NFC North OL Rankings for 2026

It’s time for my final NFC North position rankings on the offensive side of the ball. We round things off with the ever-important offensive line, which has the dual responsibility of protecting the team’s quarterback and opening up running lanes for the team’s running backs.

Darrisaw and Jackson Give Minnesota a Real Case at No. 2

As with last season, rather than dividing the offensive line into three positions — tackle, guard, and center — I am ranking the units as a whole. In a division expected to be strong, this is another area full of talent across all positions, with particular strength at tackle.

1. Chicago Bears

Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Garrett Bradbury, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright

Ben Johnson took the philosophy of building from a dominant OL from Detroit to Chicago, and now it’s the Bears who have the strongest OL in the division. They might not have a superstar, but they have good, solid players right across the line in Darnell Wright, Jonah Jackson, and Joe Thuney — plus the offensive mind of Johnson to help the unit play to its strengths.

After the surprise retirement of Drew Dalman, Chicago has added Garrett Bradbury at center, who leaves New England after one year and a Super Bowl appearance to return to the division he spent the first six seasons of his career with Minnesota. They also drafted Logan Jones in the second round of the draft, who will compete with Bradbury for a place.

2. Minnesota Vikings

Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O’Neill

NFC North offensive line rankings — Dec 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) and Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) chase a fumble by quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Darrisaw recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

There were high hopes for the Vikings’ offensive line heading into the 2025 season, but a string of injuries to several players left the OL unit struggling last season. Ultimately, Ryan Kelly’s tenure as the team’s center lasted only a year, as he retired after multiple concussions. The team’s other big money addition was Will Fries, who, despite being the only lineman to stay healthy all season, didn’t have the kind of impact you would have liked for the money he is being paid, though he was returning from a broken leg.

First-round rookie Donovan Jackson came through an early wrist injury to have a solid rookie season. Growth from Jackson and Fries in their second season in Minnesota will be important for the OL’s prospects, as will be the health of the Vikings’ two standout tackles, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill.

The big talking point is at the center, where Blake Brandel is set to complete his journey from the outside in, as he looks set to be the Vikings’ starting center this season. Minnesota will also be hoping that new offensive line coach Keith Carter can have a positive impact – signs so far suggest he is doing just that.

3. Detroit Lions

Penei Sewell, Christian Mahogany, Cade Mays, Tate Rutledge, Blake Miller

Not long ago, you could make a case for the Detroit Lions having the best OL in football. However, there has been a significant change: Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow have both retired, and Graham Glasgow is no longer around. Sewell is one of the best tackles in football, but he moves from right to left tackle this season as the Lions shake things up. Detroit will hope to hit on first-round rookie Blake Miller to keep the OL bookends one of the team’s big strengths.

Mar 3, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

That has become even more important as the interior of the Lions’ OL has gotten weaker. Cade Mays looks like a good signing at center after having a bit of a breakthrough season last year with Carolina. As an older draft prospect, Ratledge came in and did a solid job last season, but with some issues in pass protection.

Losing a big chunk of the season to a fractured tibia, Christian Mahogany has yet to establish himself at left guard for Detroit. There is a chance that the four guys down the line from Sewell all come good and the Lions OL looks very strong again — there is also the chance that they don’t

4. Green Bay Packers

Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, Zach Tom

At right tackle, Zach Tom has become a very good player for the Packers, but the rest of the OL doesn’t come close to his caliber. Anthony Belton had a difficult first season, where he was moved around the line and played a snap at every position except center. A settled position might help him in 2026.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is shown with guard Aaron Banks (65), running back Chris Brooks (30), guard Sean Rhyan (75) and guard Jordan Morgan (77) during the fourth quarter of their wild card playoff game Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Packers also need to see more progression from 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan in his third year, which would give them a boost. But it’s the interior where they lack real quality, leaving them lagging behind the other teams’ units in the division.