Every year, the NFL releases its list of the top 100 players heading into the season, voted on by the players themselves. This is a way to gauge how athletes are viewed by their peers, not just fans and analysts.
As always, the rankings spark plenty of debate online, with some players seen as ranked too high, others too low, or even left off entirely. This year, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie landed at No. 81, a placement that drew outrage from fans on social media.
Fas Rally Over Trent McDuffie Ranked 81 on NFL’s Top 100 List
Over the past seven years, the Chiefs have dominated the NFL. They have become the team of the moment and the most popular among the league’s younger fan base. Naturally, the team’s stars have been elevated to high status due to the massive media spotlight surrounding them.
McDuffie has become one of the fan favorites and is widely recognized across the league for his effort on the field and his ability to shut down entire areas, which earned him a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2023, a year in which he was crucial to the Chiefs’ back-to-back title run.
Fans were not happy with the cornerback being ranked as the 81st best player in the NFL heading into 2025 and protested in the comments of the NFL’s post on X. One fan commented, “Back-to-back All-Pros, and he’s ranked 81. Yeah right,” in response to the ranking.
McDuffie entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2022 draft and immediately took on an essential role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, initially lining up alongside L’Jarius Sneed. Together, they formed one of the league’s best duos during their time.
Another fan wrote, “Should be higher…best CB in the league.” While this sparked debate across social media, the league currently views Patrick Surtain II as the NFL’s top cornerback, especially after a season that earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Should be higher…best CB in the league
— ✨💙Chicago_Valerie💙🌟 (@valerie2588) July 11, 2025
A typical call from fans was for the Chiefs’ defender to at least crack the top 30, with some pushing for top 20, arguing that his impact on the league’s most dominant team since his arrival can’t be overlooked.
he needs to be top 30 at worst
— BoltonCity ⚡ (@BoltonCityy) July 11, 2025
The player-voted list always draws criticism, as the highlight videos for each ranked player often give the impression that selections are swayed by popularity and which players are most vocal or well-liked. This becomes more apparent once the full positional rankings are released.
I like that he made it but…should have been a better rank imo https://t.co/6HdZLKGpEt
— Jenna (@jennaxkc) July 11, 2025
Even rival Chiefs fans didn’t agree with McDuffie’s low placement. One user commented, “As much as I hate the Chiefs. There isn’t 80 players better than him.”
As much as I hate the chiefs. There isn’t 80 players better than him https://t.co/qZGRdWNCZC
— Kourt (@Kourtlikeshoes) July 11, 2025
One of the most common arguments in McDuffie’s favor is his track record over three years in the NFL. He reached the Super Bowl each season and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2023 and Second-Team honors in 2024, credentials that place him above many other cornerbacks.
81? Lmao 😂 he’s played in a super bowl every year of his career and had back to back All Pro seasons. But Surtain better? Stingley too apparently. 😂 this list gets worse and worse every year. https://t.co/xfMee8fWQr
— Mr. Malik T. Smith, MPA (@maliktsmithmpa) July 11, 2025
The team context also matters. The Chiefs’ defense is led by arguably the most respected defensive coordinator in the game today, and perhaps one of the three greatest defensive minds in NFL history, which naturally elevates his players and vice versa.
While the list is controversial, it mainly stirs discussion during the offseason months leading up to the start of the season, and year after year, it undergoes major changes depending on what unfolds during the season.
