NFL's Elite Units: Which Teams Dominate Each Positional Group in 2025

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31 August 2025

No NFL team is universally perfect. Some teams excel at one position more than another, reflecting how organizations allocate resources within salary cap and roster spot constraints.

Evaluation methodology

Unit rankings were compiled based on teams' expected depth charts and 2024 player ELO ratings. The analysis covers six categories: pass catching, pass defending, pass rushing, pass protecting, run blocking, and run stopping.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead in pass catching (ELO: 0.93)

The Buccaneers don't have the top player at any single position, but their overall collection surpasses the San Francisco 49ers. Tampa Bay features a trio of quality receivers in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka, two solid running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, plus good tight end Cade Otton.

Only three teams have at least five starting-caliber players with a minimum 92% catch rate. The Bucs and Eagles are the only ones with at least three players having this catch rate and a burn rate of at least 61%.

Pittsburgh Steelers dominate pass defense (1.01)

Adding Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay significantly bolstered the Steelers' defensive secondary, despite losing safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh jumped from an average unit to first place after major personnel changes.

Cleveland Browns lead pass rush (1.15)

The Browns with Myles Garrett have the league's best pass rush. Garrett recorded at least 14 sacks and 26 quarterback hits in each of the last four seasons. Adding Mason Graham as the 5th draft pick further strengthened the quarterback attack.

Las Vegas Raiders excel in run blocking (0.83)

The Raiders needed change after the league's worst rushing performance in 2024. Replacing Cody Whitehair with Alex Cappa and adjustments at right tackle significantly improved the unit for rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.

Denver Broncos stop the run best (1.18)

The Broncos have the best run defense with an ELO 0.07 higher than second-place Seattle. In 2024, they ranked first in run success rate allowed (32%) and second in yards allowed per game, despite using heavy box only 49.2% of the time.

Tampa Bay leads pass protection again (0.81)

The Buccaneers have the best pass protection, but with a significant caveat - key tackle Tristan Wirfs begins the season on the PUP list. Wirfs led all tackles with just 2.9% pressure rate allowed in 2024.

The analysis shows how teams strategically invest in different positional groups according to their philosophies and needs.

Thanks to Stats Perform for the data

Photo:ESPN

More information:24live.com

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