Fabulous Five: Top Offensive Linemen In The League Right Now

*Above image(s) credit to NBS Sports and USA Today Sports*

It all starts up front. An offense’s success, or lack thereof, often starts with the big guys up front. Having a cohesive offensive line may still be an underrated facet of the game in the eye of the general public. After all, these maulers are rarely as flashy as the star receivers, the highlight reel running backs, or the athletic freaks at tight end. The quarterback also gets more recognition than anyone, yet will be the first to recognize his protectors. So what better way to truly dive into my Top 5 at each position than with the best of the best that set the tone at the line of scrimmage? Last week we looked at the Top 5 Head Coaches, so let’s start with a few honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions

Quenton Nelson hasn’t lived up to anyone’s expectations over the last year and a half, including his own. It’s no coincidence then that Indianapolis’ record over that span has kept that out of the playoffs in 2021 and out of relevancy in 2022. Nelson is still as big of a name as you can have when you play in the trenches, and has for the most part lived up to being selected 6th overall in 2018. A bounce-back campaign in 2023 will vault him back into the Top 5.

Notre Dame sure know how to produce talented offensive linemen, don’t they? Ronnie Stanley is a key cog in the Baltimore Ravens’ dominating rushing attack, setting the tone from the illustrious left tackle spot. Stanley was drafted just two year prior to Nelson, and also established himself quickly as a sixth overall pick. Stanley has had trouble staying on the field in recent years, and playing a near-complete season in 2023 can reaffirm his ranking.

Lane Johnson won’t be the last Eagle talked about in this article. Johnson has had an elite career, taking home multiple All-Pro awards, Pro Bowl nods, and being part of Philly’s only Super Bowl Championship (thus far). He’s also as tough as they come, gutting out a nasty injury to be there for his team down the stretch this most recent season. But Johnson just misses out on being in my Top 5, which isn’t an indictment on him. These next guys are just what Macho Man Randy Savage would call the cream of the crop, oh yeah! Starting with….

#1 Trent Williams, LT, San Francisco 49ers

Trent Williams has built himself quite a resume throughout his tenured career. Drafted by Washington in 2010, Williams has been named to the Pro Bowl every year since 2012, except for 2019 when he sat out the year due to medical concerns. He’s also a back-to-back First Team All-Pro member in 2021-2022. Without Williams in the lineup, San Francisco’s offense is noticeably affected, as any team’s offense would be when they’re without a star tackle. But San Fran’s QB-friendly scheme is possible because of the players around the QB, and none of them are better at their position than Williams is at his. What else needs to be said?

#2 Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia Eagles

It is often said that left tackle is the most important spot on the offensive line to have figured out. While I agree it is a key spot to have locked down for the long-term, I believe that the center spot is the most critical. The amount of communication involved at that spot combined with the overlooked importance of a clean snap make the necessary bond between a center and his quarterback understood. It is certainly the most cerebral of the offensive line positions. Kelce has been an iron man of sorts, not missing a game since 2014, which is super impressive for someone with a physical assignment on every play. Kelce helped lead the NFL’s best rushing attack in 2022, spearheading Philly’s trusted QB Sneak play that seemed unstoppable all year. He’ll continue to be among the elite for his position group for as long as he’s playing.

#3 Zack Martin, RG, Dallas Cowboys

Zack Martin was the unquestioned best guard in football until Quenton Nelson came to town. But Martin may have taken that distinction back due to Nelson’s struggles as of late. Martin is a 6-time First Team All-Pro and was also part of the NFL 2010’s All Decade Team. He was part of a run where Dallas addressed the offensive line in the first round of the NFL Draft numerous times, joined by LT Tyron Smith and C Travis Frederick. At one point, these three were all the best at their respective spots on the line. Those days appear to be gone with Smith struggling to stay healthy at times and Frederick retiring a few seasons ago already, but Martin is still standing as a consistent piece for the Dallas starting five. He’ll continue paving the way for whoever is this team’s QB and RB in the coming years. But his time with the aforementioned Smith and Frederick, as well as Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott is a time where you have to ask “why didn’t we succeed more?”

#4 Ryan Ramczyk, RT, New Orleans Saints

Ryan Ramczyk was part of the stellar 2017 draft for the Saints. This steady tackle starter is overshadowed by Marshon Lattimore and Alvin Kamara, the Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, respectively. Marcus Williams and Trey Hendrickson also came from that draft class, but Ramczyk may just have the best career of them all. Lattimore is still producing well, but Kamara had a rough season and a six game suspension looms in his future. Williams became infamous for surrendering the Minneapolis Miracle, and Hendrickson moved on to greener pastures in Cincinnati. Ramczyk formed an elite tackle duo with Terron Armstead for years, but now the 3 time All-Pro will carry on as a cornerstone for the Saints as they navigate the post Brees/Payton Era.

#5 Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City

Creed Humphrey has been a revelation since being selected at the end of the 2nd Round in 2021. A Super Bowl champion in just his second year, Humphrey has solidified himself as key piece of the Chiefs’ dynasty-in-the-making. Might he and Patrick Mahomes be reminiscent of Jeff Saturday and Peyton Manning? Creed Humphrey was part of a massive overhaul on the offensive line for KC following their Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay where Mahomes was under duress for almost sixty straight minutes. Humphrey was my pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, even though I knew awards like that never go to a lineman. His play was that impressive immediately. He started to get some of that recognition in 2022, being named to the Pro Bowl and to the All-Pro Second Team. With Jason Kelce’s career apparently winding down, the next great center is already in the league, and his name is Creed Humphrey.