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Top 100 NFL players entering the 2020 season: Nos. 20-11

By Samuel Teets

TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 13: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out during training camp at AdventHealth Training Center on August 13, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 13: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out during training camp at AdventHealth Training Center on August 13, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

18. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If the top 100 only examined production from last season, Brady wouldn’t even crack the top 30. However, he switched teams during the offseason, abandoning a talent-depleted team in New England for one of the NFL’s best offenses. After underwhelming performances from New England’s skill players, Brady joins a unit featuring two Pro Bowl receivers and one of the deepest tight end rooms in the league.

Despite only completing 60.8% of his pass attempts for 4,057 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions last year, the Patriots still finished with a 12-4 record. Tampa Bay went 7-9 last season with a 7-9 record after Jameis Winston completed 60.7 percent of his passes and threw a league-leading 30 interceptions. If Brady replicates his 2018 or 2019 season in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers could win ten to 12 games.

Brady isn’t an MVP-caliber player anymore, but he’s set up for his best season since 2017. Brady turned 43 less than a month ago.

17. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

After an All-Pro rookie season, James missed most of the 2019 season with a stress fracture in his foot. However, the former 17th overall pick returned for five games late in the year. He finished the season with one pass defensed and 34 tackles. James never reached peak form last season, but he already showed plenty of promise in 2018.

As a rookie, James earned a First-Team All-Pro selection from the AP and a Second-Team All-Pro nod from PFF. James didn’t receive a spot on the Top 100 Players of 2020, but he claimed the 31st spot on last year’s NFL Top 100 Players of 2019. He finished 2018 with three interceptions, 12 passes defensed, 3.5 sacks and 105 tackles.

The Chargers assembled one of the league’s most-dynamic secondaries this offseason. With Chris Harris, Casey Hayward, Desmond King playing cornerback, the Chargers could ride their defense to victory this season. James possesses the versatility to become a cornerstone for Los Angeles’ defense.

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