The Chiefs landed five players on ESPN’s annual list of the best NFL players.
As the 2025 NFL regular season approaches, ESPN has unveiled its list of Top 100 Players for the upcoming season. All eyes are at No. 1 to see if Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will reign supreme once again, but there are plenty of his Chiefs’ teammates on the list as well.
There are some former Chiefs who are missed at Arrowhead on Sundays also included on the list. Former Chiefs guard Joe Thuney, who was traded this offseason, lands at No. 64, while wideout Tyreek Hill slides into the top half at No. 47.
Here’s a look at this year’s Chiefs entrants on the list.
#75 – Trey Smith, OL
It’s heartening to see Trey Smith land on his first NFL’s Top 100 list after signing an extension that made him the most expensive offensive interior lineman in the league. He’s an ascending talent who was already among the most tenacious maulers when he graduated from Tennessee. But his attention to detail and understanding of the game have allowed his brute strength to become a truly devastating asset up front.
#39 – Trent McDuffie, CB
It bodes well for Trent McDuffie’s wallet that he’s so highly regarded before he’s even finished his rookie contract. The Chiefs owe him a long-term contract extension at some point in the near future, and McDuffie’s spot at No. 39 overall among all NFL players only gives him that much more bargaining power.
McDuffie has earned every dollar of whatever he’s given, of course, because he’s the unquestioned leader in the secondary and a superstar corner at a position that makes it tough for anyone to find consistency.
#25 – Creed Humphrey, C
The best center in the game today, Creed Humphrey has settled into rankings such as this as a highly-respected lineman who is just getting started. It seems hard to believe that Humphrey is already a two-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler after just four NFL seasons.
Humphrey was already the anchor up front for the Chiefs, but he now bears a leadership mantle after the Chiefs traded Thuney away to the Chicago Bears this offseason. Having just turned 26 years old, Humphrey is going to remain on this list for years (and years) to come.
#10 – Chris Jones, DL
The Chiefs land two players in ESPN’s top 10 with the inclusion of defensive tackle Chris Jones at No. 10. Jones is no stranger to such heights on these lists, and he’s arguably as important as ever to what K.C. wants to do up front.
While there’s hope that a healthy season from Charles Omenihu and a leap forward from George Karlaftis will lessen the load, Jones is still the load-bearing engine to the pass rush. He’s paid handsomely for the responsibility, and his importance is reflected here at No. 10.
#1 – Patrick Mahomes, QB
Patrick Mahomes was No. 1 in 2021 and again in 2022. He stayed at the top in 2023, and maintained his place in 2024. Even after a season in which the Chiefs’ offense looked mortal, there’s still no denying that Mahomes is the best in the business.
The single most impactful player in the entire league, Mahomes led the Chiefs to 15 wins and a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance despite playing with a carousel at left tackle and dealing with injuries to his RB1, WR1, and WR2 among many others.
Given the array of weapons at his disposal for 2025, it’s hard to imagine Mahomes doesn’t come out on top once again next season.
