2025 HFL Top 100
Beginning a new annual tradition here: the countdown of the Top 100 players in the HFL, as we head into the 2025 season. The list is hard to quantify players as a whole, obviously, so multiple factors are taken into consideration. Simulation performance, plus stats, plus performance in nationally televised games, plus track record from seasons prior to 2024, plus awards, a player's ability to perform his role, and a player's impact on his team and its offensive/defensive unit are all taken into consideration to come up with one composite ranking. Any individual player's performance is defined by more than just one singular stat so, around here, we look at the game deeper than just "so-and-so had more yards/interceptions/sacks/etc. than so-and-so".
100. Latham Gringlas - EDGE/Lions
A lot was expected of former first rounder Sheldon Dinkelberg in Detroit, but it's the man on the opposite side of the line that has established himself as one of the anchors of Dan Campbell's defense, and the most toolsy pass rusher on the unit.
99. Carl Lawson - EDGE/Bears
Has never been a game changer, but still a very productive pass rusher - whether he lives up to his contract is another discussion. Flew under the radar with a very quiet 18 sack season.
98. Marquez Callaway - WR/Panthers
Quickly became Justin Herbert's favorite target as the former Duck quarterback moved on to Charlotte last season and has established as one of the truly elite 50-50 ball winners in the league.
97. Isaiah Simmons- LB/Packers
One anonymous defensive coach told me, "I wish that was our defense. We could really use two chess pieces like Jamin Davis that can help us disguise looks and do multiple different things."
96. Matt James - OT/Bills
One "C+" draft grade that I was dead wrong about. This guy is a bona fide franchise Left Tackle.
95. Joe Mixon - RB/Cowboys
The guy that has produced at a RB1 level to the end that Christian McCaffery's role in the offense has diminished is one of the most explosive and reliable offensive weapons in the league.
94. Da'Ron Payne - IDL/Rams
The Washington product remains one of the best gap-stuffing run defenders in the league, but is that role worth $18 million per year?
93. Shaq Mason - OG/Patriots
92. Lamar Jackson - QB/Vikings
Lamar's impact on the games has certainly declined since he transitioned into a different offensive system, but he's still Lamar Jackson - one of the most dynamic playmakers there is. The dip in the rankings come from not progressing in the ways that have been expected of him as an overall passer.
91. Jeremy Chinn - S/Lions
Of all of the transactions that Detroit has made to overhaul its defense, this is the least talked about one but quite possibly the most impactful.
90. Morgan Hendrix - QB/Dolphins
In two years, he's already won a division title, grabbed a #1 seed, and won Rookie of the Year with a roster that hasn't even rounded into form yet. The smart money would be not to bet against Hendrix in the future.
89. Trey Lance - QB/49ers
Go ahead and let the debate begin... Who is Khaneal Mason's best (and favorite) quarterback?
88. Jonathan Allen - IDL/Washington Football Team
87. Derrick Henry - RB/Panthers
Still a force but does not have the same impact on games as he used to. Nobody is ever trying to meet 6'2" and 250 in the open field though.
86. Ronnie Stanley - OT/Ravens
85. Montez Sweat - EDGE/Washington Football Team
Yeah, I'm shocked too that he's not the "weak link" of this Washington front four. But, based on last season, he has surpassed Allen in production.
84. Terry McLaurin - WR/Vikings
Like his quarterback, he would have ranked a lot higher on this list a year or two ago. At one time a top 3 receiver in the league by multiple metrics.
83. Fred Warner - LB/49ers
He's lost a step in recent seasons, but his leadership - more than anything, really - still makes him an impact player and a force in the middle of the Niner defense.
82. Rodney Hudson - C/Cardinals
Steady Eddie in the middle of offenses for a very long time. Brings incredible leadership and accountability.
81. Grover Stewart - IDL/Texans
Always a rock-solid run defender, the veteran has suddenly added some stunningly effective pass rush moves at a very late stage in his career.
80. Ryan Kelly - C/Colts
Very much interchangeable with Hudson in your "best Centers" rankings, for many of the exact same reasons.
79. Osa Odighizuwa - IDL/Cowboys
Used in multiple roles along the Dallas front, Osa just produces and gets pressure even if he doesn't always get all the way home.
78. Jevon Holland - S/Dolphins
I'm going to go ahead and take my victory lap for "Holland over Moehrig" back in the 2021 draft season.
77. Trevon Diggs - CB/Ravens
It pains me to even put him on this list at all, but I am obligated to. Still, giving up two first rounders is absolutely mind-boggling.
76. OJ Howard - TE/Cowboys
Is the people's MVP the real key to the Cowboys' offensive success?
75. Kyle Pitts - TE/Falcons
He's a borderline top 10 pass catcher and he's still getting paid like a Tight End. Call it Jimmy Graham Syndrome, and somebody please find Marshall Hendrix a new agent so that such demons do not keep getting jobbed by management in contract negotiations.
74. Denzel Ward - CB/Browns
Is he still a Top 5 corner? [small spoiler] He ranks 6th on this list, but he's closer to #2 than #2 is to #1.
73. Kolby Parson- WR/Lions
Keep it a buck, Detroit has not been this excited about an athlete since Megatron. The man is a specimen and already an elite ball winner.
72. Joel Bitonio - OG/Rams
After 11 elite years in Cleveland, Bitonio moves out to L.A. to protect big money man and Super Bowl Champion Mac Jones in an effort to chase his first ring - one that eluded him in heartbreaking fashion against Jones' Patriots in 2023.
71. Derwin James - S/Chargers
Wow, this will be fun. The Chargers have undoubtedly the best pairing of Safeties in the league. Brandon Staley's game planning just took a wild turn. Him and Davion Carter combine together with tremendous size and range.
70. Ben Shaffer - QB/Buccaneers
The rookie made an absolutely seamless transition to the league and the sky is the limit for this gunslinger who has already placed himself among the league leaders in passing yards.
69. DeAndre Hopkins - WR/Cardinals
NICE! And Nuke still is exactly that.
68. Mitchell Simmons - WR/Patriots
67. Eric Crume - IDL/Seahawks
The big man in the middle anchored the league's most improved defense in 2024. Between him, Bankston, and Hoff, the foundation is there to potentially build a Legion of Boom 2.0.
66. Marlon Humphrey - CB/Ravens
65. Thor Herleifsson - IOL/Bengals
Speaking of breakout rookies, Thor made perhaps the most seamless transition amongst this class and has already placed himself as arguably the best Guard in the league. Watching his tape against Aaron Donald... oh man, THAT IS SOME BEAST STUFF!
64. George Kittle - TE/Steelers
Still the most complete Tight End and after wearing the Steeler knock-off jerseys in college looks like a natural in that black and yellow while his tenacious physicality and attitude perfectly fits the culture.
63. AJ Terrell CB/Lions
Yes, AJ Terrell is STILL better than Trevon Diggs, you peasants. He's been better since 2019.
62. Declan Delaney - QB/Texans
What other 25-and-under quarterback in the league are you starting a franchise with right now? Don't worry, I'll wait.
61. Arthur Zambowski - OG/Cowboys
One of the true breakout stars of the 2024 season that allowed 1 sack.
60. Damien Harris - RB/Patriots
59. Jaylen Carter - S/Washington Football Team
Another guy that would not have been on this list a year ago, but he's not yet 25 and just keeps on getting better. An incredibly smart and instinctive player who is the captain of this elite defense and calls all of the coverage signals on the field. Has never been the best athlete on his team but makes up for it with pure football abilities.
58. Patrick Surtain II - CB/Broncos
57. Casey Carson - WR/Lions
56. Blaise Killings - WR/Rams
The budding superstar that was the centerpiece of the Aaron Donald trade had very much a breakout year in 2021.
55. Laquan Manchester - WR/Texans
Laquan gets an ever-so-slight nod based strictly on versatility and diversity of skillset. Better at YAC, better in the slot, and better in the short-to-intermediate game.
54. CeeDee Lamb - WR/Dolphins
53. Trevor Lawrence - QB/Giants
2024 was the first time that he had true stability in his career, and what do you know? The breakout year finally came along with it.
52. Creed Humphrey - C/Chiefs
The best Center in the game. Period. End of discussion.
51. Mike Onwenu - OG/Patriots
50. Trent Tucker - IDL/Eagles
Absolute freak athlete at his size that I have seen RUN DOWN Trey f****** Lance from behind.
49. Jamari Greenwood - QB/Cowboys
48. Fletcher Cox - IDL/Jets
47. JC Jackson - CB/Patriots
46. D.J. Moore - WR/Eagles
45. Javonte Williams - RB/Broncos
44. Darius Mackey - QB/Falcons
43. Ja'Marr Chase - WR/Packers
Just get Griddy with it, and keep Griddy-ing when you scroll down just a little bit more.
42. Justin Jefferson - WR/Washington Football Team
Yes, Justin Jefferson is STILL better than Ja'Marr Chase, you peasants. He's been better since 2019.
41. Saquan Barkley - RB/Giants
40. Dee Williams - QB/Saints
I know that I'm a noted Dee Williams homer but consider this. I would have had him even higher had he had the kind of 2024 season that was expected of him.
39. Davion Carter - S/Chargers
The former Defensive Rookie of the Year has quickly began a debate with Jessie Bates as the best Safety in football. I choose to believe in the former New York Mr. Football winner, who went to UCLA to play Running Back - only to end up as a Safety at San Diego State. Boy, was that a career-altering position change.
38. Davante Adams - WR/Browns
37. Ryan Ramczyk - OT/Saints
36. Josh Allen - QB/Bills
You might think this is crazy. You might think he's more talented than this, and I would agree. But this is the slightly diminished value of the quarterbacks in this league. They are not as dominant as they once were. You have seen a bunch of Wide Receivers on this list and, small spoiler alert, you will see a bunch of pass rushers above this.
35. Mekhi Becton - OT/Cowboys
I mostly rag on the less than stellar offensive line play in this league in this article, but Becton may be the second-best Tackle in the league. That is certainly a discussion that is on the table for a big mauler like this.
34. Danielle Hunter - EDGE/Lions
33. DeForrest Buckner - IDL/Colts
32. Jabrill Peppers - S/Jaguars
He's the best in the league at what he does. He has passed up even Derwin James amongst hybrid defenders, though I wish teams would use Isaiah Simmons more in that role.
31. Kenny Clark - IDL/Packers
30. Quinnen Williams - IDL/Cowboys
29. Jessie Bates III - S/Bengals
Long time PFF darling is still one of, if not, the best all-around Safety on the planet.
28. Tre' Davious White - CB/Bills
27. Josh Allen - EDGE/Jaguars
26. Quenton Nelson - OG/Colts
25. Rashan Gary - EDGE/Packers
24. Za'Darius Smith - EDGE/Vikings
23. Trey Sermon - RB/49ers
#BetterTrey has become a staple of Niners Twitter.
22. Javon Kinlaw - IDL/49ers
Possibly the best combination of run defender and pass rusher in the league. Chase Young is in that category, and Aaron Donald has come back to the pack.
21. Aaron Jones - RB/Packers
One of the most complete and versatile backs in the league. The second-best receiving back.
20. Stefon Diggs - WR/Bills
Since the breakup of Rodgers and Adams, Diggs and Allen have had the most QB-WR chemistry in the league.
19. Tyreek Hill - WR/Chiefs
18. Aaron Donald - IDL/Washington Football Team
The 33-year-old first ballot Hall of Famer has shown his human half, and it is still one damn beastly human.
17. Ezekiel Elliott - RB/Rams
He's still got it, huh? From the scrap heap to 2024 rushing champion. What a pickup.
16. Haason Reddick - EDGE/Panthers
15. Jonathan Taylor - RB/Colts
14. Tristan Wirfs - OT/Buccaneers
13. Alvin Kamara - RB/Saints
12. Jordan Spriggs - QB/Packers
If he's a Sprigg-stem Quarterback, it is a pretty darn good system.
11. Ed Oliver - IDL/Bills
10. Micah Parsons - LB/EDGE / Cowboys
9. Chase Young - EDGE/Washington Football Team
8. Deebo Samuel - WR/49ers
7. T.J. Watt - EDGE/Steelers
6. Jaylen Waddle - WR/Packers
5. Myles Garrett - EDGE/Browns
4. Brian Burns - EDGE/Packers
3. Nick Bosa - EDGE/49ers
2. Patrick Mahomes II - QB/Chiefs
The league's reigning MVP needs no introduction. The only thing left is to answer the bell to get the second ring that avoided legends before him like Favre, Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and more.
1. Jaire Alexander - CB/Packers
Packers X-Factors are just better. Jaire is the most game-changing Cornerback since Darrelle Revis. A truly historic season with 15 interceptions - never been done before in the history of professional football.
Please, feel free to leave a comment below. Who's your favorite HFL player? Who got snubbed from the list? Who's overrated? Who's underrated?
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