Who fell out of the NFL top 10 best player rankings in 2025? - ESPN

Fresh names can be found all over ESPN's survey of the top 10 players at every position. And that means every top-10 ranking has at least one player who fell from last year's charts, whether because of performance, injury or the strength of the rankings. We'll collect those names here as the top 10 for each position is unveiled.

A reminder of the rankings process: League executives, coaches and scouts gave us their best 10 players at a position; then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. More than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases, all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed helped break ties.

We will roll out a position per day over 11 days. The schedule: running backs (7/7), defensive tackles (7/8), edge rushers (7/9), safeties (7/10), tight ends (7/11), interior offensive linemen (7/12), offensive tackles (7/13), quarterbacks (7/14), off-ball linebackers (7/15), wide receivers (7/16), cornerbacks (7/17).

C.J. Stroud, Texans (No. 7 in 2024 preseason): After appearing on MVP ballots as a rookie in 2023, Stroud experienced something of a sophomore slump hastened by multiple factors outside of his control. The Texans had horrible injury luck at wide receiver — Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell missed a combined 19 games — and the offensive line struggled to consistently protect Stroud. Still, his accuracy and decision-making were additional factors that led to Stroud's drop from the top 10, and 2025 will be a telling year as the league tries to determine the proper tier for the 2023 No. 2 pick.

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