A reminder of the rankings process: League executives, coaches and scouts gave us their best 10 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. More than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases, all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed helped break ties.
We will roll out a position per day over 11 days. The schedule: running backs (7/7), defensive tackles (7/8), edge rushers (7/9), safeties (7/10), tight ends (7/11), interior offensive linemen (7/12), offensive tackles (7/13), quarterbacks (7/14), off-ball linebackers (7/15), wide receivers (7/16), cornerbacks (7/17).
Edge
Josh Hines-Allen, Jaguars (No. 8 in 2024 preseason) — Hines-Allen didn’t approach the production of his 17.5-sack season of 2023, but did log eight sacks, second on the team in 2024 behind Travon Walker’s 10.5. The overall weakness of the Jags defense — which finished last in pass rush win rate — helped prevent Hines-Allen from returning to the top 10, but there’s hope that the Travis Hunter-featured Jacksonville ‘D’ will make some improvement in 2025.
Brian Burns, Giants (No. 10 in 2024 preseason) – Burns was undeniably productive in his first year as a Giant, tallying 8.5 sacks, recording career-highs in tackles (71) and pass deflections (8) and ranking fourth at his position in pass rush win rate. But the overall struggles of the Giants during their 3-14 season might have hurt Burns’ profile among execs and scouts.
See who made the 2025 top 10 »
Defensive tackles
Christian Wilkins, Raiders (No. 6 in 2024 preseason) — Wilkins rolled snake eyes in his first year in Las Vegas, missing the final 12 games with a Jones fracture in his left foot suffered Oct. 6. It was a disappointing turn for a player who signed a four-year, $110 million deal with the Raiders in March 2024. Wilkins, 29, was sidelined during minicamp as he continues his recovery from the injury.
Derrick Brown, Panthers (No. 7 in 2024 preseason) — Fresh off signing a four-year, $96 million extension, Brown tore his left meniscus in Carolina’s season-opening loss to the Saints and did not return in 2024. The 27-year-old Brown participated in walk-throughs during 2025 minicamps but has not been cleared to return.
Kenny Clark, Packers (No. 9 in 2024 preseason) — The durable Clark started all 17 games for the third straight season but was unable to build on a strong statistical 2023 that saw him record a career 7.5 sacks and reach his third Pro Bowl. Clark told reporters in June that he played the entire 2024 season through a foot injury sustained Week 1 in Brazil. Set to begin his 10th season with the Packers, the 29-year-old Clark seeks a healthier journey in 2025.
Javon Hargrave, Vikings (No. 10 in 2024 preseason) — Hargrave suffered a torn triceps three games into his second season with the 49ers, undergoing surgery and not returning to the field before being released in March. The two-time Pro Bowler subsequently signed a two-year, $30 million contract with Minnesota, the fourth team for the 32-year-old since he entered the league in 2016.
See who made the 2025 top 10 »
Running backs
Breece Hall, RB, Jets (No. 2 in 2024 preseason rankings) — Hall was second behind only the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey on last year’s list, but took a step back in rushing yards (876), catches (57) and touchdowns (8) as the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets offense failed to ignite. Hall, 24, could potentially be in for a better season in 2025 though new coach Aaron Glenn appears poised to employ a committee approach.
Nick Chubb, RB, Texans (No. 3 in 2024 preseason) — After suffering a serious knee injury early in the 2023 season, Chubb returned to the field for the Browns in 2024 but was limited to 332 yards in eight games before his season-ending broken foot in Week 15. Chubb, 29, signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Texans this offseason.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jaguars (No. 10 in 2024 preseason) — Etienne failed to deliver a third consecutive 1,000-yard season for the struggling Jags in 2024, rushing for 558 yards and two touchdowns on a career-low 3.7 yards per carry. How first-year coach Liam Coen integrates Etienne into the offense will be among the storylines worth watching in 2025 training camp.
See who made the 2025 top 10 »
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