Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride ranked 65th on the ‘NFL Top 100 Players of 2025,’ highlighting his rising prominence and recognition among NFL top performers.

The NFL’s Top 100 Players list is one of the most respected and anticipated annual rankings within professional football. It is compiled based on votes from current NFL players, reflecting peer recognition and respect. Being placed on this list signifies a player’s impact, skill, and standing among the league’s elite. For Trey McBride, the Arizona Cardinals’ tight end, being ranked 65th on the ‘NFL Top 100 Players of 2025’ is a notable achievement, especially considering he is still early in his career and continues to develop as a key component of his team. This recognition not only elevates his profile but also underscores his upward trajectory in the league, highlighting his rising prominence among NFL top performers.

The Context of the Ranking
The ‘NFL Top 100 Players’ list is traditionally released annually, with the 2025 edition marking a significant milestone. The ranking of McBride at 65th places him ahead of many established stars and emerging talents, indicating that his peers view him as a player of considerable influence and potential. The list encompasses players across all positions, from quarterbacks and linebackers to defensive backs and specialists, making McBride’s inclusion noteworthy for a tight end—a position historically underrepresented in such rankings.

This ranking reflects several factors: his individual performance, consistency, athletic ability, football IQ, leadership qualities, and overall contribution to team success. It also signifies recognition of his potential to be an integral part of the Cardinals’ offensive schemes and possibly a future star in the league.

Trey McBride’s Early Career and Development
Trey McBride’s journey to this recognition has been marked by impressive college production, high athletic traits, and a quick adaptation to NFL demands. Coming out of Colorado State University, McBride was lauded for his exceptional pass-catching ability, route-running precision, and football IQ. He was regarded as one of the top tight end prospects in his draft class, with many analysts projecting him to become a reliable target early in his career.

Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals, McBride faced the typical adjustment period that young tight ends often experience. The transition from college to the NFL involves mastering complex route concepts, blocking schemes, and understanding defensive coverages. McBride’s early performances demonstrated his aptitude, as he quickly earned the trust of his coaching staff and developed chemistry with the team’s quarterbacks.

His ability to read defenses, find soft spots in coverage, and secure contested catches quickly made him a valuable target in the Cardinals’ offense. His versatility—being effective both as a traditional in-line tight end and as a move threat split out wide—added to his appeal and utility.

Significance of the 65th Ranking
Being ranked 65th on the ‘NFL Top 100 Players of 2025’ is a strong indicator of McBride’s emerging status. It suggests that his peers recognize his skills and contributions as among the best in the league, even as he is still in the early stages of his career. This ranking puts him in the company of established stars and signals that he is considered a player with the potential to impact games significantly.

For context, tight ends like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews have historically featured prominently on these lists, often ranked within the top 20 or 30. McBride’s position at 65th indicates he is viewed as a rising star—someone with the talent to climb higher in future rankings as his career progresses.

Moreover, this ranking can serve as a confidence boost for McBride, reinforcing his belief that he belongs among the league’s upper echelon. It also raises expectations from fans, media, and coaching staff for continued growth and increased production.

Implications for the Arizona Cardinals
McBride’s recognition at this level is also vital for the Cardinals’ offensive identity and future plans. The team’s quarterback and offensive scheme can leverage his emerging talents to create mismatches and sustain drives. As defenses prepare for Arizona, McBride’s presence as a reliable receiving threat and blocker enhances the team’s offensive flexibility.

Furthermore, his ranking signifies that the Cardinals have a burgeoning star at tight end—an increasingly valuable position in modern NFL offenses, often serving as a security blanket for quarterbacks and a matchup nightmare for defenses. McBride’s ascendancy can attract defensive attention, opening opportunities for other skill-position players and enhancing overall offensive efficiency.

From a team-building perspective, having a player recognized among the league’s top talents helps the franchise attract attention, sponsorships, and potentially other talented players who see McBride’s rise as a sign of a promising future.

Factors Contributing to McBride’s Rise
Several elements have contributed to Trey McBride’s elevation within the league:

Athletic Ability: McBride combines size, speed, and agility—traits that allow him to excel as a pass catcher and blocker. His athletic profile enables him to create separation and make contested catches, making him a versatile threat.

Football IQ: His understanding of route concepts and defensive coverages allows him to anticipate plays and find soft spots in coverage, increasing his effectiveness as a receiver.

Work Ethic and Development: Early reports indicate that McBride is a dedicated worker, continuously improving his skills, learning from veteran teammates, and adapting to NFL demands quickly.

Offensive System Fit: The Cardinals’ offensive scheme has evolved to utilize a tight end’s versatility, giving McBride opportunities to showcase his talents in both blocking and receiving roles.

Team Success and Exposure: As the Cardinals’ offense becomes more effective and McBride earns targets, his statistics and visibility increase, further cementing his reputation among his peers.

The Broader Impact of Peer Recognition
In the NFL, peer recognition via the Top 100 list carries significant weight because it reflects respect from players who face these opponents directly. Being voted as one of the league’s top 100 players affirms McBride’s standing as a player who commands respect and is seen as a significant contributor on the field.

This recognition can have several downstream effects:

Increased Confidence: Players often perform better when acknowledged by peers, fueling their motivation and confidence.

Marketability and Endorsements: Such rankings can enhance a player’s profile off the field, leading to endorsements and media opportunities.

Contract Negotiations: While not directly tied to contracts, peer recognition can influence team decisions and negotiations regarding future contracts or extensions.

Leadership and Mentorship: As a recognized top player, McBride may take on more leadership responsibilities within the team, mentoring younger players and setting an example for professionalism.

Future Outlook for Trey McBride
Being ranked 65th is a milestone, but it also serves as a stepping stone for McBride’s future in the NFL. With continued development, increased production, and leadership, he could climb higher on future lists and become an integral part of the league’s top-tier tight ends.

Key areas for growth include:

Consistent Production: Maintaining and improving upon his receiving yards, touchdowns, and overall efficiency.

Blocking Skills: Enhancing his blocking to become a complete tight end capable of handling diverse roles.

Injury Management: Staying healthy and available to contribute fully throughout the season.

Leadership and Influence: Developing leadership qualities that extend beyond performance, influencing team culture and locker room dynamics.

If he continues on this trajectory, future rankings could place him among the top 30 or even top 20 players at his position, and perhaps higher overall, depending on his impact.

The Significance Within the NFL
McBride’s ranking at 65th also reflects broader trends in the NFL:

Emergence of Tight Ends: The position has become more prominent, with players like Kelce, Kittle, and Andrews redefining the role as primary playmakers.

Rising Young Talent: The league continues to see a wave of young players rising quickly, and McBride’s ranking signifies he is part of this new generation.

Changing Offensive Strategies: Modern NFL offenses emphasize versatile tight ends who can block, catch, and create mismatches, aligning with McBride’s skill set.
Trey McBride’s ranking at 65th on the ‘NFL Top 100 Players of 2025’ is a testament to his rapid development, peer respect, and potential to become a dominant force in the league. It highlights his emergence as a key offensive weapon for the Arizona Cardinals and signals his trajectory toward greater recognition and success. As he continues to refine his skills, stay healthy, and lead by example, McBride’s future in the NFL looks promising, and this ranking is just a snapshot of his rising star. His journey exemplifies how dedication, talent, and opportunity can propel a young player into the league’s elite, and fans and analysts alike will be watching eagerly to see how high his star can rise in the coming years.