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Jeremy Fowler
With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, the league’s true insiders made their voices heard. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to assist us rank the highest 10 gamers at 11 completely different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This was the sixth version of those rankings, and as common, a number of gamers moved up or fell off last year’s lists.
A reminder of the rankings course of: Voters gave us their finest 10 gamers at a place, then we compiled the outcomes and ranked candidates based mostly on variety of top-10 votes, composite common and dozens of interviews, with analysis and movie examine assist from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In whole, greater than 70 voters submitted a poll on at the least one place, and in lots of instances all positions. Extra voting and follow-up calls with these surveyed helped us break any ties.
Every part included quotes and nuggets from the voters on each ranked participant — even the honorable mentions. The target was to determine the most effective gamers for 2025. This was not a five-year projection or a profession achievement award. Who’re the most effective gamers as we speak?
We rolled out a place per day over 11 days. The schedule: running backs (July 7), defensive tackles (July 8), edge rushers (July 9), safeties (July 10), tight ends (July 11), interior offensive linemen (July 12), offensive tackles (July 13), quarterbacks (July 14), off-ball linebackers (July 15), wide receivers (July 16), cornerbacks (July 17).
Youth has cornered the market. The altering of the guard — er, cowl — is an enormous theme on this yr’s high 10 cornerbacks, which options one participant older than 26 and 6 gamers 24 or youthful.
A number of staples from latest high 10 lists have fallen out of the elite; half of the listing continues to be on a rookie contract. Evidently dealing with the trials of matching the most effective receivers stride for stride requires contemporary legs.
Many evaluators complained final yr that the league didn’t characteristic a real shutdown nook like those you see in Corridor of Fame induction ceremonies or NFL Movies options. This yr, at the least two gamers match that mould.
Additionally, there’s extra pushback than ever on putting nickel nook right into a separate class. The heavy utilization of 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) — and the school sport infiltrating the NFL — has influenced greater defensive backs with ball abilities taking part in inside as an alternative of out.
“That is why you would possibly see a Jalen Ramsey or a Marlon Humphrey play extra inside later of their profession — get your good gamers extra energetic within the sport,” an NFL secondary coach stated.
A number of younger slot corners, similar to Philadelphia’s Cooper DeJean and New Orleans’ Alontae Taylor, obtained consideration for the highest 10 however play primarily inside. They may make the leap into the rating subsequent yr, however for now, this is the NFL’s high 10 corners based mostly on voting from executives, coaches and scouts.
Highest rating: 1 | Lowest rating: 4
Age: 25 | Final yr’s rating: 1
Surtain’s grip on the highest spot was stronger this time round, as he earned almost 90% of the first-place votes in comparison with barely above 50% final summer time. He has clearly separated himself from the sphere.
“Full package deal — measurement, pace, good tackler, good ball abilities, good and instinctive,” an AFC govt stated.
On 56 targets, Surtain produced a robust 19.6% ball-hawking charge with 11 cross deflections and 4 interceptions. His 5.5 yards allowed per goal was high 5 within the league and he gave up simply two touchdowns all season.
Surtain steadily shadowed opposing No. 1 receivers however confirmed “no drop-off” in his play consequently, an NFL coordinator famous.
“You deliver strain as a protection and he can deal with all of it,” the coordinator stated. “Technician. Would not get bored doing it the correct approach. Extraordinarily affected person and massive. Can have an effect on a variety of issues with approach and pace and is at all times in management.”
Whereas some evaluators noticed slippage in his play in 2023, that was not the case final season. Opposing quarterbacks produced a 59.1 passer score when focusing on him, the second-best clip within the league (minimal 50 targets) and markedly higher than the earlier yr’s 102.5 score.
Surtain did play in softer zone coverages that connected “nearest defender” to him loosely in 2023, however he was extra of a traditional man cowl this previous season. The outcomes have been spectacular, giving Denver its finest cowl man since Corridor of Famer Champ Bailey.
Highest rating: 1 | Lowest rating: 4
Age: 24 | Final yr’s rating: 10
Stingley and Jets nook Sauce Gardner went back-to-back early within the first spherical of the 2022 draft. Whereas Gardner had the sting by the primary two years, Stingley is profitable the head-to-head battle after a banner third season.
Now one of many NFL’s highest-paid cornerback at $30 million per yr, Stingley allowed 4.9 yards per goal final season, the fewest amongst exterior cornerbacks with a minimal of 30 targets. He allowed 42 completions on 90 targets, together with 18 passes defended. Opposing quarterbacks produced a 56.9 passer score towards him, which topped the league amongst corners with at the least 50 targets defended.
The ball manufacturing — 10 interceptions and 31 passes defended since 2023 — has elevated him to elite standing on his strategy to first-team All-Professional.
“Finest ball abilities within the league, in my view,” an NFC personnel evaluator stated. “A few of the INTs and monitoring the ball within the air, it is uncommon. That decide towards Tyreek [Hill], 99% of DBs in league aren’t making that play.”
The interception that evaluator referenced occurred in Week 15, when Stingley ran stride for stride with Hill on a go ball and contorted his physique to make the diving decide. It sealed a 20-12 win for the Texans.
“He is bodily, loads thicker than he appears, motion abilities explosive,” an NFC assistant coach stated. “He has at all times had this in his sport, he simply had a sluggish begin to his profession as a result of harm.”
Highest rating: 2 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 28 | Final yr’s rating: 2
Ward has uncommon athletic traits which might be completely suited to cross protection. One factor holding him again was sturdiness, however he seems to have turned a nook after a career-high 16 video games final season.
Ward was one of many vivid spots of a disappointing Browns season, main the NFL with 19 cross deflections. His 26.4% ball-hawking charge led all defenders, and although his 10.1 yards allowed per goal just isn’t excellent, he deflected each fourth cross try in his space.
“Man protection capability — premier man on this space,” a high-ranking NFL govt stated.
Ward’s 17 interceptions and 95 cross deflections have led to 4 Professional Bowl berths in his seven-year profession. He has by no means had greater than three picks in a single season, however as one NFL personnel evaluator famous, Ward simply might have had 5 picks in 2024. He failed to complete just a few performs.
“Actually good ft, easy, snug with the ball within the air,” a veteran NFL defensive coach stated. “He is been good for a very long time. Has God-given expertise you could’t actually match.”
Highest rating: 3 | Lowest rating: 10
Age: 24 | Final yr’s rating: 6
McDuffie has emerged as one of many league’s most versatile corners. In 2023, he typically performed from the slot, disrupting opposing offenses with three sacks and 5 compelled fumbles. In 2024, he was featured extra on the skin, due partially to accidents.
McDuffie aligned as a large cornerback on a career-high 82.6% of snaps in 2024 — his earlier profession excessive was 66.8% as a rookie in 2022. He was as much as the problem of taking part in exterior, producing 11 cross deflections and two interceptions on 90 targets.
“Elite instincts to key/diagnose. Understands all of the leverages it’s good to play inside the playcall,” an NFL coordinator stated. “He has motion and energy to defend smaller gamers and sufficient pace and leaping capability to defend greater gamers. Robust tackler. Full participant.”
McDuffie can also be a part of that achieved 2022 draft class with three gamers (Stingley, Gardner, McDuffie) on this yr’s high 10. All three have been named a first-team All-Professional. McDuffie was considered one of three cornerbacks on each poll.
“His versatility has been so invaluable to [the Chiefs],” a veteran NFL assistant coach stated. “There are cases the place he can battle to complete on contested catches vs. greater receivers, however general, he’s very stable, has nice instincts and approach and may be very good.”
The priority surrounding McDuffie is easy: His measurement (5-foot-11, 193 kilos) provides him a drawback in comparison with his friends.
“He does give one thing as much as greater receivers, however he actually does all the things else so nicely, so I do not knock him for that,” an NFC govt stated.
Highest rating: 3 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 24 | Final yr’s rating: 3
Gardner stays one of many extra polarizing gamers within the league. He reached superstardom as a rookie, losing no time getting into the dialog for the NFL’s finest cornerback. He made back-to-back All-Professional groups from 2022-23, however some evaluators have had issues along with his play for the previous two seasons.
“Wants a bounce-back yr in 2025,” a veteran AFC personnel staffer stated. “A number of missed tackles and penalties and did not make many performs final yr. An excessive amount of, too quickly and thought the NFL was straightforward.”
Gardner had a decent 2024 season, holding quarterbacks to an 83.3 passer score when focused. He gave up one landing and recorded 9 cross deflections on 51 targets. And Pro Football Focus just lately named him the league’s high nook. This isn’t a sentiment the league shares.
As a number of scouts famous, officers flagged his handsy protection for holding extra steadily in 2024. He dedicated 10 penalties (one declined) final yr in comparison with seven over the earlier two seasons mixed, in line with NFLPenalties.com.
“I like his sport, actually good ft, lengthy, good on the catch level — however he was getting put in conversations that I did not assume have been reliable or truthful,” a veteran NFL defensive coach stated. “After I watch the movie, I see a top-10 cornerback. I do not see the highest three.”
One NFC personnel evaluator stated he is obtained shades of Richard Sherman to his sport — with out the ball manufacturing but. The Jets are hoping their new protection, with coach Aaron Glenn and coordinator Steve Wilks asking him to play extra man protection, will deliver out his finest. He’ll be requested to do loads after signing a four-year, $120.4-million extension this week.
Highest rating: 1 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 23 | Final yr’s rating: Honorable point out
Gonzalez caught the league’s full consideration as an honorable point out final yr regardless of lacking 13 video games with a shoulder harm in 2023.
He reached top-10 standing after his second-year efficiency, as anticipated, permitting 46 of 86 targets to be accomplished as the closest defender in protection. That 53.5% completion share was the third-lowest amongst 33 gamers with at the least 75 targets coming their approach.
“I feel Gonzo is the following nice one,” a veteran NFL assistant stated. “Expertise, persistence, size. He is the closest factor to Pat [Surtain II]. Clean, large athlete, travels loads, can matchup towards the most effective man.”
Gonzalez is not referred to as an enormous thumper, although most corners aren’t. Physicality is an space the place he might enhance.
“He’ll deal with, however I would not name him bodily,” an NFL coordinator stated. “However he is obtained the scale and protection abilities to place him on the skin and he can deal with himself, and he may also come up and play run assist and play inside the assemble of the protection.”
Highest rating: 3 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 25 | Final yr’s rating: 4
Wholesome for a full season for the primary time in his profession, Horn put collectively a whole efficiency. His 68 tackles (5 for loss), two sacks and 13 cross deflections reminded scouts why they noticed him as a top-10 expertise within the 2021 draft.
He appeared on round half the ballots, however a lot of his votes have been within the high three.
“His solely factor is well being,” an NFC personnel evaluator stated. “When he is been on the sphere the previous three years, he is been good. Can play inside and outside, pressing and bodily within the run sport.”
That physicality exhibits up from the sideline on Sundays. One NFC offensive coach stated it is exhausting to run a “duo” play — designed to get the working again to the second stage, matched up towards the nook on the skin — towards Carolina due to Horn.
“That is alleged to be the worst tackler of the (protection) — not him,” the coach stated. “He’ll clear that up.”
Horn gave up 5.56 passing yards per goal, a stable clip amongst this high 10. He was rewarded this offseason with a four-year, $100 million contract.
Added an NFL coordinator: “Glorious in bump man [coverage], an excellent blitzer and tackler.”
Highest rating: 4 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 26 | Final yr’s rating: 8
Johnson was some of the constant corners over the previous two years with a mixed six interceptions and 18 cross deflections. His ball manufacturing dipped barely in 2024, however he was extra disruptive across the line of scrimmage with seven tackles for loss.
“Actually good zone consciousness. Sticky,” an NFL coordinator stated. “Versatile talent set.”
On 53 targets, Johnson allowed 32 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns with a 15.1% ball-hawking charge. In 2023, that charge was higher at 17.5%, throughout which he gave up 162 much less yards (286 whole). It’s value noting that the Bears, as a workforce, have been a multitude final season, which may have an effect on nook play.
Johnson steadily performed Cowl 2 beneath former Bears coach Matt Eberflus, however he ought to get extra man-coverage alternatives beneath defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
“I feel it will likely be good for him,” the coordinator stated. “He is obtained good ft, will get handsy at occasions, however he has sufficient consciousness at this level in profession that he could make a brand new scheme work.”
Highest rating: 5 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 23 | Final yr’s rating: N/A
Mitchell, the youngest participant on this listing, turns 24 tomorrow, signaling the Eagles have the skin coated for years to come back.
Mitchell was stellar within the predraft course of in 2024 and continued that momentum all through his rookie season. When a receiver catches a cross in Mitchell’s neighborhood, he would not go far. Mitchell allowed a mean of 1.5 yards after catch as the closest defender in protection final season, the fewest by any participant with at the least 30 targets. The following closest was Surtain at 1.9.
In three playoff video games, Mitchell allowed seven yards after the catch on 5 receptions.
“Cherished him popping out — heard loads about him all through the season, and it appeared like groups tried to search out methods to throw away from him,” an NFL coordinator stated. “He proved to have the ability to deal with 1s.”
This was true. The Eagles’ protection beneath Vic Fangio typically squeezed the center of the sphere, leaving corners with chunks of area to cowl. Mitchell confronted 76 targets consequently, but he deflected 12 of these passes for a 15.8% ball-hawking charge. Veteran nook Darius Slay (76 targets) did assist by holding up nicely on the opposite facet.
“His greatest factor is confidence,” an NFL passing sport coordinator stated. “He barely performed press in faculty however obtained in individuals’s pockets. He obtained actually good at that.”
Highest rating: 5 | Lowest rating: Unranked
Age: 24 | Final yr’s rating: 9
Witherspoon has back-to-back Professional Bowls to match two consecutive high 10s to start out his profession — attaining the latter in shut style. Witherspoon gained a tiebreaker with former No. 1 Jalen Ramsey for the tenth spot.
Statistically, Witherspoon wasn’t as disruptive because the earlier yr. His cross deflections dropped from 16 to 9, sacks from 3.0 to 1.0. However he is the traditional tone-setter, the kind of participant it’s good to see in particular person.
He is stout on the line, with a 90.0 run protection grade final season that ranked third amongst corners by Professional Soccer Focus. He additionally recorded 66 solo tackles, a stable quantity for a nook.
“Extraordinarily pressing, aggressive, wonderful top-down pace from the perimeter or out of the slot,” an NFL personnel evaluator stated. “Violent tackler, decrease physique twitch, good blitzer, disruptive.”
Added an NFL coordinator: “Higher nickel than exterior nook in my view however he makes splash performs. It’s essential to account for him.”
Honorable mentions
Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh Steelers: Ramsey’s trade to Pittsburgh ought to bolster his Corridor of Fame observe at age 30. “He had a down yr final yr, however he nonetheless had flashes of being the gold normal at nook,” an NFL personnel director stated. “His mixture of athletic capability/fluidity, pace and motion abilities at that measurement is uncommon. He can play man or zone protection, can play inside as a nickel and has the flexibility to maneuver to free security if he needed to.”
Pittsburgh is predicted to make use of Ramsey throughout, with slot nook or security performance on the within, just like Rod Woodson’s transition into Pittsburgh’s protection over 25 years in the past. Some coaches nonetheless see a shutdown nook on the skin, however many evaluators do not share that sentiment.
“Nonetheless a great starter however is in bodily decline,” an AFC govt stated. “You possibly can make the argument he is nonetheless high 10, however he is simply exterior of it for me.”
Added one other AFC evaluator: “In my view, he is higher within the nickel or with specialty roles at this stage.”
2:19
McAfee ecstatic about Steelers buying and selling for Jalen Ramsey
Pat McAfee reacts to the blockbuster deal sending Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to the Steelers with Minkah Fitzpatrick returning to Dolphins.
Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens: “He is finest within the slot at this stage, however he is such a pure in there, very disruptive and may get the ball, bodily.” — NFL coordinator
Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys: “I feel he is made enhancements as a nook. He at all times had the ball abilities. Self-discipline is a little bit bit higher. The accidents at the moment are the first concern.” — NFL coordinator
Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings: “He made a variety of performs final yr. It’s important to give him credit score. He was seen as extra of an inside man to start out his profession, however he is on the skin and producing in an enormous approach.” — NFL personnel evaluator
A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons: “Prototypical cowl nook with size who has a variety of disruption. However the ball manufacturing has been up and down. I feel he could be extra of a family title had he produced extra in that space.” — NFL personnel evaluator
L’Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans: “I do know he had a tough yr with accidents and a few off-the-field stuff, however he was actually good for 3 years [in Kansas City]. The Chiefs should have identified it was a great time to stroll away.” — NFL personnel evaluator
Additionally receiving votes: Cooper DeJean (Philadelphia Eagles), DaRon Bland (Dallas Cowboys), Charvarius Ward (Indianapolis Colts), Deommodore Lenoir (San Francisco 49ers), D.J. Reed (Detroit Lions), Carlton Davis III (New England Patriots), Marshon Lattimore (Washington Commanders), Alontae Taylor (New Orleans Saints), Joey Porter Jr. (Pittsburgh Steelers), Taron Johnson (Buffalo Bills), Riq Woolen (Seattle Seahawks), Jaire Alexander (Baltimore Ravens), Nate Wiggins (Baltimore Ravens)