The Best Player at Every Position in the NFL This Season

Professional football is defined by the greats.

Jim Brown, Dick Butkus, "Mean" Joe Green, Lawrence Taylor, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Ray Lewis, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, etc. aren't just famous athletes; their legacies are built into the very fabric of American culture.

The pinnacle occurs upon being acknowledged as the very best to overcome the anonymity and positional bias, aside from quarterbacks, that often follows the journey of playing the ultimate team sport. Those individuals become seen, with an accompanying opportunity to A) improve their respective teams and B) raise their own profiles.

As the 2025 season has commenced, the best at each position hasn't always been clear. It's downright muddy at a few spots. Even so, certain names earned the right to be called the best at this moment in time, starting with a quarterback who forced everyone to remember exactly how good he really is.

Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Jeff Lewis

The Los Angeles Rams didn't initially know whether Matthew Stafford planned to play in 2025 after enduring plenty of wear and tear throughout his career. Upon making the decision, the team then allowed its veteran quarterback to test the trade market in order to establish his value before signing Stafford to a new deal.

Now, Stafford is playing better than any other quarterback, and the 7-2 Rams are tied for the NFC's best record.

The 37-year-old has been on a supernova-level heater over the last month. In fact, Stafford became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw four or more touchdowns, with no interceptions, in three straight games. He posted a 20-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the Los Angeles' last six contests. His 25 touchdown passes lead the league. Stafford also ranks top five in passing yardage and quarterback rating.

"I feel like when you're on a heater, you don't touch whatever he is doing," wide receiver Puka Nacua told reporters. "I'm like, you can do whatever. You can walk on water right now. So, I'm like, I just try to stay out of his way as best as I can and when he communicates, I listen."

When the Rams' success is coupled with Stafford's extraordinary performance, the quarterback is primed to be recognized for the league's top individual honor.

"It's looked like MVP play to me all year, to be honest," fellow wide receiver Davante Adams said. "I mean, even certain games ... the pick he threw against Tennessee and the way he bounced back after that; that's how an MVP plays to me. Just to rally a team and continue to lead at a high level after things don't go your way, I think that's what really shows what an MVP is about."

Running back: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

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Jonathan Taylor would be the runaway favorite to win the NFL MVP if the award hadn't become quarterback-dominant over the last decade-plus. The emphasis should be placed on running away.

Taylor is well on his way to becoming a two-time triple crown winner. He currently leads the NFL in carries, rushing yardage, touchdown runs and yards from scrimmage. No one is particularly close in the last three categories, either.

More importantly, the 26-year-old ball-carrier is the driving force behind the Indianapolis Colts' success this fall. He is the focal point of the offense and the team's closer. His ability to create chunk plays at a moments notice is rare even among fellow standout running backs.

"I told him, 'You've always been great, but you got this clutch thing going on now ... just the crucial timing," linebacker Zaire Franklin said, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. "These big runs, man. He's our home run hitter. He's our knockout punch. He's the best weapon in the league. Best player in the league this season."

As long as Taylor keeps performing at the same level, the Colts will continue to exceed expectations and place their running back in the conversation as the league's best overall player regardless of position.

Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

The Seattle Seahawks made the choice to move on from DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett this offseason. At the time, those decisions were questioned because the team decided to dump both. Clearly, the Seahawks' brain trust knew exactly what it was doing.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba already looked like a star last season when he led the Seahawks with 100 receptions and 1,130 yards. His ascension didn't stop there. The 2023 first-round draft pick isn't just Seattle's top receiver; he's now the NFL's top target.

Smith-Njigba currently leads the NFL with 1,041 receiving yards—210 more than Ja'Marr Chase's second-best output—18 receptions over 20 yards and 45 first-down grabs despite being fifth in actual catches.

Interestingly, the Seahawks don't have a quality second option in the passing game. Cooper Kupp is a proven veteran, but he's been slowed by injuries. Seattle likes to use their tight ends, but defenses aren't keying on A.J. Barner or Elijah Arroyo. Instead, opponents can roll coverage toward Smith-Njigba on a consistent basis and he still manages to put up big numbers, with at least 93 yards in all but one game this season. He became one of three wide receivers in NFL history with at least 75 receiving yards through each of the first nine games of a season, according to NFL Stats.

"His skill set is through the roof," Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II said.

Tight End: Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Tight end turned out to be the closest call among any of the positions since no one is outright dominating in every phase.

The Green Bay Packers' Tucker Kraft could have been deemed the best at the position, but his season ended due to a torn ACL. The Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce and San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle remain effective, though they're not quite what they once were. The Los Angeles Raiders' Brock Bowers has dealt with a balky knee. Finally, Indianapolis Colts rookie Tyler Warren has been outstanding during his first season, but he's not quite where he'll eventually be as a consistent weapon.

Even so, Trey McBride's selection shouldn't be viewed as the default setting. McBride is playing very well. The Arizona Cardinals tight end is the team's top target, even on a roster that also features Marvin Harrison Jr.

McBride leads everyone at the position with 61 catches, six touchdown receptions and 33 first downs. If the detached tight end were a little stronger as a blocker, he'd be the obvious choice, but he's primarily used in the slot as an offensive weapon. While that aspect of his game made the decision more difficult, McBride leads his squad in offensive touches, scrimmage yards and scrimmage touchdowns. No tight end in NFL history has previously done so for an entire season, according to Dante Koplowitz-Fleming of NFL.com.

Offensive Tackle: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions

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Penei Sewell is the NFL's most physically gifted and dominant offensive lineman.

By taking the right/left designation out of the equation since both offensive tackle positions are equally important to protecting the quarterback in today's game, Sewell has developed to the point where he's capable of making the type of blocks other professionals simply can't.

At 6'5" and 335 pounds, Sewell's movement skills are extraordinary. The 25-year-old veteran is a fluid athlete, who can be weaponized when asked to pull and work in space. As a run-blocker, his power at the point of attack is overwhelming, with the ability to jolt and displace defenders on a regular basis. He currently holds the highest run-blocking grade of any offensive lineman over the last 15 years, according to Pro Football Focus (h/t Garrett Greenlee).

The seventh overall pick in the 2021 draft may not be as dominant as a pass-blocker, but he's no slouch. He's not surrendered a sack this season and allowed minimal pressure for a starting offensive tackle.

Overall, Sewell currently grades as the NFL's best player.

With the San Francisco 49ers' Trent Williams getting a little older, it's time to anoint a new top blocker, with Sewell at the head of the pack.

Guard: Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Quenton Nelson is the NFL's most integral lineman to his specific team's success. The Indianapolis Colts would not be able to control the line of scrimmage or be nearly as efficient offensively without the game's best guard leading the charge, quite literally depending on the play-call.

"The trajectory he's on, he's actually already locked in—Hall of Fame guy," running back Jonathan Taylor said, per Amanda Foster of the Colts official site. "But just being able to run behind him, to be able to have him as an anchor on that offensive line, it means a lot. He brings a tenacity. He brings the edge. He pulls the rest of the guys along with him and elevates everyone's level of play.

"So, to be able to have that confidence to know no matter who we're going against, no matter what defensive front, I know there's going to be a sliver of daylight and Q is going to create that...to be able to utilize him in different ways like that, I think you can't even put a price on it. It's invaluable."

Head coach/offensive play-caller Shane Steichen has weaponized Nelson within the team's scheme. Nelson is often used as a lead blocker at the point of attack, as a trapper or pulling out into space. The guard is a frightening sight when working in the open field. He's just as effective uprooting and displacing defensive lineman, thus creating numerous opportunities for Taylor and the Colts' skill position performers.

Center: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

The Kansas City Chiefs offense goes as its offensive line goes. Now, some may quickly rebut the previous statement, because Patrick Mahomes is an all-time great quarterback and his play offsets a lot within the team's scheme. However, two Super Bowl losses point directly to the fact that even Mahomes can't overcome deficiencies along Kansas City's front five.

Creed Humphrey is the best among the Chiefs' blockers. A year ago, the organization made him the NFL's highest-paid center, and Humphrey has proved his worth.

According to The 33rd Team, Humphrey has the lowest pressure rate of any offensive linemen. He's allowed only three pressures through 373 pass-blocking snaps. He's played this well despite the team breaking in a new left guard, Kingsley Suamataia, who never played the position prior to this season, and right guard Trey Smith dealing with back issues. Furthermore, left tackle Josh Simmons missed multiple games due to an excused personal matter.

Humphrey is the Chiefs' anchor in the middle of their offensive line, but he isn't without issues in the past. He's played this well and helped handle the unit's adversity after changing his snapping technique, which makes everything he's done even more impressive.

Edge: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

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Myles Garrett remains the NFL's most feared defender, because no one has his combination of size, strength, athleticism and explosiveness.

Garrett is currently tied for the league-lead with 11 sacks. He even posted five-sack performance against the NFL's best team, the New England Patriots, based on current records. The 29-year-old veteran also holds the outright lead with 17 tackles for loss.

The defensive end's excellence isn't fully appreciated, because the Browns are 2-7 this season and 5-23 since the start of January last year. However, everyone around the league certainly knows what the four-time first-team All-Pro brings to the table.

"Myles Garrett, I don't think, has been better," Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters. "Never been more talented or more dangerous players that you have to block who can single handedly wreck any play. ... Yeah, you have to be conscious of where he's at at all times."

At this point, Garrett has to be seriously questioning his decision to sign a contract extension in Cleveland after demanding a trade. He could have received a similar deal elsewhere, while playing for a much better squad. Instead, he'll dominate, continue his career arc toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame and do so while being surrounded by organizational incompetence.

Defensive Line: Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Age is just a number. At 36 years old, Cameron Heyward is just as good today as he's been at any point throughout his career.

"I think it's unbelievable," Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin told reporters. "He's a unicorn, to be as elderly as he is, to play as well as he's playing. I think it's really a testament to him and his work ethic and the things that he does to stay prepared and engaged. That's the one thing, like, when you're around him, he's almost like a 24-year-old new guy in the building."

The NFL does lack elite interior defenders. No one today is the same caliber of J.J. Watt, Geno Atkins or Aaron Donald. However, the position has always been one where the dirty work signifies excellence.

Heyward is so skilled at taking on and shedding blocks. He resets the line of scrimmage and demands extra attention. While Heyward's play isn't always reflective in the box score, he's making life easier on everyone around him. T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig benefit when the long-time veteran collapses the pocket. The Steelers' linebackers are placed in a position to succeed when Heyward eats up blocks and allows them to run free.

The Steelers defense may not be what it once was, but Heyward still is.

Linebacker: Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

While this spot has been typically reserved for the San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner, his season-ending injury opened the door for the spotlight to be placed on another linebacker.

The Detroit Lions' Jack Campbell is ascending in Warner's absence. Campbell is the only NFL linebacker with at least 80 total tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles. He topped the league in run defense grade going into last weekend's action, according to Pro Football Focus.

The 6'4", 249-pound defender has the size to be a force against the run and the length to affect throwing lanes. Campbell isn't the best linebacker when it comes to working in space and defending the pass. However, he continues to improve in that area and isn't a liability. Furthermore, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard knows when to pick his spots and utilize Campbell as a pass-rusher.

The third-year veteran also wears the green dot as the Lions' defensive play-caller for the league's sixth-best unit.

"Jack's a player, out of everybody, he's never had any other voice in his head," Sheppard said. "He knows what I'm thinking, we're in lockstep with one another, and we spend a lot of time together, quite frankly."

Campbell's continued development has been a large part behind the Lions defense improvement by surrendering nearly 50 fewer yards per game compared to last season.

Cornerback: Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles

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Test Quinyon Mitchell at your own peril.

Mitchell continues to prove himself during his second season, and he's nearing top-tier status as the Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain II—the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year—deals with a pectoral injury.

Meanwhile, last year's 22nd overall draft pick emerged as the NFL's best cover corner.

"Mitchell has allowed the lowest passer rating (60.3) and completion percentage (45.5%) among CBs with 500-plus defensive snaps in 2025," Anthony DiBona the Philly Special Show tweeted.

To build on those numbers, Mitchell also allowed the lowest completion percentage and success rate of any outside corner with 200 or more coverage snaps when he's the nearest defender, per ESPN Stats & Info (h/t Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice).

"He's a guy that works relentlessly every day," Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters in September. "If you stay out after practice, he's out there working on his footwork or working catches. He's out there working his breaks and ability to press. Obviously, he's highly talented.

"It's great that daily grind shows up, because we're a product of our habits. Most habits are formed in practice. When you get top-level preparation by Q both in and out of practice."

Mitchell's exponential improvement since his last season in Toledo has him on track to be an All-Pro and the game's best corner for an extended period.

Safety: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

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Once again, the Baltimore Ravens are asking Kyle Hamilton to bail out the defense. The defensive back is doing so for the second straight season, which speaks to his immense talent and versatility.

A season ago, the Ravens fielded the NFL's worst defense until the coaching staff asked Hamilton to predominantly play free safety and serve as the unit's eraser. Once again struggling to start the season, the organization traded for free safety Alohi Gilman and the staff reverted Hamilton to playing more in the box.

These changes have allowed the Ravens to be far more aggressive, particularly with Hamilton, who has seen more snaps as a de facto linebacker than a true safety.

"Versatility is not just talent, it's also understanding the game and also study," head coach John Harbaugh said. "There's a lot he has to know and process and understand about the game plan. He kind of knows the whole defense. He probably can line up in any position. We'll keep him away from nose guard, how about that?"

While Harbaugh joked about Hamilton not doing the dirty work, the 6'4", 220-pound defender is a chess piece capable of excelling in almost any role. He continually provides the necessary flexibility for the Ravens to make adjustments and get back on track. No one else in the NFL came do so in quite the same way.