The Top 10 Offensive Linemen in the NFL

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Offensive linemen are some of the most difficult players to rank because of how much of their performance is reflected as a unit rather than as individuals. As you will see on this list, an elite offensive lineman can exist within a below-average offensive line. In this installment of my position rankings series, I’ve done my best to parse out which linemen are a class above the rest. Here are my top ten offensive linemen in the NFL today.

10. Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Mailata has been an anchor for one of the most effective offensive lines consistently over the last five years opposite Lane Johnson. Mailata may be having a career year in 2024, as he’s posted a career-best pass blocking grade of 90.1 so far, per PFF.

9. Andrew Thomas, New York Giants

Andrew Thomas is often underrated due to the weakness of the Giants’ offensive line as a whole. Make no mistake, Thomas is one of the league’s elite tackles. In the last four years, Thomas has never allowed more than four sacks in a single season.

8. Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans

You may start to notice a trend here. Many of the league’s top offensive linemen have been doing it for quite some time. Laremy Tunsil is a perfect example, as he’s been protecting his quarterback’s blindside since 2016. In the last seven years, Tunsil has only allowed more than three sacks in one season.

7. Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings

Injury issues hindered Christian Darrisaw’s performance in 2023 significantly, but don’t let that cause you to forget his dominance in 2022. Darrisaw earned an overall grade of 90.4 from PFF in his second season, which ranked second among offensive tackles that year. He and Brian O’Niell form one of the best offensive tackle duos in football.

6. Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Center may be one of the most underrated positions on the football field. While the physical responsibility may be less than other linemen, centers are often tasked with directing protections. Along with Patrick Mahomes, Creed Humphrey has consistently been able to direct effective protections for the Chiefs, even with a lack of talent at times.

5. Zach Martin, Dallas Cowboys

Zach Martin may have had the worst season of his career in 2023. Even if there are some signs that the 33-year-old guard is beginning to decline, he’s been one of the league’s best offensive linemen for the entirety of his eleven-year career. Martin is a seven-time first-team All-Pro and a surefire future Hall of Famer.

4. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Lane Johnson is the definition of a consistent veteran. Now in his twelfth season, Johnson has been at the top of his game as long as anyone. As perhaps the most talented member of an elite Eagles’ offensive line unit, Johnson hasn’t allowed more than two quarterback hits in a season since 2019.

3. Tristan Wires, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tristan Wirfs is one of the more versatile young offensive tackles the game has seen in quite some time. For the first three years of his career, Wirfs dominated the game at right tackle, earning PFF pass-blocking grades of at least 82 in each season. In 2023, he switched over to the left side, a transition underrated in difficulty. Wirfs picked up right where he left off, producing one of the best seasons of his career.

2. Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions

There is a new generation of elite offensive linemen rising, and Penei Sewell is at the forefront of it. The former seventh-overall pick is one of the most well-rounded tackles in recent history. He excels in the running game and has become a crucial part of Detroit’s attack. In 2023, PFF graded Sewell as the top run blocking offensive lineman in the NFL.

1. Trent Williams, San Fransisco 49ers

Few linemen are made the focal point of their offense’s scheme. Trent Williams is one of those few. Coach Kyle Shanahan often uses Williams as a lead blocker on staple outside runs. His combination of size, technique, and athleticism makes him a terror for opposing defenders.