Ranking the top 100 NFL players for the 2020 season, starting with No. 100-91
NFL Network recently released its annual list of the top 100 players in the NFL. The Top 100 Players of 2020 got some things right, but it got even more wrong. With training camp officially underway and the regular season drawing near, I figure it’s a perfect time to take a shot at correcting the top 100 players entering 2020.
Free agents, rookies, and players who opted out of the upcoming season aren’t included in the rankings. You won’t see Joe Burrow make an appearance, although he could qualify next year. High-profile opt-outs like Dont’a Hightower and C.J. Mosley disqualified themselves since they won’t play in 2020. Free agents also don’t appear because we don’t know if they’ll play in 2020 either.
The free-agent clause primarily impacts Antonio Brown, Jadeveon Clowney, Everson Griffen, Logan Ryan and Larry Warford. Brown recently received an eight-game suspension for his actions over the past 18 months, making it less likely that he’ll play this year. However, Brown could still perform at a top-10 wide receiver level if he makes it back into the NFL.
Based on his performance last season, Clowney wouldn’t crack the top 100 for the upcoming year. However, the former first overall pick logged three Pro Bowl seasons with the Houston Texans. In comparison, Griffen nearly tripled Clowney’s sack total this past year and made his fourth Pro Bowl.
Ryan and Warford are harder to evaluate. Warford made each of the past three Pro Bowls, but most metrics don’t list him as a top offensive lineman. That’s likely why the New Orleans Saints cut him loose this offseason. Chargers guard Trai Turner, who made the last five Pro Bowls, is another member of this awarded but not elite club.
Meanwhile, Ryan had a career year production-wise, setting or tying single-season bests with four interceptions, 18 passes defended, four forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and 113 tackles. However, there’s a chance Ryan benefitted from being heavily targeted, and he still didn’t match the advanced metrics of shutdown cornerbacks.
Philadelphia’s Brandon Brooks also doesn’t appear in the top 100 because he tore his left Achilles tendon this offseason. Since he won’t play this year, I removed him from consideration. Brooks made each of the last three Pro Bowls.
Player selections for the top 100 were based on skill, production, and proven staying power. Players with only one season of elite output are less likely to rank high on the list than players with multiple All-Pro seasons in recent history, unless talent offsets inexperience.
The 2019 season played a role in these rankings, but it wasn’t be-all and end-all, as you’ll see with the first selection.