For years, the NFC South has been known for its elite defensive talent, but it has also become one of the better places for offensive line play. From protecting franchise quarterbacks to paving the way for productive rushing attacks, many offensive linemen in the division have become among the NFL’s best.
All four teams in the NFC South have offensive linemen worth talking about. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are led by arguably the NFL’s best left tackle, Tristan Wirfs, while the Atlanta Falcons have one of the league’s top guards, Chris Lindstrom. The Carolina Panthers have built one of the division’s better offensive lines behind veterans Robert Hunt and Taylor Moton, and the New Orleans Saints have plenty to be excited about with rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and veteran center Erik McCoy anchoring their front.
With a mix of established veterans and young players on the rise, the NFC South has quietly become one of the stronger divisions in terms of offensive line talent. A few players just missed the cut, but these are the five offensive linemen who stand above the rest heading into the 2026 season.
Ranking the Top NFC South Offensive Linemen for 2026
Honorable Mentions
Graham Barton, Center – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It wouldn’t be surprising if Graham Barton cracks this list next year.
The former first-round pick had an impressive rookie season after moving to center, showcasing the athleticism and versatility that made him one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite injuries that killed Tampa Bay’s offensive line in 2025, Barton was one of the unit’s most dependable players, showing flashes of becoming one of the league’s better centers.
With Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch expected to return healthy, Barton should have every opportunity to take another step forward in 2026.
Erik McCoy, Center – New Orleans Saints
When healthy, Erik McCoy has a real argument as one of the NFL’s best centers.
His leadership, communication, and consistency have made him the anchor of New Orleans’ offensive line for years. But his availability has become a big concern. McCoy has missed significant time in four of the last five seasons, making durability the only thing keeping him from climbing into the top five.
If he can finally put together a fully healthy campaign, McCoy could easily return to this ranking next season.
5. Jake Matthews, Left Tackle – Atlanta Falcons
Jake Matthews has been the Falcons’ reliable Left tackle for over a decade.
While the younger guys are getting the headlines, Matthews keeps delivering high-level play on Atlanta’s blindside. His pass protection remains among the best in the division, consistently limiting pressure against some of the NFL’s premier edge rushers.
His football IQ, technique, and consistency have allowed him to age with grace. Even entering his 13th NFL season, Matthews is still a steady presence Atlanta’s offense relies upon every Sunday.
Former Raiders Head Coach Bill Callahan is taking over as the Offensive line coach. With is experence and guidance, Matthews should benefit from one of football’s best offensive line teachers while helping keep quarterback Michael Penix Jr. upright throughout the season.
4. Taylor Moton, Right Tackle – Carolina Panthers
Few offensive tackles have been as dependable as Taylor Moton over the last eight seasons.
Since arriving in Carolina, Moton has consistently handled the toughest pass-rushing assignments while rarely coming off the field. His durability has become just as valuable as his production, giving the Panthers much-needed stability during coaching changes and roster rebuilds.
He’s entering his age-32 season, and there have been a few signs of regression. But Moton remains an above-average pass protector and reliable run blocker who anchors Carolina’s offensive line.
With Bryce Young continuing to develop and Robert Hunt returning to full health, Moton remains one of the biggest reasons Carolina believes its offensive line can become one of the NFC’s better units.
3. Robert Hunt, Guard – Carolina Panthers
A torn biceps limited Robert Hunt during the 2025 season, but when healthy, he remains one of the NFL’s premier guards.
Before arriving in Carolina, Hunt had a reputation with the Miami Dolphins as one of football’s most complete interior offensive linemen. His combination of strength, athleticism, and physicality allows him to dominate in both the running game and pass protection.
His arrival helped reshape Carolina’s offensive identity, giving the Panthers the physical presence they needed inside. Reports have shown that Hunt will return to full health in 2026. It will not be a surprise if he re-establishes himself among the league’s elite guards and challenges for another Pro Bowl selection.
2. Chris Lindstrom, Right Guard – Atlanta Falcons
Chris Lindstrom has quietly become one of the most reliable offensive linemen in football.
The Falcons’ All-Pro guard has built a nice name for himself. He is known as one of the best run-blocking interior linemen in the league. What really separates Lindstrom is his consistency. Whether Atlanta is running inside zone, power concepts, or outside runs, he creates movement at the point of attack and gives his backs room to work.
That ability is especially important with Bijan Robinson expected to remain the centerpiece of Atlanta’s offense. Even though he is a running back who can create opportunities on his own, the best rushing attacks are built around offensive linemen who can control the line of scrimmage.
Lindstrom has also improved as a pass protector, making him one of the most complete guards in football. The fact that he can impact the game in different situations is really impressive to watch.
There are plenty of talented guards in the NFL. But very few who consistently influence games the way Chris Lindstrom does.
1. Tristan Wirfs, Left Tackle – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristan Wirfs earns the top spot because he has become the type of player every team hopes to find at left tackle.
He was already recognized as one of the best tackles in football, but then Wirfs somehow found another level after moving from right tackle to the left side. He was already one of the league’s premier pass protectors, but his development as a run blocker has made him a complete player.
What really makes Wirfs special is the combination of athletic ability and power. He has the movement skills to handle speed rushers off the edge, but he also has the strength and balance to anchor against power rushers trying to collapse the pocket.
The versatility he shows is what allows Tampa Bay to trust him in almost every situation.
Even when the Buccaneers were dealing with injuries on the offensive line, Wirfs remained the constant. His performance helped stabilize the unit and allowed the offense to continue operating at a high level.
And at only 27 years old, Wirfs is entering the prime of his career and has a legitimate argument as the best offensive tackle in football.
Until another tackle in the NFC South proves capable of matching his consistency and impact, Tristan Wirfs remains the player everyone else is trying to catch.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
