Top 100 NFL players entering the 2020 season: Nos. 20-11
By Samuel Teets
16. Darius Leonard, OLB, Indianapolis Colts
Speaking of versatile players, Leonard hit the ground running when he entered the league two years ago. As a rookie, Leonard earned a First-Team All-Pro bid from the AP and won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. In 15 games, Leonard amassed eye-popping numbers.
Leonard finished his rookie season with two interceptions, eight passes defensed, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, seven sacks and a league-leading 163 tackles. He followed up the incredible performance with another All-Pro run in 2019. Despite missing three games, Leonard received a Second-Team All-Pro selection from the AP and intercepted five passes.
In terms of raw production, no active linebacker can keep pace with Indy’s rising superstar.
15. Chandler Jones, OLB, Arizona Cardinals
Jones finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting this past season. The former New England Patriot set career-highs with eight forced fumbles and 19 sacks. He finished half a sack shy of his second sack title in the past three seasons. Jones also recovered three fumbles, made 26 quarterback hits, and recorded 40 pressures in 2019.
Despite not amassing the same number of quarterback hits or pressures as some players ranked lower on the top 100, Jones deserves this ranking. Since joining the Cardinals four years ago, he has 17 forced fumbles and 60 sacks. With award-winning edge rushers like Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and J.J. Watt battling regression or injuries, Jones emerged as one of the NFL’s premier sack artists.
Jones is 30 years old and entering his ninth season. The two-time AP First-Team All-Pro already has 96 career sacks and could continue building a Hall of Fame case over the next few years.