As the 2025 NFL season approaches, two standout performers from Southern California earned spots on the prestigious NFL Top 100 list. Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse entered the rankings at No. 53, while Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James made a notable leap to No. 54.
These rankings reflect both players’ significant impacts during recent seasons and their roles within their respective teams’ defenses.
Notable Rankings for Other Key NFL Players
Alongside Verse and James, several other prominent NFL players have been recognized in the early listings of the Top 100. Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert placed at Nos. 55 and 56, respectively. Close behind, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon were ranked Nos. 57 and 58.
The early portion of the list highlights a blend of defensive and offensive talent, with many more players yet to be revealed as the countdown proceeds.
Detailed Rankings of Players from No. 100 to No. 53
The initial segment of the NFL Top 100 for 2025 reveals a diverse group of players who have demonstrated skill and leadership across various teams. The rankings begin at No. 100 with Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey and include such names as Leonard Williams (No. 99), Aaron Jones (No. 98), and Drake London (No. 97). Other notable entries include Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David at No. 96 and New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez at No. 84.
Among this group, multiple players from the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers make an appearance, signaling the talent flourishing within Southern California’s NFL teams.
Derwin James’ Resurgence Elevates Chargers’ Defense
Derwin James Jr. demonstrated a strong return to form in 2024, finishing the season with 93 tackles, one interception, and seven pass breakups. This performance earned him his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
James, now 28, has been a lynchpin in transforming the Chargers’ secondary, which improved from one of the league’s worst pass defenses in 2023 to a top-10 unit in 2024. The Chargers jumped from 30th to seventh in yards allowed per game, allowing 206.9 yards compared to 249.8 the previous year.
Pro Football Reference noted James’ exceptional efficiency, with just 5.2 yards allowed per target and a 74.2 passer rating when targeted, underscoring his coverage skills.
James’ value was later reinforced by a lucrative contract extension signed in 2018, a four-year, $76.5 million deal that reset the market for safeties. His contract runs through 2027, when he will become a free agent at age 31, positioning him to potentially raise the financial standard at his position once more.
For now, the Chargers rely on James to help drive another postseason push.
Jared Verse Emerges as a New Defensive Star for the Rams
Jared Verse made an immediate and powerful impact during his rookie campaign. Appearing in every game, he recorded 66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss, while ESPN.com ranked him 14th in pass-rush win rate across the NFL.
At just 24 years old, Verse earned widespread acclaim, capturing the Defensive Rookie of the Year award with 36 first-place votes, far surpassing runner-up Quinyon Mitchell.
His playoff contributions have been equally impressive, highlighted by a 57-yard fumble return touchdown in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Wild Card Round victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In the following divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles, Verse added two sacks.
Filling the Void Left by Aaron Donald’s Retirement
The Rams faced a significant challenge when Aaron Donald retired after the 2023 season. As an eight-time All-Pro and one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, Donald’s absence created a void difficult to fill.
While no single player can replicate the extensive influence Donald had over a decade, Jared Verse offers hope as a young, dynamic linebacker capable of anchoring the Rams’ pass rush moving forward.
Verse’s strong debut has given Los Angeles fans a passionate new defensive leader with the potential to be a cornerstone of the franchise’s defense for years to come.