Top 100 NFL players entering the 2020 season: Nos. 50-41
By Samuel Teets
46. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill’s turnaround captured headlines last year, but Henry’s relentless grind made the Titans Super Bowl contenders. After going 9-7 and claiming a Wild Card spot, Tennessee upset New England and Baltimore before falling to Patrick Mahomes. In those first two playoff games, Henry carried the ball 64 times for 377 yards (5.89 yards per carry), but the Chiefs limited him to 69 yards on 19 carries.
Tennessee’s offense relied on Henry last year. Without him, the Titans wouldn’t have made the playoffs. Entering a contract season, Henry needed an explosive campaign. He delivered, leading the NFL with 303 carries for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns in 15 games. However, the running back only earned a Second-Team All-Pro selection from the AP.
While he’s a dominant, game-changing player, Henry lacks the versatility that sets apart the league’s elite class of running backs. The 6-3, 247-pound behemoth ranks below four other workhorses on the top 100.
45. Ronnie Stanley, LT, Baltimore Ravens
After three years of reliable but not outstanding play, Stanley turned up the heat in 2019. The former sixth overall pick lived up to his draft hype, making his first Pro Bowl appearance and receiving First-Team All-Pro selections from the AP and PFF. Behind the offensive line that featured Orlando Brown Jr., Stanley, and Marshal Yanda, the Ravens set a single-season record with 3,296 rushing yards.
However, Stanley received more recognition for his pass-blocking. PFF’s Sam Monson named Stanley the Pass Blocker of the Year for 2019. According to Monson, Stanley’s production puts him in rare air,
"Stanley’s PFF pass-blocking grade of 93.7 isn’t just the best mark for tackles this season, it’s one of the best grades we’ve ever given to a tackle. The only players to notch a better pass-blocking grade over a season since PFF has been grading are Jonathan Ogden (94.7), David Bakhtiari (94.0), and Joe Thomas (twice, 94.0 and 93.8)."
Stanley is the highest-ranked left tackle on the top 100, but two right tackles received higher spots.