Top 100 NFL players entering the 2020 season: Nos. 60-51
By Samuel Teets
Nos. 60-51 on the top 100 NFL players entering 2020 feature five stud pass-rushers.
There’s nothing quite like a momentum-altering sack. Pass-rushers often ignite the greatest shifts in NFL games, which is why elite sack artists build loyal fanbases. Today’s edition of the top 100 features five such edge rushers, including two that should become staples in the league for the next decade.
As usual, the top 100 does not include free agents, players who opted out of the 2020 season, or rookies.
This article is the fifth installment in an 11-part series. I suggest looking back at previous articles to get the full context of these rankings.
60. Lane Johnson, RT, Philadelphia Eagles
Right tackles often don’t receive the same star treatment as their blindside blocking counterparts. However, more right tackles cracked the top 100 than left tackles. Johnson is only the second right tackle revealed and third overall tackle to make an appearance on the list. However, several of his colleagues appear higher up the rankings.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Johnson is the sixth-best offensive tackle entering the 2020 season. Despite continuously battling nagging injuries over the past four years, Johnson has three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. He also earned a First-Team All-Pro bid from the Associated Press (AP) in 2017.
While he’s a tremendous player, Johnson isn’t among the top-two right tackles in the NFL.
59. Calais Campbell, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Two years ago, Campbell would’ve received a top-30 selection. However, the five-time Pro Bowler’s play began slipping last season. He recorded his fewest sacks since 2015 and fewest tackles since 2016. However, joining a loaded Baltimore defense could revitalize the 33-year-old’s career.
While his production decreased, Campbell didn’t fall off a cliff last season. The 6-8, 300-pound juggernaut still amassed 6.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, 33 pressures, two forced fumbles, 56 tackles, and a defensive touchdown. For his steady production since becoming a starter in 2009, the Pro Football Hall of Fame named Campbell to the 2010s All-Decade Team.
Campbell is still one of the most reliable run defenders in the NFL and could move inside if Baltimore asks him to. PFF even gave Campbell their Run Defender Of The Year award, choosing the defensive end over First-Team All-Pros like Aaron Donald and Cameron Heyward.