The 2025 NFL Rank project, which highlights the league's top 100 players, has sparked significant debate among fans and experts alike. While the list celebrates the best of the best, there are always players who, for various reasons, don't make the cut. Here are some of the top snubs, as identified by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.

Joe Alt, LT, Los Angeles Chargers

Joe Alt is knocking on the door of the premier offensive tackle club. As a rookie, he ranked fourth among tackles in pass-rush win rate (94.3%) while playing from the right side. This year, he moves to left tackle due to Rashawn Slater's season-ending leg injury. League evaluators believe he can handle the switch and thrive. At just 22 years old, Alt is brimming with upside.

Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Minnesota Vikings

Jonathan Greenard is making a compelling case to join the pantheon of top edge rushers. His 24.5 sacks over the past two seasons rank seventh in the NFL. His 19.8% pass-rush win rate ranked in the top 10 among rushers in 2024, during which he added four forced fumbles. Word out of Minnesota is he has been unblockable at times during camp.

Vita Vea, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Vita Vea might be underrated in the national conversation but not inside the league. He's a true game-wrecker. Vea produced a career-high seven sacks while effectively stopping the run. He had 10 tackles for loss but also dropped into coverage at times—at 347 pounds. League execs, coaches, and scouts voted him the No. 9 interior defensive linemen in the NFL.

DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Even coming off a down year, DeVonta Smith is almost always in the top-10 wide receiver conversation. He plays for a run-happy offense and plays the No. 2 role behind A.J. Brown, yet still averages 1,000-plus yards per year over his first four seasons. When Brown missed early season action last year, Smith delivered with 14 catches, 155 yards, and one touchdown in Weeks 2-3.

Nnamdi Madubuike, DT, Baltimore Ravens

While Nnamdi Madubuike's production dipped—6.5 sacks in 2024 compared to 13 the previous year—he's always a mismatch problem for offensive linemen due to his combination of power and speed. Evaluators expect a better 2025 campaign thanks to a more complete Baltimore defense intact for a second season under coordinator Zach Orr.

James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills

James Cook was the No. 8 running back in ESPN's top 10 rankings of executives, scouts, and coaches—and seven backs made this year's top 100. He's going on back-to-back Pro Bowls and 1,000-yard seasons. And he's playing this year on a four-year, $46-million extension. He's a well-established back in his prime (25 years old) whose profile should only grow.

Brian Burns, Edge, New York Giants

Brian Burns is consistently very good but rarely reaches greatness despite the skill set to do so. He has one double-digit-sack season in six years. But more production could be on the way. He ranked fourth in pass-rush win rate last season (23.0), and a second year in the Giants' system—with more support up front—should help. Burns is 27, squarely in his prime.

Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

A finally healthy Jaycee Horn is emerging as one of the game's best all-around corners. He's the rare corner who can play man coverage on the outside or with the physicality of a safety when inside the box. His 68 tackles (five for loss), two sacks, and 13 pass deflections helped him secure a four-year, $100-million extension this offseason.

Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Jalen Ramsey surprisingly slipped out of our top 10 cornerbacks list in July, but Pittsburgh believes he's got plenty left in the tank at age 30. Once the gold standard at corner, Ramsey still plays with fluidity and speed that's rare for a 6-foot-1 corner. Some inside the league are expecting a resurgent Ramsey in 2025 after a trade from Miami to Pittsburgh which appears to have revitalized him.

DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts

Consistently one of the game's most underrated players, DeForest Buckner keeps producing. Despite missing five games last year, Buckner averaged 0.54 sacks per game, his best clip since 2020. The Colts defensive attack still starts and stops with Buckner, whose 16.4 pass-rush win rate was among the best for defensive tackles.