NFL Stars Who Lost Their Shine in 2025
In the survey of the best players by position conducted by Alofoke Deportes, several prominent names from the previous year failed to stay at the top. Factors such as performance, injuries, and fierce competition in the rankings played a crucial role in these changes.
The classification process is based on the votes of league executives, coaches, and scouts, who selected the 10 best players in each position. The results were compiled and ranked according to the number of votes, the composite average, and exhaustive interviews. NFL analyst from Alofoke Deportes, Matt Bowen, provided support in research and video analysis.
Here’s a summary of some players who experienced a decline in performance and ranking, according to their positions:
Interior Offensive Linemen
Joel Bitonio, Browns: After a difficult season and considering retirement, Bitonio decided to return after a reorganization of the Browns’ offensive coaching staff. Cleveland is expected to focus more on the running game in 2025, which could favor Bitonio, but time will tell if this brings him back to the roster.
Closed Wing
Dalton Kincaid, Bills: Injuries to both knees and a clavicle injury affected his performance. Although he was still the Bills’ second-most targeted player, his numbers decreased significantly. Kincaid is expected to recover in 2025.
Evan Engram, Broncos: After a record-breaking season with Jacksonville, injuries resurfaced. Engram missed several games and his yardage decreased. Now in Denver, he will seek to recover.
Dalton Schultz, Texans: Although his numbers were solid, he failed to stay in the top 10 due to the emergence of new talents. At 29 years old, he remains a reliable option for C.J. Stroud.
Safeties
Jevon Holland, Giants: He had a setback due to a hand injury. The Giants are confident he will regain his form.
Kyle Dugger, Patriots: He did not meet expectations after signing a contract extension. Injuries limited his performance. With a new coach, he seeks to resurface.
Talanoa Hufanga, Broncos: Injuries limited his season. Hufanga missed several games and signed a contract with Denver.
Edge Rushers
Josh Hines-Allen, Jaguars: He didn’t reach the previous season’s production. The overall weakness of the Jaguars’ defense prevented his return to the top 10, but there is hope for improvement in 2025.
Brian Burns, Giants: Although he performed well, the team’s difficulties affected his profile.
Defensive Tackles
Christian Wilkins, Raiders: He missed a large part of the season due to a foot injury. He is expected to recover.
Derrick Brown, Panthers: Suffered a meniscus injury at the beginning of the season and couldn’t return. He is in the process of recovery.
Kenny Clark, Packers: Despite playing all the games, he couldn’t repeat the statistical success of the previous year. He played with a foot injury.
Javon Hargrave, Vikings: Suffered an injury and was released. He signed a contract with Minnesota.
Runners
Breece Hall, Jets: He had a decrease in yards and touchdowns. The new coach could implement a committee approach.
Nick Chubb, Texans: After a serious knee injury, he returned but injured his foot. He signed a contract with the Texans.
Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars: He didn’t surpass 1,000 yards. Integration into the offense with the new coach will be key.
