Best Interior Offensive Linemen in the NFL in 2025: Trench Dominance
With the 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, league experts have shared their opinions on the best players at each position. Alofoke Deportes presents a detailed analysis of the ten most outstanding interior offensive linemen, based on surveys of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. This is the sixth edition of these rankings, revealing significant changes in the league landscape. The classification process involved voting by experts who selected their top ten players in each position. The results were compiled and ranked according to the number of votes, the composite average, and numerous interviews. The analysis was complemented by research and video study by the NFL analyst from Alofoke Deportes.The main objective is to identify the best players at the moment, without long-term projections or career achievement awards. Who are the best players now?
Below, the top 10 interior offensive linemen in the NFL:
- Creed Humphrey
- Tyler Smith
- Quenton Nelson
- Trey Smith
- Landon Dickerson
- Joe Thuney
- Chris Lindstrom
- Quinn Meinerz
- Elgton Jenkins
- Tyler Linderbaum
1. Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs
Humphrey, ranked as the best center, has shown consistency in voting. He is the only player who appeared on all ballots and was in the top three on most of them. His 96.2% pass block percentage puts him among the best in the league. He is the primary communicator of a championship-level offense. His intangibles are well known throughout the league.“He is excellent in pass protection, has good feet and instincts. He is not a demolisher in the running game, but he can do enough. He handles chaos well and can navigate many moving parts of that offense”, commented an NFL coordinator.
NFL Coordinator
Although his career block percentage of 73.2% is solid, Humphrey improved the snap issues that affected him in 2023. His Super Bowl game was partly affected because Joe Thuney had to help more in protection.
Humphrey didn’t allow quick pressure on 653 pass-blocking snaps during the regular season.2. Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Smith, with potential to replace Martin, received many votes for first or second place. An NFL general manager describes him as the most talented guard in the league.“The most physically gifted guard in the league who could legitimately be a top-tier starter at left tackle if they wanted to put him there. Strong, athletic, aggressive, and cut his holding penalties in half last year,” said an NFL general manager.
NFL general manager
Although sometimes he is too aggressive, his penalties decreased. Teams can tolerate his aggressiveness because “if he grabs you, it’s over,” according to an NFL coordinator. Smith allowed three sacks in 614 snaps in passing situations.
“The best guard in football. Perennial Pro Bowl player. Fast, explosive, violent, strong hands, above-average pass protection, can get to the second level,” said an NFL defensive line coach.
NFL Defensive Line Coach
3. Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts
Nelson, who competed with Martin for the top spot, is now the highest-graded guard or center with at least seven seasons in the NFL. He has been selected for the Pro Bowl since 2018. The Colts are counting on his resurgence in 2023, with a pass-blocking percentage of 94.4% and a run-blocking percentage of 77.1% in 2024.Its durability is notable, having played at least 16 games in each season, except in 2021.“Honestly, no one else has really taken the top spot from him. I don’t think there’s a dominant interior offensive lineman right now. He’s the closest,” said an NFC executive.
NFC Executive
“He is more vulnerable with the pressure from the outside than he used to be at this stage of his career. But he is still really strong and robust at the point of attack,” said a veteran NFL defensive coach.
Veteran NFL defensive coach
4. Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith, with a contract of $23.4 million, is fundamental to the Chiefs. An AFC executive describes him as a player of power and brute force.Despite falling to the seventh round due to medical issues, Smith has become a standout player. His 75.1% run block percentage places him among the best.“Power, brute force, physique: it is a mover and a stopper of people”, said an AFC executive.
AFC Executive
“He has elite hands and is excellent at finishing his blocks”, said an NFL coordinator.
NFL Coordinator
5. Landon Dickerson, Philadelphia Eagles
Dickerson has quickly established himself on the Eagles’ line, earning the Pro Bowl in the last three seasons. A veteran NFL offensive line coach highlights his explosive power and durability.Although he was credited with 11 sacks, an unusual number, an Eagles member indicated that it was not a weakness in the passing game. Dickerson struggled at first, but improved noticeably.“Explosive power, holy cow. Strength, durability. It’s built to last. The organized mass it can help create is top-notch,” said a veteran NFL offensive line coach.
Veteran NFL offensive line coach
“He was a little bruised and it seemed like he played a little heavier [in 2024]. He played well, but I actually think he’ll be even better next year,” said an NFL coordinator.
NFL Coordinator
6. Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears
Thuney, despite being 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 304 pounds, made a successful transition from guard to left tackle. His versatility was key, with a pass block percentage of 96.4%, matching the best in the league.The coaches highlight his grip strength, which makes it difficult for defensive linemen to get past him.“Complete package: speed, athleticism, hand placement, toughness, instincts. I think strength is a slight deficiency. Versatility is not,” said an AFC executive.
AFC Executive
“Technique, instincts, and intelligence with Joe. Physical skills are in decline,” said an AFC executive.
AFC Executive
7. Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons
Lindstrom, who has dropped five spots, remains an elite player in run blocking. An NFL coordinator believes he will improve with Michael Penix Jr.Lindstrom has been selected for three consecutive Pro Bowls and helped Atlanta achieve the 10th position in rushing offense.“I think it will be even better with Michael Penix Jr., because the boot game will intensify with his athleticism and that will help [Lindstrom] in the passing game. He will never be excellent in pass protection, but he is world-class in the run,” said an NFL coordinator.
NFL Coordinator
8. Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos
Meinerz, who earned first-team All-Pro honors, signed a four-year, $72 million extension. He was one of five interior offensive linemen to appear on at least 75% of the ballots.His pass-blocking percentage of 96.6% led all offensive linemen with at least 800 snaps played.“He’s gone from D-III to an OG among the top two or three. He’s learned that he doesn’t have to destroy people on every play. He’s athletic and strong enough that, if he plays controlled, the losses will be few and far between,” said an NFL personnel director.
NFL personnel director
9. Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers
Jenkins, known for his flexibility, can play in all five positions on the line. He is expected to play center in 2025.Jenkins is in contract negotiations and is seeking more security.“The guy is so underrated. He can play anywhere, he’s tough, physical, and smart,” said an NFL coordinator.
NFL Coordinator
10. Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens
Linderbaum, selected in the first round, joins Ronnie Stanley as a standout offensive lineman for the Ravens. He is fundamental to the Ravens’ number one offense.His pass block percentage is 96.5%, although some evaluators point out that his shorter arms may be a disadvantage.“He can do whatever you want in the running game. Maybe the best center in the NFL in terms of that. A little limited in pass protection, but you felt him in the running game: strong and physical,” said a veteran NFL defensive coach.
Veteran NFL defensive coach
Honorable Mentions:“Initial quickness, angles, all the intangibles, it takes the mental pressure off [[Lamar Jackson], said a senior NFL scout.
Senior NFL scout
- Robert Hunt, Carolina Panthers
- Erik McCoy, New Orleans Saints
- Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns
- Cam Jurgens, Philadelphia Eagles
- Peter Skoronski, Tennessee Titans
