Zak Drapeau's Top 100 NFL Players of 2025: 60-51
- Zak Drapeau
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
by Zak Drapeau 8/16/2025 Sportz Nation
60. Tyler Smith
Cowboys Guard
Last Year's Rank: 99
One of the biggest differences between MY Top-100 List and the NFL's is my inclusion of Offensive Linemen. For some reason the NFL has decided to only include 3 O-linemen on their list of 100-31 that they've released so far. Tyler Smith is a prime example of the NFL being wrong on their list. The now-Captain of the Cowboys O-line, one of the historic groups in NFL history, Smith has become an All-Pro in just 3 years and is primed for another year as the leader in Dallas.
___________________________________
59. Josh Hines-Allen
Jaguars OLB
Last Year's Rank: 28
A huge drop from 17.5 sacks in 2023 to 8 last season, Hines-Allen is still one of the premier athletes at his position. One of the reasons for the drop is his teammate Travon Walker had a boost this season and as a duo they were better in 2024 anyway. In 2025, Hines-Allen is ready to climb back to double digit sacks and solidify his defense as among the elites.
___________________________________
58. Lane Johnson
Eagles Tackle
Last Year's Rank: 69
An ageless wonder, Johnson has Captained the best O-line in football for 2 or 3 years now and has shown no signs of slowing down. At 35-years old, Johnson had his highest PFF-graded season in 7 years and I know PFF isn't everything but it shows how at his age he's only getting better. Especially surrounded by that roster and after his 2nd Super Bowl win, Johnson is a true unicorn and still a Top-5 Tackle.
___________________________________
57. Denzel Ward
Browns Cornerback
Last Year's Rank: 24
Fun fact, Ja'Marr Chase said that the most difficult matchup he's had has been against Denzel Ward. Along with Myles Garrett as the only bright spots of the Browns' roster, Ward has been criminally underrated his whole career because of his surroundings. A bit of a down year in 2024 shouldn't plummet him down these lists and is still among the best man corners in the league.
___________________________________
56. Zach Baun
Eagles Linebacker
Last Year's Rank: N/A
Where did Zach Baun come from??? In his first year away from the dumpster fire in New Orleans, Baun's role in Philadelphia was a huge part of that unit's success and subsequent Super Bowl victory. A personal best in every stat possible last season, Baun is turning 29 this year and is in the middle of his prime as one of the key men on a Top-7 defense in the league.
___________________________________
55. Jared Goff
Lions Quarterback
Last Year's Rank: 56
Here's the thing, Goff has been electric the last three seasons and if we were just basing this off his past would be around Top-20. However, Ben Johnson left for Chicago this off season and unfortunately I'm predicting a slight drop off for the former Ram.
___________________________________
54. Quenton Nelson
Colts Guard
Last Year's Rank: N/A
I am an admitted Colts fan but I don't believe me saying Big Q is a Top-3 Guard in the NFL. After Zack Martin's retirement there's even an argument he's the new #1 but I won't go that far. The bottom line is no matter how up-and-down the Colts offense has been Nelson is always consistent in pass pro and even better in run mauling.
___________________________________
53. Jalen Ramsey
Steelers Cornerback
Last Year's Rank: 31
If Ramsey wasn't traded to the Dolphins he may have dropped way down this list but i LOVE him in Pittsburgh. The Steelers secondary is so well-rounded especially in their new ball hawking cornerback group where Ramsey is the clear #1. With more help around him, Quarterbacks will be forced to throw Ramsey's way more and give him the chance to get back to his turnover-ways.
___________________________________
52. Jaire Alexander
Ravens Cornerback
Last Year's Rank: 62
Same as Ramsey, Alexander's new setting in Baltimore gives me goosebumps. Alexander has been among the best at his position since being drafted to Green Bay and now he's in even better of a position. Hamilton, Humphrey, Starks, Wiggins and now Jaire make up my pick for the bests secondary in the sport and one where teams might underrate Jaire and give him the chance to get back to a Top-5 corner.
___________________________________
51. Caleb Williams
Bears Quarterback
Last Year's Rank: 83
People have given Caleb a lot of flak for his rookie season and I don't know why. He didn't set the world on fire but in his rookie year he had the worst O-line in the sport and still had 20 TDs to 6 INTs. The Bears also had the single-best off season of any team adding offensive guru Ben Johnson to Head Coach, adding 3 new O-lineman to round out the group and drafting 2 very dynamic receivers as well. In his sophomore year I see Caleb showing the flashes we saw at USC and leading his team to a Top-10 offense.
___________________________________
Check out fansonlysportz.com/news for more sports media content posted daily.
Make sure to stay tuned as we continue coverage of the NFL Off season and Zak Drapeau's Top-100 NFL Players of 2025 Series Every Saturday.
-Z.D.