Falcons' Chris Lindstrom voted top interior offensive lineman by AP
But Lindstrom's play deserves much more attention as his ability to create holes in the run game and protect the passer is a key part to Atlanta's offensive production.
Lindstrom has been the top-graded guard by Pro Football Focus for three straight seasons and has won the honor of being voted the top interior offensive lineman in the league by The Associated Press.
A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players among guards and centers, basing selections on current status entering the 2025 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.
Lindstrom got three first place-votes, two seconds and one third to beat out Joe Thuney for the top spot. Thuney, who was traded from Kansas City to Chicago this offseason, got two first-place votes, one second, three thirds and one fourth to finish second.
Kansas City center Creed Humphrey got two first-place votes and finished third and Denver's Quinn Meinerz got the other first-place vote and came in fourth.
Indianapolis' Quenton Nelson rounded out the top five.
Baltimore Tyler Linderbaum, Philadelphia's Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, Baltimore's Daniel Faalele and recently retired former Detroit center Frank Ragnow also received votes.
1. CHRIS LINDSTROM, Atlanta Falcons
Lindstrom has allowed just three sacks and 37 pressures on true pass sets the past three seasons, according to PFF, and has been a steady presence on Atlanta's offense. But Lindstrom really shines at run blocking when his ability to get in space on zone runs has helped fuel Bijan Robinson's success.
2. JOE THUNEY, Chicago Bears
Thuney has been one of the top guards in the league ever since being drafted by New England in 2016. He has been a first-team All-Pro the past two seasons in Kansas City and helped the Chiefs and Patriots reach the Super Bowl six times in his nine seasons. Thuney was forced to move out to tackle late last season for Kansas City, but will be back at guard as a key piece in Chicago following on offseason trade.
3. CREED HUMPHREY, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs were willing to part with Thuney in part because they were strong at the other interior spots led by Humphrey at center. Humphrey has taken the mantle from Jason Kelce as the top center in the league and made first-team All-Pro for the first time last season. Humphrey hasn't missed a game in four seasons and excels at both run and pass blocking.
4. QUINN MEINERZ, Denver Broncos
After being drafted in the third round from Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021, Meinerz has made steady progress each season and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2024 to get on this list. Meinerz allowed just 12 pressures last season, according to PFF, and is a violent blocker in the run game.
5. QUENTON NELSON, Indianapolis Colts
Nelson's play has dropped a little in recent years but the 29-year-old is still one of the top guards in the league. He was an All-Pro his first three seasons after being drafted sixth overall in 2018 and earned second-team All-Pro honors for the second time in his career last season. Nelson has made the Pro Bowl all seven seasons.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Josh Dubow, The Associated Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tennessee Titans training camp: 9 takeaways from Day 2
The Tennessee Titans took to the practice field on Day 2 of their 2025 training camp on Thursday. It was a beautiful summer morning in Nashville, and the team was able to accomplish quite a bit under the bright Tennessee sun. Here are nine takeaways from the morning's action. New-look edge philosophy explained Head coach Brian Callahan met with the media before practice and hit on a few topics, including the arrival of recently signed edge Jihad Ward. Ward fits the big-bodied profile of what the Titans desire as they transform the unit. Callahan went on to say that the team will be relying on a more coordinated attack that focuses on collapsing the pocket and leaning more on strength to get to the QB and take him down. The Titans struggled to get the quarterback to the ground in 2024, and feel that this approach will help them turn pressure into sacks this season. Grading on a scale Callahan also discussed why the team grades every throw made by the quarterbacks during practice. 'That essentially makes you aware of where you are placing the ball, and location is such a critical part of successful quarterback play,' Callahan said. 'Making you aware of where your bad throws are, where your good throws are, and you get a chance to look at why. Why was that throw maybe off target?' This could be a very informative exercise for both the quarterbacks and receivers during film work, and it should be a benefit for Cam Ward moving forward. Kevin Winston makes an impact When the Titans selected Winston in the draft, they knew he was recovering from an ACL, and would have to work him in slowly. Now that he is cleared for football action, Winston is not only practicing, he is making plays. If Winston can stay healthy and continue to pick up the defense, he will earn playing time early in his career. Cam Ward turns the page One thing that has become noticeable is how Ward turns the page after mistakes. Known to be a hard worker, he goes beyond the basics by discussing specific plays with defenders after practice to interpret what they were seeing so he can correct deficiencies. Starting linebacker Cody Barton singled out Ward for his approach and how he is focused on learning and gaining every advantage as he develops in the NFL. This is something rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike pointed out as well when he spoke after practice. Ayomanor gaining traction When the Titans selected Elic Ayomanor in the fourth round, many believed it was a steal. After two days of practice, Ayomanor is proving that to be the case. The young receiver is off to a hot start during training camp and is definitely in the mix to see significant playing time early in the season. Callahan mentioned Ayomanor and Chimere Dike and how they have shown their versatility early on. It will be critical for the Titans offense for the two young receivers to continue to grow as camp progresses. Defense wins the day After practice, many of the players from the offense talked about being sloppy and their uneven performance during practice. But, as wide receiver Chimere Dike pointed out, the defense played well. It was a sentiment shared by multiple media members covering the team, as the defense set the tone for the day and made things uncomfortable for the quarterbacks from start to finish. Of course, these early practices are without pads, which does give the defense a bit of an advantage. But it's still a good sign for a team that struggled to get to the quarterback in 2024. Early on, Barton looked the part The Titans rebuilt their linebacking corps around free agent acquisition Cody Barton during the offseason, and the veteran linebacker is making that decision look like a great one, as not only does he show tremendous leadership, his athleticism is coming up big and making plays. Here he is picking off Ward. Front office staying busy After making a handful of moves and adding three players to the roster after the first training camp practice on Wednesday, Mike Borgonzi and his staff stayed busy on Thursday, scheduling a workout with UFL defensive back Keni-H Lovely With L'Jarius Sneed still on the PUP list and unable to practice, Lovely could come in and compete. Playing for the Michigan Panthers, Lovely recorded 26 tackles, a pick-six, and four pass break-ups on the season. This would be his third workout as he makes his way across the NFL. Health update The Titans have remained relatively healthy through the first two days of practice, which is a huge win for the franchise. While L'Jarius Sneed and Lloyd Cushenberry remain on the sidelines working their way back from injury, there were no new names added to the list. At this stage of training camp, an injury could be devastating to a young team. Early parts of training camp are known for soft tissue injuries, but so far, none of those ailments have occurred. That could all change on Saturday, when the Titans make an appearance at Nissan Stadium and put pads on for the first time in 2025. This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans training camp: 9 takeaways from Day 2
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cleveland Browns mock draft update: Training camp edition
The Cleveland Browns have been one of the true struggling franchises in the NFL. They haven't captured a division crown since 1991 and are one of only four teams that have never been to a Super Bowl. Every offseason, the Browns and their fans have hope, and it seems that every year, things go wrong. When we started on this three-round mock draft for the Browns, we had to look at it with an eye on building a team that can eventually compete in the AFC, and didn't look at quarterback as the Browns drafted two of them in the 2025 NFL draft. We aren't sure either is a franchise quarterback, but the team seems committed to seeing what they have in the short term. So, we used three of the four picks on offense, but took a chance at No. 1 overall. First round - S Caleb Downs - Ohio State The Browns spent more than a decade playing four games a year against the combo of Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed so they understand the impact a truly elite safety can have. A safety has never gone No. 1 overall, and that might continue, but no one should be shocked if a player of Downs' caliber ends up there. First round - WR Jordyn Tyson - Arizona State The best route runner in the draft and a complete receiver who can take over a game. The Browns have cobbled together a very average group of receivers this season and can't expect to compete with this combination of talent. Second round - DE LT Overton - Alabama A defense line Cleveland's can never have enough big bodies up front who can rush the passer and stuff the run and Overton is a budding star. Third round - WR Eric Singleton Jr. - Auburn We go back to wide receiver here because Singleton is just such an explosive playmaker and a perfect player to pair up with Tyson no matter who is the starting quarterback. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Cleveland Browns mock draft update: Training camp edition
USA Today
25 minutes ago
- USA Today
Tennessee Titans training camp: 9 takeaways from Day 2
#Titans Brian Callahan on grading throws by the quarterbacks, where it came from and why he does it: The Tennessee Titans took to the practice field on Day 2 of their 2025 training camp on Thursday. It was a beautiful summer morning in Nashville, and the team was able to accomplish quite a bit under the bright Tennessee sun. Here are nine takeaways from the morning's action. New-look edge philosophy explained Head coach Brian Callahan met with the media before practice and hit on a few topics, including the arrival of recently signed edge Jihad Ward. Ward fits the big-bodied profile of what the Titans desire as they transform the unit. Callahan went on to say that the team will be relying on a more coordinated attack that focuses on collapsing the pocket and leaning more on strength to get to the QB and take him down. The Titans struggled to get the quarterback to the ground in 2024, and feel that this approach will help them turn pressure into sacks this season. Grading on a scale Callahan also discussed why the team grades every throw made by the quarterbacks during practice. 'That essentially makes you aware of where you are placing the ball, and location is such a critical part of successful quarterback play,' Callahan said. 'Making you aware of where your bad throws are, where your good throws are, and you get a chance to look at why. Why was that throw maybe off target?' This could be a very informative exercise for both the quarterbacks and receivers during film work, and it should be a benefit for Cam Ward moving forward. Kevin Winston makes an impact When the Titans selected Winston in the draft, they knew he was recovering from an ACL, and would have to work him in slowly. Now that he is cleared for football action, Winston is not only practicing, he is making plays. If Winston can stay healthy and continue to pick up the defense, he will earn playing time early in his career. Cam Ward turns the page One thing that has become noticeable is how Ward turns the page after mistakes. Known to be a hard worker, he goes beyond the basics by discussing specific plays with defenders after practice to interpret what they were seeing so he can correct deficiencies. Starting linebacker Cody Barton singled out Ward for his approach and how he is focused on learning and gaining every advantage as he develops in the NFL. This is something rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike pointed out as well when he spoke after practice. #Titans rookie WR Chimere Dike on the offense having a rocky day, but adding Cam Ward knows how to flush the bad and move on: Ayomanor gaining traction When the Titans selected Elic Ayomanor in the fourth round, many believed it was a steal. After two days of practice, Ayomanor is proving that to be the case. The young receiver is off to a hot start during training camp and is definitely in the mix to see significant playing time early in the season. Callahan mentioned Ayomanor and Chimere Dike and how they have shown their versatility early on. It will be critical for the Titans offense for the two young receivers to continue to grow as camp progresses. Defense wins the day After practice, many of the players from the offense talked about being sloppy and their uneven performance during practice. But, as wide receiver Chimere Dike pointed out, the defense played well. It was a sentiment shared by multiple media members covering the team, as the defense set the tone for the day and made things uncomfortable for the quarterbacks from start to finish. Of course, these early practices are without pads, which does give the defense a bit of an advantage. But it's still a good sign for a team that struggled to get to the quarterback in 2024. Early on, Barton looked the part The Titans rebuilt their linebacking corps around free agent acquisition Cody Barton during the offseason, and the veteran linebacker is making that decision look like a great one, as not only does he show tremendous leadership, his athleticism is coming up big and making plays. Here he is picking off Ward. 1. No, throw interceptions now and learn from it2. Cody Barton is about to be a MASSIVE UPGRADE over Kenneth Murray#Titans #TitanUp Front office staying busy After making a handful of moves and adding three players to the roster after the first training camp practice on Wednesday, Mike Borgonzi and his staff stayed busy on Thursday, scheduling a workout with UFL defensive back Keni-H Lovely With L'Jarius Sneed still on the PUP list and unable to practice, Lovely could come in and compete. Playing for the Michigan Panthers, Lovely recorded 26 tackles, a pick-six, and four pass break-ups on the season. This would be his third workout as he makes his way across the NFL. Health update The Titans have remained relatively healthy through the first two days of practice, which is a huge win for the franchise. While L'Jarius Sneed and Lloyd Cushenberry remain on the sidelines working their way back from injury, there were no new names added to the list. At this stage of training camp, an injury could be devastating to a young team. Early parts of training camp are known for soft tissue injuries, but so far, none of those ailments have occurred. That could all change on Saturday, when the Titans make an appearance at Nissan Stadium and put pads on for the first time in 2025.
