New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has secured his place in the NFL Top 100 Players list for the first time, ranking No. 84 ahead of the 2025 season. This recognition comes after a strong comeback from a shoulder injury that limited him to just two games during his rookie year.
Close behind him, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward returned to the list after a one-year absence, climbing 15 positions to land at No. 83, highlighting his continued impact on the Steelers’ defensive line.
Detailed Overview of the NFL Top 100 Rankings
Christian Gonzalez’s placement at No. 84 reflects his impressive performance as a primary cornerback for the Patriots last season. Over 16 starts, Gonzalez recorded 59 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. According to statistics from Pro Football Reference, opponents who targeted his coverage suffered a low 71.7 passer rating, underscoring his defensive prowess.
Chad Graff of The Athletic praised Gonzalez’s versatility, saying,
“He was great against No. 1 wide receivers,”
and added,
“He was great no matter which side he lined up on and great in man or zone coverage. How could a guy with that track record not keep improving as he gets older and more experienced?”
These remarks emphasize Gonzalez’s adaptability across various defensive schemes and his promising development trajectory.
Another commentary highlighted Gonzalez’s potential, stating,
“Maybe this is overstating things for a player with 20 career NFL games, but Gonzalez is everything you want in a cornerback.”
In 2024, New England ranked 10th in passing defense, allowing only 211.5 yards per game, largely due to Gonzalez’s contributions. As the Patriots prepare for the future, rookie quarterback Drake Maye is seen as a potential successor to the franchise’s legendary quarterback Tom Brady, while Gonzalez is expected to become the defensive leader setting the tone for the team in the coming years.
Cameron Heyward’s Return Strengthens Steelers’ Defense
Cameron Heyward made a notable comeback to the NFL Top 100, positioning himself as a key defensive force for the Steelers. At 36 years old, Heyward compiled 71 tackles, eight sacks, and 12 tackles for loss last season. His pass-rushing ability was evident in 11 pass deflections and 20 quarterback hits, demonstrating his disruptive presence on the field.
Heyward’s leadership and performance earned him his seventh Pro Bowl selection and a fourth All-Pro honor, reflecting his status among the league’s elite defensive players. According to NFL.com analyst Bobby Kownack, Heyward’s impact on Pittsburgh’s run defense is significant, as noted in his analysis:
“The Steelers faced 303 carries with Cameron Heyward on the field this past season and allowed an average of 3.7 yards per carry (which would rank second in the NFL overall), compared to 5.1 yards per carry (which would rank 31st) on 109 carries without Heyward,”
—Bobby Kownack, NFL.com Analyst
Pittsburgh’s defensive success frequently correlates with Heyward’s presence, and he remains a central figure in the franchise’s defense. Pro Football Reference ranks Heyward sixth in franchise history for approximate value, placing him among the Steelers’ legendary defensive standouts.
What These Rankings Mean for New England and Pittsburgh
Christian Gonzalez’s rise into the Top 100 signals hope for the Patriots as they rebuild and strive to return to playoff contention. With Gonzalez anchoring the secondary and a promising young quarterback like Drake Maye under center, New England aims to strengthen both sides of the ball.
For the Steelers, maintaining a top-tier defense will be crucial as the offense looks to improve, particularly with veteran Aaron Rodgers now leading the team. Heyward is expected to remain an anchor for Pittsburgh’s defensive front, providing experience and consistent production to support their playoff ambitions.
As training camps open and the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts will closely monitor how Gonzalez and Heyward continue to influence their teams on the field, potentially shaping the trajectory of the Patriots and Steelers in the year ahead.
Full NFL Top 100 Players for 2025 (Positions 100-83)
100. Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
99. Leonard Williams, DL, Seattle Seahawks
98. Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings
97. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
96. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
95. Josh Sweat, OLB, Arizona Cardinals
94. Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
93. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs
92. Jessie Bates III, FS, Atlanta Falcons
91. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
90. Zach Allen, DE, Denver Broncos
89. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
88. Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Minnesota Vikings
87. Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets
86. Laremy Tunsil, LT, Washington Commanders
85. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
84. Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots
83. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers