PFF50: The 50 best players in the NFL ahead of the 2025 season

• Myles Garrett takes the top spot: Garrett remains the brightest star in Cleveland and the NFL’s most dominant defensive player. He’s posted a PFF grade of 92.0 or higher in each of the past four seasons, including a league-leading 92.3 in 2024.

• Patrick Mahomes remains the league's best quarterback: The incomparable Mahomes may not have posted his highest PFF grade last season, but his mastery of situational football remains unmatched. He’s earned 90.0-plus grades in five of seven seasons as a starter and still ranked eighth in the NFL last year at 84.1 despite a shaky supporting cast.

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The 2025 PFF50 showcases the league's elite talent, highlighting the top 50 players in the NFL. These rankings will be based on a combination of past performance, future potential and overall impact on the game.

At its heart, PFF is a player evaluation company that quantifies hundreds of data points on any given play in an effort to identify the best players and use that information to create insights that cannot be found anywhere else.

This is a list of the best 50 players in the NFL entering the 2025 season. No single number or grade dictates this list, but the grading — along with PFF's wins above replacement (WAR) metric — has been used as a foundation while leaning toward the most recent season.

1. EDGE MYLES GARRETT, CLEVELAND BROWNS

Garrett remains the brightest star in Cleveland and the NFL’s most dominant defensive player. He’s posted a PFF grade of 92.0 or higher in each of the past four seasons, including a league-leading 92.3 in 2024. Still only 29, Garrett is already building a Hall of Fame resumé with a level of dominance and consistency few players in the past half-decade can match.

2. QB PATRICK MAHOMES, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The incomparable Mahomes may not have posted his highest PFF grade last season, but his mastery of situational football remains unmatched. He’s earned 90.0-plus grades in five of seven seasons as a starter and still ranked eighth in the NFL last year at 84.1 despite a shaky supporting cast. Leading the Chiefs to a perfect 12-0 record in one-score games, Mahomes once again proved he’s at his best when the stakes are highest.

3. QB JOE BURROW, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Burrow has kept Cincinnati in the playoff hunt despite a shaky offensive line and porous defense. Across his first five seasons, he leads the NFL with a 94.0 passing grade and ranks second only to Patrick Mahomes in PFF WAR (17.09). If the Bengals can finally shore up the roster around him, Burrow would make them perennial contenders for a title.

4. QB LAMAR JACKSON, BALTIMORE RAVENS

Jackson has been at his absolute best over the past two seasons under Todd Monken. He led the NFL with a 94.9 PFF grade in 2024, becoming the first quarterback in PFF history to post 90.0-plus grades as both a passer and rusher in the same season. Over that span, he leads all quarterbacks with a 95.1 grade and 6.65 PFF WAR as he continues his push for a long-awaited Super Bowl title.

5. QB JOSH ALLEN, BUFFALO BILLS

Allen claimed his first MVP in 2024 while carrying Buffalo to the brink of a Super Bowl berth. He led the NFL’s second-highest scoring offense despite a middling supporting cast that ranked 17th in receiving grade, 15th in offensive line grade and 28th in defense grade. Allen also became the first quarterback in PFF history to earn a 90.0-plus grade in five straight seasons. As long as he’s under center, the Bills remain a contender.

6. DI CHRIS JONES, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Jones has been every bit as integral to the Chiefs’ dynasty as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. He was dominant again in 2024, earning a 91.5 pass-rush grade and leading all interior defenders with 88 pressures, including the postseason. It marked the sixth time in seven seasons Jones has posted a 90.0-plus pass-rush grade. Since 2018, he trails only Aaron Donald in PFF WAR among defensive tackles.

7. EDGE MICAH PARSONS, DALLAS COWBOYS

Parsons has been nothing short of spectacular since entering the league in 2021. He’s earned at least an 89.7 overall grade and 91.6 pass-rush grade in each of his first four seasons. Only Myles Garrett has provided more value at the position, per PFF WAR. Parsons leads all edge defenders in pressure rate since 2021 and ranks second in total pressures and pass-rush win rate. When he signs his next extension, he’s likely to reset the edge market — and it’ll be well deserved.

8. RB DERRICK HENRY, BALTIMORE RAVENS

Most running backs slow down past age 30 as their physical gifts start to fade. Derrick Henry isn’t most running backs. In his first season with Baltimore, Henry led the NFL with a 93.5 rushing grade and 89 missed tackles forced. The Ravens went a perfect 11-0 when he topped 90 rushing yards. His 2024 campaign was the latest chapter in a remarkable run that’s seen Henry rank as the NFL’s most valuable running back since 2018.

9. TE GEORGE KITTLE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

There are few, if any, players like George Kittle in today’s NFL. His rare ability to dominate both as a receiver and blocker sets him apart. Kittle led all tight ends with a 92.1 PFF grade in 2024, more than five points higher than anyone else at the position. He paired a league-best 92.4 receiving grade and 14.2 yards per reception with a 70.8 run-blocking grade, second among tight ends. With Travis Kelce showing signs of decline, Kittle enters 2025 as the clear No. 1 at his position.

10. EDGE T.J. WATT, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Watt’s rare consistency and game-changing versatility make him one of the NFL’s elite defenders. In 2024, he earned a 92.3 PFF grade — second only to Myles Garrett among players with 300-plus snaps — and was the league’s only defensive lineman to post 90.0-plus grades in both pass rushing and run defense. Since 2019, Watt ranks as the second-most valuable edge defender, per PFF WAR. As the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s defense, he shows no signs of slowing down heading into 2025.

11. OT JORDAN MAILATA, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Mailata’s rise from rugby player to elite left tackle reached new heights in 2024. His 95.2 PFF grade led all qualified offensive players and stands as the second-highest single-season grade ever for an offensive lineman, trailing only Trent Williams’ 96.6 in 2021. This isn’t a one-year breakout either—since 2022, Mailata ranks third among tackles in Wins Above Replacement, behind only Penei Sewell and teammate Lane Johnson.

12. EDGE NICK BOSA, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Bosa set a PFF rookie record with 102 pressures in 2019 and hasn’t slowed down since. He’s posted a PFF grade of 89.4 or higher in each of the past four seasons while leading all edge defenders in total pressures over that span. In 2024, his 91.0 grade ranked third among edge defenders with 300 or more snaps. As the 49ers develop young talent around him, Bosa remains the cornerstone of their defensive front.

13. OT TRISTAN WIRFS, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Wirfs has been one of the NFL’s premier pass protectors since entering the league in 2020, and he reached new heights in 2024. He led all offensive linemen with a 94.1 pass-blocking grade, allowing zero sacks and just one quarterback hit all season. Over the past five years, Wirfs ranks second among tackles with a 91.7 pass-blocking grade and leads the position with a league-best 2.3% pressure rate — nearly a full percentage point ahead of the next closest tackle.

14. DI DEXTER LAWRENCE, NEW YORK GIANTS

Lawrence has emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players over the past three seasons. His 89.9 PFF grade in 2024 ranked third among defensive tackles, trailing only Chris Jones and Cameron Heyward. He leads all interior defenders with a 93.3 PFF grade since 2022, and he sits second to Jones in PFF WAR. Lawrence’s versatility sets him apart — he’s the only defensive tackle with 90.0-plus grades in both pass rushing and run defense over that span.

15. OT RASHAWN SLATER, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Slater has been outstanding since entering the league in 2021, but his 2024 season was his best yet. He earned a 90.9 PFF grade — second only to Jordan Mailata — and ranked as the NFL’s second-most valuable left tackle in PFF WAR. With Joe Alt now in the mix, the Chargers may soon field the league’s premier tackle tandem.

16. WR A.J. BROWN, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

After a stellar three-year run in Tennessee, Brown has cemented himself as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers in Philadelphia. Since joining the Eagles in 2022, he ranks top-five among qualified receivers in receiving grade, yards after catch, contested catches, explosive plays and missed tackles forced. In 2024, he led the league in receiving grade versus single coverage — a cornerstone of the Eagles’ passing attack during their Super Bowl run. At just 28, Brown is building a résumé that could one day land him in Canton.

17. OT TRENT WILLIAMS, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The fact that Williams’ 85.6 PFF grade in 2024 is his lowest since arriving in San Francisco underscores just how dominant he’s been. He leads all tackles with a staggering 97.7 PFF grade and 2.34 PFF WAR over the last five seasons. Even after a slight dip and missing the final seven weeks last year, Williams remains one of the NFL’s elite offensive linemen heading into his age-37 season.

18. WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Jefferson remains firmly in the conversation for the NFL’s best wide receiver. Even in 2024—his first season with a PFF grade below 90.0—he still finished among the league’s top 10 at the position. Since entering the league in 2020, he leads all receivers with a 93.6 PFF grade and 2.64 PFF WAR. At this pace, Jefferson could crack the NFL’s all-time top 100 in receiving yards before his 27th birthday and is well on his way to a legendary career.

19. OT LANE JOHNSON, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Johnson forms one half of the NFL’s best tackle duo alongside Jordan Mailata, and even at 34, he’s still playing at an elite level. In 2024, he set career highs with 1,190 snaps and an 88.9 PFF grade while allowing just 14 pressures and one sack across 574 pass-blocking snaps. His 85.4 run-blocking grade was his best since 2019, showing no signs of decline as he continues to anchor Philadelphia’s right side.

20. WR JA'MARR CHASE, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Chase claimed the NFL’s receiving triple crown in 2024, leading the league in catches, yards and touchdowns. His 84.9 PFF grade—still excellent—was held back only by 10 drops, the third-most in the NFL. One of the league’s most explosive playmakers, Chase has posted receiving grades between 84.0 and 87.0 in each of his first four seasons and ranks ninth among qualified wideouts since entering the league. With Joe Burrow at the helm, Chase remains a nightmare for opposing defenses.

21. OT PENEI SEWELL, DETROIT LIONS

Sewell entered the league as one of the most hyped tackle prospects in years, and he’s lived up to every bit of it over his first four seasons. Since 2021, his 95.2 run-blocking grade and 1.84 PFF WAR both rank second among offensive tackles, trailing only Trent Williams. While his run blocking gets the headlines, his pass protection has been rock solid too, as he has allowed just four sacks over the past three seasons.

22. RB SAQUON BARKLEY, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Barkley’s record-setting season was pivotal in helping Philadelphia capture its second championship. Including the postseason, he surpassed 2,500 rushing yards, powered by an offensive line that ranked fourth in run-blocking grade. But Barkley made the difference, turning blocks into big plays weekly. He led the NFL with 1,446 yards after contact and 55 explosive runs, while his 83 missed tackles forced trailed only Derrick Henry.

23. CB SAUCE GARDNER, NEW YORK JETS

Gardner is the first cornerback to appear on this list, thanks to his elite coverage over his first three NFL seasons. Since 2022, he leads all cornerbacks with a 91.9 coverage grade and 2.10 PFF WAR. While his interception total isn’t eye-popping, Gardner’s 43 forced incompletions lead the league over that span. In 2025, he could showcase his skills even more in a more aggressive scheme under new head coach Aaron Glenn.

24. LB FRED WARNER, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Given his production in San Francisco, especially over the past five years, Warner has cemented himself as the NFL’s top linebacker. He’s finished among the top five linebackers in overall grade every year since 2019, including a first-place ranking in 2020 and second-place finishes in each of the last three seasons. Equally dominant against the run and in coverage, Warner has earned 80.0-plus grades in both facets each of the past three years.

25. EDGE AIDAN HUTCHINSON, DETROIT LIONS

Hutchinson was on pace for a legendary season — and likely a Defensive Player of the Year award —before a season-ending injury in Week 6 derailed his 2024 campaign. Coming off an elite 91.0 PFF grade in 2023, he opened the year with 45 pressures, eight sacks and a staggering 38.3% pass-rush win rate through the Lions’ first five games. Sustaining that pace over a full season could have produced the best edge defender season in PFF history. Hutchinson is already elite; now Detroit just needs him back at full strength.

26. WR AMON-RA ST. BROWN, DETROIT LIONS

Some may argue St. Brown’s success stems from the offense around him, but in reality, he’s a driving force behind its production. Since 2022, no receiver has posted a higher cumulative PFF WAR (1.70) or a better single-season average WAR (0.56) than St. Brown. His route savvy and football IQ have become weapons that defenses struggle to counter — if they can at all.

27. CB PATRICK SURTAIN, DENVER BRONCOS

At just 25, Surtain already has a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name. In four NFL seasons, he’s been a Pro Bowler three times and a First-Team All-Pro twice. In 2024, he earned an 87.4 coverage grade while allowing only 0.53 yards per cover snap and just 52 targets all season — a clear sign of how often quarterbacks avoided him. Sustaining success at cornerback is notoriously difficult, but Surtain is proving he has the rare talent to do it. 

28. C CREED HUMPHREY, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Since entering the league in 2021, Humphrey has posted the most PFF WAR of any offensive lineman —not just centers or interior players. His yearly average nearly doubles the next closest center, Tyler Linderbaum. Humphrey has also earned a 95.1 run-blocking grade on zone-scheme runs during that span, making him a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ dominant front protecting Patrick Mahomes.

29. G CHRIS LINDSTROM, ATLANTA FALCONS

The Falcons led the NFL in team rushing grade last season (89.2), and Lindstrom was a driving force behind it. He’s earned blocking grades above 87.0 in each of the past four seasons, including elite run-blocking marks of 93.1 in 2022 and 94.6 in 2024. As a pulling blocker, he posted a staggering 38.7% impact run-blocking rate last season and hasn’t dipped below 22.0% in that metric over the last three years. Even with the loss of center Drew Dalman, Atlanta still has a bulldozer up front in Lindstrom for 2025.

30. DI CAMERON HEYWARD, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

At 36, Heyward posted yet another elite season in 2024, earning a 90.1 overall defensive grade, his third at that level. He’s recorded defensive grades above 84.0 in seven of the past eight seasons and continues to be a force in the pass rush, with a win rate above 12.0% for the seventh time in that span. The drop-off will come eventually — Father Time is undefeated — but there were no signs of it last year.

31. S KYLE HAMILTON, BALTIMORE RAVENS

Hamilton has only been in the league for three years, yet he’s already established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs. Over that span, he’s posted pass-rush and coverage grades above 92.0, along with a 78.5 run-defense grade. As one of the league’s most versatile chess pieces, there’s little he can’t do for the Ravens defense.

32. WR PUKA NACUA, LOS ANGELES RAMS

Nacua played only 11 games in 2024 due to injury but still finished with the NFL’s highest receiving grade at 93.0. He’s also coming off a 1,486-yard rookie season in 2022. Over the past two years, he ranks seventh among receivers in PFF WAR (1.01). The scary part? Nacua is still getting better, building on an already elite level of production and efficiency. 

33. EDGE MAXX CROSBY, LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Crosby posted three straight PFF grades above 90.0 from 2021 to 2023, anchored by pass-rush grades north of 83.0 each year. A high ankle sprain slowed him in 2024, leading to a slight dip in production, but he’s been nothing short of dominant when healthy. His 364 total pressures over the past four seasons lead all NFL edge rushers.

34. CB TRENT McDUFFIE, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

McDuffie is a true inside-out cornerback who thrives anywhere he’s deployed. In 2024, he ranked first at the position in advanced coverage grade. Over the past three seasons, his 89.0 coverage grade is fourth among all corners, and his 1.99 PFF WAR trails only Sauce Gardner at the position. While he isn’t often tasked with full shadow-man coverage duties, that hasn’t diminished his impact as a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ defensive scheme.

35. RB BIJAN ROBINSON, ATLANTA FALCONS

Robinson made the leap to elite in 2024, earning a 92.1 rushing grade and an 82.2 receiving grade, both ranking in the top 10 among running backs. He topped 1,400 rushing yards, with 920 of those coming after contact, and his 0.23 missed tackles forced per attempt also ranked top-10 at the position. With one of the league’s best run-blocking offensive lines paving the way, the sky’s the limit for Robinson heading into 2025.

36. WR CEEDEE LAMB, DALLAS COWBOYS

Lamb’s production dipped slightly in 2024 with Dak Prescott sidelined for much of the season, yet he still posted his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. Just a year earlier, he was the NFL’s most valuable receiver per PFF WAR (0.65 in 2023). Over the past three seasons, only Ja’Marr Chase has more yards after the catch than Lamb’s 1,715.

37. WR NICO COLLINS, HOUSTON TEXANS

Collins has emerged as a sure-fire, no-doubt-about-it WR1 and one of the league’s most reliable targets. Over the past two seasons, his 95.3 receiving grade against single coverage trails only A.J. Brown. He’s also posted back-to-back elite receiving grades, with marks of 91.4 in 2023 and 92.3 in 2024.

38. S XAVIER McKINNEY, GREEN BAY PACKERS

McKinney’s 85.5 overall grade ranked fourth among full-time starting safeties in 2024. It also marked his second straight season with an elite coverage grade above 90.0, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that he accomplished it on two different teams (Giants and Packers). Over that span, McKinney has recorded 11 interceptions and seven additional forced incompletions.

39. WR TYREEK HILL, MIAMI DOLPHINS

Hill has been arguably the NFL’s most dangerous wide receiver over the past decade. In 2022 and 2023, he posted elite receiving grades of 92.0 and 93.8 with the Dolphins, leading all receivers in PFF WAR. Between 2020 and 2023, across his time with the Chiefs and Dolphins, Hill not only logged four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons but also four straight 1,500-yard campaigns. Even after a dip in efficiency last season (77.3 receiving grade), his game-breaking ability keeps him firmly among the league’s elite heading into 2025.

40. S JESSIE BATES III, ATLANTA FALCONS

Bates earned an 81.4 coverage grade in 2024, marking the fourth season of his career with a coverage grade above 80.0. Over the past two years, he’s excelled in a free safety role, posting a 93.0 coverage grade in that alignment. Since 2020, Bates also ranks fifth among all safeties in WAR.

41. EDGE TREY HENDRICKSON, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Hendrickson led the NFL with 87 total pressures in 2024, pairing volume with efficiency thanks to a 20.6% pass-rush win rate. It marked his second straight season with an elite pass-rush grade above 90.0 and his fourth consecutive season grading above 86.0. Over the past four years, Hendrickson ranks fifth in total pressures (323) and fifth in pass-rush win rate (18.9%).

42. S ANTOINE WINFIELD JR., TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Since 2020, no safety has accumulated more cumulative PFF WAR than Antoine Winfield Jr. In 2023, he posted Defensive Player of the Year-caliber numbers, earning a 90.7 overall grade, 91.5 run-defense grade, 92.7 pass-rush grade and 84.0 coverage grade. His 2024 production dipped slightly—his lowest in several categories—but he battled through injuries for much of the season.

Winfield remains the ultimate chess piece in Todd Bowles’ defense, as he has played 2,959 career snaps at free safety, 922 at slot corner and 861 in the box since entering the league.

43. G JOE THUNEY, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Thuney’s reliability and consistency have been pivotal during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs, particularly in 2024 when he stepped in at left tackle and still earned an 80.0 overall grade. Since 2020, he ranks fourth among guards in PFF WAR (1.99). Over the past eight seasons, Thuney has never posted a single-season overall blocking grade below 74.0, and across his nine-year career, he has allowed just 19 sacks on 7,040 pass-blocking snaps.

44. DI QUINNEN WILLIAMS, NEW YORK JETS

Williams’ numbers dipped in 2024, mirroring the struggles of the Jets’ defense as a whole. He finished with a 69.9 overall grade, well below the elite marks of 90.1 and 90.8 he posted in the two prior seasons. With Aaron Glenn bringing a more aggressive, attacking front to New York, Williams is a strong candidate to rebound in 2025 and reestablish himself as one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders.

45. DI JALEN CARTER, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

As a pure pass rusher, Carter could easily rank higher on this list. He’s coming off his second consecutive season with a pass-rush grade above 84.0, and his cumulative 89.3 mark over the past two years ranks third among defensive tackles, trailing only Chris Jones and Dexter Lawrence.

However, his 14.2% pass-rush win rate sits outside the top 10 at the position, and his run-defense grade is just 61.0 over that span. If he can add more consistency against the run, Carter has the tools to climb these rankings and cement himself as one of the league’s premier interior defenders.

46. RB JAHMYR GIBBS, DETROIT LIONS

Gibbs broke out in 2024, finishing top-five among running backs in forced missed tackles (68) and runs of 10-plus yards (46). He also added 587 receiving yards, the second-most at the position. With his explosiveness as both a rusher and a receiver, Gibbs has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat weapons out of the backfield.

47. EDGE JARED VERSE, LOS ANGELES RAMS

The 2024 campaign was only his rookie season, but Verse proved to be one of the league’s toughest edge defenders to block. His 81 total pressures trailed only Trey Hendrickson, and he earned grades above 80.0 as a pass rusher and run defender. The one blemish was the 30% missed tackle rate in pass-rush situations, which kept him from converting more of those pressures into sacks.

48. WR MIKE EVANS, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Evans wasn’t just productive in 2024 — he was dramatic in the best way possible.

Extending his 1,000-yard receiving streak to 11 seasons came down to his final catch of the regular season. Even more impressive, his 90.2 receiving grade was the second highest of his career, achieved at age 31. He also maintained his dominance in contested situations, posting a 63.2% contested catch rate, the seventh straight season he’s been above 50%.

With Baker Mayfield and much of the offense returning, Evans should remain Tampa Bay’s clear WR1 and is well-positioned to push his streak to 12 if he stays healthy.

49. RB JOSH JACOBS, GREEN BAY PACKERS

Josh Jacobs’ 93.0 rushing grade over the past three seasons trails only Derrick Henry among NFL running backs. In 2024, he added a 91.3 rushing grade and an 89.2 receiving grade, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most versatile backs. Over the last four years, Jacobs also ranks fourth at the position in PFF WAR (0.58). Whether as the focal point or in a supporting role — most often the former — he remains a steady engine for his offense.

50. QB JALEN HURTS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Hurts was inconsistent at times during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, finishing with 22 big-time throws and 19 turnover-worthy plays across the regular season and playoffs. But when it mattered most, he delivered. He posted a 91.5 passing grade in the NFC Championship Game and followed it up with a 78.7 grade in the Super Bowl, recording four big-time throws. Over those final two games, Hurts totaled seven big-time throws against just one turnover-worthy play.