ESPN’s 2025 NFL Rank snubs spark debate about who belongs in the league’s elite list
ESPN’s NFL Rank project, which names the league’s top 100 players for the 2025 season, sits alongside the publication of executives’ Top 10s at each position. While the two rankings largely align, they also reveal a healthy debate about who truly belongs in the upper echelon. League evaluators were invited to nominate players they felt deserved inclusion but weren’t listed, resulting in a notable group of snubs across multiple positions.
Key snubs highlighted by evaluators
– Joe Alt, tackle, Los Angeles Chargers
A rookie with a high-impact resume, Alt posted a 94.3% pass-rush win rate while protecting the right side and is shifting to left tackle due to Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury. At just 22, evaluators believe he’s technically sound, tough, smart, and still growing physically, with significant upside.
– Jonathan Greenard, edge, Minnesota Vikings
Greenard is turning heads as a premier pass rusher, with 24.5 sacks over the past two seasons and a 19.8% win rate in 2024. He added four forced fumbles and, per insiders, has looked unblockable at times in camp, signaling a continued rise.
– Vita Vea, defensive tackle, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vea is viewed as a true game-wrecker who dominates the run game and possesses more pass-rush ability than he’s given credit for. He posted a career-high seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss, and evaluators note his versatility, including occasional coverage involvement.
– DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Even after a down year by some metrics, Smith remains a top-tier playmaker who routinely posts 1,000-plus receiving yards in four seasons. He’s lauded for outstanding route-running, body control, and high-speed consistency, making him a perennial threat even when paired with AJ Brown.
– Nnamdi Madubuike, defensive tackle, Baltimore Ravens
Madubuike’s 2024 sack total dipped from 2023, but he has long been a matchup problem due to his blend of power and speed. Evaluators anticipate a strong 2025 season as Baltimore’s defense operates with more cohesion in its second year under the new coordinator.
– James Cook, running back, Buffalo Bills
Cook sits in the prime of his career, already a two-time Pro Bowler with 1,000-yard potential and a new four-year, $46 million extension. His versatility as both a runner and receiver makes him central to Buffalo’s offense.
– Brian Burns, edge, New York Giants
Burns has been consistently solid but hasn’t yet broken into true elite status. With a strong 2024 pass-rush number and a potential leap in a more complemented Giants defense, he could push into higher regard with another big season.
– Jaycee Horn, cornerback, Carolina Panthers
Fully healthy after prior injuries, Horn is emerging as one of the NFL’s top all-around corners. He can match up in man coverage on the outside and deliver physicality near the box, earning a substantial contract extension and attention as a franchise cornerstone.
– Jalen Ramsey, cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ramsey’s move from Miami to Pittsburgh has renewed interest in his longevity and impact. While he’s 30, evaluators note his fluency, speed, and versatility across positions can still elevate a secondary when motivated, and his multiple-season track record remains impressive.
– DeForest Buckner, defensive tackle, Indianapolis Colts
A consistently underrated force, Buckner remains a cornerstone of Indy’s defense. His length, motor, and productive pass rush make him a perennial interior threat, earning respect as one of the game’s best interior linemen.
What this tells us about the 2025 season
– The snubs span offense, defense, and specializations, underscoring that the top-100 depends as much on projected impact for 2025 as on past accolades. Younger players like Alt show why the list isn’t purely about name recognition; performance in camp and early-season impact matter just as much as a track record.
– Some players on the fringe are seen as poised for breakout years, especially those with new roles, improved supporting casts, or a clearer path to quarterback disruption and ball production.
– The conversation around these snubs highlights the ongoing debate over how to value potential versus proven production, and how teams’ changing schemes and injuries influence where players land on the rankings.
Extra insights and takeaways
– The snubs emphasize the importance of a player’s dynamic skill set. For example, Alt’s protection capabilities and Greenard’s relentless motor suggest that elite performance can come from a mix of technique, leverage, and consistent pressure.
– Younger players with high ceilings, like Alt, are watched closely as yardage and win-rate indicators suggest they could become anchors on their respective lines sooner than later.
– For fans and fantasy stakeholders, these snubs signal players who could exceed expectations if they translate camp momentum into regular-season success.
Summary
ESPN’s 2025 NFL Rank snubs illustrate a nuanced landscape where elite potential, proven production, and team context all shape who makes the top-100. The players named here are viewed by evaluators as high-impact talents who might push into the top tier with strong seasons, underscoring a dynamic mix of veterans and rising stars set to define the upcoming year.
Forward-looking note
If this group of snubs uses the 2025 season to prove doubters wrong, we could see several of them climb into the top ranks by year’s end. A few may become breakout stars, while others reaffirm their status as indispensable pieces on strong rosters. Either way, the discourse around these players adds a layer of intrigue to the road to the 2025 season.