On July 12, 2025, the NFL’s interior offensive linemen will be front and center. On each one, executives, coaches, and scouts will rank the top ten players in this devalued, yet critical, position. Winter meetings are wrapping up, and teams are preparing for the 2024 campaign. The resulting analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each player, illustrating how they’re positively or negatively shaping the field. This year, a few new names have repeated at the top, with numerous other returning athletes showing their dominance.
Among the younger talents, Creed Humphrey, at just 24 years old, has garnered attention for his impressive play. Landon Dickerson and Trey Smith, both at 26, have been solid starters in each of their two seasons. Rightfully so, as evident by Smith’s recent four-year, $72 million extension, which is quickly becoming the norm for the all-pro guard. The rankings note that Peter Skoronski, the team’s other rookie offensive lineman, has been a pleasant surprise while Dalton Risner is still not found on the list.
As the league continues to evolve, some experienced players still maintain high rankings despite advancing age. Despite the natural decline in his skills, Joel Bitonio has been rewarded for his great play. Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin has … wait, what? This decision creates chances for other players to make their ascent up the leaderboard.
Emerging Talents
Creed Humphrey has gone from a rookie to one of the most elite centers in the league almost overnight. His ability to impact the pocket and protect the quarterback is what really stands out. He’s allowed zero quick pressure over 653 pass-blocking snaps last season. This amazing accomplishment is a testament to his talent and dependability on the field.
No one has impressed NFL executives and coaches more than Trey Smith, receiving numerous number one overall first place votes. His freakish 75.1 run block win rate places him third-best of all interior linemen. His ability as a run-blocker is paired with a strong playing style, which has earned him rave reviews from several outlets.
“Explosive power — holy smokes,” – veteran NFL offensive line coach
Landon Dickerson should get a mention too for having a great game. He was the primary architect behind a historic hire, one that led the Philadelphia Eagles to their first championship. His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed, as he’s gradually emerging a serious force to be reckoned with in the interior line.
Consistency and Experience
Erik McCoy has garnered a lot of praise for his consistency and being a sound center. Throughout his career, he’s never been a flashy player, but week in and week out he was one of the best performers. Coaches appreciate his ability to maintain a high level of play, making him a reliable choice for any offensive scheme.
Joe Thuney really is dominating guards with a deep 96.4 pass block win rate. This eye-popping performance puts him atop the league. His quickness, footwork, technique and game intelligence are all elite-level traits that combine to make him a dominant force on the line. An AFC executive commented on Thuney’s attributes:
“All technique, instincts and smarts with Joe,” – AFC executive
Even though he’s a little beyond his prime, Joel Bitonio is still one of the most respected players in the league. There’s the fact that he would have naturally regressed somewhat, as a 38-year-old, in performance. There’s no denying he still ranks well among his peers.
“He’s more vulnerable with edge pressure than he used to at this stage of his career,” – veteran NFL defensive coach
Bitonio is still regarded as “really strong and stout at the point of attack.”
The Competitive Landscape
The league remains intent on an expanded 2025 season. Continuing debate rages over who will be the first interior offensive lineman selected. An NFC executive stated:
“Honestly, nobody else has really taken the top spot from him,”
That opinion really captures the competitive nature of this new position, with no clear frontrunning player having emerged thus far. Some think elite talent gaps exist. To some, linemen like Quenton Nelson are viewed as perennial Pro Bowlers. He’s made it every year since his rookie year of 2018.
Most recently, RT Robert Hunt was recognized for his Pro Bowl caliber brute strength and aggressive playing style. Hunt’s heralded physicality—he’s been described as an ‘absolute mauler’—creates the kind of respect that forces defenders to think twice. Few, if any, out-wide draw cardinal rules of pancake blocking. His potential to execute area in the run recreation is unparalleled.
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