How fat is 'too fat'? (O-Line question)

[playlikeawhat]

I was watching the Super Bowl this past Sunday and noticed something particular about Seattle's o-line.  Most of those guys, while not small, appeared to be fit (for their size).  I then look at our line and the lines of some other teams that frequently fail to protect the quarterback or create running lanes.  These guys look as if they're out of shape.  Some on a gross level.

 

It's not as if Seattle provided immaculate protection throughout the season.  Russell Wilson was still sacked a bunch (44 times in 2013) but it doesn't seem as if it was enough to cripple the offense like it did us this year.  I'm sure I left out some other elements that would provide a better comparison but my focus is on the condition of the o-line.  I understand the need for big, stout lineman with a significant wing span and good center of gravity but do some of our guys look sloppy or is it the camera/TV, etc?

 

Also, how big is too big when it comes to an offensive lineman based on his position?

[The Raven]

Gino and Yanda are big in the mid-section, but it doesn't really affect their quickness. Yanda's strong, so I know his core is fine, he's just got a beer gut. Gino could stand to work on his core more. Otherwise, our guys aren't that sloppy. 

 

An offensive lineman is too big when he gets off the ball slow, can't get to the second level, can't pass block, or can't reach block. Basically, Bryant McKinnie.

 

Although, it is possible to be really big and quick. Osemele is pretty quick for a big guy. 

 

Generally speaking, offensive linemen should be between 300-330 depending on scheme, height, and position. 315-320 is where I've seen most guards most effective. Tackles can be anywhere. Eugene Monroe is effective at 315, but others can get by at 330-345. Centers are typically about a guards weight.

 

I've noticed that when an olineman gets too heavy, he actually gets worse as a run blocker because he doesn't have quickness. 

[BloodRaven]

Linemen have to find their own ideal balance between weight and quickness. The aesthetic isn't as important as the function. Take two former Raven right takles for example, Willie Anderson was built like Jabba the Hutt and was a pro bowl tackle, Ethan Brooks looked like JJ Watt but he sucked.