Middle of the summer is typically the slow-time in the NFL, if there even is one (see the recent blockbuster trade between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins.) With this slow(ish) time of year, comes the many different rankings of teams, units, players, etc. However, some of those rankings tend to raise eyebrows a tad more than others.
One ranking that does is the official NFL Top 100 Players of 2025, as voted on by the players themselves. Last year, the Seattle Seahawks had three players in the top 100. Safety, Julian Love came in at 95, cornerback, Riq Woolen came in at 91, and former Seahawks wide receiver, DK Metcalf came in at 84. Of course, some notable names were left off the list (Geno Smith, Devon Witherspoon), but unfortunately, being underrated is par for the course with Seattle sports.
That par is seemingly continuing this year as well. The Seahawks have had their first player announced in the Top 100 Players of 2025. Coming in at number 99, Leonard Williams!
Williams had a dominant 2024 season, where he posted 64 tackles, 11 sacks, and one very notable interception which he returned 92 yards for a touchdown against the New York Jets. This interception is the longest pick-six by a defensive lineman in NFL history.
Those who watched the Seahawks last season know that Williams won multiple games for them, with a dominant performance against the Arizona Cardinals (posting six tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one stuff) and the next week against the Jets (posting four tackles, two sacks, a blocked kick, and the aforementioned pick-six.)
Despite this dominant performance, arguably worth an All-Pro, if not at least a Pro Bowl selection, Williams failed to be given either honor for the last season (Williams was named as a Pro Bowl alternate in place of Jalen Carter once the Philadelphia Eagles made the Super Bowl.) Some honors that Williams did earn in 2025 were NFC Player of the Week after his performance against the Jets in Week 13, as well as NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December/January. Now Williams can add being ranked the 99th best player in the NFL by his peers to the list.
Perhaps, Williams will see this ranking as another slight, in addition to missing the All-Pro selection, and will use this as a chip on his shoulder to improve upon his already outstanding 2024 season. This is his first appearance on this annual list since he was 97th in 2022 as a member of the New York Giants.
