels in creating lanes in the run game and providing stable protection in the passing game. His performance, especially as an undrafted player, highlights his determination and skill.
Shaq Mason
- Height: 6’1″
- Team: Houston Texans
- Position: Guard
Shaq Mason, a 6’1″ guard for the Houston Texans, is known for his strength and effective blocking. Originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Mason developed into one of the NFL’s top guards.
At Georgia Tech, he was a key player in their run-heavy offense, and he has continued to excel in the run game at the professional level. His lower center of gravity allows him to maintain excellent leverage against taller opponents.
Doug Kramer
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Chicago Bears
- Position: Center
Doug Kramer is a center for the Chicago Bears. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Illinois, Kramer has been recognized for his football intelligence and blocking skills.
In college, he was a consistent starter and a linchpin of the offensive line, known for his durability and leadership. Kramer’s ability to quickly diagnose defensive schemes makes him a valuable asset in the Bears’ offensive line.
Brian Allen
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
- Position: Center
Brian Allen plays center for the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft from Michigan State University, Allen has established himself as a key component of the Rams’ offensive line.
Known for his toughness and competitive nature, he excels in both pass protection and run blocking. Allen’s physicality and technique, despite his height, allow him to effectively compete against larger defensive linemen.
Tyler Linderbaum
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
- Position: Center
Tyler Linderbaum is the center for the Baltimore Ravens. Drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Iowa, Linderbaum has been celebrated for his exceptional athleticism and intelligence on the field.
At Iowa, he was a standout player, known for his quickness, strength, and ability to anchor the line. His smaller stature for an offensive lineman is offset by his exceptional technique and leverage, making him a promising asset for the Ravens’ offensive line.
Olu Oluwatimi
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- Position: Center
Olu Oluwatimi plays center for the Seattle Seahawks. An undrafted free agent in 2022, Oluwatimi had an impressive college career at the University of Virginia, where he was known for his durability and consistency.
His ability to effectively handle larger defensive opponents and his skill in both pass protection and run blocking make him a valuable addition to the Seahawks’ offensive front.
Xavier Newman-Johnson
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Tennessee Titans
- Position: Guard
Xavier Newman-Johnson, at 6’2″, is a guard for the Tennessee Titans. As an undrafted free agent from Baylor University, Newman-Johnson has demonstrated his versatility and adaptability on the line.
Known for his agility and technique, he effectively uses his size to gain leverage and create openings in the run game, as well as providing reliable protection for the quarterback.
Jordan Meredith
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
- Position: Guard
Jordan Meredith plays as a guard for the Las Vegas Raiders. He joined the team as an undrafted free agent from Western Kentucky University, where he showcased his strength and footwork.
Meredith’s skill set, particularly in pass protection and his ability to pull and lead in the run game, makes him an emerging talent on the Raiders’ offensive line.
Jordan McFadden
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
- Position: Guard
Jordan McFadden is a guard for the Los Angeles Chargers. An undrafted free agent from Clemson University, McFadden was known in college for his athleticism and effectiveness in both run blocking and pass protection.
His size allows him to maintain a low center of gravity, aiding in leverage against larger defensive linemen. McFadden’s agility and technique are key strengths as he continues to develop at the professional level.
Tremayne Anchrum
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
- Position: Guard
Tremayne Anchrum is a guard for the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft from Clemson University, Anchrum has proven to be a reliable player with versatility.
In college, he excelled in both run blocking and pass protection, known for his strong technique and football IQ. Anchrum’s ability to adapt to the professional level and utilize his size effectively in various blocking schemes makes him a valuable asset to the Rams’ offensive line.
Kyle Hinton
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- Position: Guard
Kyle Hinton plays guard for the Atlanta Falcons. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft from Washburn University, Hinton entered the league as a promising talent.
His agility and strength are notable, allowing him to be effective in creating space for the running game and providing solid pass protection. Despite his shorter stature for an offensive lineman, Hinton’s athleticism and technical skills contribute significantly to the Falcons’ offensive efforts.
Damien Lewis
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- Position: Guard
Damien Lewis, a 6’2″ guard, plays for the Seattle Seahawks. Drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft from LSU, Lewis quickly established himself as a key starter. At LSU, he was known for his powerful run blocking and solid pass protection.
In the NFL, Lewis has continued to demonstrate these strengths, using his size and technique to handle larger defenders effectively and contribute to the Seahawks’ offensive line’s success.
Jovaughn Gwyn
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- Position: Offensive Lineman
Jovaughn Gwyn, also 6’2″, is a versatile offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons. His college career at South Carolina showcased his ability to play multiple positions along the line, demonstrating his adaptability and skill.
Gwyn’s strength and quickness enable him to be effective in both pass protection and run blocking, despite his smaller size for an offensive lineman.
Isaiah Wynn
- Height: 6’2″
- Team: Miami Dolphins
- Position: Offensive Tackle
Isaiah Wynn is an offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins. Originally drafted 23rd overall by the New England Patriots in the 2018 NFL Draft from the University of Georgia, Wynn has shown his capability to play at a high level. His college career was marked by exceptional performance, especially in pass protection.
In the NFL, Wynn has leveraged his agility and technique to overcome challenges posed by larger defensive linemen, proving to be a reliable protector on the Dolphins’ offensive line.
Final Thoughts
These fifteen offensive linemen, each standing at 6’2″ or shorter, exemplify that height is not the only determinant of success in the trenches of the NFL.
Players like Nick Harris, Aaron Brewer, and Isaiah Wynn, among others, demonstrate that attributes such as technique, agility, strength, and football intelligence can compensate for a lack of towering stature typically associated with their positions.
The presence of these linemen in the league not only challenges traditional perceptions but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring football players who may not meet the conventional physical benchmarks.
