Every team wants one (or should if they are run well), but it's a little late in the season to get new blood on the line, gifts from St. Nick not withstanding.

Last season, quite a few teams decided they needed to improve the line, and want after the postions in the draft with a vengence. So far, the Broncos and Panthers' choices have paid off. But it is a little early to grade things like this. Instead, it pays to look at the teams that have dominant lines now, because of what they have done in the last few years. The Giants have a great line, but it is the Titans that deserves high praise. A combination of drafting, free agent acquisition and coaching have been their foundation.

Who are these guys:

Kevin Mawae (C)

Michael Roos (LT)

David Stewart (RT)

Jake Scott (RG)

Eugene Amano (LG)

Before examining each, it is important to point out these guys have started all 15 games. They are both talented and durable. This is not a patchwork squad, and working as a cohesive unit if not trumping individual ability, then at least augments individual performance in a way stats cannot meaningfully measure. Still, Collins has been sacked 8 times! Would that Ben had such a luxury. And Chris Johnson is a talent, but LenDale and his TD total greatly benefits from the 5 guys doing the hardwork.

Mawae-

This guy is 37. In the 2005 season, a torn tricep limited his effectiveness and he was released by the Jets. An injured (and 35 at the time) center doesn't get to rest on pro bowl laurels. (By-the-by, the Jets are pretty happy with replacement Nick Mangold).

The Titans signed him in the 2006 offseason- a move that became necessary when their center Justin Hartwig (yup) turned down an offer and went to Carolina. Mawae's leadership/experience was talked about as a strong plus given the Titans' relative inexperience. His play was nothing special last season, but this year, with Collins in the pocket, Mawae has shown a resurgence. Casey Hampton would certainly agree.

Roos and Stewart were 2005 draft picks 41st and 113th overall, respectively. The Steelers selected Trai Essex with the 93rd selection. Roos has started every game, while Stewart became the starter in 2006. Both have remained healthy, and are unsung talents. If you were wondering why the Steelers were not getting sacks, well, keep in mind this tandem also held Mario Williams without a sack in both meetings this year.

Jake Scott signed with the team this past offseason for 4 years at $5 million. The Titans snatched him from the Colts after losing Jacob Bell to the Rams (signed for 6 years/$36 mil with $16 mil guaranteed). Bell has struggled with injuries. Scott has been a fantastic pulling guard and the Colts have struggled to run the ball as effectively this year in his absence. The Colts would have loved to still have him, but they didn't have the money. *Did the Steelers show any interest? I don't recall hearing anything.

Amano was a backup last year, but beat out Leroy Harris to take the starting job. He was selected in '04 239th overall as a center and has been a career backup with the team until this season. It's nice that they had such talent practically wasting away on the bench. Given his chance, Amano has risen to the task at hand. A strong consideration for a pro bowl nod.

Aside from the players, it needs to be mentioned that the o-lin coach Mike Munchak (himself a HOF guard inducted in 01) gets very little praise, but he is a tremendous coach. He is great at developing young talent, and he has revitalized Mawae in the twilight of his career.