Ranking the Top 100 Players at Beginning of the 2015 NFL Season
Who is the best player in the NFL right now? That's easy, right?
Well, maybe it's not that easy.
After a long summer of hibernating, the goal for this week was to think of the best possible way to kick off the 2015 season, and there's really no better way to do it than to come out strong with a definitive ranking of the 100 best players in the NFL this season.
This isn't a look at who the most valuable are—that'd be a list very top-heavy at quarterback—but who the 100 best players would be if we were assigning a Madden-like value to them all. Basically, factoring in positional value but not relying on it, who are the 100 best football players in the NFL?
Injured players like Jordy Nelson would have made the list, so don't get too upset, Cheeseheads, when you realize your star receiver isn't listed here. If they aren't playing in 2015, they aren't listed. Otherwise, good luck making your own list—whittling down 1,696 players to the best 100 wasn't an easy gig.
The Rankings: Explained
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How the heck do you start with almost 1,700 participants and trim them down to 100? It's not easy.
First, players were given credit for being a starter. Easy enough. Then guys were acknowledged for being a blue-chip starter—that means the player is considered a top-five option at his position.
From there, it's a mixture of potential for young guys, the talent and coaching around each player and how he's expected to perform in 2015 based on health, coaching, schemes and opportunities. To simplify it: The rankings are a mixture of past performance and the competitor's expected performance in 2015 based on the scouting done for our NFL 1000 series this past summer.
This isn't scientific. There are no equations or numbers to add up. It's one man's look at how the best (not most valuable) players in the league rank.
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100. Jared Veldheer, Arizona Cardinals
- Jared Veldheer has been the blindside protector the Arizona Cardinals sorely lacked in the past. And with his ability to open up rushing lanes on the edge, he's one of the more underrated players in the game right now.
99. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
- Can Ryan Tannehill take the next step this season? That's the expectation, and that's what gets him ranked inside the top 100. Tannehill has talent around him and the goods to move into the next tier of players.
98. Xavier Rhodes, Minnesota Vikings
- The next great cover man just might be in Minnesota. Xavier Rhodes took his lumps as a rookie but elevated his play in 2014 under Mike Zimmer. Now in his third season, Rhodes looks ready to take on the elite receivers of the NFC North.
97. Aqib Talib, Denver Broncos
- Chris Harris Jr. gets more attention for being a top-tier cornerback in this Denver secondary, but Aqib Talib is still an elite cornerback on the edge. He's big (6'1", 205 lbs), long, physical and moves well enough to shut down even the smaller, speedier receivers.
96. Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers
- Thomas Davis, 32, doesn't age. The longtime three-down nightmare at linebacker will be back at it again as the leader of an aggressive, fast Carolina front seven.
95. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
- Cam Newton could end the season much higher on this list, but he's all alone in Carolina with no real protection up front and his No. 1 wide receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, lost for the season. If he can put this team on his back again, Cam may be a top-25 player in January.
94. Travis Frederick, Dallas Cowboys
- The best center in the league just might be in Dallas—and if Travis Frederick isn't the best center yet, there's a strong argument that he will be by season's end. A master in the run game, Frederick is no slouch in pass protection.
93. Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers
- The San Francisco 49ers will look like a completely different team this season, but one constant will be the excellent play of left tackle Joe Staley. He's a nasty competitor in the run game and has the unenviable task of protecting a quarterback who loves to scramble around in the pocket.
92. Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
- Back from injury, Derrick Johnson looks like his old self roaming the middle of the field in Kansas City. The original super-athlete at middle linebacker, Johnson affects the defense no matter the down or distance.
91. Jurrell Casey, Tennessee Titans
- The Tennessee Titans don't get a ton of play on lists like this, but Jurrell Casey is without a doubt one of the best pass-rushing defensive linemen in the game.
90. Golden Tate, Detroit Lions
- Golden Tate may have a right to be mad at this ranking if his dominance down the stretch last year and in the preseason continues. Tate is among the most explosive route-runners you're going to find in the NFL right now.
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89. Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
- Sean Smith doesn't get enough credit for being the lockdown cover man that he is. Big (6'3", 218 lbs), long and quick through transitions, there aren't many receivers Smith can't go toe-to-toe with.
88. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
- With Jordy Nelson out, it's all on Randall Cobb to keep the Packers' Super Bowl hopes afloat. And with that pressure he's either going to sink or swim—but I'd bet on him swimming his way up this list and being a top-50 player by the end of 17 weeks.
87. Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets
- A four-game suspension to start the year keeps Sheldon Richardson lower on this list than he would be otherwise. Off the field he has question marks, but on the field he's a dynamic and at times unstoppable force from his 5-technique position.
86. T.J. Lang, Green Bay Packers
- The Packers' tackles may be question marks because of their injury histories, but at guard they are in great shape. T.J. Lang is a perfect blend of badass power and silky smooth footwork, which is why Aaron Rodgers feels so comfortable stepping up in the pocket to throw down the field.
85. Julius Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars
- How productive will Julius Thomas be without Peyton Manning? We're about to find out. His red-zone production over the last two years has been amazing, but expecting a drop-off in impact with Blake Bortles throwing his way should be expected.
84. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
- Matt Ryan has been tiptoeing around the edge of the top-tier quarterback conversation for a while now, and new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan (and a healthy Julio Jones) will be the catalysts to get him over the hump and firmly inside the top 100.
83. Sharrif Floyd, Minnesota Vikings
- No player has benefited from the hire of head coach Mike Zimmer as much as Sharrif Floyd. The big (6'3", 311 lbs), quick defensive tackle has been a nightmare for offensive guards and centers to handle dating back to last year, and from what he's shown in the preseason, the best is yet to come.
82. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
- Eddie Lacy's value in Green Bay went up a ton once the Packers lost Jordy Nelson for the year. That alone could push him inside the top 50 by the end of the year. Lacy's power and burst are well-known, but if he gets more involved in the passing game this year, we could be talking about MVP-like numbers.
81. Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers
- This list is dominated by Packers—which is why they're a Super Bowl favorite—but none is more underrated than Mike Daniels. He's undersized for the 3-4 defense at 6'0" and 291 pounds, but his athleticism and raw strength have made him one of the league's best 5-techniques.
80. Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs
- Jeremy Maclin has been a hit in Kansas City since signing in free agency, but now the team needs him to produce in the regular season with touchdowns. With amazing speed and agility to beat cornerbacks in the open field, Alex Smith's streak of games without throwing a touchdown to a receiver should end in Week 1.
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79. Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys
- Zack Martin came into the NFL last year and was an All-Pro-caliber player as a rookie. He figures to be even better in his second year and may make a run at being the league's best guard at some point.
78. Kyle Long, Chicago Bears
- Whether he plays at guard or tackle this year, Kyle Long will once again be a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro candidate. He's too fluid, too strong (6'6", 313 lbs) and too smart for most defenders. According to Pro Football Focus, he didn't allow a sack in 2014.
77. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
- The new offense in Chicago will be kind to Matt Forte—and the fact both Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White have been sidelined with injuries means he'll once again be a big factor in the passing game. A 2,000-yard season in total offense is in Forte's future.
76. Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Bengals
- Geno Atkins' return to full health has been a must-see in Cincinnati, and now that the big man is back to 100 percent, look for him to continue wrecking the plans of offensive coordinators from the middle of the Bengals defense.
75. Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
- It was difficult to rank Fletcher Cox at "only" No. 75 overall. He's an underrated star with the three-down presence along the defensive line that every scout looks for. With quickness, length and excellent leverage play, Cox is one of the league's bright young studs.
74. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
- Regular season Joe Flacco is the 74th-best player in the league. Postseason Joe Flacco is much higher. But with limited depth at receiver this year, the Ravens need more of postseason Joe to realize their Super Bowl potential.
73. Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
- Patrick Peterson gets a lot of credit for shadowing No. 1 receivers, but he also has to be dinged for giving up 10 touchdowns last year. Peterson is an elite talent, but he has to be more disciplined in 2015 to see his ranking match his public perception.
72. Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns
- Joe Haden's write-up is similar to Patrick Peterson's—he has to be consistent in order to share the room with Richard Sherman, Darrelle Revis, Chris Harris and Vontae Davis. The talent is there, but Haden has to turn it on every week.
71. C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens
- One of the best young players in the game, regardless of position, C.J. Mosley should generate All-Pro interest in his second season. The anchor of the Baltimore front seven, watch for his production and impact to increase as he settles in.
70. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
- A.J. Green is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL—and being ranked at No. 70 out of almost 1,700 players isn't a slight. That said, he can be ranked much higher in January if he's able to stay healthy and be the 90-catch, 1,200-yard impact he was in 2012 and 2013.
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69. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
- Whether he's lined up at inside or outside linebacker, Clay Matthews just makes plays. And while his numbers may not match up to other top-tier players at either position, his impact is one of the biggest in football.
68. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
- It's weird to make a list of 100 players and put Peyton Manning at No. 68, but that's where we're at in his career. Manning's arm is shot, and his ability to beat defenses with anticipation and football IQ can't last forever. Manning is an all-time great, but 2015 has the looks of a "Jerry Rice in Seattle" year to it.
67. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
- Tony Romo ranked higher than Peyton Manning? That's the world we're living in, and Romo has developed with age into something pretty special. He's equal parts gunslinger and game manager, and with an elite offensive line and a go-to target in Dez Bryant, Romo is capable of leading this team to a Super Bowl victory.
66. Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns
- The mold by which centers should be evaluated, Alex Mack is strong (6'4", 311 lbs) yet fluid, and he has proved himself able to handle any defender or assignment from the middle of the Cleveland offensive line.
65. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
- Baby Gronk is in for a big year. With Jeremy Maclin and De'Anthony Thomas keeping safeties playing the deep half of the field occupied, Travis Kelce should dominate matched up against linebackers who can't even hope to keep pace with this big (6'5", 260 lbs), athletic pass-catcher.
64. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
- T.Y. Hilton's name gets lost too often when we talk about the best receivers in the game. His route running is phenomenal, and the trust Andrew Luck has in him makes this smaller receiver (5'9", 178 lbs) a legitimate No. 1 threat and a top-tier receiver in a league full of big men at the position.
63. Kyle Williams, Buffalo Bills
- The Buffalo front seven is loaded, but the mainstay has been Kyle Williams at defensive tackle. He's able to win with leverage, strength (303 lbs) and instincts, and even at 32 years old, he'll still be one of the biggest impact players along the defensive line in the NFL.
62. DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions
- The rest of the league knows about DeAndre Levy now, thanks to his big payday, but offensive coordinators have been watching him flourish for some time. Levy is super fast in the open field and has amazing instincts to read and react to the ball. He's a true three-down impact as a run-stopper, pass-rusher and coverage linebacker.
61. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
- Mr. Bolo Tie himself, Philip Rivers will never have a pretty throwing motion, but you can't argue with results. Rivers is incredibly talented and has developed into a true top-tier quarterback. All that's left for him to accomplish is a deep playoff run—and that could absolutely happen in 2015.
60. LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
- Rex Ryan will feed LeSean McCoy the ball—that much is for sure. And behind an improved offensive line and with a ton of speed at receiver, McCoy could see the kind of defensive fronts he can feast on as a runner and as a receiver.
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59. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers
- No Kelvin Benjamin? Greg Olsen will be the man to benefit most. Olsen has emerged in Carolina as a true go-to tight end and total field weapon in the wide-open Panthers offense. He should be an early favorite to lead tight ends in catches.
58. Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens
- Terrell Suggs continues to be the driving force behind a very good Baltimore defense. Even as so many pieces around him change (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata), he's still the dominant presence and versatile edge defender he's always been.
57. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
- Demaryius Thomas is paid like a No. 1 receiver, and he produces like one. But it will be worth watching his production if Peyton Manning's preseason arm struggles carry over into the real games. Thomas is uniquely talented, though, and is still a game-changing presence at receiver.
56. NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers
- After missing over a year of football, NaVorro Bowman is back and looks like he's ready to reclaim his title as the best middle linebacker in the NFL. He's fast, amazing in coverage, and now the 49ers are using him to blitz the middle of the offense more. A healthy Bowman should scare every opponent.
55. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
- I've given up on Jason Witten aging. At 33 years old, he may have lost a small step, but he's so smart on the field that you can't count him out. With great timing and body positioning—not to mention sure hands—Witten still ranks as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
54. Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati Bengals
- If you had to list the best left tackles in the NFL, not many people would add Andrew Whitworth, but his play in 2014 was better than many mainstays on the top-tier list. Playing in an offense that puts incredible pressure on the left tackle to play on an island, Whitworth has proved himself capable of taking on both speed and power rushers at a high level.
53. Evan Mathis, Denver Broncos
- Was it the scheme or the player? That's the big question regarding Evan Mathis, a player routinely ranked as one of the best guards in the league in Bleacher Report's NFL 1000 series. Mathis is agile, smart and plays well on the go—which sounds like a perfect match for Gary Kubiak's offense.
52. Nick Mangold, New York Jets
- One of the longest-ranking top-tier players at his position, Nick Mangold is an ass-kicker at center. He'll personify the Jets' personality this year—tough, hard-nosed, smashmouth football that doesn't give up.
51. Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins
- Cameron Wake made the left defensive end relevant again with his ability to dip and drive past offensive tackles to get in the face of quarterbacks. Even as Olivier Vernon starts to steal some of his thunder, Wake should be a 12-sack player as offenses worry about Vernon and Ndamukong Suh.
50. Jamie Collins, New England Patriots
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Jamie Collins really does it all, and he can do it from any number of positions. In the hybrid New England defense, he's asked to stop the run, get after the quarterback and match up with tight ends in coverage—and he does them all equally well.
The former Southern Miss star took the next step in his development in 2014, showing himself to be one of the game's best young linebackers. With a healthy defense around him this year—and with more blitzing expected in front of a depleted secondary—Collins could post the kind of numbers and show the type of impact that build an All-Pro campaign.
49. Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
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Harrison Smith is the rare safety who can play like a free or strong safety—blurring the line between what is generally thought to be the traits for each.
Smith has the speed (4.57 40-yard dash) and fluid movement in coverage of a free safety, but he's built like an in-the-box strong safety (6'2", 214 lbs) and has proved to be a top-tier tackler against the run when he's coming down to take on ball-carriers. That's a perfect mix for Mike Zimmer's defense, which asks both safeties to be versatile enough to play in coverage (man and zone) or up defending the run.
The 2014 season saw Smith emerge as a top safety, and he should continue to climb the ladder in 2015 as he becomes a blue-chip player.
48. Devin McCourty, New England Patriots
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Devin McCourty has played cornerback and free safety in his NFL career—and while he wasn't a bad cornerback, he's become an elite player at the center fielder position in the New England defense.
McCourty is the ideal free safety for today's game. He's fast, instinctive, a good cover man matched up in man-to-man situations and has the playmaking ability to attack the offense. He's also smart—very smart—and is able to captain the Bill Belichick defense without making mistakes from the middle of the field.
47. Desmond Trufant, Atlanta Falcons
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Desmond Trufant is a top-five cornerback in the NFL.
That's not a popular statement. But the tape doesn't lie, and Trufant's tape is very good. He doesn't post the big interception numbers of other cornerbacks, but he backs up his reputation by limiting targets and attacking receivers through his breaks. Trufant may never lead the league in interceptions, but he just might lead cornerbacks in lowest percentage of catches allowed.
Patrick Peterson and Joe Haden get the publicity, but Trufant is quietly playing better.
46. Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams
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St. Louis fans are going to be all over me on this one—and I'd like to move Aaron Donald higher—but being ranked No. 46 overall after one season isn't a bad thing. It's just that Donald has been—and can be—so dominant. Here's betting that he'll be ranked much higher by season's end.
Donald is an ideal 3-technique, and being flanked by Robert Quinn and Chris Long allows him to pin his ears back and attack the offense. Even though he's often facing double-teams or at least combination blocks, Donald tore through opponents last year as he started to make a name for himself as the best young defensive tackle in the NFL.
45. Marcell Dareus, Buffalo Bills
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Marcell Dareus seems to be stuck in the shadow of Ndamukong Suh. Put them side-by-side, however, and the gap between the two isn't that great. In fact, Dareus might just be one of the most underrated players in the game.
Dareus excels as a three-down defensive tackle and plays with the versatility that makes the Buffalo hybrid defense go. He's big enough (6'3", 331 lbs) to two-gap and take on the run game but quick enough to split blockers and get after the quarterback. Whether it's on film or the stat sheet, Dareus has to be regarded as one of the best in the business.
44. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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There hasn't been much to write about on the field in Tampa Bay lately, but Lavonte David is absolutely worth the price of admission. Playing weak-side linebacker in Lovie Smith's defense is also good news for David, as that's where all the action goes.
The undersized linebacker out of Nebraska has helped change how scouts view the position. Gone are the days of the 260-pound overmuscled run-stuffers. Now teams want what David (6'1", 233 lbs) has—quickness, instincts and the ability to drop into coverage or rush the passer as easily as he attacks the edge in the run game.
43. Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
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At the end of the 2014 season, Khalil Mack wasn't a top-50 player in the NFL. But this isn't about last season; it's about where he ranks right now, and that requires a little imagination and some projection. Right now, Mack—who is playing left defensive end in the new Raiders defense—looks like a top-50 player.
With exceptional quickness off the snap and the strength to walk back tackles, Mack (6'3", 250 lbs) has the combination of pass-rushing moves that will keep offensive coordinators up at night and quarterbacks sore on Monday mornings. He also plays with a hunger and motivation that will be a perfect fit with head coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.
42. Mario Williams, Buffalo Bills
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The No. 1 pick in the 2006 NFL draft, Mario Williams should be applauded for his consistency if nothing else. Throughout his career—both in Houston and Buffalo—he's been a disruptive force off the edge of the defense. Alarmingly, he might be getting better with age.
Williams has found a perfect fit for his talents with the Bills, where an aggressive, hybrid defense allows him to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up off the tackle. And with unreal agility and strength combined, Williams is able to toy with offensive tackles while continuing to pad a resume that's starting to look Hall of Fame worthy.
41. Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys
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If Tyron Smith isn't the best left tackle in football, he's in the conversation. He's not quite at the top of this list, but the former USC right tackle is quickly closing in on the best of the best.
Smith (6'5", 320 lbs) is the perfect type of athlete for today's NFL. He's strong and can block with power, but he's not so big and bulky that he can't move off his spot to take away the edge that speed-rushers live on.
Smith's combination of power forward-like strength and feet makes him the mold from which future tackles will be evaluated. And in Dallas, with an All-Pro-caliber line around him, he's able to flourish as both a run- and pass-blocker.
40. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
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Bobby Wagner is a top-tier middle linebacker, and he's now paid like one.
We all know the greats in the Seattle defense, and as important as Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor are, Wagner might be the second-most difficult to replace behind Earl Thomas.
Being the captain of the defense and getting Seattle set up pre-snap are crucial, but what Wagner does post-snap is most impressive. He's able to fly outside the tackle box to make plays against the run and pass, and there's not a quarterback in the NFL who doesn't know where No. 54 is on every play.
Wagner demands respect from offenses, and that's why he's No. 40 here.
39. Kam Chancellor, Seattle Seahawks
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Kam Chancellor is the best strong safety in the NFL, and the gap between him and the next-best player is massively wide. Like, Grand Canyon wide.
Chancellor has made himself into the ultimate offense killer. He's big (scary big), fast, aggressive and smart enough to always be in the right place at the right time. It's rare to see a safety who's able to lock down tight ends in man coverage and can also stuff running backs in the open field, but that's Chancellor. It's also why he wants a raise.
The 6'3", 232-pounder has been a superstar for Seattle—and a big part of its Super Bowl loss was his injury. That value alone makes him worthy of a top-40 spot, even with his availability up in the air.
38. Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers
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Not only does Eric Weddle have the best beard in the NFL, but he made a strong case for being the best free safety in the game last year. Looking ahead to 2015, we should all expect more of the same.
Weddle is in the new breed of safety that's a mix between free and strong, which allows him to play the run as well as he drops into deep coverage. The veteran from Utah is a defensive coordinator's dream thanks to that versatility, as you can line him up all over the field and never tip your hand as to what coverage you are in.
Add in Weddle's ability to create plays with his hands, and you have a sterling resume for one of the best safeties—scratch that, best defenders—in the NFL.
37. Josh Sitton, Green Bay Packers
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Picking just one guard and calling him the best isn't an easy job—and it's going to cause arguments—but as far as deciding who the top few guys are, it's easy to say that Josh Sitton is in the NFL's top tier of guards.
Sitton, like teammate T.J. Lang, is the ideal guard for Green Bay's offense. He's athletic enough to get upfield to push the run game, but when you need someone to win the bar fight that is blocking on the inside, he's tough enough to roll up his sleeves and control defensive tackles or catch stunting defensive ends on the fly.
36. Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens
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If forced to pick one guard in the NFL as the best, give me Marshal Yanda. The Baltimore Ravens' tone-setter on the offensive line, Yanda brings the required toughness and agility to the position and has mastered leverage and hand placement to give his technique that little boost over his peers at a very competitive position.
It's no surprise that Baltimore has one of the best offensive lines in football with Yanda manning one guard spot and the very solid play of tackles Eugene Monroe and Rick Wagner—two players who just narrowly missed out on making this list. Yanda's consistency and leadership up front make him a top-40 player and the top-ranked guard in the NFL.
35. DeMarco Murray, Philadelphia Eagles
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New team, same jaw-dropping talent. Or at least that's what the Philadelphia Eagles are hoping for with running back DeMarco Murray.
Any time you can steal the leading rusher in the league, it's a good thing. But when you can steal the leading rusher from your biggest division rival, well, that's a huge win for Philadelphia. And if Murray can be the back who rushed for over 1,800 yards last year while sharing touches with Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, coach Chip Kelly will be very, very happy.
Does Murray leave some yards on the field? Sure, but his power, vision and open-field speed could be exactly what the Eagles need to replace LeSean McCoy.
34. Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Gerald McCoy was once again a stud defensive tackle last year, but you may have missed it on a very bad Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. In 13 games, he posted 8.5 sacks while being the only real threat on the defensive line. In 2015, with more talent around him, McCoy's impact should be far easier to see.
Since being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 draft, McCoy has been a picture of consistency, and it's that continued high level of play with his special quickness off the ball that makes him a clear top-40 player.
33. Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals
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If you're looking for huge stats from a 3-4 defensive end, you're not going to find 20-plus sacks. But if you focus in on Calais Campbell, you'll find a defensive lineman who impacts the game on nearly even snap as a pass-rusher and run-stopper.
Campbell's pass-rushing numbers are impressive regardless of where he plays. In 2014, he posted seven sacks and added eight quarterback hits and 33 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. Considering he's rushing off the right edge on every down and facing left tackles repeatedly, those are crazy numbers.
Campbell may not be flashy, but he's without a doubt one of the most consistent defenders in the game.
32. Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets
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Muhammad Wilkerson has been lost in the shadow of Justin Smith and then J.J. Watt, but each season he emerges as a top-tier 3-4 defensive end and continues to change how scouts view the 5-technique. Wilkerson's athleticism, burst off the line of scrimmage and power to counter offensive tackles are how he tallied seven sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 18 hurries in 13 games last season, per PFF.
Wilkerson may share time with Leonard Williams once Sheldon Richardson returns to action this season, but his combined impact and athleticism makes the Jets right end one of the league's elite defenders.
31. Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks
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Defensive end. Defensive tackle. It doesn't matter. You can line Michael Bennett up wherever you'd like, and he can make plays. We saw that in the Super Bowl, when Bennett was moving all over the line in an effort to attack the weakness of the New England defense.
Bennett is a true defensive weapon, and being utilized in the creative Seattle defense allows him to get the best matchups possible on a weekly basis. That's how he was able to post an insane 53 quarterback hurries during the 2014 regular season, per Pro Football Focus, and add six sacks on top of that.
He may be a handful to keep in line—or happy with his contract—but Bennett is without a doubt one of the top pass-rushers and defenders the NFL has to offer.
30. Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks
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Jimmy Graham will line up in a new city in 2015, and he'll be asked to do some different things (like blocking). But in Seattle, he's also likely to be Russell Wilson's No. 1 option in the passing game—and if Graham is healthy, that'll lead to big numbers.
The biggest question mark with Graham is how hungry he'll be going over the middle and fighting for the ball. There were times in 2014 when he looked less than enthusiastic about playing through traffic.
If the Graham of old comes to play in Seattle, the Seahawks offense should reach new heights, and Graham will once again be recognized as a top-tier tight end.
29. Vontae Davis, Indianapolis Colts
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Vontae Davis was lockdown good in 2014, even if he didn't get the national attention he deserved alongside Richard Sherman and Darrelle Revis. But the numbers and the on-field impact show that Davis is an elite top-five cornerback.
Let's look at those numbers—four interceptions, zero touchdowns allowed, seven passes defensed and an allowed quarterback rating of 38.8, per Pro Football Focus. For a player who matches up against the opponent's No. 1 receiver, Davis was as good as it gets in 2014. And with an improved pass rush this year, he should be even better as the leader of the Colts defense.
28. Chris Harris Jr., Denver Broncos
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The fight to get Chris Harris Jr. mentioned as a top-five cornerback seems to be over...and then the NFL comes out with a Top 100 list that doesn't have him on it. So here we are again: Chris Harris Jr. is a top-five cornerback.
However you want to evaluate corners—numbers, film, impact—Harris ranks as one of the best. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the best cornerback in the NFL last year. Our own NFL 1,000 series put him at No. 4 overall. During the 2014 regular season, Harris allowed just 356 yards in coverage while adding three interceptions and 10 passes defensed.
So sorry, NFL, Chris Harris isn't a top-100 player. He's a top-30 player.
27. Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants
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Odell Beckham Jr. hit the NFL by storm last season, putting together 91 catches, over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. What can he do for an encore? The entire NFL is watching.
Beckham's skills aren't going to diminish—that's for sure. If anything, he's healthier, stronger and more in tune with the offense of Ben McAdoo after one year in the system. And with Victor Cruz back in the fold and a better run game in the backfield, Beckham could see more targets in 2015 than he did in his spectacular coming-out party last year.
Forget "The Catch"—Beckham is a supremely talented all-around receiver, and NFL defenses better come prepared this year.
26. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
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In recent years, injuries have hampered Calvin Johnson's reign as the top wide receiver in the NFL. But with a better offense around him and Megatron finally healthy, big things should be on the horizon in 2015.
And it's not like Johnson hasn't been a huge impact player in the past, but with Golden Tate, Eric Ebron and Ameer Abdullah also commanding the respect of defenses, he'll go back to seeing more one-on-one coverage instead of a constant safety over the top. If he returns to full health, he'll quickly go back to dominating defenses down the field and in the end zone.
25. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
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In 2014, Ben Roethlisberger posted his best season yet from a statistical perspective. With almost 5,000 yards, 32 touchdowns and just nine interceptions, Big Ben was a dominant force and a serious MVP candidate. Expect more of the same in 2015 as he continues to chip away at the top tier of quarterbacks in the game.
Thanks to talents like Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell—plus Martavis Bryant after he serves his four-game suspension—the Steelers have transitioned to an air-it-out offense, and Roethlisberger is the perfect quarterback to execute Todd Haley's game plan. With the return of five starting offensive linemen—the best line the Steelers have had in his tenure—don't be shocked to see 5,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2015.
24. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
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The 2015 season will be an interesting one for Drew Brees, but the talent and intelligence are still there for him to once again be a top-tier quarterback and top-25 player.
What makes this season different? Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills are gone as pass-catchers, and Ben Grubbs is gone in the middle of the offensive line. The pressure will be on Brees to get the ball to Brandin Cooks, C.J. Spiller and young tight end Josh Hill while working behind an offensive line anchored by center Max Unger.
Cooks was exceptional while healthy in his rookie year, so there shouldn't be a drop-off there. But Brees will be challenged to do more this year—which just might be the motivation the Saints need to get back on top of the NFC South.
23. Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles
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If you're talking about the best left tackles in football, Jason Peters is near the top of that list.
A perfect combination of athleticism and power, this former Arkansas tight end has transformed himself from an undrafted free agent picked up by the Buffalo Bills to an All-Pro performer and bookend tackle for the Eagles offense. And perhaps most impressive is that Peters has maintained his solid level of play no matter what the offensive scheme is or whom the quarterback has been.
Peters' quick feet, strong base and quick hands are exactly what scouts are looking for—even if he doesn't meet the ideal standards for tackle size at 6'4" and 328 pounds. The on-field performance is all that matters with Peters, and over the last decade, he's been one of the best.
22. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
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The one stat that perfectly sums up Jamaal Charles: 5.5 rushing yards per attempt over the course of his seven-year career. That's best among active running backs and the fourth best all-time. Charles' open-field ability is legendary, and if you trust the numbers, it's one of the best in NFL history.
On the field, Charles is the perfect dual threat. He's fast enough to burn defenders around the edge (he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the 2008 combine) and has the vision to make defenders miss in space as a receiver and a runner. Just getting him the ball has been the plan in Kansas City, and as long as he's healthy, it's a plan that's worked exceptionally well for the Chiefs.
Charles will turn 29 years old this December, which means we may be reaching the end of his greatness. Enjoy him while you can. He's going down as one of the best backs of this generation.
21. Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks
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The best safety in the NFL plays in Seattle, and his name is Earl Thomas.
That much isn't often debated by NFL fans or folks within the league. Thomas has elite speed that allows him to cover more field than any other safety in the game, and his instincts enable him to get in place to attack the ball both in the run and passing games. Thomas is the perfect blend of speed, instincts, toughness and work ethic, and he's not slowing down yet.
Playing center fielder in the Seattle Cover 3 defense, Thomas is allowed free rein to make plays. Over the course of his five-year career, he's made play after play, notching 16 interceptions and three first-team All-Pro nods.
20. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
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Adrian Peterson hasn't seen a football field since Week 1 of last season—when he rushed for 75 yards on 21 carries. He then spent the next 16 weeks suspended with pay. But Peterson is back on the field in 2015 and has a chip on his shoulder. That's bad news for the rest of the NFL.
Also helping Peterson on his quest to get back on top of the league is the development of the Vikings offense with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and players like Mike Wallace, Kyle Rudolph and Charles Johnson in the passing game. Those weapons should—in theory—keep defenses from stacking the box against Peterson, which will allow him to remind folks why his nickname is "All Day."
19. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
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Beast Mode.
It's a nickname that says it all. Marshawn Lynch might be the most enigmatic running back in the NFL, but he's also one of the league's best ball-carriers. And he does it with a personal style—along with a punishing physicality—that either makes you love him or hate him.
Lynch is the type of player every defense knows is going to get the ball, but he still produces at a scary rate. He rushed for 1,306 yards and a career-best 13 touchdowns in 2014 while being the most obvious offensive weapon in the league. The Seahawks aren't exactly reinventing offensive schemes, either, which makes what Lynch has done in his four years there all the more impressive.
18. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
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Julio Jones, meet Kyle Shanahan. You're going to be great friends.
A healthy Julio Jones is a top-five receiver in the NFL. He has a rare, amazing combination of size (6'3", 220 lbs), speed (4.39 40-yard dash), body control and agility down the field. And with a capable quarterback in Matt Ryan, an improved offensive game plan and a fully healthy body, Julio is posed to lead all wideouts in catches, yards and perhaps even touchdowns.
Big things are on the horizon for Jones as he moves himself into position alongside the Dez Bryants and Antonio Browns of the NFL.
17. Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Le'Veon Bell left Michigan State as a 230-pound mauler with 4.60 speed in the 40-yard dash. He was then listed by the Steelers as a 244-pounder. That's not who he is anymore.
Bell, who lost weight to gain speed, is now a 225-pound beast who runs with the power of his former self but with the speed and quickness of a new man. After a good rookie season, Bell emerged in his second year as a great back, rushing for over 1,300 yards and adding 83 catches and 854 yards as a receiver to total 11 touchdowns. That was one hell of a season; this one should be better.
Yes, Bell will open the year with a two-game suspension, but there's no doubt that once he takes the field, Bell will be back to running over defensive backs and running past linebackers. And on this list, that makes him the best running back in the NFL for 2015.
16. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
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Is Russell Wilson crazy? Maybe. Is he a damn good quarterback? Absolutely.
You don't have to agree with Wilson's claims that Recovery Water heals concussions and leg injuries to see that what he's done since being drafted in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft is special.
Wilson, in three seasons, has never thrown more than 10 interceptions (his rookie year) and has thrown for 26, 26 and 20 touchdowns, respectively, while leading the Seahawks to two straight Super Bowl appearances. Not bad for a player deemed too short to start at quarterback in the NFL.
Wilson won't post Peyton Manning-like stats, but that's OK—he doesn't have to. Right now, he's simply a better quarterback.
15. Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
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Robert Quinn's three-season run from 2012 to 2014, during which he recorded 40 sacks, was special. But take into account that he's just 25 years old and hasn't yet hit his peak, and it's scary just how good Quinn is now and how much better he can be in 2015.
The Rams defensive line is one of the best in the game, and Quinn is the catalyst for that. With Chris Long at left end and a three-headed defensive tackle rotation led by Aaron Donald, offensive coordinators have a long list of worries when facing the St. Louis defense. Quinn is atop that list with his speed off the edge and refined pass-rushing moves.
With 19 sacks in 2013 and 10.5 in 2014, Quinn has shown himself to be one of the game's elite pass-rushers.
14. Ndamukong Suh, Miami Dolphins
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Ndamukong Suh is one of the best draft prospects I've ever seen, and his game against Texas in the 2009 Big 12 Championship game is a sight to see. That elite level of play from Suh wasn't just college ball. He's carried it over into the NFL on his way to becoming a top-15 player.
Suh's first step is legendary, and while offenses used it against him early in his career, he's become a more disciplined technician on the field as he matures. Suh's speed coupled with his impressive power to bull rush or shed tacklers makes him one of the NFL's toughest players (on either side of the ball) to scheme against.
Now in Miami, Suh will be unleashed to attack the backfield. And with Olivier Vernon, Earl Mitchell and Cameron Wake beside him, offenses will have their hands full worrying about stopping No. 93.
13. Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
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Joe Thomas has never missed a snap in the NFL. Not just a game, not just a series, he's never missed a snap on offense. While that Ripken-esque stat is crazy enough, think about this one: In the last four years (64 games), he's allowed just 10 sacks, per Pro Football Focus. Thomas is so good that it often seems like people forget about him as a top tackle, if only because he's been at the top for so long.
Thomas is elite, and he'll someday be a Hall of Famer. But don't overlook his greatness right now. As Thomas enters his ninth year in the NFL, he is as good as ever, even as the quarterback play behind him remains a gigantic question mark.
12. Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
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I've never been so happy to be so wrong about a player.
Heading into the 2012 NFL draft, I had Kuechly rated as a late-first-rounder. The Panthers drafted him at No. 9 overall, proving that they know way more than I do. Kuechly has been an All-Pro-caliber middle linebacker ever since.
As the captain and leader of the Panthers defense, he has been a huge reason for their turnaround and back-to-back NFC South titles. Sure, Cam Newton carries the offense, but the Panthers' strength is on defense, and that's Kuechly's side of the ball. And for the Panthers to overcome the loss of Kelvin Benjamin and a questionable offensive line this year, they'll need Kuechly to be back at his All-Pro level again.
11. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
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The Dallas Cowboys featured a more well-rounded offense in 2014 thanks to a healthy DeMarco Murray, but that didn't stop Dez Bryant from going off for 88 catches, 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns. And this isn't a one-year wonder—Dez has 41 touchdowns in the last three years as he and quarterback Tony Romo have developed game-changing chemistry.
Bryant has developed into the perfect mix of physical wide receiver and smart technician. Unlike some powerful receivers, the Oklahoma State product is an exceptional route-runner and has worked on his timing and rhythm with Romo to where the two are on the same page no matter what the defense throws at them.
What does 2015 have in store for Bryant? His first 100-catch season seems likely.
10. Von Miller, Denver Broncos
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A healthy Von Miller is a beautiful thing.
Back on the field in 2014, Miller posted 14 sacks while adding 48 tackles to the board. Miller, who has been a mainstay as the hybrid pass-rusher in the Broncos defense, has the rare first-step quickness to get the jump on any offensive tackle he sees, but he's developed the hand use and strength (250 lbs) to now match up well when teams put a tight end over him.
Miller has never posted fewer than 11.5 sacks in an injury-free season. Now that Wade Phillips is running the defense, Miller could break his previous high of 18.5 sacks if he can stay on the field.
9. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
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Is there really any debate about who the best tight end in the NFL is? The only real debate surrounding Rob Gronkowski might be how high a tight end can be on a list of the NFL's top 100 players. The answer? No. 9 overall seems about right.
Gronk is one of the most unique players in the game—on and off the field. He's not super fast or amazingly agile, but he's so big (6'6", 265 lbs), so strong and so athletic for his size that covering him requires either a superhuman linebacker or a Sean Taylor-like safety. And those don't come around very often. The best defense against Gronk? Hope he gets hurt.
8. Darrelle Revis, New York Jets
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Best cornerback in the game? You'll get a lot of people saying Darrelle Revis, and their argument is pretty sound.
Revis is the best at limiting targets—in other words, scaring quarterbacks away from throwing to his side of the field. But a funny thing happened in 2014 while Revis was with the Patriots—teams started throwing at him. Revis was targeted more than Richard Sherman or Vontae Davis and allowed a higher passer rating than Sherman, Davis or Chris Harris Jr, per Pro Football Focus.
So is Revis still a top-tier cornerback? Without a doubt. Don't let one season's numbers, which can be influenced by one game when we're talking numbers that small, change how Revis is viewed. He's still elite, quarterbacks are still afraid to throw his way and the New York Jets are still doing a happy dance because he returned to town.
7. Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
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Week 17 against the San Diego Chargers was must-see television last year as Justin Houston made his assault on the single-season sack record. Coming into the game with 18 sacks, it would seem that Houston wouldn't come close to Michael Strahan's total of 22.5...and then four sacks later, Houston was one good pressure away from tying the record.
Four sacks in one game to end the year goes to show that Houston can take over games (the Chiefs won that game, 19-7) and control what the offense does. On the year, he posted six games with multiple sacks and added 59 solo tackles to his resume while frustrating offensive linemen and battering quarterbacks.
That kind of impact off the edge has to be schemed for, and even then you can't stop it. That's why Houston ranks as a top-10 player for 2015.
6. Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
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At 5'10" and 180 pounds, Antonio Brown isn't the biggest receiver in the NFL, and with his 4.47-second 40-yard dash, he's not the fastest either. What he is, though, is the best receiver in the game heading into the 2015 season.
Last year, Brown tore apart opposing defenses to the tune of 129 catches for 1,698 yards and 13 touchdowns. And he did that with six games in the defense-heavy AFC North while being the only true threat in the Steelers' passing game until Martavis Bryant started turning heads in game No. 8.
Brown will once again be a lone wolf in the Pittsburgh passing game until Bryant returns from a four-game suspension, but the Steelers will be just fine. In the first four games last year, Brown posted 29 catches, 427 yards and five touchdowns.
5. Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks
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He's the loudest cornerback in the NFL. But he backs it up on the field, and that's all that matters here. Richard Sherman is the best cornerback in the game.
You can fill up the comments section with how he doesn't travel to cover the best receiver on each team or how he has Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor backing him up. All are valid points, but Sherman's traits and production can't be ignored by mentioning that he has a good defense around him.
The beauty of Sherman is that he's ultra-competitive on every play. He doesn't get lazy, he doesn't get complacent and he doesn't let receivers beat him over the course of a game.
4. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
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If you had to pick one current quarterback to win a game with, a number of objective fans would pick Tom Brady. And it's not a bad answer at all. But as Mr. Super Bowl himself enters his age-38 season—and with a little air pressure distraction surrounding his offseason—it's OK to think Brady might not be as great as he once was.
Brady is obviously still amazing in big games, but it's not blasphemy to point out that there are better quarterbacks than him right now while still noting Brady's touch and anticipation are first-class.
And while his velocity and deep arm strength aren't great anymore, they're still good enough to beat defenses that test him. Add in Brady's ability to slide and step up in the pocket—which is among the best ever—and you start to get an understanding of why he's still tearing defenses apart as he gets close to 40 years old.
Brady, for one game, is still my quarterback. But for a 17-week season, he's coming in as the fourth-best player in the game.
3. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
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Andrew Luck has been hyped as the next great quarterback dating back to his time as a prep star at Stratford High School in Texas. But here's the thing: He's living up to those expectations and doing so faster than anyone expected.
Luck enters his fourth season in the NFL after inheriting a Colts team that won two games in 2011 and fired head coach Jim Caldwell before he arrived. Without a run game or offensive line that would even be considered average among NFL standards, Luck has led the Colts to the playoffs in three straight years—and they've advanced one step closer to the Super Bowl each year.
Wins and losses aren't solely about the quarterback, but in Indianapolis it's been Luck, the passing game and Vontae Davis. That's it.
We're too quick to anoint the "next big thing" in the media sometimes (see: Griffin III, Robert), but Luck is the rare "too good to be true" prospect who actually ends up being too good to be true.
2. J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
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I've been alive for Derrick Thomas, Michael Strahan, Reggie White, Bruce Smith and John Randle. J.J. Watt is putting himself in that group as one of the most dominant defenders of my generation.
Watt isn't just the squeaky clean image we see on commercials and in interviews. On the field, he's a nightmare for offensive coordinators, proving himself to be one of the few defenders who can actually change the course of a game by himself.
However you want to evaluate him, Watt stands up against the best of the best as an elite defender—and he's only entering the fifth year of his already illustrtious career.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
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Who else would it be?
Rodgers has become the best quarterback of this generation—the man to bridge the gap between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning and the next class of quarterbacks led by Andrew Luck. In that way, he's a lot like the man he supplanted—Brett Favre. The three-time MVP was the top quarterback between Joe Montana and Peyton Manning, after all.
Rodgers does it all. He's the mold by which modern quarterbacks are evaluated. He's smart, strong-armed, agile and equal parts offensive coordinator and gunslinger. The only question now is whether he can keep up his otherworldly numbers without Jordy Nelson on the field in 2015.
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