The roar of the crowd, the strategic chess match on the gridiron, the sheer athleticism on display – it's what makes the NFL so captivating. And as we look ahead to the 2025 season, the question on every fan's mind is: who are the absolute best? Pro Football Focus has weighed in with their 'Top 101' list, and while the MVP might not be at the very top, the names that emerge paint a fascinating picture of dominance and emerging stars.
It's always intriguing to see how players perform when the pressure is on, and this list certainly highlights that. Take Chris Jones, for instance. A defensive tackle for the Chiefs, his season was a tale of two halves. While his pass-rushing remained elite, earning him a 90.7 PFF grade in that department (second-highest at his position), his run defense lagged, pulling down his overall score. It’s a reminder that even the best have areas to refine.
Then there are the quarterbacks who continue to carry their teams. Justin Herbert of the Chargers, despite a late-season dip, started the year on fire, boasting a 90.6 PFF grade through the first nine weeks. He faced immense pressure, being the most pressured QB in the league, yet still managed to shine when not under duress. Similarly, Sam Darnold, with the Seahawks, had a remarkable start, holding the top PFF overall grade for quarterbacks for a stretch. His playoff performance, marked by zero turnovers, showed a resurgence when it mattered most.
Running backs continue to be the workhorses, and Derrick Henry, now with the Ravens, proved he's still a force. Even in what might be considered a 'down' year by his own lofty standards, he racked up over 1100 yards after contact and had the second-most 15+ yard runs in the league. Jonathan Taylor of the Colts led the league in rushing touchdowns and yards after contact, showcasing his ability to break tackles and churn out tough yards.
Wide receivers are always a highlight, and Chris Olave of the Saints made his mark by playing a career-high number of snaps. His reliability in the slot was exceptional, with no drops on 57 targets. Davante Adams, now a number two receiver for the Rams, still managed to lead the league in receiving touchdowns, proving his veteran presence and playmaking ability are far from diminished.
On the defensive side, the talent is equally impressive. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez of the Patriots had a slow start but finished strong, particularly in the Super Bowl, with an 86.8 PFF coverage grade. His ability to limit opposing quarterbacks when he's in coverage is a significant asset. DeMarcus Lawrence, a Super Bowl winner with the Seahawks, compensated for any potential drop in pass-rushing with elite run defense, ranking second among edge defenders in PFF run defense grade.
What's particularly exciting is the emergence of new talent and the continued dominance of established stars. Players like La'Jaitu Latu, an edge defender for the Colts, are making immediate impacts in their second seasons, leading the league in PFF pass rush grade. Center Tyler Linderbaum of the Ravens continues to solidify his status as one of the best, earning a career-high PFF grade. And it's inspiring to see veterans like Demario Davis, at 37, still performing at an elite level, ranking among the best linebackers with a top-tier run defense grade.
This list isn't just about who scored the most points or made the most tackles. It's about consistent performance, impact on the game, and the ability to elevate a team. From the gritty determination of the offensive line, like Peter Skoronski's stellar pass protection, to the game-changing plays of defensive backs like Jalen McMillan, the 2025 season promises to be a showcase of the NFL's finest.
