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 help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This was the sixth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players moved up or fell off last year’s lists.
A reminder of the rankings process: Voters 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. In total, 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 us break any ties.
Each section includes quotes and nuggets from the voters on every ranked player — even the honorable mentions. The objective was to identify the best players for 2025. This was not a five-year projection or a career achievement award. Who are the best players today?
We will roll out a position 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).
Justifying a top 10 receiver list comes with a “good luck” qualifier.
The depth at this position makes any attempt all but futile. Way more than 10 are deserving each season since at least two dozen receivers are producing at a high level each year.
Last season, 21 receivers surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, down from 27 the year before but still impressive. Last year’s rookie class featured several budding stars — one of whom debuted in the top seven and another who pushed for the top 10.
And what’s great about this year’s group: The clear two-man race features two stars who grew up about 10 miles apart, played at LSU together and are trading blows for the No. 1 ranking each year.
Here are the league’s top 10 receivers through the eyes of NFL executives, coaches and scouts.
Shane: I’m with you fellers, with one caveat: It is a massive, massive deal to me that Justin Thomas could either miss the team or be so bad that he can’t effectively contribute. I watched this guy carry the U.S. in the Melbourne Presidents Cup, play like a baller in the otherwise nightmarish Paris Ryder Cup, and generally just thrive in these team events. I don’t think it’s a death sentence to lose him, but it’s bad.
Question 3: Looking at the current standings, are there any players close to automatic qualification who you’d leave off either team?
Shane: On the American side, Keegan Bradley, but he’s pretty far down now at No. 10. I just don’t see what he brings to the table that you can’t get more of, and better, from guys below him like Fowler, Burns, hell, even Denny McCarthy.
Luke: On the U.S. side, I’d skip over Keegan Bradley unless he tears up the playoffs. Cameron Young still has some work left to do, too. He’s been turning it around, but you really want your potential rookies playing well. On the European side, I’m not as sold on Adrian Meronk as so many of my fellow Europeans seem to be. I can obviously see the appeal, but so many European fans consider him a lock for a pick. We’re placing a lot of stock in his Italian Open performances, but zoom out on his form and he tends to run very hot-and-cold. Maybe very good for match play, but not necessarily one you can bank on.
Joel: I suppose Yannik Paul, currently in fourth on the European points list (the top three qualify). Paul is outside the world top 100, and the events he’s played well in had less-than-stellar fields.