The dust has settled on the NFL's annual "Top 100 Players" list for 2025, and while the confetti has been swept away, the conversations are just getting started. This year, we saw Saquon Barkley ascend to the coveted No. 1 spot, a significant moment as the first running back to claim the title since Adrian Peterson back in 2013. It’s a feel-good story, no doubt, and his impact in Philadelphia has been undeniable.
But as with any ranking that sparks this much debate, there are always a few head-scratchers, aren't there? Looking at the list, a few things jumped out at me, and I suspect many of you felt the same way.
The Eagles' Dominance: A Little Too Much of a Good Thing?
Ten players from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles made the cut. Ten. That's a full 10% of the entire list, a mark no team has hit since this ranking began after the 2010 season. Now, I'm not here to take anything away from the Eagles' incredible season – they were a phenomenal team. But when you see players like Josh Sweat, who played just over half the defensive snaps, sneak onto the list at No. 95, you have to wonder if the voters were perhaps a bit too enamored with the Super Bowl glow. And while it's fantastic to see Jordan Mailata finally get his due recognition, seeing him ranked below two rookie defensive backs, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, feels a bit off. These young players were crucial, absolutely, but they also benefited immensely from the surrounding talent and coaching. It felt less like a collection of individual standouts and more like a testament to a perfectly constructed team. Could some of those Eagles spots have gone to players who might have been overlooked?
The Vanishing Interior Offensive Linemen
This is an issue that seems to rear its head every year, but it felt particularly acute this time around. Where have all the good guards and centers gone in the eyes of the voters? With legends like Jason Kelce retiring and others like Zack Martin and Frank Ragnow also hanging up their cleats, there's a noticeable void in the recognition of interior offensive linemen. Only one guard or center, Creed Humphrey of the Chiefs, made the list, and he landed at a rather unceremonious No. 93. It’s baffling, really. We all saw how crucial blocking is, especially in big games. Players like Joe Thuney, Trey Smith, Quinn Meinerz, Quenton Nelson, and Chris Lindstrom are consistently dominant forces. Even Landon Dickerson, another Eagle, could have been a strong candidate. Front offices are starting to pay these guys like tackles, so why can't the players casting these votes show them the same respect? It feels like a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes an offense truly tick.
It’s always a fascinating exercise, this "Top 100" list. It sparks conversation, highlights incredible talent, and, yes, sometimes leaves us scratching our heads. That’s the beauty of the game, I suppose. We’ll be watching closely to see how these rankings play out on the field.
