As the NFL gears up for the 2025 training camps, the discussion around who dominates the trenches has returned. A detailed poll involving over 70 executives, coaches, and scouts from around the league has helped shape a fresh ranking of the league’s best interior offensive linemen heading into the new season.
The process was extensive. Voters submitted ballots listing their top 10 players per position. The results were then tallied using a blend of top-10 placements, average rankings, interviews, and game film analysis, with help from league experts.
This is the sixth year of the ranking exercise, and the interior line, once a stable and predictable group, has seen some significant turnover. With the retirements of long-time stars like Zack Martin and Frank Ragnow, younger players have seized the spotlight. Five of the top seven players are between 24 and 26 years old, and three are new to the top 10.
Top 10 Interior Offensive Linemen for 2025
This is the breakdown of the NFL’s best interior offensive linemen as voted by those who work in the league.
1. Creed Humphrey — Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 26 | Last Year’s Rank: 7
Highest Vote: 1 | Lowest Vote: 10
The Chiefs’ center has earned his place as the top-ranked interior lineman, a title he takes over following the retirement of Jason Kelce. Humphrey appeared on every submitted ballot and consistently placed in the top three.
His 96.2% pass-block win rate last season placed him among the league’s best. Although his run-blocking numbers were solid (73.2%), they weren’t elite. What stands out most is his leadership and control at the line of scrimmage.
“He’s got great instincts and footwork,” said one coordinator. “Not a dominant run blocker, but he gets the job done. Handles complex looks and blitzes with ease.”
Humphrey gave up zero quick pressures in 653 pass-blocking snaps last year — a major factor in the Chiefs’ offensive success.
2. Tyler Smith — Dallas Cowboys
Age: 24 | Last Year’s Rank: Honorable Mention
Highest Vote: 1 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
Stepping into big shoes in Dallas, Smith is making the leap from promise to prominence. Voters who had him on their list tended to put him near the top.
One general manager described him as the most physically gifted guard in football: “He’s strong, fast, and nasty. If Dallas wanted, he could start at left tackle and be elite.”
Penalties, once a concern, have dramatically decreased. Smith only drew two flags last year compared to 10 the year before. His upside and aggressive playing style make him a dominant presence.
A defensive line coach noted: “He’s already the best guard in the league. Powerful, quick, and able to explode into defenders at the second level.”
3. Quenton Nelson — Indianapolis Colts
Age: 29 | Last Year’s Rank: 2
Highest Vote: 1 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
A mainstay in these rankings, Nelson remains one of the most feared guards in football. While some younger players are rising, Nelson is still among the most technically sound and physically dominant interior linemen in the game.
He boasts a career resume that includes multiple All-Pro nods and Pro Bowl selections. In 2024, he posted a 94.4% pass-block win rate and tied for the best run-block win rate at 77.1%.
“He’s the closest thing to a dominant force inside,” an NFC executive said. “Nobody else really knocked him off the top.”
4. Trey Smith — Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 26 | Last Year’s Rank: 9
Highest Vote: 1 | Lowest Vote:** Not Ranked
Smith’s rise continues. Despite his Super Bowl performance being less than ideal, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on him, valuing his power and reliability in the trenches.
“He’s the strongest guy on this list, easily,” one AFC exec commented. “He moves people in the run game and holds his ground in pass protection.”
Smith’s 75.1% run-block win rate places him among the best in the league. A heart condition discovered during college caused some teams to pass on him in the draft, but he’s proven every bit a first-round talent.
5. Landon Dickerson — Philadelphia Eagles
Age: 26 | Last Year’s Rank: 7
Highest Vote: 3 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
Dickerson is a key component of Philadelphia’s offensive success. He’s made the Pro Bowl each of the last three seasons and was a major part of the team’s most recent title run.
Coaches marvel at his strength: “The guy creates mass. Once he anchors, it’s over,” said one offensive line coach.
While some stats point to pass-blocking issues early in the season — with 11 sacks attributed to him — his performance picked up later, particularly in the playoffs. From Week 8 onward, his pass-block win rate soared to 97%.
Despite playing through a knee issue, Dickerson remained durable and consistent.
6. Joe Thuney — Chicago Bears
Age: 32 | Last Year’s Rank: 4
Highest Vote: 1 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
Thuney’s versatility continues to impress. Midway through 2024, the veteran lineman switched from guard to left tackle due to team injuries and held up admirably.
He posted a 96.4% pass-block win rate, tied for first among guards.
“Technique and football IQ make up for any physical decline,” a team executive said. “He’s not as explosive as he once was, but his positioning and hand placement are elite.”
Thuney’s leadership and ability to play multiple spots remain a huge asset to any team.
7. Chris Lindstrom — Atlanta Falcons
Age: 28 | Last Year’s Rank: 2
Highest Vote: 2 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
Lindstrom remains one of the league’s top run-blocking guards, although he took a slight step back in the rankings. His strength in the zone-blocking scheme has helped elevate Atlanta’s rushing attack.
An NFL coordinator predicted: “With Michael Penix Jr. now under center, expect Lindstrom to shine. The play-action and boot concepts will help him in pass protection.”
While his pass-blocking is not elite, his consistency in the run game makes him invaluable.
8. Quinn Meinerz — Denver Broncos
Age: 26 | Last Year’s Rank: Honorable Mention
Highest Vote: 2 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
Meinerz’s 2024 season vaulted him into the spotlight. He earned All-Pro honors and landed a four-year, \$72 million extension. From a small Division III school, Meinerz has climbed to the top of the league.
His 96.6% pass-block win rate was the highest of any lineman with 800+ snaps.
“He figured out he doesn’t have to pancake guys every play,” a personnel director said. “Now he plays with balance and control.”
He’s a cornerstone for Denver as the team rebuilds around a new offensive identity.
9. Elgton Jenkins — Green Bay Packers
Age: 29 | Last Year’s Rank: 10
Highest Vote: 2 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
Jenkins’ versatility makes him one of the league’s most valuable linemen. In 2024, he played nearly every position across the offensive line, including guard, tackle, and center.
His best work may come in 2025 as he transitions to full-time center. Last year, his pass-block win rate was higher at center than anywhere else.
“Jenkins is a plug-and-play guy at all five spots,” one coach said. “That’s rare.”
He’s also due for a new deal, with contract talks expected to intensify this offseason.
10. Tyler Linderbaum — Baltimore Ravens
Age: 25 | Last Year’s Rank: Unranked
Highest Vote: 1 | Lowest Vote: Not Ranked
Rounding out the top 10 is Linderbaum, who has quietly developed into one of the league’s best young centers.
His role in the Ravens’ offense goes beyond blocking — he’s essentially a co-pilot with Lamar Jackson, responsible for line adjustments and blitz pickups.
“He’s built for the run game,” said one veteran coach. “He’s strong, quick, and gets to the second level in a flash.”
With a 96.5% pass-block win rate, Linderbaum has solidified his place among the NFL’s elite interior linemen.
Worthy mentions
Robert Hunt, Carolina Panthers: “Absolute mauler. Better than you think. Downhill, gap scheme, two-back style of run game. As a pass protector, above-average big man, good hands. Can get over-extended because of aggressiveness.” — veteran NFL personnel man
Erik McCoy, New Orleans Saints: “He’s been one of the most consistent centers in the league. He was just hurt last year. But he’s really physical and sets the tone for that team.” — veteran AFC scout
Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns: “Definitely slight decline as he ages, but still a really good player who grades out well. Still a very consistent player compared to the rest of the field, which is something I really value at an error prevention position.” — AFC executive
Cam Jurgens, Philadelphia Eagles: “A poor man’s Kelce. Aggressive, undersized player, good at point of attack, good on the move, above average in pass pro.” — NFL coordinator
Peter Skoronski, Tennessee Titans: “Thought he had an uneven start to his career, but he’s improved and was playing well down the stretch [last season]. Arrow pointing up.” — NFL personnel director
Rankings, analysis, and quotes in this article are based in part on information originally published by ESPN as part of their 2025 NFL position rankings, featuring insights from league executives, coaches, and scouts.
