Top 100 Player Countdown for 2019

[DoleINGout]

Making a thread dedicated to a list I compiled of the best players in the NFL entering the 2019 season before training camp. I looked at data compiled primarily by the Associated Press, NFL, Pro Football Reference, and Pro Football Focus. In addition to statistical analysis, these rankings were made by recalling back to the games, highlights, and analysis I've personally consumed as a fan of football.

You are encouraged to participate here anytime by sharing your own top 10, 20, 30 or whatever so that we might compare our lists. I've gone through many revisions and changes with specific rankings over the time spent putting everything together.

I don't plan on adding a lot of detailed analysis this time since I think most of the people here will recognize everyone that is included. Any feedback I get would be greatly appreciated. Any rankings you'd like an explanation for I'll try to elaborate on quickly and concisely.

This will be revealed in installments of ten or twenty players at a time. My hope is to generate a little bit of conversation and anticipation so that it makes this whole lead up to training camp season fun.

*I did take into account recent medical history as well as career availability based on games played.

*Unfortunately no specialist positions cracked my top 100. Don't expect to see a kicker, punter, long snapper, or coverage specialist.

Edited June 11, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

#100 CJ Mosley

Linebacker for the Jets. Newly acquired coming off an All Pro caliber season according to the Associated Press.

#99 Kenny Clark

Interior defensive lineman for the Packers. Reliable against the run and pass. Former first round pick who is bringing a positive return on investment.

#98 Michael Bennett

Defensive end for the Patriots. Comes over in a trade to provide a solid overall pass rush capability on the edge. Scores favorably with PFF.

#97 Jaylon Smith

Outside linebacker on the Cowboys. Overcame a major knee injury before being drafted by the Cowboys. A supremely gifted athlete at the linebacker position with a tenacious pursuit and nasty demeanor on the field.

#96 Justin Houston

Edge defender for the Colts. Newly acquired free agent addition with a great pass rush ability but needs to improve durability.

#95 Le'Veon Bell

Running back for the Jets. In 2017, Bell was regarded as perhaps the best runner in the NFL. Following a yearlong absence, joining a new team, in addition to a history of untimely injuries and suspensions, it is fair to question what should be expected now.

#94 Kawann Short

Defensive lineman for the Panthers. Short plays interior defensive tackle usually however with the length, strength and athleticism to be a 3-4 end. Coming off a Pro Bowl 2018 season.

#93 Kareem Jackson

Cornerback on the Broncos. Capable of switching over to safety but very dependable in coverage one-on-one.

#92 AJ Green

Wide receiver for the Bengals. Talent is sky-high however Green is underachieving statistically due to some nagging injury concerns in recent years. Some question the durability going forward rightfully so.

#91 Yannick Ngakoue

Defensive end on the Jaguars. Productive pass rusher in the middle of a contract dispute.

Edited June 14, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

90-71

#90 Frank Clark

Defensive end, Kansas City Chiefs. Trade acquisition from the Seahawks after contract negotiations failed. More productive rushing the pass although capable of being productive against the run.

#89 Mike Evans

Wide receiver, Buccaneers. A large catch radius allows Evans to remain a productive downfield target in combination with his height and long arms. Evans sets himself apart from most deep threats as a possession receiver at times when needed.

#88 Joey Bosa

Chargers defensive end. Two out of three seasons hampered by injuries lower Bosa's ranking. Durability aside, Bosa often receives double-teams when on the field which opens up lanes for his teammates to pursue. Disappointing playoff appearance against the Patriots last season.

#87 Patrick Peterson

Cardinals cornerback. Technique meets athleticism for the veteran defensive back. A performance enhancing drug suspension will limit Peterson to just twelve possible regular season games in 2019. Trade rumors have surfaced previously leading to questions about the future of Peterson in Arizona as well as his desire to remain on a rebuilding team.

#86 Trey Flowers

Defensive end of the Lions. Reliable presence in all phases of Matt Patricia's defense. Consistently applies pressure to opposing backfields.

#85 Bryce Callahan

Broncos cornerback. After finding success defending the slot on the Bears, Callahan rejoins his former defensive coordinator in Denver where much more success is expected. Top ten cornerback in 2018 by PFF.

#84 Carson Wentz

Quarterback for the Eagles. MVP candidate two seasons ago but injuries have prevented Wentz from growing into a playoff performer.

#83 JuJu Smith-Schuster

Wide receiver on the Steelers. Generally well liked by fans and media for his classy personality on and off the field. One of the best slot receivers in the NFL with more and more opportunities to prove he is the next great receiver in Pittsburgh.

#82 Jalen Ramsey

 Corner on the Jaguars. Elite pass coverage talent but with questionable motive at times has led to a dip in production in run defense in back to back seasons. Expectations are that Ramsey has a bounce back season from good to great again to earn a large contract next off-season.

#81 Baker Mayfield

Quarterback on the Browns. Changed the losing culture with leadership and production to put the Browns in position for the playoffs as a rookie.

#80 Marlon Humphries

#79 Landon Collins

#78 Jamal Adams

#77 Ben Roethlisberger

#76 Damon Harrison

#75 Trent Williams

#74 Kyle Fuller

#73 Deion Jones

#72 Shaq Mason

#71 Akiem Hicks

Edited June 13, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

70-61

#70 DJ Swearinger

#69 Joe Staley

#68 Matt Ryan

#67 Geno Atkins

#66 Andrew Whitworth

#65 Grady Jarrett

#64 Adam Thielan

#63 Jared Goff

#62 Danielle Hunter

#61 Davonte Adams

Edited June 28, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

60-41

#60 Tyron Smith

Left tackle on the Cowboys. Oft-injured but playing through the pain is Smith who offers arguably the best option at his position to any team in the league when healthy.

#59 Chris Harris

Cornerback, Broncos. Defends the slot as well as just about anyone but unlike those other guys, Harris is an All Pro caliber defender outside of the slot as well. Recently restructure his deal to receive a fairer market deal.

#58 Odell Beckham Jr.

Wide receiver on the Browns. Controversial withe New York media, some of the distractions are brought on by himself while many others were less so. Either way, Beckham is without a doubt one of the best receivers in the NFL but injuries have played a part in limiting his durability since entering the league as a rookie.

#57 Calais Campbell

Defensive lineman on the Jaguars. Moved from defensive interior to the edge upon joining the Jaguars a few seasons ago. Campbell is a consummate professional through and through. Still an elite defender up front with a huge impact on the rest of the team.

#56 Cam Newton

Quarterback for the Panthers. Another fairly divisive figure in sports, Newton remains a stable and productive player who amazingly improves each season as a passer while remaining a dangerous runner.

#55 Antonio Brown

Wide receiver on the Raiders. Before quitting on the Steelers amidst a playoff hunt at the end of 2018 and throwing his teammates under the bus publicly repeatedly, Brown was considered a flawless player without a negative impact to consider at all. At least that's what many perceived on the outside looking in. Always a savvy route runner with impeccable coordination, Brown's burners to threaten deep are slowly wearing out which may be one reason why he chose to preserve himself for this off-season when he would inevitably throw a tantrum to land himself with a franchise that would do anything to keep him. Well Raiders, good luck.

#54 Deshaun Watson

Quarterback for the Texans. Amazingly resilient coming off of several end of season torn ACL's since being drafted. A knack for pulling off comebacks and creating amazing plays with his arm and legs. Watson continues to refine his craft and learn with experience which means he should only chart higher in future rankings.

#53 Casey Hayward Jr.

Cornerback on the Chargers. Casey Hayward should probably be credited with helping aid the development of his teammates. Hayward is heralded far and wide by his contemporaries for being one of the most intelligent defensive backs. Hayward thrives and improves those around him by understanding everything that is happening on the football field.

#52 Ryan Kerrigan

Edge defender for the Redskins. Kerrigan is consistently productive year to year. High motor with relentless pursuit and a team leader whose given the Redskins what they needed to build their strong defense the last couple of years.

#51 Zach Ertz

Tight end for the Eagles. Dealt with rotating quarterbacks, struggled with a few nagging injuries early on, but Ertz has emerged from a crowded offense to be one of the most reliable and productive players at his position in the entire league. Proficient as a blocker and reliable as a receiver.

#50 Todd Gurley

Runningback for LA Rams. Coming off a mysterious knee issue that will limit Gurley from the workhorse back he was. Durability aside, arguably the best blend of traits among NFL tailbacks.

#49 Tyreek Hill

Wide receiver, Kansas City Chiefs? Suspended indefinitely and undergoing a private investigation is about the worst way to start off an NFL season. Regardless, Hill is so good that there is a chance he may get another chance. Dangerous returner and deep threat to make the perfect complimentary player.

#48 Marshal Yanda

Offensive guard for the Ravens. At times durability has been an issue but mostly Yanda is available and dominant whether played inside or out on the line. Second team all-pro in 2018.

#47 Leighton Vander Esch

Linebacker on Cowboys. Developed quickly into one of the best linebackers his rookie season covering the middle of the field and tackling everything with great instinctive pursuit. Beneficiary of playing with Jaylon Smith and Sean Lee.

#46 Chandler Jones

Edge rusher Cardinals. Versatility to play like an edge linebacker or rush like an end. Highly productive and consistent against the run relative to the elite players at his position.

#45 Darius Leonard

Linebacker Colts. Asked to simply play in the basic defensive scheme and finish. Leonard shattered rookie expectations contending for defensive player of the year. Featured rusher all over the formation and reliable in that role.

#44 Duane Brown

Left tackle on the Seahawks. Consistently one of the best pass protectors in the NFL. Stabilized a once shaky offensive line supporting a franchise quarterback and plug-and-play run attack.

#43 Earl Thomas

Safety on the Ravens. Routinely regarded as the best safety but is recovering from a leg injury from last season. A massive point to prove to everybody it feels like as a fan, which surely fits into the mentality the Ravens team seems to embody on an annual basis.

#42 Ryan Ramczyk

Right tackle on the Saints. Sophomore season followed up an impressive rookie season. Useful as a tackle on either side of the formation in pass and run blocking. Essentially an elite player already.

#41 Quenton Nelson

Left guard Colts. Maximum hyped guard prospect out of Notre Dame and the Colts were wise to seize the opportunity when they needed help fixing their leaky offensive line a year ago. Plug and play rookie with a massive impact helping the franchise return to playoff contention.

Edited June 28, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

40-31

#40 Myles Garrett

Defensive end for Browns. Sophomore year took a huge step as one of the clear leaders of a young and upcoming team. Eclipsing expectations as a team, the Browns were in contention for the playoffs thanks in large part to the pressure Garrett provided all season.

#39 Harrison Smith

Safety for the Vikings. Captain and veteran of a defense that is among the highest rated annually under coach Mike Zimmer. Smith has maintained an all-pro level in back-to-back seasons around the line of scrimmage as well as in coverage.

#38 Keenan Allen

Wide receiver for the Chargers. Despite a string of years where Allen couldn't play a full season, 2018 served as his second consecutive Pro Bowl berth after producing like the primary target he is. Lauded for his formation flexibility and versatile route running, Allen has helped improve everyone of his teammates in practice and in-game.

#37 Mitchell Schwartz

Right tackle for the Chiefs. Three consecutive years all-pro with 2018 being a first team selection. Behemoth in stature and stability along one of the most diverse and statistically elite offenses of the NFL on an annual basis.

#36 Derwin James

Safety for the Chargers. Yet another rookie phenom of the 2018 draft class, James put up the type of production only the elite defensive backs are capable of. Combination of speed and size are standout attributes that are put to good use by a player who understands the game.

#35 Demarcus Lawrence

Defensive end on the Cowboys. Freshly signed new deal in Dallas keeps one of the most electric productive defenders at generating QB hits and tackles for loss. Routinely double-teamed yet still finds a way to succeed.

#34 Terron Armstead

Left tackle New Orleans Saints. If not for playing only ten regular season games each of the past two seasons then this ranking would be higher. Arguably the best pass blocking left tackle and elite in run blocking too, Armstead is a balanced technician with elite athletic characteristics.

#33 Byron Jones

Defensive back for the Cowboys. Safety and corner combination player with range and toughness that is gradually improving. A more permanent position at corner as led to a flourishing development that seems to have just started as there is perhaps no other defensive back as naturally gifted.

#32 Alvin Kamara

Runningback Saints. Maximized potential in 2018 with the creative utilization by head coach Sean Payton. Kamara doesn't appear to be a longterm solution as the sole runner however what he lacks as a workhorse he makes up for in receiving and returning.

#31 Kevin Byard

Safety for the Titans. Impact player in coverage as far as creating turnovers and eliminating offenses from creating big plays. Arguably the most well-rounded safety to play in the last two full seasons.

Edited June 28, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

30-21

#30 Christian McCaffrey

Runningback for the Panthers. A foundation piece of the franchise and since entering the league two years ago the pillar of both run and pass on offense. Has played in every game of his career.

#29 Desmond King

Defensive back and return specialist on the Chargers. As good as it gets in tackling and run support. Backed up a double all-pro selection season as one of the best slot cover corners and most productive return specialist in the game.

#28 Travis Kelce

Tight end for the Chiefs. Thanks to fantastic traits in speed, size, and agility, head coach Andy Reid has been able to utilize the Kelce in a variety of ways. Generates a lot of mismatches and team momentum with big gains at all levels of the field.

#27 Zack Martin

Left guard, Dallas Cowboys. No greater stability to any offensive line in the league aside from the Patriots positional coach Dante Scarrnechia. The model of elite play, consistency, and toughness year-in and year-out. A pro bowl and all-pro every season in the NFL thus far for five years running. Capable of sustaining elite play at any position or side of the offensive line at any point in time.

#26 George Kittle

Tight end for the Niners. Reliable blocking tight end that is unmatched as a receiving threat, especially in creating yards after the catch with pure athletic ability. Started every game in 2018 and has played in every game of his two-year career. Only expected to produce more with greater consistency from the supporting cast particularly at quarterback.

#25 Ezekiel Elliot

Runningback for Cowboys. Detractors have never been in short supply but in 2018 Elliott carried with the team with his legs on the ground and through the air as well. Despite an oft-injured offensive line and a limited passing game, (until the midseason acquisition of Amari Cooper), nothing stops the high-usage rate and production of the big, fast, and highly coordinated all-pro 'back.

#24 Jason Kelce

Center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Hasn't missed a start in four seasons. The most balanced center in terms of run and pass blocking without exception. All-pro first team in back-to-back years. Has made nearly a dozen runningbacks and two separate starting quarterbacks look better than they are.

#23 Stephon Gilmore

Cornerback Patriots. New England's man coverage specialist traditionally occupied only by historically greater players such as Ty Law and Darrelle Revis. Allows play calling to be varied due yo dependability and trust in isolated matchups. Technique with hands and footwork is the best in the NFL.

#22 Aaron Rodgers

Quarterback for the Packers. Best throwing velocity/accuracy combination on the run and elite as far as limiting turnovers . Arguably the most talented thrower and individual player ever to play quarterback in the NFL. Slight underachiever in recent years; hasn't been named an all-pro in four consecutive seasons.

#21 Eddie Jackson

Safety for the Chicago Bears. Center field deterrent in coverage and preventer of big plays. No other safety is generating turnovers or deflecting passes as often. X-Factor of an elite defense with athletic range to maintain elite performance levels for at least the next few years to come. Completely affects games like Ed Reed used to.

Edited June 30, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

20-1

#20 David Bakhtiari

Left tackle for the Packers. The most consistent pass blocker on one of the traditionally highest volume passing offenses that lives or dies by it's quarterback. First team all-pro on the field and definitely an all-pro beer chugger too.

#19 Von Miller

Outside linebacker on the Broncos. Seven times in the last eight seasons Miller has made the all-pro list. Notably possesses the quickest first-step since entering the league which has led to a yearly average of fifteen tackles for loss, twenty-five quarterback pressures, twelve and a half sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles per season. Simply put a dominant force at getting after quarterbacks and zipping into the backfield for stops.

#18 JJ Watt

Defensive lineman for the Texans. The most ridiculous athlete ever to play defensive line in the sport of football. After a two season lull marred by injuries, Watt returned to center stage in 2018 and showed he is still capable of being among the best players regardless of position. Tackles for loss, sacks, QB hits, pass deflections and forced fumble averages per season are just absurd.

#17 Michael Thomas

Wide receiver for the Saints. NFL leader in pass-targets with nearly one hundred and twenty-five catches for an unheard of 85% catch rating. Almost fifteen hundred receiving yards to go with nine touchdowns. Emotional spark-plug of a Super Bowl contender on an elite offense.

#16 Saquon Barkley

Runningback of the Giants. If you have any doubt that Barkley is the best runningback in the NFL then you're wrong. Should easily vault himself into conversation for best player in the NFL shortly. I am astounded.

#15 Patrick Mahomes

Quarterback on the Chiefs. Potentially could be the best quarterback in the league by simply reducing the amount of times he fumbles in addition to maintaining poise when the Chiefs are losing late in the fourth quarter. Tied for the second highest total of passing touchdowns ever in a 16-game regular season and did it in his first year starting.

#14 Chris Jones

Defensive lineman for the Chiefs. Only three years into a career and already entrenched as one of the all time best pass rushing interior linemen. Explosive burst, long frame, and overpowering strength make Jones one of the best prospects going forward after already providing elite production.

#13 DeAndre Hopkins

Wide receiver for the Texans. Couldn't really find a more coordinated receiver in the NFL. Timing, anticipation, and sideline awareness are unmatched. Elite production regardless of quarterback or season.

#12 Andrew Luck

Quarterback for the Colts. Enters second season after coming back from a tough, years-long recovery. Efficient at avoiding turnovers and sacks in relation to the number of pass attempts that are thrown into tight windows. Driven to win with great leadership and adaptability.

#11 Cameron Jordan

Defensive end on the Saints. Moved from interior to end primarily, changing techniques and becoming elite against the run and pass ever since. Impassioned high-motor player that is the pulse of the Saints defensive resurgence.

#10 Julio Jones

Wide receiver on the Falcons. For nearly half of a decade now has been one of the two most consistently elite players regardless of position according to PFF. Missed only two games in the last four seasons while finishing no worse than second team all-pro during that time and almost singlehandedly giving the Falcons their first Super Bowl title.

#9 Philip Rivers

Quarterback for the Chargers. Improved in second year starting for Los Angeles. The one constant variable when all other players on the team seem to have experienced season-long injuries. Despite a susceptible pocket throughout 2018 was able to produce big plays while minimizing sacks, fumbles, and interceptions.

#8 Russell Wilson

Quarterback on the Seahawks. Huge reason why the Seahawks running game is so interchangeable but also integral to the teams winning formula. Takes a lot of sacks but also runs a higher volume of snaps. Protects the football from a passing standpoint as well as any yet uses his arm and accuracy to float passes into the tightest of windows even deep downfield. Disguises a lot of the shortcomings of teammates and coaches alike.

#7 Khalil Mack

Outside linebacker for the Bears. Versatile as an elite pass rusher from any stance or run defender. Always seemed to be around the football in Vic Fangio's scheme but now will be playing for another defensive coordinator. Allows an offensive-minded head coach like Matt Nagy to delegate all defensive responsibilities away without concern for how the best defensive player will remain productive.

#6 Fletcher Cox

Defensive tackle for the Eagles. The centerpiece literally and figuratively of the deepest defensive front rotation in football. Elite pas rusher and run defender second to only one other at his position in every category. The true team leader who leads the charge and sets the standard for everyone else.

#5 Bobby Wagner

Seattle Seahawks linebacker. Steady improvements have led Wagner to become a well-rounded player and the surest tackler in the league. The one constant variable in a defense that is annually losing veteran talent to free agency.

#4 Aaron Donald

Defensive lineman on the Rams. Coming off a statistically dominant regular season next to great teammates in the front four. The most efficient and productive pass rusher regardless of position or metric.

#3 Tom Brady

Quarterback for the Patriots. Results speak for themselves. Clutch performer, unquestionably elevates and leads the entire team to the highest degree, consistently winning, oh and adaptable to constant fluctuations in teammates and scheme year-to-year/week-to-week with every performance in the spotlight. Steady despite the constant target on his back from other teams wanting to prove themselves or measure up against the Patriots. Thrives despite the normal media hysteria that follows the team with a controversy or storyline every season. The G.O.A.T. nickname for a reason.

#2 Luke Kuechly

Linebacker on the Panthers. Just about to enter a new defensive system in 2019 with new principals in gap responsibility and intricacies in coverage. Unmatched in run defense and always a problem in coverage regardless of quarterback. Consistent performer that has routinely been an all-pro in the regular season who has carried over and even excelled in the playoffs every single game. One of the "faces of the NFL" on and off the field for a variety of reasons, all entirely positive. Came back from early career concussion issues as well.

#1 Drew Brees

Quarterback of the Saints. Means more to the city of the franchise he plays for than anywhere else. The best quarterback in the NFL coming off his first year in the league where the run game was heavily featured. Apart of a morphing team identity with an emphasis balance and physicality. Seven game winning drive and six fourth quarter comebacks in 2018 to lead the league by far with the most. Most accurate passer and one of the least sacked QB's all while turning in 36 touchdowns to five interceptions and five fumbles. The best player in football entering 2019.

Edited July 6, 2019 by DoleINGout

[DoleINGout]

First player at #100 is a member of the Jets. #99-#91 are on the following teams:

100 Jets

99 Packers

98 Patriots

97 Titans

96 Colts

95 Jets

94 Panthers

93 Broncos

92 Bengals

91 Jaguars

 

Any guesses?

[Danger]

9 minutes ago, DoleINGout said:

First player at #100 is a member of the Jets. #99-#91 are on the following teams:

100 Jets

99 Packers

98 Patriots

97 Titans

96 Colts

95 Jets

94 Panthers

93 Broncos

92 Bengals

91 Jaguars

 

Any guesses?

CJ Mosely
Davante Adams
Darius Leonard
Sony Michel
Taylor Lewan
Jamal Adams
Christian McCaffery
Bradley Chubb
Joe Mixon
Myles Jack

[Danger]

2 hours ago, DoleINGout said:

*I did take into account recent medical history as well as career availability based on games played.

And by this I am assuming Wentz won't be on the list. 

[DoleINGout]

35 minutes ago, Danger said:

And by this I am assuming Wentz won't be on the list. 

Incorrect. He made the cut but would be higher if not for his injury status. Also, expect the injury status of Todd Gurley and the absence of Le'Veon Bell to play a major factor in their rankings.

36 minutes ago, Danger said:

CJ Mosely
Davante Adams
Darius Leonard
Sony Michel
Taylor Lewan
Jamal Adams
Christian McCaffery
Bradley Chubb
Joe Mixon
Myles Jack

I like the idea of turning this into a guessing game!

So far you got #100 correct. CJ Mosley.

[Thomas5737]

Who is ranked higher, Dak or Wentz?

I'm guessing #94 is Cam.

[DoleINGout]

2 minutes ago, Thomas5737 said:

Who is ranked higher, Dak or Wentz?

I'm guessing #94 is Cam.

Who says there is a ranking for all of those guys...

[RandyMossIsBoss]

5 hours ago, DoleINGout said:

100 CJ Mosley

99 Mike Daniels

98 Dont'a Hightower

97 Derrick Henry

96 Eric Ebron (if not Ebron then I think it's Ryan Kelly for sure. You don't have to comment on this 2nd guess though. Ebron is official guess)..

95 Leonard Williams (guess would have been same as Danger's)

94 Gerald McCoy

93 Phillip Lindsey

92 Williams Jackson III (guess would have been same as Danger's)

91 AJ Bouye