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The 2024-2025 NFL season is quickly approaching, and what better way to get prepared than to count down the league’s 100 best players entering the year? As we unveil the list from 100 to 1, let’s look at the players who made the cut by position (without giving too much away):
- Quarterback: 14
- Running Back: 10
- Wide Receiver: 16
- Fullback: 1
- Tight End: 5
- Center: 1
- Guard: 3
- Offensive Tackle: 5
- Cornerback: 14
- Safety: 6
- Linebacker: 8
- Defensive Tackle: 4
- Defensive End: 10
- Kicker: 2
- Punter: 1
Let us know in the comments whether or not you agree with our rankings!
100. Bobby Wagner – Washington Commanders
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We begin our Top 100 for 2024 with a future Hall of Famer. Bobby Wagner will be 34 when next season begins, but he remains a great linebacker. The longtime Seahawk will suit up for the Commanders this year in search of making an All-Pro team for the 11th year in a row. Last year, Wagner led the league with 183 total tackles — his third time doing so — and recorded 11 TFLs.
99. AJ Cole – Las Vegas Raiders
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Special teams are never glamorized, but players like AJ Cole give their team a huge advantage. The best punter in the game, Cole is the active and career-leader in yards per punt (48.2). The Vegas punter has been named a First-Team All-Pro two times since 2021. The Raiders need all the help they can get in order to topple the Chiefs in the AFC West, and Cole is a good piece to have to help do so.
98. Cooper Kupp – Los Angeles Rams
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We are not far removed from Cooper Kupp dominating the competition. In 2021, Kupp won the receiving Triple Crown — leading the NFL in catches (145), yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16). However, the past two seasons have been tough for the star wideout. Kupp has been limited to 21 games due to nagging injuries. While he has remained very productive when he takes the field — 134 catches for 1,549 yards and 11 TD — Kupp’s inability to stay healthy is a cause for concern.
97. Kirk Cousins – Atlanta Falcons
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What a whirlwind the past few months have been for Kirk Cousins. First, the veteran quarterback tore his Achilles. Then, he left Minnesota and signed a lucrative contract with the Falcons. Shortly after, Atlanta drafted Washington star Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick. Cousins was an above-average quarterback for most of his time with the Vikings, but he will also be a 36-year-old QB returning from a devastating injury when he takes the field for the Falcons. If he looks like his pre-injury self, Cousins can lead Atlanta to the NFC South title.
96. Jevon Holland – Miami Dolphins
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Miami has some serious talent in its secondary. In addition to employing a pair of very good corners, the Dolphins trot out Jevon Holland at safety. Limited to 12 games in 2023 after battling MCL sprains in both knees, Holland is looking to take a leap in ’24. In theory, Holland should have a much easier time than most safeties around the league due to the talent around him. If he can reach his potential this season, Miami’s defense may develop into one of the league’s top units.
95. Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints
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Alvin Kamara’s best days are behind him, but he remains an above-average running back — especially out of the backfield. Kamara was held to 3.9 yards per carry and appeared in 13 games for the Saints in 2023. While his work on the ground was underwhelming, however, Kamara was a weapon catching passes. The five-time Pro Bowler caught 75 passes — his most since 2020 — and was often Derek Carr’s safety valve when facing pressure. New Orleans will need a bigger year from him in ’24 if it wants to make a run, but we don’t know how much more Kamara has to give at this point.
94. Jaire Alexander – Green Bay Packers
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If the Packers are going to contend for the NFC crown in 2024 as many are predicting, Jaire Alexander’s health will be paramount to their success. The star corner has made two Pro Bowls and twice has been named a Second-Team All-Pro. However, Alexander has missed a ton of time in recent years. In 2021, the corner appeared in only four games due to a shoulder injury. Last season, Alexander was once again limited due to a shoulder injury — he played seven games in the regular season and in both playoff games. A fully-healthy Alexander gives Green Bay a big advantage in its secondary.
93. Kendall Fuller – Miami Dolphins
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A former third-round pick and Super Bowl champion, Kendall Fuller will be suiting up for the Miami Dolphins in 2024 after spending the past four seasons with Washington. Fuller is coming off a year in which he was easily Washington’s top corner. The veteran recorded 79 combined tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two tackles for loss — and was arguably the best player on the team overall. Playing opposite Jalen Ramsey, Fuller should see plenty of action this year in Miami.
92. Chris Lindstrom – Atlanta Falcons
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If Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons are going to meet expectations in 2024, Chris Lindstrom will need to play up to his high standard. Entering his sixth season, the Boston College product has been one of the top right guards in football the past few seasons. Lindstrom is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl nods and has only missed one game over the past four years. The star has been named a Second-Team All-Pro both seasons and now has a chance to protect a QB capable of carrying Atlanta to new heights.
91. T.J. Hockenson – Minnesota Vikings
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Hockenson is coming off the most productive season of his career. In his first full season with the Vikings, Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards — both career-highs — and scored five touchdowns while making just 11 starts. The tight end finished second on the team in receiving yards behind Justin Jefferson and tied for second in receiving TDs. Unfortunately, Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in Minnesota’s Week 16 tilt with the Detroit Lions. It remains unclear when he will be ready to return to the field.
90. Kyle Juszczyk – San Francisco 49ers
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The do-it-all fullback is one of the most important players in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He can block like a tight end, run like a power back, and catch passes similarly to a receiver. He also happens to be immensely smart out on the field. We often hear about players being extensions of their head coaches. Juszczyk is one of those guys.
89. Brandon Aubrey – Dallas Cowboys
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Kickers need love, too! After years of inconsistent play at the position, Dallas struck gold ironically enough with the 6’3″ kicker out of Notre Dame. After a career which saw him play professional soccer, Aubrey transitioned back to football — featuring for the Birmingham Stallions for two years. Dallas came calling last year, and he rewarded the Cowboys by going 36-of-38 on field-goal attempts. It resulted in Aubrey becoming a first-team All-Pro.
88. Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams
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The soon-to-be third-year back out of Notre Dame became the featured rusher in Sean McVay’s offense. He exploded for 1,144 rushing yards and 12 TDs in only 12 games. Williams runs extremely hard for a guy listed at 5’9″ 194 pounds. His second-effort is very good, and his ability to make people miss in space added a new element to an already potent offensive scheme.
87. De’Von Achane – Miami Dolphins
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Miami loves having speed within its offense. Dating back to his days at Texas A&M, Achane was a sudden runner with legitimate short-area quickness and impressive deep-field speed. He rushed for 800 yards and 8 TDs in only 11 games for Miami this past year. As he moves toward a more featured role in the offense, one can envision a scenario where he emerges as a Pro Bowl-level player.
86. Mark Andrews – Baltimore Ravens
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Andrews is known for being one of the better receiving tight ends in the league. He was hurt for much of last year, playing in only 10 games. Lamar Jackson often looks for Andrews in the red zone and on throws exploiting the seams. He’s another case of a guy who needs to stay healthy in order to help maximize the ceiling of his team. When Andrews is playing, Baltimore’s offense goes to a completely new level.
85. Khalil Mack – Los Angeles Chargers
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Mack’s age (33) is about the only thing keeping him this far down the list. He’s coming off a year in which he accrued 17.0 sacks for the Chargers. It’s the highest sack total he’s ever had in a single season, and the first time he’s notched double-digit sack numbers since 2018. It’s unlikely he’ll be able to replicate another year with these totals…though stranger things have certainly happened.
84. Dre Greenlaw – San Francisco 49ers
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Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles during the Super Bowl loss to San Francisco. For a linebacker predicated on speed and quickness, it’s a major blow for both the player and the franchise. Greenlaw will work doggedly to get back to the field — though we wonder how effective he’ll be in the aftermath of such an injury. When he’s healthy and able, few are as effective from his position.
83. Deebo Samuel – San Francisco 49ers
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Injuries have taken a toll on San Francisco’s version of a Swiss Army knife. Samuel can be lined up virtually anywhere on the field. His powerful style of running has made him a nightmare to bring down in the open field. As he inches closer to age 30, one has to wonder whether San Francisco will commit long-term money to the former South Carolina star. When healthy, he’s still a very dangerous player.
82. D.J. Moore – Chicago Bears
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Moore came over to Chicago after a solid start to his career in Carolina. The Maryland product has four 1,000-yard seasons — including four in his last five years as a professional. Moore has steadily seen his TD numbers increase dating back to his second year in the league. A quick and dynamic player, he figures to be a favorite target of rookie signal-caller Caleb Williams.
81. Brian Branch – Detroit Lions
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Branch is a valuable member of Detroit’s defense. Functioning primarily as the team’s nickelback, Branch is tasked with defending slot receivers, tight ends, larger receivers, and even helping in run support. This sort of versatility was cultivated under the tutelage of retired head coach Nick Saban while at Alabama. Branch already is one of the league’s best nickelbacks, and he’s only 22 (23 in October).
80. Tristan Wirfs – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Iowa product Tristan Wirfs has developed into one of the top tackles in the game. He was instantly named a starter after being selected 13th overall and has appeared in 63 games over the last four seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Protection was a point of emphasis for the Bucs during Tom Brady’s tenure. A mastermind like Brady can make offensive linemen look better by making quick reads and getting the ball out. However, Wirfs continued his strong play even with Baker Mayfield under center last season. He was named to his third straight Pro Bowl at the end of the 2023 campaign.
79. Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions
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Jahmyr Gibbs will be terrorizing defenses for years to come. He stood out as a rookie, generating explosive plays and picking up chunk yardage for a dangerous Detroit attack. Whenever Gibbs is on the field, the defense’s eyes turn to him — he’s equally dynamic as a rusher or pass catcher. As a rookie, Gibbs tallied 1,261 scrimmage yards and 11 TDs. And, that was with sharing backfield duties with David Montgomery. Detroit’s 1-2 punch in the backfield is arguably the best in the league.
78. Keenan Allen – Chicago Bears
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It will be a bit odd seeing Keenan Allen sporting new threads in 2024. After 11 years with the Chargers, Allen was traded to the Bears in the offseason. He’ll be a part of a promising receiving corps which includes D.J. Moore and rookie Rome Odunze. We could see Allen’s overall numbers take a dip. He saw 150 targets last year with the Chargers in just 13 games, recording 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and 7 TDs. He’s one of the best slot receivers in the game, utilizing pristine route-running skills to get open with regularity. Young receivers often look up to Allen due to his refined skill set. And, he’s proven he can still get it done.
77. Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens
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Derrick Henry is one of the most gifted backs the league has seen. A rare blend of power, size, and speed, there was no answer for ‘King’ Henry during his physical peak. Now, some may point to his declining numbers over the last couple of years as a clear sign of regression. We don’t expect Henry to have the same burst at 30 years old that he did at 24. However, a change of scenery and offensive philosophy could do wonders for the veteran back. Plus, lining up next to Lamar Jackson aided many Ravens running backs in the past. In his quest to capture a Super Bowl trophy, we could see Henry absolutely dominate once again.
76. Marcus Williams – Baltimore Ravens
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Marcus Williams was the perfect fit on the Ravens’ defense. He joined Baltimore two seasons ago and has been a star in his role. The Ravens boast the best safety duo in the league with Williams and Kyle Hamilton (who appears later on this list). They are the perfect match together. Williams’ range and playmaking ability allows Hamilton’s versatility to shine. Baltimore deploys Williams as a center fielder who can cover a ton of ground. In 21 games with Baltimore, Williams has collected five interceptions and 16 pass defenses.
75. Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens
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We can’t make a top-100 list without mentioning the greatest kicker in league history. Justin Tucker is a legend who will one day be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 2023 was an uncharacteristically bad year from 50-plus for the 12-year veteran. He went just 1-for-5 from that range but missed just one attempt (31-of-32) from inside of it. Even a bad year for Tucker remains relatively elite. He still holds the record for the highest career field goal percentage of all time (90.2-percent) and still boasts one of the strongest legs in the league.
74. Derek Stingley Jr. – Houston Texans
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It seems like Derek Stingley Jr. continues to get overlooked. Fans are excited about Houston’s future outlook, though it’s primarily the high-powered offense that garners much of the praise. Additionally, Stingley Jr. has been in the shadow of Sauce Gardner — who plays the same position, drafted in the same year one pick apart, and has more accolades. That isn’t to say Stingley Jr. isn’t well on his way to being elite in his own right. He’s dealt with some injuries over his first two seasons, but the talent has been obvious from the start. He already has elite coverage instincts and will continue to improve.
73. Will Anderson Jr. – Houston Texans
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Another young Houston defender, Will Anderson is looking like the next great pass rusher in the NFL. The Texans went all-in to snag Anderson during the 2023 NFL Draft. They traded multiple future picks to move up to the No. 3 spot and select the Alabama standout. After just one season, Anderson has already made most Texans fans forget about the haul it took to acquire him. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and made the Pro Bowl.
72. Nico Collins – Houston Texans
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Some NFL fans worried that CJ Stroud was walking into an unfortunate situation with the Texans. An unproven receiving corps was cited as an area of concern. The emergence of Nico Collins quickly shot down any of those thoughts. A former third-round pick out of Michigan, Collins was able to showcase his immense ability with a quality signal caller in charge. The athletic profile was always evident – Collins is listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. He moves exceptionally well for a receiver of his size. And, Collins will only get better as he continues to gel with his franchise QB.
71. Demario Davis – New Orleans Saints
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Even at 35 years old, it seems like Demario Davis just keeps on getting better. The veteran linebacker hasn’t shown any sign of regression in recent years. He’s been an All-Pro for five straight seasons and has been the unquestioned backbone of some very good New Orleans defenses. In fact, Davis – along with fellow veteran Cam Jordan – can be credited with completely turning that unit around. It wasn’t too long ago when the Saints were trotting out some of the worst defenses the league has ever seen. Since Davis joined in 2018, the Saints have never finished outside the league’s top half in opponent scoring.
70. Quincy Williams – New York Jets
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New York Jets defender Quincy Williams has a motor that never stops. He’s constantly flying around the field and wreaking havoc for opposing offenses – whether it’s as a pass rusher or in coverage. The 27-year-old was recognized as an All-Pro First-Team linebacker in 2023. At this point, Williams is an indispensable character on the Jets defense. He hardly ever comes off the field, registering a 96-percent snap rate last season.
69. Charvarius Ward – San Francisco 49ers
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Charvarius Ward has been playing in big games ever since he entered the NFL. Drafted in 2018 by the Chiefs, Ward started in a playoff game as a rookie. A year later, he was hoisting the Super Bowl trophy as a member of the Chiefs. He’s played in three Super Bowls already in his young career as a member of the Chiefs and 49ers. 2023 was his biggest year as an individual. He was named a Pro Bowler for the first time and named to the All-Pro Second-Team. Ward led the league with 23 passes defended last season.
68. C.J. Mosley – New York Jets
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The last few years have been an epic turnaround for linebacker CJ Mosley. A former Ravens draft pick, Mosley missed all but two games in 2019 – his first year with the Jets – nursing a groin injury that ultimately required surgery. Then, Mosley opted out of the 2020 campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. With two seasons away from the field, Mosley re-emerged in ’21 and became the centerpiece of the Jets’ defense. He’s been a stalwart for one of the league’s stingiest groups ever since. The five-time Pro Bowler is a cerebral player and one of the surest tacklers in the NFL.
67. Jalen Ramsey – Miami Dolphins
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As he enters his age-30 season, Jalen Ramsey remains one of the top cover corners in football. He’s made the Pro Bowl every season after his rookie year – including in ’23 despite only playing in 10 games. What separates Ramsey is that he’s a complete corner. He’s a willing tackler and not just against slender receivers. We’ve seen Ramsey come up near the line of scrimmage and bring down the best running backs. And, he still has the top-end speed to keep up with the league’s best pass catchers. Already a seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion, Ramsey is putting the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame career.
66. Puka Nacua – Los Angeles Rams
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We haven’t seen many rookie campaigns better than the one Puka Nacua just turned in. A fifth-round pick of the Rams, Nacua established himself as one of the top wideouts in the league in short order. He started off strong, hauling in 25 passes for 266 yards over his first two games. By season’s end, Nacua finished fourth in the NFL in receiving yards and ninth in receptions. Clearly the Rams saw something in the young WR that other teams didn’t. His well-rounded skill set makes him a perfect for Sean McVay’s offense. He has reliable hands, runs good routes, and can make contested catches through traffic. We don’t expect a sophomore slump out of Nacua in ’24.
65. Trey Hendrickson – Cincinnati Bengals
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Trey Hendrickson’s breakout campaign happened in 2020 with the New Orleans Saints. He collected 13.5 sacks in his final year with New Orleans and proceeded to sign a free-agent contract with the Bengals. He’s continued his high level of play in Cincinnati and is coming off a career year in 2023 where he notched 17.5 sacks. Only T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett – both Defensive Player of the Year winners — have more sacks than Hendrickson over the last five years. His length and power can cause a problem for even the league’s best offensive tackles.
64. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
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Former University of Texas standout Bijan Robinson was one of the best backs in college football before declaring for the draft. The Falcons added to their strong skill group by selecting Robinson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite Atlanta’s porous passing attack, Robinson still managed to gain 1,463 scrimmage yards while scoring 8 TDs as a rookie. His dynamic running style keeps defenders guessing on his next move. Robinson routinely dodges tacklers in the open field and has excellent balance and power to stay upright and finish out plays. He’ll be even more difficult to stop with improved QB play.
63. Joe Thuney – Kansas City Chiefs
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When the Chiefs lost in Super Bowl LV to the Buccaneers, the team made a point to make significant improvements to the offensive line. Joe Thuney was among the additions made during the offseason. He’s emerged as a pillar for one of the top protection groups in the league. Thuney earned an All-Pro nod at guard in ’23 after starting in all 17 games and allowing just two sacks all year.
62. Mike Evans – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Big, strong, and dependable, Mike Evans is one of the best pass catchers in the game. He’s been productive since the day he stepped on an NFL field. Evans has gone over 1,000 yards in all 10 of his professional seasons. Last year, he led the league with 13 TDs. Evans is the ultimate red-zone threat due to his massive frame. However, he also has the speed to run past defenses for big gains. There is no great answer to slowing down the five-time Pro Bowler.
61. Frank Ragnow – Detroit Lions
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Detroit’s skill players get much of the praise, but the offense is built upon its strong front. The offensive line is among the best in the league, and Frank Ragnow at center is one of the key pieces. Ragnow was a Day 1 starter for the Lions when they drafted him all the way back in 2018. He’s started 80 games for Detroit since then. His leadership has been invaluable for the growth of the entire offense. With Jason Kelce retiring this offseason, Ragnow is indisputably the best center in the NFL.
60. Stefon Diggs – Houston Texans
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All eyes will be on Stefon Diggs in his first year with the Houston Texans. Following a loud exit in Buffalo, Diggs will look to reestablish himself as a top receiver. He’ll have some incentive to have a great year as he’s set to hit free agency at season’s end. Diggs saw his role dwindle throughout Buffalo’s resurgence last year. At his best, he’s one of the league’s top route runners with the ability to create separation with ease. We’ll see if he can revert to that player now that he’s in Houston.
59. Breece Hall – New York Jets
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The Jets’ dismal offense clouded what was otherwise a great sophomore campaign for Breece Hall. After undergoing season-ending surgery as a rookie, Hall returned to the field in ’23 and appeared in all 17 games for New York. He tallied 1,585 scrimmage yards and 9 TDs while facing loaded fronts. His pass-catching ability was on full display, leading all backs with 76 receptions. With Aaron Rodgers back in the fold, Hall should find it easier to gain consistent yardage. He’s got some of the best top-end speed of any back in the game and will be one of the league’s premier big-play generators in ’24.
58. DaRon Bland – Dallas Cowboys
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It would be difficult to leave DaRon Bland off this list after the season he just had. It was a historical campaign for the Dallas defender. Bland set an NFL record for pick-sixes by returning five interceptions for touchdowns. His style isn’t too dissimilar from teammate Trevon Diggs, who also has a penchant for picking off quarterbacks. Dallas’ pass rush certainly allows DBs to play more aggressively, but it’s still up to the player to make a read and break on the ball. Bland showed an exceptional ability to read the eyes of opposing QBs and jump the route at the perfect time. He accounted for more touchdowns last season than many offensive stars, including Terry McLaurin, Michael Pittman Jr., Jaylen Waddle, and Dallas Goedert.
57. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers
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The first half of Jordan Love’s ‘debut’ season had its ups and downs. Through his first nine starts of 2023, Love threw 14 TDs to 10 INTs and wasn’t even completing 60-percent of his passes. Then, he flipped a switch. Love was one of the most efficient and productive QBs in the league over the last two months. He ended the regular season with 18 TDs to just 1 INT over his last eight games. Then, he lit up the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round before falling to the 49ers and coming up just short of an NFC title appearance. That was just Year 1 as a starter. We can’t wait to see what Love has in store for the remainder of his career.
56. Devon Witherspoon – Seattle Seahawks
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When the Seattle Seahawks selected Devon Witherspoon in the 2023 NFL Draft, everybody should have known it was a good pick. Pete Carroll has always shown an ability to identify elite defensive backs. His willingness to use the No. 5 overall pick on Witherspoon meant a great deal. As a rookie, Witherspoon did not disappoint. He looked just as physical as he did in college, despite concerns over his slender frame. Witherspoon was named a Pro Bowler and looks to have an excellent career ahead of him.
55. Minkah Fitzpatrick – Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the safest bets in the secondary in the league. Since joining the Steelers in 2019, Fitzpatrick has been named an All-Pro First-Team safety three times and has gone to four Pro Bowls. A converted cornerback, it’s clear that the Steelers valued his versatility. And, that’s paid off as Fitzpatrick uses his instincts and athleticism to sniff out offensive plays long before they develop. He always seems to be in the right spot and constantly generates big plays for one of the best defenses in football.
54. Aaron Rodgers – New York Jets
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It’ll be interesting to see which version of Aaron Rodgers takes the field in ’24. Of course, the four-time league MVP saw his debut with the Jets cut short following a torn Achilles. The last time we saw him for an extended stretch, he was playing sub-par football for the Packers in the 2022 campaign. The two seasons before that were excellent, as he earned two of those MVP trophies. Rodgers turns 41 later this year and is coming off a major injury. How much longer can he hold up?
53. Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams
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2024 was an impressive season for Matthew Stafford. Following a down year, there weren’t exactly high expectations for this Rams offense. By season’s end, the offense had carried the Rams back to a postseason berth. Stafford showed he was still capable of making all the throws, leading a potent passing attack, even while star wideout Cooper Kupp was on the mend. His arm strength has hardly waned, and he’s still willing to sling no-look passes all over the field. Stafford has been perfect for Sean McVay’s offense. He’s a smart QB capable of making all the right reads, but his innate playmaking skills unlock LA’s attack.
52. Jared Goff – Detroit Lions
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Jared Goff has effectively buried any notion that he’s just a “system” quarterback. He found early success with the Rams in Sean McVay’s offense, but Goff was tossed to the side in favor of Matthew Stafford. Going to the Lions, not much was expected out of the former No. 1 overall pick. However, he’s helped turn the culture around and has emerged as one of the steadier signal callers in the game. Detroit was just a few plays away from making the Super Bowl last year. And, as he’s shown before, Goff has what it takes to take his team to the big game.
51. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts
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Indianapolis’ passing game should be much improved in ’24 with the return of QB Anthony Richardson and the addition of rookie wideout Adonai Mitchell. Still, let’s not forget a former All-Pro is in the backfield. Taylor is just two years removed from finishing second in the Offensive Player of the Year voting. He’s dealt with injuries and a holdout since, but his overall play on the field hasn’t seen a significant dip. Plus, a better passing game should open up running lanes for the 25-year-old back to exploit.
50. Brock Purdy – San Francisco 49ers
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He might not have the biggest arm or the most impressive physique. Still, Purdy has proven to be a highly efficient QB. In parts of two seasons, Purdy has won 17 of 21 games. This also includes a TD:INT ratio of 44:15. Remember, Purdy’s effectiveness allowed SF to discard former No. 3 Overall pick Trey Lance.
49. Trent McDuffie – Kansas City Chiefs
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Kansas City let L’Jarius Sneed go in the offseason. This was a bit of a surprise — though it speaks more so to the arrival of McDuffie as the team’s best corner. McDuffie was well schooled as a prep player in Southern California, and also at the University of Washington. He’s an immensely smart player — reading routes and reacting accordingly. A breakout season seems to be in the cards this upcoming year.
48. Aidan Hutchinson – Detroit Lions
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The pairing of Detroit and Michigan native Aidan Hutchinson was a match made in heaven. He epitomizes the toughness and energy brought to the table by head coach Dan Campbell. The 6’7″ edge rusher has 21.0 career sacks through two seasons. As he approaches Year 3 of his career, you can envision a scenario where Hutchinson approaches 15.0 sacks (assuming he can stay healthy). He completely sets the tone for the Lions defense.
47. Quinnen Williams – New York Jets
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New York has built a very formidable defense over the last few years. Starting up front in the heart of the defensive line is Williams — the dancing bear hailing from Alabama. After a somewhat slow start to his career, Williams has made back-to-back Pro Bowls. He’s very disruptive with his combination of short-area quickness and effectiveness with his hands. Williams has combined to accrue 17.5 sacks over the last two years.
46. Lane Johnson – Philadelphia Eagles
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The 34-year-old tackle is still playing at a high level. He’s made Pro Bowls the last two seasons. Even more impressive, Johnson has been an All-Pro selection in each of the last three years. When he can stay healthy, Johnson is a dominant player. The Eagles are hoping he can stay upright and protect Jalen Hurts in a year where Philadelphia aspires to win a Super Bowl.
45. Denzel Ward – Cleveland Browns
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The multi-time Pro Bowler is cat-quick off the line of scrimmage. Ward’s tracking skills — whether against bigger receivers or shifty ones — has been lauded for quite a while. While not a huge creator of turnovers, his value sits more so in terms of pure coverage. He’s a big reason why Cleveland possesses an elite defense.
44. Jordan Mailata – Philadelphia Eagles
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At 6’8″ and north of 360 pounds, the Australia native is a mountain of a man. Casual observers are shocked at how quick and athletic Mailata is off the snap. He moves his feet exceptionally well, and the natural power he possesses makes it immensely difficult for defensive linemen to get around him. As Lane Johnson ages and Jason Kelce enjoys retirement, Mailata figures to become the leader of the offensive line in Philadelphia.
43. Jessie Bates III – Atlanta Falcons
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The 27-year-old safety is coming off his best season as a professional. Bates was a Pro Bowler, and a second team All-Pro selection for the Atlanta Falcons. He notched a career-high 132 tackles along with 11 pass deflections and a whopping six interceptions. In the prime of his career, Bates has truly arrived as one of the league’s best safeties.
42. Antoine Winfield Jr. – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Much like his father was with the Bills, Winfield Jr. has been a high-impact player during his brief career in the NFL. Starring for the Bucs, the 5’9″ safety plays much bigger than his size would indicate. He’s a ballhawk on the back end — intercepting passes and forcing fumbles. Winfield Jr. is better than you’d think as a cover guy, though his bread and butter is coming up and helping in run support. Winfield Jr. is a complete safety in the best sense of the term.
41. Sam LaPorta – Detroit Lions
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Following in the tradition of good tight ends from Iowa, LaPorta exploded as a rookie for the Lions this past year. He hauled in 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 TDs. Not too dissimilarly from fellow Hawkeye George Kittle, LaPorta killed the opposition on throws down the seams. He was quick enough to evade linebackers, and made life miserable for defensive backs. Detroit appears to have grabbed a total steal here.
40. Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles
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Philadelphia’s signal-caller is a dynamic player. There’s really no other way to put it. Whether spraying the ball around the field, or taking off and running it, Hurts is quite dangerous for the opposition. It doesn’t help matters that he’s built like a linebacker with receiver speed. We can expect him to continue in his progression as a more nuanced thrower of the football.
39. Justin Madubuike – Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore is known for possessing some special defensive talents. Madubuike falls in that group after a monster 2023 season. Despite being a defensive tackle, he still managed to get 13.0 sacks. His physicality at the point of attack is evident. However, Madubuike is cat-quick when shucking offensive guards. He’s also immensely strong — playing with tremendous leverage.
38. Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles
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Despite the injury history, you’re still looking at a 27-year-old back with a world of talent. Barkley should thrive in Philadelphia with a new offensive scheme and a more balanced attack, compared to his former team in New York. We could totally envision a scenario where Barkley puts up Pro Bowl-type numbers. Philadelphia has the infrastructure in place for Barkley to get back to where he was in 2022, when he ran for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 TDs.
37. Brandon Aiyuk – San Francisco 49ers
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Aiyuk continues to get better and better. In each of his four seasons, we’ve seen his receiving yards increase. Being the deep threat in San Francisco’s offense, he’s coming off a year with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven TDs. This includes a 17.9 yards-per-catch average. It’ll be interesting to see whether the 49ers can keep him in the fold with an extension. If not, another team will gladly scoop Aiyuk up as a WR1.
36. A.J. Brown – Philadelphia Eagles
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The 27-year-old out of Ole Miss is nearly impossible to defend in single coverage. Brown bullies defenders with a strong frame and even stronger hands. He knows how to position himself when setting up to make catches downfield. Whether boxing out defenders akin to a power forward, or leaping up to snag the ball out of the air, there’s a reason why he’s coming off two-straight years with at least 1,400 receiving yards.
35. George Kittle – San Francisco 49ers
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Kittle notched his third season with at least 1,000 receiving yards this past year. Hauling in six TDs, the former Iowa star is a nightmare matchup for linebackers. Kittle is still exceptionally athletic with his pure unadulterated speed. Though he doesn’t physically look like it, Kittle is also a monster in-line blocker. If you’re a young tight end wanting to learn how to block, put on some Kittle tape and watch with eyes wide open.
34. Patrick Queen – Pittsburgh Steelers
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Moving from Baltimore to rival Pittsburgh, the LSU product figures to become the focal point of the Steelers defense. Queen is a tackling machine — evidenced by accumulating 454 tackles in only four seasons. He’s managed to stay fully healthy thus far in his career, and Queen is the type of player to energize his teammates via his aggressive style of play. The Ravens might ultimately regret letting Queen walk in free agency.
33. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
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Though polarizing with Dallas fans and those outside of the Cowboys’ circle, Prescott deserves his flowers. He threw for 4,516 yards and a career-high 36 TDs this past year. While he has been victimized by self-inflicted wounds in the past, Prescott’s ability to take care of the ball has improved compared to the prior two years. He might have his warts as a player. However, there are more than a handful of squads who’d be elated to have Prescott as their starting signal-caller.
32. Jaylon Johnson – Chicago Bears
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The California native has truly arrived. In 2023, he not only was a Pro Bowler, but also a second-team All Pro selection. Johnson’s ability to press at the line of scrimmage is a patented trait of his game. Duly, he’s a ballhawk — evidenced by 41 pass-breakups in only four seasons. The 25-year-old is on a trajectory where he’ll be considered one of the NFL’s best corners.
31. Danielle Hunter – Houston Texans
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Hunter is truly in the prime of his career. As the lynchpin of Minnesota’s defense, he accrued an impressive 87.5 sacks and 108 tackles-for-loss throughout his eight-year career in the Twin Cities. In 2023, Hunter notched a career-high 16.5 sacks and 23 TFL. Now entering his first season in Houston after signing a two-year, $49 million contract, there’s no reason to think he’ll slow down anytime soon.
30. C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans
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The Southern California native is a budding star. While he didn’t have a ton of fanfare behind Bryce Young, Stroud has broken out in a big way — assuming the leadership role on a very intriguing Texans squad. His ability to throw the deep ball with accuracy is utterly fantastic. Stroud never seems rushed when blitzed or pressured. He calmly makes his reads and delivers the ball on time with velocity and touch. If you’re looking for a guy to build around for the next 10+ years, Stroud is up there as one of the better options across the league.
29. Dexter Lawrence – New York Giants
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Lawrence has quietly developed into one of the best interior defensive linemen in all of football. You’d think he’d strictly be a space-eater at first glance. However, his pass rushing skills for a man of his stature are very impressive. Lawrence can take on a double team with ease, holding his ground and enabling linebackers to flood into the backfield. Duly, he can maneuver his way around guards and centers en route to the quarterback/ball carrier. The two-time Pro Bowler has the look of a guy who can earn a spot on multiple All-Pro teams.
28. Amon-Ra St. Brown – Detroit Lions
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St. Brown has objectively become one of the better receivers across the league. He’s both the security blanket and fulcrum of the Detroit offense. St. Brown’s route-running skills are exquisite, and he has an uncanny knack for getting open despite often facing double coverage. The Lions haven’t had a talent at receiver this gifted since the days of Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson.
27. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
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Herbert may very well cascade up this list a year from now. With Jim Harbaugh entrenched as his new head coach, there’s a world in which Herbert becomes a more efficient — and by proxy effective — quarterback. The talent has never been a question. You’re looking at a 6’6″ athlete with a gun for an arm. With that said, can he improve on his inconsistent play?
26. Roquan Smith – Baltimore Ravens
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The 27-year-old is the heartbeat of Baltimore’s defense. He accrued a whopping 158 total tackles this past year along with earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Dating back to his days at Georgia, Smith is a reactionary linebacker with terrific closing speed and the ability to cover ground in a hurry. His style of play hasn’t changed since entering the NFL. He remains among the best at his position across the league.
25. L’Jarius Sneed – Tennessee Titans
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In order to win back-to-back Super Bowls, you have to possess talent throughout your roster. L’Jarius Sneed doesn’t receive the praise that some of his more famous teammates do, but he is an indispensable member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Sneed has been a full-time starter at corner for the past three years and has snagged seven interceptions during that stretch. In last year’s run to the Super Bowl, Sneed finished with three passes defended and 17 tackles.
24. Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs
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Kelce’s streak of 1,000-yard seasons came to an end in 2023, but the Kansas City icon remains an elite target. Despite missing two games, Kelce finished last year with 93 catches, 984 yards and five touchdowns. His connection with Patrick Mahomes is unmatched and the duo always comes through in the clutch. While he is slowing down as he approaches the age of 35, Kelce remains a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
23. Davante Adams – Las Vegas Raiders
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Davante Adams is elite. While he is no longer receiving throws from Aaron Rodgers, Adams has adjusted to life in Las Vegas just fine. The future Hall of Famer posted a 1,500-yard season in his first year with the Raiders, and he followed that up with a 1,144-yard, eight-TD showing in 2023. Adams may have yet another new QB throwing to him this year as Gardner Minshew signed with Vegas in the offseason. Whether Minshew or Aidan O’Connell is named QB1, you can bet on Adams posting huge numbers.
22. Ja’Marr Chase – Cincinnati Bengals
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2023 was a rough year for the Bengals. With Joe Burrow knocked out for the year with a wrist injury, Cincinnati finished last in the AFC North (9-8). However, ’24 figures to be better with Burrow back at QB throwing dimes to Ja’Marr Chase. Chase exploded onto the scene as a rookie in 2022 with 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. He hasn’t been able to match those numbers the past two years, but he remains an elite wideout. Chase hauled in 100 passes (a career-high) for 1,216 yards in ’23. His chemistry with Burrow is amongst the best QB/WR connections in the league — expect a big season from Chase in 2024.
21. Kyle Hamilton – Baltimore Ravens
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If there is one thing you can count on, it is Baltimore finding a defensive star in the NFL Draft. Kyle Hamilton was selected 14th overall in 2022 out of Notre Dame. After starting only four games as a rookie, Hamilton started 15 games at safety in ’23 and made an immediate impact. The young Raven intercepted four passes, notched three sacks, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. Baltimore has studs at every level of its defense but Hamilton stands above the rest.
20. Nick Bosa – San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco’s roster is littered with stars and Nick Bosa is amongst the best of the group. Bosa didn’t have a great season, by his standard, in 2023. The edge rusher finished with 10.5 sacks and 35 QB hits — great numbers overall. In 2022, Bosa was unstoppable. En route to winning Defensive Player of the Year, Bosa recorded 18.5 sacks, 48 QB hits, and 19 TFLs. When he is at his best, Bosa is capable of swinging a game San Francisco’s way on any given snap.
19. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals
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Will Joe Burrow stay healthy in 2024? Cincinnati’s star quarterback has now finished two of his four seasons on the sidelines. A torn ACL cut his rookie season short, and a wrist injury limited Burrow to 10 games last season. There is no denying Burrow’s talent when he is on the field. In his two healthy seasons, Burrow has led Cincinnati to the AFC Championship Game twice and nearly won the Super Bowl in 2021. Let’s see if Burrow can return to form.
18. Pat Surtain II – Denver Broncos
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Denver’s star corner may be a bit overshadowed by the next man on our list, but Pat Surtain II is a stud. Entering his fourth season, Surtain is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons for the Broncos. In 2022, Surtain was a First-Team All-Pro. The young corner has seven interceptions and 36 passes defended since entering the league. The Broncos may be short on talent at the moment, but they have a long-term fit in their secondary.
17. Sauce Gardner – New York Jets
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Two seasons, two All-Pro selections. Sauce Gardner is an absolute stud. The Jets corner was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 after leading the league with 20 passes defended. Despite being targeted infrequently in 2023, Gardner added 11 more PDs to his name. Sauce completely locks down whoever he is tasked with guarding, and opposing quarterbacks shy away from testing him. New York has a very good defense, but Gardner can help take it to another level with his greatness.
16. Zack Martin – Dallas Cowboys
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A member of the All-2010s Team, Zack Martin is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career. Recently, Martin openly wondered whether the 2024 season will be his last. Martin has been one of the best offensive guards in football since his rookie season in 2014. A seven-time first-team All-Pro, Martin has been a stalwart along Dallas’ front for a decade — but he has acknowledged that the grind of the league is wearing on him.
15. CeeDee Lamb – Dallas Cowboys
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The NFL is currently seeing an influx of high-end talent at wide receiver, and CeeDee Lamb is certainly one of the top players at the position. The former Oklahoma star has posted three straight 1,100-yard seasons and he reached new heights in 2023. Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions and set career-highs in yards (1,749) and touchdowns (12). The star finished third for Offensive Player of the Year and was a First-Team All-Pro. Lamb had five games with 140+ receiving yards — highlighted by a 227-yard explosion against the Detroit Lions in December.
14. Trent Williams – San Francisco 49ers
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Williams has been named to the Pro Bowl 11 years in a row. For the past three years, he has been deemed a First-Team All-Pro. Yes, Williams is a future Hall of Famer. The San Francisco tackle is elite to say the least — and an argument can be made that he is deserving of a higher ranking. With Williams at tackle, the Niners returned to the Super Bowl last season, and running back Christian McCaffrey led the league in rushing. Williams will be 36 by the time Week 1 comes around, however. His health and willingness to put up with the grind of a full season will be something to watch moving forward.
13. Penei Sewell – Detroit Lions
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Quarterbacks will always get more love than any other position in the NFL, but an elite lineman presents a massive advantage for teams. Like Trent Williams, Penei Sewell is a game-changer on the offensive front. The fourth-year tackle out of Oregon has been a starter since Day 1 in Detroit and he is now neck-and-neck with Williams as the league’s best OT. Sewell has reached the Pro Bowl two years in a row and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2023. Detroit’s offense is one of the best units in the league, and Sewell is a massive reason why.
12. Maxx Crosby – Las Vegas Raiders
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Mad Maxx is a fan-favorite in Las Vegas. Crosby is easily the best player on Vegas’ defense and has quickly become an elite player in the NFL. Crosby was the runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, but he has truly blossomed over the past two years. In consecutive seasons, Crosby has led the NFL in TFLs (22 and 23 TFL, respectively) and has 27.0 total sacks during that time. Crosby’s knack for getting past the lineman, or linemen, tasked with blocking him is nearly unmatched. The star can contend for DPoY in 2024.
11. T.J. Watt – Pittsburgh Steelers
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Is T.J. Watt better than his brother, J.J., ever was? We’ll get to that conversation another day. For now, Watt ranks as the 11th-best player in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s star edge rusher missed last year’s Wild Card game due to a knee injury, but he will be ready for the new season. Watt has led the NFL in sacks three times, including the 2021 season when he posted 22.5 sacks en route to winning Defensive Player of the Year. Over his last three healthy seasons — Watt played 10 games in 2022 — he has notched 15.0, 22.5, and 19.0 sacks, respectively.
10. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills
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Last season was a bit of a mixed bag for Josh Allen. Buffalo’s star quarterback posted his best completion percentage (66.5) since 2020, but he also threw for less than 30 touchdowns (29) for the first time since 2019 and set a career-high with 18 interceptions. While his TD number through the air decreased, the hulking QB rushed for 15 TDs — six more than his previous best. In 2024, Allen will have to adjust to life without Stefon Diggs.
9. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers
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The running back position is becoming increasingly devalued. However, Christian McCaffrey is a running back that every team would move mountains to have. Well, except for the Carolina Panthers. McCaffrey is lethal on the ground and through the passing game. In his first full season with San Francisco, CMC led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards (5.4 YPC), rushed for 14 scores, and added over 500 yards and seven TDs as a receiver. In June, CMC signed a two-year/$38 million extension. He remains the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
8. Chris Jones – Kansas City Chiefs
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While Patrick Mahomes gets a majority of the love and adoration for Kansas City winning three Super Bowls in five years, the franchise wouldn’t have three victories without Chris Jones starring on defense. Since 2018, Jones has been named to the All-Pro First-Team twice and the Second-Team three times. The dominant defensive tackle has notched 15.5 sacks on two occasions. Jones is a game-wrecking force along the line of scrimmage. In March, the Chiefs inked Jones to a five-year/$158.75 million deal to keep the legend in Kansas City.
7. Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings
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The recent recipient of a four-year/$140 million contract comes in at No. 7. How good is Justin Jefferson? In 2023, Minnesota’s star wideout caught 68 passes for 1,074 yards in just 10 games. Before injuries limited him in ’23, Jefferson had improved his stats each of his first three years in the league. Following a 1,400-yard rookie campaign, JJ put up 1,616 yards in Year 2 and led the NFL in receptions (128) and yards (1,809) in Year 3. It will be interesting to see how Jefferson performs with a new quarterback — whether it is veteran Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy.
6. Fred Warner – San Francisco 49ers
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While people become more and more obsessed with counting stats — particularly sacks — Fred Warner may be slightly overlooked. San Francisco’s incredible linebacker has never recorded more than 3.0 sacks in a season, but he has been the league’s best linebacker for years. Warner has played in all 98 games since debuting in 2018 and he has been named an All-Pro three times. Last year, Warner snagged a career-high four interceptions to go along with 132 tackles. Opposing teams try to limit Warner’s impact…but they fail quite often.
5. Micah Parsons – Dallas Cowboys
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Dallas sure is happy to have Micah Parsons on its roster. The former Penn State standout is entering his fourth year in the NFL, and he has made his first three seasons look easy. Parsons was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021 and has finished in the top-3 for Defensive Player of the Year all three seasons — including two runner-up finishes (2021, 2022). The star posted a career-best 14.0 sacks last year and has 40.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles for his career. If the Cowboys want to reach the mountaintop, Parsons will need to lead the charge defensively.
4. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
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The debate over who is the second-best quarterback in the NFL will rage on throughout the season. While there is a clear No. 1, the second spot is certainly up for grabs. For now, we will give the edge to Lamar Jackson. Jackson won his second MVP in 2023 after throwing for a career-high 3,678 yards. Jackson rushed for over 800 yards and contributed 29 total touchdowns. Of course, the knock on Jackson remains his lack of success in the playoffs. Those who doubt Baltimore’s QB will continue to do so until he carries the team to the Super Bowl. Regardless, his talent is undeniable — he is an elite player.
3. Tyreek Hill – Miami Dolphins
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It is hard to rank receivers, but Tyreek Hill is an absolute star. When Hill left Kansas City and the comforts of playing with Patrick Mahomes, many people questioned how big of an impact he would have with the Dolphins. Through two years, Hill has been unstoppable and has posted even better numbers than he did with the Chiefs. Hill finished sixth for MVP last season and set career highs across the board. In addition to matching a career-best with 119 receptions, Hill scored 13 touchdowns, totaled 1,799 yards, and averaged 112.4 yards per game — he led the NFL in TDs, yards and receiving YPG.
2. Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns
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With Aaron Donald now enjoying retirement, Myles Garrett has become the league’s premier defensive player. The former No. 1 overall pick is entering his eighth year with the Cleveland Browns and is seemingly getting better each year. A three-time All-Pro, Garrett won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2023. He registered 14.0 sacks — two off his career-high (2021, 2022) — and generated 30 QB hits. Garrett is a game changer and can lead Cleveland to a deep run in the AFC.
1. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
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Was there ever a doubt who would be No. 1? Patrick Mahomes is the unquestioned king of the NFL entering 2024. At 28 years old, Mahomes has won three Super Bowls, three SB MVPs, and two regular season MVPs. The star gunslinger has led Kansas City to back-to-back titles and his team has reached the Super Bowl four times in five years. Barring injuries, Mahomes will likely remain No. 1 for close to a decade.
