Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard earned a spot among the NFL‘s Top 100 players for the 2025 season, entering the list at No. 48. Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, previously a top contender, experienced a notable fall to No. 47 on the ranking. This shift highlights contrasting trajectories for both players as the new NFL season approaches.
Greenard’s rise comes after a breakout year marked by impressive statistics, while Hill‘s decline reflects a challenging recent campaign and uncertainty surrounding his place with the Dolphins.
Greenard’s Impactful Performance for Minnesota Vikings
After signing a significant four-year, $76 million contract with Minnesota last offseason, Greenard rewarded the team’s investment with a career-best season. He recorded 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and forced four fumbles, ranking him among the top five players across these defensive categories. His 28-year-old linebacker status was crowned with his first Pro Bowl selection and recognition as an honorable mention for Defensive Player of the Year votes.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler highlighted Greenard, noting,
“Elite motor with a really good rush,”
a sentiment echoed by a NFC executive who called him
“one of the most productive guys the last two years.”
With Minnesota’s defensive line further strengthened by additions like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, plus the continuity of fellow linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, Greenard is positioned for another strong season and potentially another double-digit sack total.
Tyreek Hill’s Steep Decline and Uncertain Future With Miami Dolphins
In stark contrast, Tyreek Hill, an eight-time Pro Bowler and Miami Dolphins star wide receiver, saw his performance decline in the most recent season. Hill posted 81 receptions for 959 yards and six touchdowns, which marked his lowest output since becoming a full-time starter in 2017. His average of 56.4 yards per game dropped sharply compared to his over 100 yards per game averages in 2022 and 2023.
Though Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s six-game absence due to injury partly impacted Hill’s numbers, it did not fully explain the slump. Adding to concerns was Hill’s controversial decision to sub himself out of a late-season loss to the New York Jets and cryptic remarks about his role in the team’s future.
Following the season, Hill acknowledged that he needed to restore
“a level of trust within the locker room,”
underscoring ongoing tension amid the Dolphins’ ranks. His contract is set to expire in free agency in 2027, increasing the urgency for Hill to recapture his previous form in the upcoming season to secure another lucrative deal.
Key Players Ranked Among NFL’s Top 100 for 2025
The NFL Top 100 list for 2025 features a mix of established stars and rising talents. Players ranked closely around Greenard and Hill illustrate the competitive balance this season. Quinyon Mitchell of the Philadelphia Eagles sits at No. 49, while Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is ranked at No. 50. Other notable entrants include Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at No. 91 and Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner at No. 74.
The extensive list also confirms the presence of prolific players such as Christian McCaffrey, Christian Gonzalez, Dak Prescott, and Jalen Ramsey, all competing to maintain or improve their standing. This year’s rankings reflect shifting strengths across teams, with Minnesota’s front-seven improvements and the Dolphins’ current internal dynamics serving as undercurrents to these rankings.
The Broader Implications on Team Strategies and Player Futures
Greenard’s ascent signals the growing value of dominant defensive players in today’s NFL, reflecting the Vikings’ commitment to building a fierce defense. His performance will likely boost Minnesota’s pass rush and overall defensive presence, potentially influencing contract negotiations and team strategies moving forward.
On the other hand, Hill’s drop in ranking and recent off-field drama highlight the precarious nature of player valuations amid performance struggles and locker room uncertainty. His need to rebuild trust within Miami’s ranks and deliver a resurgence on the field puts pressure on both the player and the team ahead of critical contract discussions.
This evolving situation underscores the tension between recent results and future expectations for top NFL talents, as fans and analysts watch how these storylines unfold during the 2025 season.