Every year, the NFL asks a group of its players to vote on which players are the league’s best. And every year, the list that results from these votes — the NFL’s Top 100 — causes a stir. There are always some surprises, some snubs and some downright head-scratchers.
But because the NFL Top 100 is voted on by players, it’s hard to get too angry about it. After all, the guys voting are the same guys going up against the ranked players on a weekly basis.
Still, the list draws big reactions from NFL fans and players alike. Fans have fun (or get angry) debating the list while players generally express gratitude when they’re named to it. Of course, not all are happy. Some feel disrespected by their ranking if it’s too low while others get upset if they don’t make the list at all.
The league has released the names of the players in the Top 100. Here’s a look at the players ranked Nos. 1-100.
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NFL Top 100 list
The NFL has revealed the names of the players ranked 1-100 on the 2021 list. The top 10 players on the list were announced during a two-hour special Saturday, Aug. 28.
Of last year’s top 10 players, six fell out of the group in 2021. Lamar Jackson finished 24th after finishing No. 1 overall in 2020. Russell Wilson dropped 10 spots from No. 2 to No. 12. Michael Thomas, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Stephon Gilmore all fell out of the top 40. Thomas’ fall from No. 5 overall to No. 72 was the largest of the group.
Their replacements: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, Buccaneers QB Tom Brady, Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt and Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
The repeaters in the top 10: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ranked No. 1 in 2021 after finishing fourth in 2020), Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Titans running back Derrick Henry and Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs Aaron Donald, DT, Rams Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers Derrick Henry, RB, Titans Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs Davante Adams, WR, Packers Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Cardinals T. J. Watt, LB, Steelers Josh Allen, QB, Bills Stefon Diggs, WR, Bills Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks Jalen Ramsey, CB, Rams Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs Myles Garrett, DE, Browns Xavien Howard, CB, Dolphins Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans Budda Baker, S, Cardinals Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings Fred Warner, LB, 49ers DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks Khalil Mack, OLB, Bears Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens Bobby Wagner, LB, Seahawks Nick Chubb, RB, Browns DeForest Buckner, DT, Colts Devin White, LB, Buccaneers Julio Jones, WR, Titans Aaron Jones, RB, Packers Jamal Adams, S, Seahawks Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers Quenton Nelson, G, Colts Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs Darren Waller, TE, Raiders David Bakhtiari, OT, Packers Darius Leonard, LB, Colts Marlon Humphrey, CB, Ravens Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals Bradley Chubb, OLB, Broncos Jaire Alexander, CB, Packers Trent Williams, OT, 49ers Lavonte David, OLB, Buccaneers Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers Justin Simmons, S, Broncos Cameron Jordan, DE, Saints Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers J. C. Jackson, CB, Patriots George Kittle, TE, 49ers Za’Darius Smith, OLB, Packers Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Steelers Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings Grady Jarrett, DT, Falcons Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers Cameron Heyward, DT, Steelers Tyrann Mathieu, S, Chiefs Jason Pierre-Paul, OLB, Buccaneers Corey Linsley, C, Chargers Chase Young, DE, Washington A. J. Brown, WR, Titans Fletcher Cox, DT, Eagles Demario Davis, OLB, Saints Calvin Ridley, WR, Falcons J. J. Watt, DE, Cardinals K. J. Wright, OLB, Free agent Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders Ryan Kelly, C, Colts Eric Kendricks, LB, Vikings Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns Michael Thomas, WR, Saints Trey Hendrickson, DE, Bengals James Bradberry, CB, Giants Laremy Tunsil, OT, Texans Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks Quandre Diggs, S, Seahawks Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Titans Terron Armstead, OT, Saints Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers Garett Bolles, OT, Broncos Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans Leonard Williams, DE, Giants Zack Martin, G, Cowboys Marshon Lattimore, CB, Saints Allen Robinson, WR, Bears Shaquil Barrett, OLB, Buccaneers Tristan Wirfs, OT, Buccaneers Jesse Bates, S, Bengals Corey Davis, WR, Jets Jason Kelce, C, Eagles T. J. Hockenson, TE, Lions Jarvis Landry, WR, Browns Tre’Davious White, CB, Bills Cole Beasley, WR, Bills Kyle Juszczyk, FB, 49ers Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Brandon Graham, DE, Eagles James Robinson, RB, Jaguars
The Buccaneers have the most players on the list with eight. The Jaguars came close to having no players on the list. James Robinson barely made the cut at No. 100 overall.
Deshaun Watson’s inclusion on the list created an uncomfortable moment for the NFL. Watson has been accused of sexual misconduct and sexual assault in 22 civil lawsuits and 10 criminal complaints. The league released an awkward video honoring his placement on the list.
Only one current free agent is included in the Top 100: linebacker K.J. Wright, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Seahawks. Wright, 32, had 86 tackles, two sacks and 10 pass defenses last year for Seattle.
