The men in the trenches don’t often get the credit they deserve, but find a team struggling in their running or passing game, and the line is to blame. In examining the best NFC North Offensive Linemen for 2026, it is important to consider which linemen truly make a difference. Which linemen excel in the running and passing games? A good test of how good a lineman is? When he is out of the lineup, the offense noticeably struggles.
We return with Last Word on the NFL’s top returning series as we take a look at the best players at their position groups. Who makes number one as the best NFC North Offensive Lineman for 2026? Let’s take a look.
The Best NFC North Offensive Linemen for 2026
5. Zach Tom, Green Bay Packers
Tom has started 51 of 55 games for Green Bay in four seasons, and he has just seven penalties to his name. The versatile Tom, who has played across the line, is now the Packers’ best lineman. In his fourth season, Tom is key to the Packers’ running game returning to elite status in 2026. Protecting quarterback Jordan Love is a big responsibility for Tom, but it is his work in the running game and opening up holes for Josh Jacobs that is the test Tom is ready to pass in 2026.
4. Darnell Wright, Chicago Bears
Wright was taken by the Bears with the tenth pick of the 2023 draft, and he is quickly rising up the ranks of the best offensive tackles in the game. The former University of Tennessee star has started all 49 games in his career and earned his second All-Pro selection. The Bears are looking at extending Wright to a long-term contract, as they know they have a stud tackle. ProFootballFocus has identified Wright as the 15th-best tackle in the game. With Wright at tackle, the Bears should have a bookend for Caleb Williams for the next decade.
3. Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings
Darrisaw has faced the injury bug in Minnesota, missing 22 games in his five seasons in the league. Make no mistake about it, though, when Darrisaw was selected in the first round out of Virginia Tech in the 2021 draft, the Vikings were hoping they had their franchise tackle. When he is on the field, he has demonstrated he is just that, outstanding in the run game and dominant in pass protection.
2. Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears
When the Bears acquired Thuney from the Chiefs, they were hoping Thuney would help transform the Bears’ offensive line into a strength from a weakness. Along with gaining Jonah Jackson in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, Thuney did just that. Chicago’s running game averaged almost 154 yards a game, second only to the Bills.
The Bears made the playoffs in 2025 and earned All-Pro honors for the fifth time, and Thuney was voted to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time. Thuney proved in 2025 that he is still at the top of his game, and he continues to build a resume that could earn him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1. Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions
Sewell is regarded as one of the Top 25 players in the league, and with good reason. He demolishes defenders in the running game and is a freakish athlete who excels as a pass blocker. Sewell has four Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections in his five seasons in the league, and is certain to nab more in what is shaping up to be a likely Hall of Fame career. Sewell has twelve holding penalties in his career, just three total combined in the last two seasons. The man is a beast and tops all linemen in the NFC North.
Penei Sewell is 335lbs
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/5qKcq4vldU
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) October 21, 2025
