The 24 Best NFL Players Right Now – Complete List

October 9, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. A new wave of talent has emerged to challenge established stars, with young quarterbacks redefining offenses and elite defenders taking control of games. From Washington’s sensational rookie Jayden Daniels to Kansas City’s perennial MVP Patrick Mahomes, here’s a look at the 24 best players in football right now.

24. Jayden Daniels – QB, Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history, throwing for 25 touchdowns and adding nearly 900 rushing yards. His dual-threat skill set has already made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league. The challenge for Daniels in 2025 will be maintaining that pace against elite defenses. Still, his combination of accuracy and mobility makes him a star in the making.

23. Jordan Mailata – OT, Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Mailata’s rise from rugby player to NFL star is one of the league’s most remarkable stories. He has developed into one of the premier left tackles, posting a 92% pass-block win rate last season. Mailata’s blend of size, athleticism and technique gives the Eagles a massive advantage up front. He’s become the anchor of one of football’s most consistent offensive lines.

22. Tristan Wirfs – OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite offseason knee surgery, Tristan Wirfs remains among the league’s most reliable tackles. His 95.9% pass-block win rate in 2024 was the highest of any lineman. When healthy, Wirfs is a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s offense and a model of consistency. His return will be vital to the Buccaneers’ protection schemes in 2025.

21. Maxx Crosby – Edge, Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby has built his reputation on relentless effort and elite production. Since entering the league in 2019, he has totaled nearly 60 sacks and more than 320 pressures. Fully recovered from ankle surgery, Crosby looks ready to reclaim his status as one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers. His nonstop motor defines the Raiders’ defensive identity.

20. Brock Bowers – TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Brock Bowers’ rookie year was historic, leading all tight ends in receiving yards despite quarterback instability. His speed, toughness and route-running make him a nightmare matchup for defenses. With Geno Smith now under center, Bowers could easily surpass his 2024 numbers. He’s already establishing himself as one of the game’s most complete tight ends.

19. CeeDee Lamb – WR, Dallas Cowboys

Even without Dak Prescott for much of 2024, CeeDee Lamb remained highly productive, catching more than 100 passes for over 1,100 yards. Now, with Prescott healthy and George Pickens joining the lineup, Lamb should see fewer double-teams. His sharp route-running and explosive playmaking keep him among the league’s elite receivers. A healthy season could mean record-setting production again.

18. Jalen Carter – DT, Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Carter has quickly become one of the most disruptive interior defenders in football. Constantly double-teamed, he still dominates with rare quickness and strength. His ability to collapse pockets and stuff the run makes him invaluable to Philadelphia’s defense. Entering his third season, Carter is already among the NFL’s most feared linemen.

17. Saquon Barkley – RB, Philadelphia Eagles

After a 2,000-yard rushing season in 2024, Saquon Barkley proved he’s still one of the NFL’s most explosive backs. Now running behind the league’s best offensive line, he’s positioned for another standout year. Barkley’s combination of speed, balance and vision makes him dangerous on every touch. Even if regression comes, he remains the gold standard at running back.

16. Aidan Hutchinson – Edge, Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson’s intensity and skill make him the cornerstone of Detroit’s defense. Returning from injury, he’s looked faster and more powerful in training camp. Coaches have praised his leadership and relentless energy. Hutchinson enters 2025 as a legitimate contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

15. Kyle Hamilton – S, Baltimore Ravens

Kyle Hamilton’s versatility allows the Ravens to deploy him all over the field. He can blitz, cover and tackle at an elite level, giving Baltimore flexibility in every defensive package. Hamilton’s instincts and physicality make him one of the most complete safeties in football. At just 24, he’s already become the heartbeat of the Ravens’ secondary.

14. Penei Sewell – OT, Detroit Lions

Since entering the league in 2021, Penei Sewell has been one of Detroit’s most consistent performers. Durable and disciplined, he’s missed just one game in his career. With key veterans departing, Sewell is now the leader of the Lions’ offensive front. His blend of power and precision makes him a top-tier tackle in any era.

13. Fred Warner – LB, San Francisco 49ers

Fred Warner’s instincts and leadership make him one of the most respected defenders in the NFL. He’s recorded more than 115 tackles in each of his seven seasons, proving his unmatched consistency. Even while playing through injury, Warner anchored one of the league’s top defenses. Healthy again, he’s set to continue his All-Pro form in 2025.

12. Lane Johnson – OT, Philadelphia Eagles

Lane Johnson remains one of the most dominant right tackles in football, even at age 35. His technique and power have helped define Philadelphia’s offensive success. Johnson finished last season top five in pass-block win rate for the fourth straight year. A first-ballot Hall of Famer in waiting, he continues to play at an elite level.

11. T.J. Watt – Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers

T.J. Watt’s relentless pursuit of quarterbacks keeps him among the NFL’s most feared defenders. A three-time sack champion, he’s looking to rebound from a quiet finish to 2024. Watt’s versatility and leadership make him the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s defense. Expect another dominant season from one of the game’s best pass rushers.

10. Chris Jones – DT, Kansas City Chiefs

Chris Jones is the engine of Kansas City’s defense and one of the league’s most disruptive interior linemen. Despite facing constant double-teams, he continues to produce at an elite rate. His combination of size, speed and intelligence makes him nearly unblockable when isolated. With improved depth around him, Jones could top his sack totals from last season.

9. Micah Parsons – Edge, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons’ explosiveness and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Even while battling injury last year, he recorded 12 sacks in limited action. His ability to rush from multiple angles keeps offensive coordinators guessing. If he stays healthy, Parsons could easily return to Defensive Player of the Year contention.

8. Ja’Marr Chase – WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Marr Chase is one of the league’s premier playmakers, capable of turning short catches into long touchdowns. Leading the NFL in receptions, yards and touchdowns last season, he showcased his dominance. His chemistry with Joe Burrow remains unmatched. Chase’s combination of speed, strength and precision makes him a defensive nightmare.

7. Justin Jefferson – WR, Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson continues to produce at a historic pace, even with changes under center. His route-running, hands and body control make him nearly impossible to contain. While Minnesota may lean more on the run game, Jefferson will still be the focal point of the offense. He remains the gold standard for NFL wide receivers.

6. Pat Surtain II – CB, Denver Broncos

Patrick Surtain II — All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pat Surtain II combines elite technique with exceptional athleticism, allowing him to erase top receivers weekly. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, he’s entering his prime with even more confidence. Surtain’s awareness and poise make him one of the toughest corners to target. He’s the backbone of Denver’s defense.

5. Joe Burrow – QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow’s accuracy and composure have made him one of the league’s best quarterbacks. Each season, he continues to elevate his play and command of the offense. With Ja’Marr Chase leading a talented receiving corps, Burrow is primed for another MVP-caliber year. When he’s healthy, Cincinnati is always a Super Bowl threat.

4. Lamar Jackson – QB, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson remains one of the most dangerous dual threats in football. Coming off a career-best season as a passer, he continues to evolve as a complete quarterback. With the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, Jackson has even more weapons at his disposal. His speed and creativity make him a constant highlight waiting to happen.

3. Myles Garrett – Edge, Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett continues to terrorize offensive lines with unmatched strength and explosiveness. Despite facing more double-teams than any edge rusher, he maintains elite production. Garrett’s consistency and work ethic have him in perennial Defensive Player of the Year conversations. With new talent alongside him, he could be even more dominant in 2025.

2. Josh Allen – QB, Buffalo Bills

Fresh off his first MVP season, Josh Allen looks poised to keep Buffalo among the league’s elite. His combination of power, mobility and precision makes him one of the most complete quarterbacks in football. After cutting down on turnovers, Allen’s efficiency reached new heights in 2024. The Bills’ Super Bowl hopes rest squarely on his shoulders.

1. Patrick Mahomes – QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes remains the face of the NFL and the ultimate difference-maker. After falling short in the Super Bowl, he’s more motivated than ever to return to the top. Surrounded by dynamic weapons including Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, Mahomes is set for another prolific season. With three titles already, he’s building a legacy that rivals the all-time greats.