Photo Credit: Dawgs By Nature
Richard Sherman, Ezekiel Elliott, Jamal Adams and Kirk Cousins led the way in Part 7 of my NFL Top 100 series. Before we get to Part 8, here's my ranking criteria, again:
1. 50% of the weight: "The Eye Test" - my own personal assessment of the player's talent, productivity and overall impact on winning. This has to come first, otherwise it wouldn't be my list.
2. 20%: Stats. The raw numbers.
3. 10%: Impact on winning in pressure situations and most importantly, the playoffs.
4. 10%: The experts over at Pro Football Focus really know their stuff; they examine every single play of the NFL season, and I trust their detailed analyses. I'm giving 10% of the weight to their 2019 Top 101 NFL Players.
5. 10%: Recent Pro Bowl selections. Thanks to the coaches, players and fans to their contributions, here.
Please note: I use logic. The quarterback position is the most influential in all of professional sports, and I absolutely take that into account (PFF does not, in their rankings).
30. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
-Key 2019 Stat: 104 receptions (2nd-most at WR)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: Unranked
It's so comforting to have a "safety valve" or "safety blanket", and that's exactly what Allen is. He's one of the best all-around wide receivers in the NFL, but he's particularly helpful on possession plays. He's strong on third down, available on short routes - almost like WR checkdowns - and has the versatility to produce on the outside and in the slot. I do think Tyrod Taylor is a clear downgrade from Philip Rivers, though. We have to expect Allen's production to taper off a bit, given the new circumstances.
29. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Bucs
-Key 2019 Stat: 1,157 yards/8 TDs
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #49 overall player
I may sound like a know-it-all, but I know one thing...I don't know it all. I like to consider other perspectives. So, with that in mind, I must say I was pretty shocked when I saw this:
28. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
-Key 2019 Stat: 1,494 rushing yards (2nd-most in the game)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: #23 overall player
I can already sense the Giants' fans foaming at the mouth. I took some heat for ranking Saquon Barkley 41st on my list. But the realities are these: Chubb played in all 16 games; Saquon played in just 13. Chubb ended up with nearly 500 more yards on the ground. He had more touchdowns and more yards per carry. And I think, most importantly, we have to consider the Browns' dysfunctional situation: then-head coach Freddie Kitchens was completely overmatched; Baker Mayfield suddenly became wildly inaccurate and Myles Garrett caused a circus by trying to kill someone on the football field. The Browns - I'm afraid to say "as always" - were a mess. But not Chubb. He was able to pile up incredible production in spite of a crumbling foundation around him. He's an electric breakaway runner with a bright future ahead of him.
27. Joey Bosa, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
-Key 2019 Stat: 11.5 sacks/71 QB pressures
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: #29 overall player
We're going to run into a "run" of Edges on my list, here. And like I've said before, how much can we really say about pass rushers? They get paid to cause havoc by putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. The best ones do that better than the others. At this point, we know the Bosa brothers are freaks. Joey is an electric, game-changing player.
26. T.J. Watt, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers
-Key 2019 Stat: 14.5 sacks (4th-most)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #6 overall player
Speaking of brothers...T.J. has far surpassed his brother, J.J.
Younger bro finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, and there's no reason to believe his dominance will die down. PFF had him as the No. 6 overall player in the world, so, yeah...he's a bona fide superstar.
25. Chandler Jones, Edge, Arizona Cardinals
-Key 2019 Stat: 19 sacks (2nd-most)/8 forced fumbles (1st)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: #47 overall player
He's had 11 or more sacks in six of the past seven seasons, and the only season he came up short, he picked up six sacks in just 10 games played. He led the NFL in sacks in 2017. This year he was second, and as you can see above, he forced more fumbles than any other player. What else can you ask a pass rusher to do? Chandler Jones is a straight-up monster.
24. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
-Key 2019 Stat: 1,135 yards/13 TDs in 14 games
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: Unranked
Here's where "The Eye Test" comes in extra handy. Until the postseason, I thought Cook was the best rusher I saw all season. Mike Zimmer and Kevin Stefanski were committed to the run in '19, and well...when you watched Cook you could see why. He's fast; he's strong; he's physical. He's a much better pass-catcher than you'd anticipate. The Vikings were a very solid all-around team, and Cook was the best of the bunch. He set the tone for a successful team.
23. Cameron Jordan, Edge, New Orleans Saints
-Key 2019 Stat: 15.5 sacks (3rd-most)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-Pro Football Focus: #45 overall player
Shout to my man Steven Summer on this one - we both think Jordan stands out every time we watch the Saints play. Cam has been a consistent stud. Thirteen, 12 and 15.5 sacks in the past three seasons. He's a leader and irreplaceable veteran presence, as well. Cam's the kind of guy that every single NFL team would love to have.
22. Calais Campbell, Edge, Baltimore Ravens
-Key 2019 Stat: #1 against the run (PFF)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #26 overall player
Now we get into two very unique players. Yes, Calais is an edge - an extremely intimidating one at that. At 6'8", 300 pounds - he's like The Undertaker of pro football. So yes, he does what you'd expect - he gets pressure, with five seasons of 8+ sacks. But that's not what he's known for...Calais is known as an edge who eats running backs for three meals a day. He's a showstopping run stuffer. He contains scrambling quarterbacks with shocking speed for a 33-year old player with 12 NFL seasons under his belt. Will he be one of the main reasons the Ravens take "The Leap" this season?
21. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
-Key 2019 Stat: 9 sacks (from interior)/59 pressures
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #10 overall player
Here's the reverse situation...interior linemen are supposed to stuff the run. And yes, there's no doubt Heyward does that with the best of them. But this monster gets pressure. I mean, serious pressure. At 6'5", 295, his speed is mind-boggling. His effort level might be unparalleled. Earlier on in my series, I said - in the NFC - DT Fletcher Cox is always the bridesmaid, never the bride. And that's true, he's always second-best after Aaron Donald. But now we're talkin' the entire NFL. Cam Heyward is the second-best interior lineman in the world. That's a pretty distinguished honor, if you ask me.
Come back next time for my Top 20!
ARCHIVE:
Part 7, Players 31-40
Part 6, Players 41-50
Part 5, Players 51-59
Part 4, Players 60-69
Part 3, Players 70-79
Part 2, Players 80-89
Part 1, Players 90-100
30. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
-Key 2019 Stat: 104 receptions (2nd-most at WR)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: Unranked
It's so comforting to have a "safety valve" or "safety blanket", and that's exactly what Allen is. He's one of the best all-around wide receivers in the NFL, but he's particularly helpful on possession plays. He's strong on third down, available on short routes - almost like WR checkdowns - and has the versatility to produce on the outside and in the slot. I do think Tyrod Taylor is a clear downgrade from Philip Rivers, though. We have to expect Allen's production to taper off a bit, given the new circumstances.
29. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Bucs
-Key 2019 Stat: 1,157 yards/8 TDs
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #49 overall player
I may sound like a know-it-all, but I know one thing...I don't know it all. I like to consider other perspectives. So, with that in mind, I must say I was pretty shocked when I saw this:
Mike Evans is the best wide receiver in the game? I'm not so sure about that. But Colin Cowherd has a platform, and he's usually pretty fair in his analysis. At least he makes a concerted effort to back-up and support his remarks. So yeah...this ranking got my attention. I think we've all been impressed by Evans' physical gifts over the years, but this is a different level of praise. Also consider...he's a back-to-back Pro Bowler. Opposing coaches and players recognize him as a serious matchup problem. So, I'm not gonna rank him as my No. 1 receiver, but I'm getting him into my top 30 as a sign of respect for many others who think very highly of him. Like Allen before him on this list, Evans will be experiencing a quarterback change this season. I'd say Tom Brady is a more welcome transition than Tyrod Taylor, though. Wouldn't you? 😇Discuss. pic.twitter.com/tvZSX0jZPW— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 21, 2020
28. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
-Key 2019 Stat: 1,494 rushing yards (2nd-most in the game)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: #23 overall player
I can already sense the Giants' fans foaming at the mouth. I took some heat for ranking Saquon Barkley 41st on my list. But the realities are these: Chubb played in all 16 games; Saquon played in just 13. Chubb ended up with nearly 500 more yards on the ground. He had more touchdowns and more yards per carry. And I think, most importantly, we have to consider the Browns' dysfunctional situation: then-head coach Freddie Kitchens was completely overmatched; Baker Mayfield suddenly became wildly inaccurate and Myles Garrett caused a circus by trying to kill someone on the football field. The Browns - I'm afraid to say "as always" - were a mess. But not Chubb. He was able to pile up incredible production in spite of a crumbling foundation around him. He's an electric breakaway runner with a bright future ahead of him.
27. Joey Bosa, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
-Key 2019 Stat: 11.5 sacks/71 QB pressures
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: #29 overall player
We're going to run into a "run" of Edges on my list, here. And like I've said before, how much can we really say about pass rushers? They get paid to cause havoc by putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. The best ones do that better than the others. At this point, we know the Bosa brothers are freaks. Joey is an electric, game-changing player.
26. T.J. Watt, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers
-Key 2019 Stat: 14.5 sacks (4th-most)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #6 overall player
Speaking of brothers...T.J. has far surpassed his brother, J.J.
Younger bro finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, and there's no reason to believe his dominance will die down. PFF had him as the No. 6 overall player in the world, so, yeah...he's a bona fide superstar.
25. Chandler Jones, Edge, Arizona Cardinals
-Key 2019 Stat: 19 sacks (2nd-most)/8 forced fumbles (1st)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: #47 overall player
He's had 11 or more sacks in six of the past seven seasons, and the only season he came up short, he picked up six sacks in just 10 games played. He led the NFL in sacks in 2017. This year he was second, and as you can see above, he forced more fumbles than any other player. What else can you ask a pass rusher to do? Chandler Jones is a straight-up monster.
24. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
-Key 2019 Stat: 1,135 yards/13 TDs in 14 games
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? No.
-Pro Football Focus: Unranked
Here's where "The Eye Test" comes in extra handy. Until the postseason, I thought Cook was the best rusher I saw all season. Mike Zimmer and Kevin Stefanski were committed to the run in '19, and well...when you watched Cook you could see why. He's fast; he's strong; he's physical. He's a much better pass-catcher than you'd anticipate. The Vikings were a very solid all-around team, and Cook was the best of the bunch. He set the tone for a successful team.
23. Cameron Jordan, Edge, New Orleans Saints
-Key 2019 Stat: 15.5 sacks (3rd-most)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-Pro Football Focus: #45 overall player
Shout to my man Steven Summer on this one - we both think Jordan stands out every time we watch the Saints play. Cam has been a consistent stud. Thirteen, 12 and 15.5 sacks in the past three seasons. He's a leader and irreplaceable veteran presence, as well. Cam's the kind of guy that every single NFL team would love to have.
22. Calais Campbell, Edge, Baltimore Ravens
-Key 2019 Stat: #1 against the run (PFF)
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #26 overall player
Now we get into two very unique players. Yes, Calais is an edge - an extremely intimidating one at that. At 6'8", 300 pounds - he's like The Undertaker of pro football. So yes, he does what you'd expect - he gets pressure, with five seasons of 8+ sacks. But that's not what he's known for...Calais is known as an edge who eats running backs for three meals a day. He's a showstopping run stuffer. He contains scrambling quarterbacks with shocking speed for a 33-year old player with 12 NFL seasons under his belt. Will he be one of the main reasons the Ravens take "The Leap" this season?
21. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
-Key 2019 Stat: 9 sacks (from interior)/59 pressures
-2019/20 Pro Bowler? Yes. A starter.
-2018/19 Pro Bowler? Yes.
-Pro Football Focus: #10 overall player
Here's the reverse situation...interior linemen are supposed to stuff the run. And yes, there's no doubt Heyward does that with the best of them. But this monster gets pressure. I mean, serious pressure. At 6'5", 295, his speed is mind-boggling. His effort level might be unparalleled. Earlier on in my series, I said - in the NFC - DT Fletcher Cox is always the bridesmaid, never the bride. And that's true, he's always second-best after Aaron Donald. But now we're talkin' the entire NFL. Cam Heyward is the second-best interior lineman in the world. That's a pretty distinguished honor, if you ask me.
Come back next time for my Top 20!
ARCHIVE:
Part 7, Players 31-40
Part 6, Players 41-50
Part 5, Players 51-59
Part 4, Players 60-69
Part 3, Players 70-79
Part 2, Players 80-89
Part 1, Players 90-100
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