{"id":69978,"date":"2025-08-15T10:27:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T10:27:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/69978\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T10:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T10:27:14","slug":"2025-nfl-positional-group-rankings-best-worst-team-units","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/69978\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 NFL positional group rankings: Best, worst team units"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/clay_mike.png&#038;h=80&#038;w=80&#038;scale=crop.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Mike ClayAug 15, 2025, 08:15 PM<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"icon-font-after icon-close-solid-after\" href=\"#\">Close<\/a>Mike Clay is a senior writer for fantasy football and the NFL at ESPN. Mike is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. His projections power the ESPN Fantasy Football game, and he also appears on &#8220;Fantasy Football Now&#8221; and the Fantasy Focus Football podcast.<\/p>\n<p>When analyzing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/29098001\/nfl-depth-charts-all-32-teams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL rosters<\/a>, it&#8217;s important to remember that it&#8217;s all relative. It&#8217;s easy to say a team is in &#8220;good shape&#8221; or &#8220;loaded&#8221; at a particular position, but each unit is only as good as it is relative to the league&#8217;s 31 other teams.<\/p>\n<p>That might seem like common sense, but you&#8217;d be surprised what you can learn by sitting down and objectively grading and\/or ranking each positional unit of all 32 teams. This is a project <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/insider\/story\/_\/id\/40847171\/2024-nfl-positional-ranking-team-units-best-worst\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">I&#8217;ve done<\/a> each offseason, which has led to many interesting revelations, including the likely breakouts of teams such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/insider\/story\/_\/id\/29549038\/ranking-every-nfl-team-position-group-1-32-2020-season\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2020 Buccaneers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/insider\/insider\/story\/_\/id\/34385106\/nfl-position-group-rankings-2022-best-worst-units-all-32-teams-including-quarterback-wide-receiver-edge-rusher\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2022 Eagles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/insider\/story\/_\/id\/38129445\/ranking-2023-nfl-position-groups-best-worst-team-units-quarterback-receiver\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2023 Dolphins<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Here are position-by-position unit rankings for all 32 teams <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/schedule\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">this season<\/a> covering the 10 key offensive and defensive groups. At the end is an overall ranking weighted based on positional importance (for example, it&#8217;s more crucial to be elite at quarterback than at running back). I also included brief outlooks on the best and shakiest units at each position as well as intriguing groups worth keeping an eye on. Note that these are 2025 rankings rather than long-term outlooks.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look, starting at quarterback.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">Jump to:<br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#qb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">QB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#rb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">RB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#wr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">WR<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#te\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TE<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#ol\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">OL<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#dt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DT<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#edge\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Edge<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#lb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">LB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#cb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CB<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#s\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">S<\/a><br \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45908900\/2025-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers#overall\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Overall outlook<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1753189507_289__end_rule.png\" width=\"100%\"\/><\/p>\n<p>QuarterbackRankTeamRankTeam1BAL17DEN2BUF18ATL3KC19NE4CIN20CHI5PHI21SEA6WSH22JAX7LAC23CAR8SF24LV9TB25NYG10DET26PIT11DAL27MIN12LAR28TEN13ARI29NYJ14MIA30IND15GB31CLE16HOU32NO<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253629_255_bal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This will be controversial to some, but <a data-player-guid=\"7d76fbb1-1c5e-d9f4-954f-cad43f720ae2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916387\/lamar-jackson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lamar Jackson<\/a> led all quarterbacks in QBR, ANY\/A (adjusted net yards per passing attempt) and expected points added. Jackson has been an All-Pro for the past two seasons and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/39488311\/ravens-qb-lamar-jackson-wins-2nd-career-nfl-mvp-award\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">won the NFL MVP<\/a> in 2019 and 2023. He fell just short of his second consecutive MVP last season despite career highs in passing yards (4,172) and passing touchdowns (41, tied for second in the league). The dual-threat quarterback has never finished a season lower than second among QBs in rushing yards, too. Former Cowboys QB <a data-player-guid=\"f1706f6e-2a98-a598-6308-e1f7b278edf7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2972515\/cooper-rush\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cooper Rush<\/a> makes for a solid backup.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_573_no.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Derek Carr&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45456062\/derek-carr-right-thing-saints-choose-retirement\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sudden retirement<\/a> has left the Saints in rebuild mode under center. Second-round rookie <a data-player-guid=\"0eb2837a-e6ed-bbd7-d7d5-cbeb2cd7ab11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360689\/tyler-shough\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Shough<\/a> is the best bet to emerge as a viable starter, and perhaps he&#8217;ll be more pro-ready than most first-years considering he&#8217;s already 25. Recent Day 3 fliers <a data-player-guid=\"8a3a5113-e81b-582c-e5a2-e097ed7a1813\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426339\/spencer-rattler\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spencer Rattler<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"41977a36-5557-167f-702d-1cb3f0f96882\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4243322\/jake-haener\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jake Haener<\/a>, who both struggled in relief of Carr last season, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45830789\/predicting-nfl-preseason-training-camp-qb-battles-browns-colts-saints-giants\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">will also compete<\/a> for the gig.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_553_min.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Other than perhaps the Steelers, no team with a new starting QB has as much on the line as the Vikings in 2025. With a revived <a data-player-guid=\"938f19a1-ef9b-618c-2365-d55291e0fcc6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3912547\/sam-darnold\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Darnold<\/a> under center in 2024, Minnesota was one of the league&#8217;s best teams, posting a 14-3 regular-season record. The core of the team remains in place, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45876693\/nfl-minnesota-vikings-jj-mccarthy-justin-jefferson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">puts pressure<\/a> on 2024 first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"460fbf74-c64d-3862-b942-852d104e94dd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4433970\/jj-mccarthy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">J.J. McCarthy<\/a> to play at a high level or at least not mess things up.<\/p>\n<p>Running backRankTeamRankTeam1DET17LAC2ATL18LAR3PHI19NE4SF20WSH5BAL21CHI6IND22MIN7GB23TEN8MIA24JAX9NO25NYG10SEA26CLE11LV27CIN12TB28CAR13HOU29DEN14ARI30PIT15BUF31KC16NYJ32DAL<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_630_det.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The running back position is strong across the NFL, but it&#8217;s hard to find a better duo than <a data-player-guid=\"d85aed19-e3b8-3788-935e-55f636ad86e9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429795\/jahmyr-gibbs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jahmyr Gibbs<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"c9be5cd2-4e6a-86b1-3c08-ab4e44e6b3bf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035538\/david-montgomery\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">David Montgomery<\/a>. Since the two teamed up in 2023, Lions RBs have produced a league-high 5,960 yards and 57 touchdowns. That&#8217;s 718 more yards and eight more touchdowns than any other team&#8217;s RBs. Gibbs led the NFL with 20 TDs in 2024, and Montgomery produced 1,100-plus yards for the sixth season in a row despite missing three games.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_207_dal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Running back remained a low-priority position for Dallas this past offseason. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44226070\/sources-free-agent-rico-dowdle-panthers-agree-deal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Out<\/a> is <a data-player-guid=\"da1e8487-d66d-6ff0-7438-e9d6e77856e0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4038815\/rico-dowdle\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rico Dowdle<\/a> and in are <a data-player-guid=\"0e04df01-7c44-1b1e-01a3-f73ab6f4eb61\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361579\/javonte-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Javonte Williams<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"c9d42ca5-0120-49e1-7889-de762f2a665f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4045163\/miles-sanders\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miles Sanders<\/a> and Day 3 rookie <a data-player-guid=\"e03727d8-8fc1-33ad-9ec4-504f46b46bc8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685279\/jaydon-blue\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaydon Blue<\/a>. Williams has the highest ceiling, but the 25-year-old has struggled badly with efficiency since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/34718881\/source-denver-broncos-rb-javonte-williams-season-torn-acl-lcl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">tearing his right ACL<\/a> in 2022. Sanders was a nonfactor during two seasons in Carolina, though he showed some juice with 116 yards and two touchdowns in Week 18 last season. It&#8217;s very possible fifth-rounder Blue sees some serious run as a rookie.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_968_lac.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Chargers revamped their RB room this offseason, replacing <a data-player-guid=\"249571a5-6db7-2705-2aa0-10c3bca5b417\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241985\/jk-dobbins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">J.K. Dobbins<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"6fcb9efa-5cfc-633e-ca97-99b5cd54343c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3051926\/gus-edwards\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gus Edwards<\/a> with <a data-player-guid=\"c1c771f1-75c3-3915-f07e-d4c9a11c7ad4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241457\/najee-harris\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Najee Harris<\/a> and first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"757d9056-88c7-3df1-b2e3-f6f8f186780b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685382\/omarion-hampton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Omarion Hampton<\/a>. Hampton is a big, tough back with three-down ability who figures to immediately slide in as the lead runner. Harris has been reliable on early downs and an innings eater in recent years (he&#8217;s the only tailback to not miss a game over the past four seasons), though he doesn&#8217;t offer much as a receiver. His availability for the start of the season is still up in the air, as he hasn&#8217;t practiced since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45756951\/chargers-najee-harris-eye-likely-start-camp-nfi-list\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sustaining an eye injury<\/a> in a fireworks mishap on July 4.<\/p>\n<p>Wide receiverRankTeamRankTeam1CIN17GB2PHI18ATL3TB19SEA4LAR20NO5MIN21NYG6MIA22BUF7CHI23CAR8DET24TEN9DAL25CLE10WSH26NE11KC27SF12LAC28NYJ13BAL29ARI14JAX30PIT15HOU31DEN16IND32LV<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253631_940_cin.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>There are several good options here, but few teams come close to competing with the <a data-player-guid=\"f9be91fa-7d8d-811b-6452-b14d1a1feb2c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4362628\/jamarr-chase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ja&#8217;Marr Chase<\/a>\/<a data-player-guid=\"f6207352-946a-a75a-aff5-28f316536d4d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4239993\/tee-higgins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tee Higgins<\/a> pairing. Chase has been great since being drafted in 2021, and he cemented himself as elite in 2024 with league highs in routes, targets, receptions, receiving yards, receiving TDs and end zone targets. He&#8217;s the first player in league history to reach both 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdown catches in a single season. Higgins <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/42409866\/bengals-tee-higgins-set-play-all-smiles-3-weeks-out\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">battled injuries<\/a> last season, but he still posted a 73-911-10 receiving line in 12 games. <a data-player-guid=\"48765517-fcf0-4b46-9666-f01d11d95ce1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4368003\/andrei-iosivas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Andrei Iosivas<\/a> and second-year <a data-player-guid=\"1f749dad-873b-3be5-a269-240754a232a3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429033\/jermaine-burton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jermaine Burton<\/a> provide depth.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253631_93_lv.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"66d091a1-ea80-8b91-007f-89d341dcbd40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3916433\/jakobi-meyers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jakobi Meyers<\/a> (one of 15 players with 800-plus receiving yards each of the past four seasons) is as underrated as they come, but he simply doesn&#8217;t have much proven help. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428718\/tre-tucker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tre Tucker<\/a>, the Raiders&#8217; 2023 third-round pick, is the other top veteran returning this season, but he wasn&#8217;t efficient last season. Despite ranking fourth among receivers in routes run last season, Tucker finished outside the top 50 in catches, yards and TDs. Las Vegas does have some hope for improvement with rookies <a data-player-guid=\"2d7c3bac-016c-3e57-b2c2-b12e051d8de0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4603186\/jack-bech\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Bech<\/a> (second round), <a data-player-guid=\"aac52bc9-b0cc-3d98-a406-f7ca48dfbc7a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432775\/donte-thornton-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dont&#8217;e Thornton Jr<\/a>. (fourth) and <a data-player-guid=\"996bf699-6e81-316f-8394-9df8e631e263\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4775196\/tommy-mellott\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tommy Mellott<\/a> (sixth).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253631_660_tb.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A healthy Bucs WR room would&#8217;ve earned the nod for &#8220;best,&#8221; but there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of <a data-player-guid=\"20e1bec6-fb6a-9ab1-92e0-c13eff7a7d42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116165\/chris-godwin\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Godwin<\/a>, who led the NFL in receptions before a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41946833\/tampa-bay-buccaneers-mike-evans-exits-hamstring-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">season-ending injury<\/a> in 2024. Of course, even if he sit outs time, this has the look of a top-end group. <a data-player-guid=\"5073fc58-91c1-4e3d-826d-af754f9f40c7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/16737\/mike-evans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Evans<\/a> (1,000-plus receiving yards in all 11 NFL seasons) is entering his age-32 campaign and seemingly hasn&#8217;t lost a step. <a data-player-guid=\"b5e1cc88-9406-358e-986f-e2ea21704108\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430834\/jalen-mcmillan\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen McMillan<\/a> (a 2024 third-round pick) scored eight TDs in his final five games of 2024, and the team selected Ohio State&#8217;s <a data-player-guid=\"48fb595b-ecda-3de2-9c05-fcc8090c4b84\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4567750\/emeka-egbuka\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Emeka Egbuka<\/a> with its first-round pick.<\/p>\n<p>Tight endRankTeamRankTeam1BAL17HOU2PIT18IND3LV19CIN4KC20WSH5MIN21LAR6CHI22ATL7SF23TB8ARI24MIA9DET25JAX10CLE26SEA11NE27CAR12DEN28NYG13BUF29TEN14PHI30LAC15GB31NO16DAL32NYJ<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253629_255_bal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45530874\/ranking-nfl-top-10-tight-ends-2025-execs-coaches-scouts-make-their-picks-best-game\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">recent survey<\/a> of league executives, coaches and scouts resulted in <a data-player-guid=\"eb0163cd-c488-df37-0418-93144048fba1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116365\/mark-andrews\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mark Andrews<\/a> (sixth) and <a data-player-guid=\"b36df804-8242-754d-43b1-9dec06fafcaf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361050\/isaiah-likely\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Isaiah Likely<\/a> (eighth) both ranking among the top 10 tight ends. After a career-high 11 touchdowns last season, Andrews leads all tight ends in scores since 2019 with 48. Likely&#8217;s usage has been limited by Andrews&#8217; presence, but he&#8217;s one of 17 tight ends with 30-plus catches each of the past three seasons. Likely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45858211\/ravens-isaiah-likely-fractured-foot-play-week-1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">had surgery<\/a> at the end of July for a small fracture in his foot, but Baltimore hasn&#8217;t ruled him out playing in Week 1.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253631_58_nyj.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Second-round rookie <a data-player-guid=\"18bfacb3-3ea0-3fe9-86a0-d0d9be7b43c2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4808766\/mason-taylor\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mason Taylor<\/a> could make this designation look foolish, but there very well could be a lengthier learning curve here for the 21-year-old. Jason Taylor&#8217;s son will have a lot of pressure to deliver, as the Jets&#8217; fallback options (<a data-player-guid=\"98fd4841-1757-9ac1-97b6-8c22d0e5e62b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361372\/jeremy-ruckert\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jeremy Ruckert<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"aed0d01c-5ba2-1504-ca53-2d41388630a2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4250764\/stone-smartt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Stone Smartt<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"81b85dd3-72b0-59cd-18ab-17e5d7a2e4d5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361417\/zack-kuntz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zack Kuntz<\/a>) haven&#8217;t made much of an impact in the pros.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253631_855_mia.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Welcome back, <a data-player-guid=\"d8843331-59d8-249e-7862-3b75104db19b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2576925\/darren-waller\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Darren Waller<\/a>. After ending his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/40314383\/giants-darren-waller-retiring-nfl-31\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">one-year retirement<\/a> in July, Waller was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45631064\/darren-waller-unretiring-dolphins-acquire-te-trade\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">traded to Miami<\/a> as the team&#8217;s replacement for <a data-player-guid=\"58017d3f-d9dd-7db8-4494-a5d6f7d63b9c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3054212\/jonnu-smith\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jonnu Smith<\/a>. Once one of the league&#8217;s top tight ends, Waller is obviously a bit of a lottery ticket since he&#8217;s 32 and struggled with durability when we last saw him (he hasn&#8217;t played more than 12 games in a season since 2020). Of course, with <a data-player-guid=\"45fff139-ee63-e870-a7dc-23ac3755fea6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4365395\/julian-hill\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Julian Hill<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"a0290341-e4eb-aad8-ba29-7bceba939db1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2971281\/pharaoh-brown\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pharaoh Brown<\/a> as his top competition, Waller has an easy path to snaps and targets in an offense that sees a ton of two-high looks.<\/p>\n<p>Offensive lineRankTeamRankTeam1PHI17DAL2DEN18LV3CHI19CAR4MIN20NE5TEN21NYJ6BAL22NO7LAR23WSH8TB24CLE9ATL25ARI10GB26PIT11BUF27SEA12SF28NYG13LAC29HOU14KC30MIA15IND31CIN16DET32JAX<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253632_292_phi.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Another season, another elite Eagles offensive line. It starts with arguably the league&#8217;s top tackle duo of <a data-player-guid=\"1af60452-bc81-a390-28a3-5657adc3029f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4334215\/jordan-mailata\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Mailata<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"2885a139-9b57-0709-3e30-b695de0dfb15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/15797\/lane-johnson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lane Johnson<\/a>. Mailata ranked among the top tackles in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pff.com\/grades\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pro Football Focus<\/a> grade, pass block win rate and run block win rate in both 2023 and 2024. Johnson is now 35 but hasn&#8217;t lost a step, ranking top 10 among tackles in pass and run block win rate last season. <a data-player-guid=\"706cd226-15c1-f78a-c34f-bc6a5c101fce\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361178\/cam-jurgens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cam Jurgens<\/a> was solid as Jason Kelce&#8217;s replacement at center last season. <a data-player-guid=\"fc405942-b3e9-fe33-54fe-c523bde43d69\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035624\/landon-dickerson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Landon Dickerson<\/a> is one of the league&#8217;s best guards, though he sustained a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45945721\/sources-eagles-dickerson-thought-meniscus-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">meniscus injury<\/a> to his right knee in a preseason practice and is considered week to week. The only other concern is at right guard, as <a data-player-guid=\"46d5bfa1-8787-400e-7b79-dd1b9b1c16e7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3055886\/matt-pryor\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Matt Pryor<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"20314bc8-f3a9-0425-df8b-4206cd1f5ddf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4362805\/tyler-steen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Steen<\/a> are among those competing to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44258019\/charges-beef-ol-agree-2-year-deal-mekhi-becton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">replace<\/a> <a data-player-guid=\"6f7435f8-4c95-c4a0-f129-13906e271da8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4240090\/mekhi-becton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mekhi Becton<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253632_984_jax.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Offensive line remains a massive problem area for the Jaguars and perhaps the worst situation in the NFL. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4242554\/walker-little\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Walker Little<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"84688c57-d24c-3348-bf1a-46aa75be55a8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4692525\/anton-harrison\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Anton Harrison<\/a> both posted poor pass block win rate marks in the past two seasons and are expected to be back as the team&#8217;s starting tackles. The interior will have a bit of a new look, as incumbent left guard <a data-player-guid=\"ba6b08b0-4638-b786-9cf0-0aba83e640ea\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4048231\/ezra-cleveland\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ezra Cleveland<\/a> will be joined by newcomers in center <a data-player-guid=\"55d95119-7ad9-3d65-4bf7-fc9f302b37e8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4242391\/robert-hainsey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Robert Hainsey<\/a> and right guard <a data-player-guid=\"655d5d2d-8fd6-fc9e-0c61-9d7ff0e31ad9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3863820\/patrick-mekari\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Patrick Mekari<\/a>. Perhaps third-round rookie <a data-player-guid=\"a8efef2b-e790-316a-a1da-26a4eede9757\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431463\/wyatt-milum\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wyatt Milum<\/a> will make an impact, but it&#8217;s hard to imagine this group making much of a leap.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_630_det.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Best in this category one year ago, the Lions will need to overcome some adversity this offseason. Detroit said goodbye to standout center Frank Ragnow (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45436192\/lions-four-pro-bowl-center-frank-ragnow-says-retiring\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">retirement<\/a>) and right guard <a data-player-guid=\"88a4172c-aa43-dd68-ee29-df64e5a7f8ac\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/14931\/kevin-zeitler\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin Zeitler<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44224705\/source-titans-add-guard-kevin-zeitler-revamped-o-line\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">free agency<\/a>) during the offseason. <a data-player-guid=\"e65b44a6-9043-fa36-f94a-fc55d354c74a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2576245\/graham-glasgow\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Graham Glasgow<\/a> (last season&#8217;s starting left guard) is now a contender to start at center, leaving the likes of 2024 sixth-rounder <a data-player-guid=\"89d519ea-244c-5cd4-fda7-247e406c4232\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4427864\/christian-mahogany\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Christian Mahogany<\/a>, second-round rookie <a data-player-guid=\"8989d674-eae4-3036-8e88-ab05de721eb6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429035\/tate-ratledge\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tate Ratledge<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"6cd5c9ac-a09f-3c8d-2fc3-e275577d11d3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035112\/trystan-colon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trystan Colon<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"466e2e49-9785-9bfa-0779-7891f7bc3fe4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4040842\/kayode-awosika\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kayode Awosika<\/a> as the top contenders to start at the two guard spots.<\/p>\n<p>Interior defensive lineRankTeamRankTeam1SEA17NYJ2ARI18CHI3IND19CIN4TEN20TB5MIN21GB6NYG22DAL7DEN23DET8PIT24CLE9LAR25JAX10NE26WSH11BAL27ATL12KC28HOU13PHI29NO14CAR30LV15BUF31LAC16MIA32SF<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253632_253_sea.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A contender for this honor one year ago, the Seahawks remain stacked up front with <a data-player-guid=\"4ea23eac-ad50-dfe7-6864-0cf74b7cf6b1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2971622\/leonard-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Leonard Williams<\/a> leading the way. Williams is still playing at a superstar level at 31, as he led all interior linemen with 11 sacks and ranked fourth with 35 pass rush wins last season. <a data-player-guid=\"f76b9d91-4fd4-23b9-7737-acd1f4c3169a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3115312\/jarran-reed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jarran Reed<\/a> (4.5 sacks in 2024) and <a data-player-guid=\"cf23e6c6-f81e-8c06-b1fc-abb392b5625a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/15841\/johnathan-hankins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Johnathan Hankins<\/a> are also back. And 2024 first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"4d80e833-e4f3-3887-b4c6-8ffacef00c8a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4570040\/byron-murphy-ii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Byron Murphy II<\/a> is a candidate for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45907047\/2025-nfl-questions-sophomore-defenders-mitchell-dejean-verse-robinson-arnold\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">second-year leap<\/a> after a solid rookie showing.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253632_327_sf.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"138412a8-726d-c360-74c9-7cad706112a8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3040471\/maliek-collins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Maliek Collins<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"b3b4a21e-8a12-8875-aab4-3c5080dbc5d4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2983055\/javon-hargrave\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Javon Hargrave<\/a> signed elsewhere this offseason, and the 49ers&#8217; only impact additions were draft picks <a data-player-guid=\"91fd2df7-c807-3486-8638-f227fe88bee2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430835\/alfred-collins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alfred Collins<\/a> (second round) and <a data-player-guid=\"6ca608eb-11df-30a5-9e76-83a256cbbc15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4686308\/cj-west\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CJ West<\/a> (fourth). <a data-player-guid=\"b15d1988-3fa3-76f8-eebb-6e8be3fa934d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4039052\/jordan-elliott\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jordan Elliott<\/a> (a rotational player) tops the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/team\/depth\/_\/name\/sf\/san-francisco-49ers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">depth chart<\/a>, and <a data-player-guid=\"09e62a7e-b520-7bcd-baea-8630cfd35f1a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3929641\/kevin-givens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin Givens<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"5d1cc7eb-3bc7-358a-ab14-8703b016bdfe\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4612182\/evan-anderson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evan Anderson<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"ef310873-58c6-2217-0483-a870dad045e5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4243541\/kalia-davis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kalia Davis<\/a> all played less than 30% of the team&#8217;s defensive snaps last season. The 49ers figure to add more help and\/or move <a data-player-guid=\"a548d688-5145-2203-3833-88c93ecbf819\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4259594\/yetur-gross-matos\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Yetur Gross-Matos<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"e0abd069-b890-d9cc-74f3-8b61ab08d00b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569497\/sam-okuayinonu\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam Okuayinonu<\/a> inside more often.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253632_314_ari.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A clear weakness for Arizona last season has suddenly become its biggest strength. After finishing 2024 ranked 28th and 20th in pass rush win rate (33.3%) and run stop win rate (29.8%), respectively, Arizona now has serious talent and potential up front. Standout veterans <a data-player-guid=\"554e0b9e-fc77-cd9c-d9d8-e29ff23919b0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2979860\/dalvin-tomlinson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dalvin Tomlinson<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"91ff5c77-5177-02bd-cc67-d131f591941b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/11284\/calais-campbell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Calais Campbell<\/a> were signed to anchor the interior, with recent first-round picks <a data-player-guid=\"00be5413-6bb3-9d47-065f-5adec0dec45e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569480\/darius-robinson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Darius Robinson<\/a> (2024) and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685503\/walter-nolen-iii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Walter Nolen III<\/a> (2025) adding upside. Incumbents <a data-player-guid=\"5c6c0d86-af72-20fc-dc3e-836ce2bb761b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116746\/justin-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Justin Jones<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"d7e7b0ab-e11b-533d-c3af-052df03ce5dc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116449\/lj-collier\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">L.J. Collier<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"74587e2d-e2fe-fb52-a992-d3ab3c17cd6f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4362225\/dante-stills\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dante Stills<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"713b3735-a7cc-4ac0-8a7b-169a64a08ce4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3117922\/bilal-nichols\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bilal Nichols<\/a> will compete for depth roles.<\/p>\n<p>Edge rusherRankTeamRankTeam1PIT17SEA2NYG18NE3MIN19IND4HOU20ARI5LV21NYJ6JAX22BAL7DET23DEN8LAR24CHI9CIN25KC10MIA26TB11SF27GB12DAL28ATL13CLE29CAR14LAC30TEN15NO31PHI16BUF32WSH<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253633_240_pit.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"fa239d3e-e2c0-2e06-6856-2a52abea3f2c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3045282\/tj-watt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">T.J. Watt<\/a> has been an All-Pro in each of his past five healthy seasons and has an NFL-high 108 sacks since entering the league in 2017 (only he and <a data-player-guid=\"031d8156-6271-ea30-409f-137309621805\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3122132\/myles-garrett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Myles Garrett<\/a> have more than 83). Running mate <a data-player-guid=\"3d63171f-bbec-74eb-1235-7d4fc7745b73\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4037333\/alex-highsmith\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alex Highsmith<\/a> sat out six games last season but remained a full-time player when healthy; his 33.5 sacks over the past four seasons rank 16th in the league. <a data-player-guid=\"b5a6a0e4-88c9-3a7f-ae1c-8c7ecb944815\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429164\/nick-herbig\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nick Herbig<\/a> (5.5 sacks in 13 games) also was terrific in an expanded role.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253633_10_wsh.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"202c3144-923e-c68b-e0f0-c3292fb51522\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2980100\/dante-fowler-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dante Fowler Jr<\/a>., who led the Commanders in sacks (10.5) and pass rush wins (37) last season, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44253088\/source-pass-rusher-dante-fowler-jr-cowboys-reach-deal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">signed with Dallas<\/a> in free agency. Little was done to replace him, with journeymen <a data-player-guid=\"c5ed5de0-97cc-6021-98cd-edfb242b2068\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2980080\/deatrich-wise-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Deatrich Wise Jr<\/a>., 36-year-old <a data-player-guid=\"cb2f0b03-ac0e-cf36-34c0-e590898cab6c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/13976\/von-miller\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Von Miller<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"46ccd78f-f00d-eaec-7d39-08ee6bad72a5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3138764\/jacob-martin\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jacob Martin<\/a> brought in to join <a data-player-guid=\"564d25c1-08a2-b0fb-4dd9-bcd54be15515\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3928979\/dorance-armstrong\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dorance Armstrong<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"2462c014-81bc-cdaf-f08c-6cf17688868f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3728258\/clelin-ferrell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Clelin Ferrell<\/a>. Versatile <a data-player-guid=\"2a6c9a31-1755-da1d-6071-0e3389949107\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3127273\/frankie-luvu\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Frankie Luvu<\/a> (the only player on the roster who had more than six sacks last season) will once again be key to Washington&#8217;s pass rush.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253633_942_nyg.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Giants have a strong case for the top spot in this category. <a data-player-guid=\"ce3ca19e-f098-3c39-f922-18cad8eafb5e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035631\/brian-burns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Burns<\/a> sits seventh in the NFL with 54.5 sacks since entering the league in 2019, while <a data-player-guid=\"e6b16b17-cc50-e144-c567-7fde9ceaa979\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426326\/kayvon-thibodeaux\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kayvon Thibodeaux<\/a> ranks 21st with 17 over the past two seasons. And as if that&#8217;s not enough, New York used the No. 3 pick this year on <a data-player-guid=\"df4ecbf0-8676-3fbd-8563-25721d12b4ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4725996\/abdul-carter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Abdul Carter<\/a>. It&#8217;s extremely rare for a team to have three first-round picks at the same position, but New York will certainly get creative in finding ways to keep all three busy this season.<\/p>\n<p>Off-ball linebackerRankTeamRankTeam1WSH17GB2PHI18MIN3JAX19ATL4DEN20TB5DET21HOU6NYJ22CIN7NO23LV8MIA24CLE9SF25SEA10KC26IND11CHI27LAC12PIT28DAL13BAL29ARI14BUF30TEN15NE31CAR16NYG32LAR<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253633_10_wsh.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>With <a data-player-guid=\"64bf5618-8d27-f5d5-aea5-d13547514fca\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/14979\/bobby-wagner\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bobby Wagner<\/a> and Frankie Luvu back, the Commanders pace this category for the second year in a row. Wagner is entering his age-35 season, but he ranked in the top 10 among off-ball LBs in pass rush wins, tackles for loss and QB hits last season. Luvu is the only NFL player with 250-plus tackles and 20-plus sacks over the past three seasons (335 and 21, respectively). The duo combined to play 98.2% of Washington&#8217;s defensive snaps in 2024.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253633_11_lar.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rarely a priority for Sean McVay&#8217;s Rams, this position remains an area of concern, especially following <a data-player-guid=\"2b327e92-57d0-b179-e64e-9994744c4960\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3909013\/christian-rozeboom\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Christian Rozeboom<\/a>&#8216;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43937442\/panthers-2025-free-agency-tracker-offseason-moves-signings\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">departure<\/a>. Career situational player <a data-player-guid=\"f6b81e03-46b4-f3dd-bcea-9a00ca04d2f4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3116177\/troy-reeder\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Troy Reeder<\/a> was vaulted into an every-down role early in 2024 before a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/41984067\/rams-activate-wr-puka-nacua-five-games-out\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hamstring injury<\/a> ended his season in Week 7. He&#8217;s back and will compete with veteran newcomer <a data-player-guid=\"afdfa54c-8f92-8c9b-eeb8-b41dc2424e34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4243181\/nate-landman\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nate Landman<\/a>, 2024 UDFA <a data-player-guid=\"6aa54d65-634a-8bba-7ba7-2325fd999fc5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428550\/omar-speights\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Omar Speights<\/a> and perhaps fifth-round rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4602943\/chris-paul-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Paul Jr.<\/a> for substantial work this season.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253632_292_phi.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>GM Howie Roseman and the Super Bowl champion Eagles hit an absolute home run when they signed <a data-player-guid=\"9a9bf194-a70e-8980-77ea-ffca07e769de\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917657\/zack-baun\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zack Baun<\/a> to a one-year flier last offseason. After totaling 88 tackles in four seasons of being misused in New Orleans, Baun registered 150 tackles (sixth most in the NFL) in 2024 and was awarded a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44123827\/sources-eagles-re-sign-zack-baun-3-year-51m-deal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">three-year, $51 million extension<\/a>. Baun is the main man in this unit, but his running mate (at least in the short term) is to be determined. Both <a data-player-guid=\"e36c925b-d493-de94-32cc-1048741e72ec\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426340\/nakobe-dean\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nakobe Dean<\/a> (recovering from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43397364\/source-eagles-lb-nakobe-dean-knee-likely-playoffs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">knee injury<\/a>) and 2025 first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"23e1997f-707c-3915-b745-94a119996c4a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685287\/jihaad-campbell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jihaad Campbell<\/a> (recovering from shoulder surgery) could be limited or sit out time to open the season. Recent fifth-round picks <a data-player-guid=\"858de653-2951-3061-a965-a19dc1edffc9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432777\/jeremiah-trotter-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jeremiah Trotter Jr<\/a>. and <a data-player-guid=\"97abf104-7108-348b-bc0b-c587588b7a24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431573\/smael-mondon-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Smael Mondon Jr<\/a>. add depth.<\/p>\n<p>CornerbackRankTeamRankTeam1BAL17NYG2HOU18TEN3NYJ19DAL4PHI20CLE5PIT21JAX6NE22ATL7BUF23SF8CHI24MIN9KC25LAR10SEA26LAC11IND27GB12DET28ARI13DEN29CIN14TB30NO15WSH31LV16CAR32MIA<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253629_255_bal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Even after losing <a data-player-guid=\"48bb2cfa-83b5-d4ec-4bfe-3d310e534658\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035824\/brandon-stephens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brandon Stephens<\/a> to the Jets during free agency, the Ravens remained in solid shape at cornerback thanks to one of the league&#8217;s best duos in <a data-player-guid=\"c840224c-32fa-6d92-e3b8-827a24c49703\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3126356\/marlon-humphrey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marlon Humphrey<\/a> and 2024 first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"0fa246a4-1068-3be1-9d79-42844aeedbce\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4601278\/nate-wiggins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nate Wiggins<\/a>. Baltimore then went from &#8220;solid&#8221; to &#8220;great&#8221; when it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45538994\/jaire-alexander-signs-1-year-deal-join-ravens\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">signed<\/a> <a data-player-guid=\"23d53fbf-b932-d1db-7c5a-a49803a84c17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3895429\/jaire-alexander\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jaire Alexander<\/a> in June. Alexander struggled with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43250547\/source-packers-cb-jaire-alexander-undergoes-knee-surgery\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">injuries<\/a> during his time in Green Bay, but he has remained an elite player when healthy. With Wiggins and Alexander outside, Humphrey in the slot and veteran <a data-player-guid=\"38f27438-1cc6-308a-194a-6f415ed7318c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3052101\/chidobe-awuzie\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chidobe Awuzie<\/a> offering quality depth, the Ravens are loaded at corner.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253631_855_mia.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"fb1079ac-923e-a549-acd3-61b0adffa26c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3045465\/kendall-fuller\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kendall Fuller<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"a5623fce-1fb1-d273-2b6e-61ac583303c3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3045373\/jalen-ramsey\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Ramsey<\/a> &#8212; Miami&#8217;s top perimeter corners in 2024 &#8212; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45617415\/steelers-acquire-all-pro-cb-jalen-ramsey-trade-dolphins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">both departed<\/a> this offseason, and the team made minimal efforts to replace them. <a data-player-guid=\"c1d19955-0832-36b8-52af-385f69dfe0a0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3051921\/artie-burns\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Artie Burns<\/a> was initially the lone notable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43937472\/dolphins-2025-free-agency-tracker-offseason-moves-signings\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">veteran signing<\/a>, while fifth-rounder <a data-player-guid=\"95fe64fa-16c9-3c39-8529-0ed2eab0c73a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4432730\/jason-marshall-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jason Marshall Jr<\/a>. was the only draft investment. But now, Burns and <a data-player-guid=\"36fbd52c-8df4-8272-a118-3e4b254014e1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4291489\/kader-kohou\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kader Kohou<\/a> are done for the season because of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/45858647\/dolphins-kader-kohou-miss-entire-season-knee-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">torn ACL injuries<\/a>. That leaves the likes of 31-year-old <a data-player-guid=\"39c4b8e9-7aa2-f635-a533-4f5513805f6d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2980383\/mike-hilton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Hilton<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"80b3e85d-adaf-4852-11f5-9b73da743353\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035686\/jack-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Jones<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"2ac74d6b-a624-8259-53cc-7ece35dec728\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4427103\/storm-duck\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Storm Duck<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"8410d84c-f260-5c04-0df1-5a51fdf80cef\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4570672\/cam-smith\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cam Smith<\/a> as the team&#8217;s top options at corner.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253632_984_jax.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Jaguars are set to return all three of their top corners from 2024 &#8212; <a data-player-guid=\"5235f9a5-e8e2-d876-2ed4-83deb390b1b3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4379397\/tyson-campbell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyson Campbell<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"53801fbc-dcdc-1031-3331-dd72aca53a32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4242149\/montaric-brown\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Montaric Brown<\/a> and slot <a data-player-guid=\"214a5d19-dbc9-8f89-ee6c-3b722704d7e5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426448\/jarrian-jones\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jarrian Jones<\/a> &#8212; but the trio will have significantly more competition for work in 2025. Of course, the big wild card is No. 2 pick <a data-player-guid=\"c39cf8be-f94e-3db4-9c3a-fcc72135a03f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685415\/travis-hunter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Travis Hunter<\/a>, who is expected to focus primarily on wide receiver. The Jaguars <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44193369\/source-jaguars-sign-ex-cowboys-cb-jourdan-lewis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">also added<\/a> standout slot CB <a data-player-guid=\"3b6c4e02-f67e-c84f-d950-46505e92a244\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3045207\/jourdan-lewis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jourdan Lewis<\/a> and invested a third-round pick in <a data-player-guid=\"174ab282-6d1c-3a01-8241-16e8299943a7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4683347\/caleb-ransaw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Caleb Ransaw<\/a>. Their pass defense should be much better than the group that allowed an AFC-worst 61.2 QBR last season.<\/p>\n<p>SafetyRankTeamRankTeam1DET17TB2GB18DAL3ARI19IND4HOU20NYJ5BAL21PHI6DEN22MIA7LAC23JAX8CHI24TEN9NE25CIN10MIN26LV11ATL27CAR12NO28SF13LAR29CLE14SEA30BUF15PIT31KC16NYG32WSH<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_630_det.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Detroit has formed the league&#8217;s top safety duo by hitting on a pair of recent Day 2 draft picks. <a data-player-guid=\"09e7979b-6e3f-bc9b-1848-9a6e49000923\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360383\/kerby-joseph\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kerby Joseph<\/a> (2022 third-rounder) has been an every-down player since entering the league, and he took his game to the next level last season. <a data-player-guid=\"7610abac-72b7-38fc-828a-b46cf8d7b9b1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4692025\/brian-branch\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Brian Branch<\/a> (2023 second-rounder) wasn&#8217;t far behind, which was an impressive feat as he transitioned from a hybrid slot\/safety role as a rookie to more of a prominent safety role in 2024.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253633_10_wsh.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"897c6445-2a73-465e-850c-a4b8149afad0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4043169\/jeremy-chinn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jeremy Chinn<\/a> (who led the Washington secondary in snaps last season) is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/44196101\/raiders-reach-deal-safety-jeremy-chinn-source-says\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">gone<\/a> and is set to be replaced by 30-year-old <a data-player-guid=\"93474c74-bbe8-c24f-8cce-a86a16009d77\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915297\/will-harris\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Will Harris<\/a>. The ex-Lion and Saint will work opposite 2024 starter <a data-player-guid=\"5fc9ada0-88e4-f154-9c5c-80c8501b7427\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360378\/quan-martin\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Quan Martin<\/a>, with <a data-player-guid=\"4c3bb9a1-de5c-39bd-ed9e-4eae6cfd4ca3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4363097\/percy-butler\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Percy Butler<\/a> returning as competition. None of these players have posted a quality Pro Football Focus grade in recent seasons, and Washington did not invest in the position during April&#8217;s draft.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253633_637_gb.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p><a data-player-guid=\"a7764a76-3d05-3784-1714-d4367e541bf0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241470\/xavier-mckinney\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Xavier McKinney<\/a> was a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/39709350\/packers-add-safety-xavier-mckinney-four-year-68m-contract\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">home run acquisition<\/a> last offseason, as the ex-Giant produced eight interceptions (second most in the NFL) and earned his first All-Pro bid. And 2024 draft selections <a data-player-guid=\"ee3abf6d-652c-3975-9e21-4fa8da2434e8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4688930\/javon-bullard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Javon Bullard<\/a> (second round) and <a data-player-guid=\"43deba0f-5355-34a4-5bf8-3f2d159f719b\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4428863\/evan-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Evan Williams<\/a> (fourth) each played substantial roles as rookies and should be featured heavily in a defense that leans on three-safety looks.<\/p>\n<p>OverallRankTeamRankTeam1BLT17DAL2PHI18PIT3BUF19ARZ4KC20SF5DET21SEA6MIN22IND7CIN23NYG8CHI24MIA9TB25ATL10DEN26TEN11LAC27NYJ12LAR28JAX13WAS29CAR14HST30LV15GB31CLV16NE32NO<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253629_255_bal.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s no secret the Ravens have yet to earn a Super Bowl appearance in the Lamar Jackson era, but that very well could change this season. Baltimore has perhaps its best roster on paper since it won <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/330203025\/ravens-49ers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Super Bowl XLVII<\/a>. Jackson is obviously the big difference-maker, but he has a ton of help at the skill positions (including <a data-player-guid=\"81c182a5-8981-2272-a00f-f8daf9533e07\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3043078\/derrick-henry\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Derrick Henry<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"04e6bfd5-ecba-2d02-bcac-087f32564877\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429615\/zay-flowers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zay Flowers<\/a>, Mark Andrews and newcomer <a data-player-guid=\"2dd1bd22-50e8-1dcb-8039-c85885c17fab\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/15795\/deandre-hopkins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DeAndre Hopkins<\/a>) and on the offensive line (led by <a data-player-guid=\"c5df5ed1-f2cf-aa90-d8ec-09b57cc7f711\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2980153\/ronnie-stanley\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ronnie Stanley<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"4dc51a6c-8f23-5c8a-2559-96cec58d5a8a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360499\/tyler-linderbaum\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Linderbaum<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The Ravens&#8217; defense, which has ranked in the top five leaguewide in sacks each of the past three seasons, returns 10 of its top 11 snap-getters from 2024 (including stars <a data-player-guid=\"b528bb83-eea2-8d7f-db71-0fd0d32f8c2f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4575517\/kyle-hamilton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Hamilton<\/a>, Marlon Humphrey, <a data-player-guid=\"4590969e-ef91-bd31-d08f-b62befbac912\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3915189\/roquan-smith\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Roquan Smith<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"8a28bb7f-d7c4-94d0-a6e2-258deeac6377\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/16772\/kyle-van-noy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kyle Van Noy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4035245\/nnamdi-madubuike\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nnamdi Madubuike<\/a>). They added potential impact players in star corner Jaire Alexander, first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"832256e6-12a3-32d5-aa4c-19bdccdf6113\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685530\/malaki-starks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Malaki Starks<\/a> and second-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"8e7ca22f-9fd7-3e99-8411-d65a5f6643c6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4683188\/mike-green\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mike Green<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_573_no.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Derek Carr&#8217;s retirement cemented this one, as New Orleans&#8217; quarterback situation probably will be quite poor (the hit rate of non-first-round QBs, especially as rookies, is very low). Of course, it&#8217;s not just about the quarterback. <a data-player-guid=\"488f79c1-5040-ac01-30bb-aa9c200d3c92\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3054850\/alvin-kamara\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alvin Kamara<\/a> is now 30 years old; <a data-player-guid=\"b36899c0-cd91-5c48-6b32-ec65159c9bb3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361370\/chris-olave\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Olave<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"8a0eaa42-1bfb-09dd-b3b8-2572d1301eb1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4032473\/rashid-shaheed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rashid Shaheed<\/a> have some uncertainty after both sat out most of last season because of injuries; and we might not even see <a data-player-guid=\"b4348fe9-fd28-0531-ad90-dbc8d5e0d11e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2468609\/taysom-hill\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Taysom Hill<\/a>, who is rehabbing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/42738809\/saints-taysom-hill-undergo-testing-knee-injury\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">torn ACL<\/a> at age 35. The <a data-player-guid=\"ee083b79-dd00-f52b-63d1-33515ef1dcc6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3917331\/erik-mccoy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Erik McCoy<\/a>-led offensive line could be serviceable, but it depends on the development and progression of four recent first-round picks, including rookie left tackle <a data-player-guid=\"373f5426-76be-3f60-84dd-e3827fc3fd93\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685260\/kelvin-banks-jr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kelvin Banks Jr<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Your League, Your Rules<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fantasy.espn.com\/football\/welcome?addata=ffl_2025_in_line_bethecommish\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/ffl-1320x528_03.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" class=\"imageLoaded\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Create a league and customize league size, scoring and rules to play in the league you want to play in.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fantasy.espn.com\/football\/welcome?addata=ffl_2025_in_line_bethecommish\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Create a league today!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The defense has a few bright spots (<a data-player-guid=\"fb217954-5287-9a6d-1b16-c665b0d28ad7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3918310\/carl-granderson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Carl Granderson<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"34851fdd-fa26-e8a8-ac34-2625143d1348\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4241986\/chase-young\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chase Young<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"462f628b-03dd-eccc-1c96-e5654aa85bcb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3931399\/justin-reid\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Justin Reid<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"87e9c42b-e44f-e088-fce0-cae06ba20349\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/14958\/demario-davis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Demario Davis<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"cfd6d317-0d17-cb31-2766-cd6062d001e4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/13971\/cameron-jordan\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cameron Jordan<\/a>), but the latter two are both 36. There are also massive concerns up front and at corner. Unless <a data-player-guid=\"0eb2837a-e6ed-bbd7-d7d5-cbeb2cd7ab11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4360689\/tyler-shough\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Shough<\/a> proves to be a second-round gem, New Orleans might be selecting its franchise QB with the first pick of the 2026 draft.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"floatleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1755253630_630_det.png&#038;h=110&#038;w=110.png\" width=\"31\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to forget considering how the Lions&#8217; season ended (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/game\/_\/gameId\/401671885\/commanders-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">45-31 playoff loss<\/a> to the Commanders), but they were dominant on both sides of the ball in the regular season. Through Week 12, their defense ranked first in EPA. Then the injuries started to pile up, and they fell to 29th for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n<p>A return to health on defense will be the key to getting that unit back into the &#8220;elite&#8221; discussion. Superstar <a data-player-guid=\"ea011a11-6683-b299-50e2-f601bdd7172a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4372099\/aidan-hutchinson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aidan Hutchinson<\/a>&#8216;s comeback is obviously massive, and he leads a good front seven that includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2977670\/dj-reader\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DJ Reader<\/a>, first-round pick <a data-player-guid=\"a7b5ffec-364d-37f4-a273-13e9e1a4b591\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4431615\/tyleik-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tyleik Williams<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"c56cd1fd-c1eb-a88f-7638-b157809743a4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4569465\/jack-campbell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jack Campbell<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"edc62765-05ca-c0c6-bf90-a207b4cc5614\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3043107\/alex-anzalone\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alex Anzalone<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"0f21e2f4-356f-603f-e8bd-4ee9c36da099\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4361662\/alim-mcneill\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alim McNeill<\/a> (still rehabbing from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com.au\/nfl\/story\/_\/id\/43004551\/sources-lions-starting-dt-alim-mcneill-torn-acl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">torn ACL<\/a>). <a data-player-guid=\"9d4fc11f-597a-9b5b-d095-4d91e1aae783\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3139387\/dj-reed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">D.J. Reed<\/a> was an impact signing as <a data-player-guid=\"d1f0592f-090b-3c88-8698-b3d13e8d1a07\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4592837\/terrion-arnold\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Terrion Arnold<\/a>&#8216;s running mate at corner, and those two join the terrific Brian Branch\/Kerby Joseph duo in the secondary.<\/p>\n<p>An elite Lions offense that ranked in the top five in EPA for the past three seasons remains intact, with a solid QB (<a data-player-guid=\"987f4f39-ed6f-5915-57eb-ec7dc356171c\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3046779\/jared-goff\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jared Goff<\/a>), good pass catchers (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4374302\/amon-ra-st-brown\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amon-Ra St. Brown<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"a86b2e46-69f6-f60b-3017-063d68c54345\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4426388\/jameson-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jameson Williams<\/a>, <a data-player-guid=\"c61b32e3-c420-9298-3430-a9fef88819f4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430027\/sam-laporta\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sam LaPorta<\/a>), the aforementioned elite RB duo and a very good offensive line (including tackles <a data-player-guid=\"b43105da-d303-6dad-a99e-9cf6333b3c02\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/2976292\/taylor-decker\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Taylor Decker<\/a> and <a data-player-guid=\"556facff-6467-4dc6-234f-4cf1316e0e84\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4373825\/penei-sewell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Penei Sewell<\/a> to help offset the interior uncertainty). The Eagles have something to say about it, but the Lions certainly have a case as the NFC&#8217;s best team on paper.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mike ClayAug 15, 2025, 08:15 PM CloseMike Clay is a senior writer for fantasy football and the NFL&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":69979,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[64,63,593,85],"class_list":["post-69978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=69978"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/69978\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/69979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=69978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=69978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=69978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}