Welcome to the reveal for players ranked 70-61 for this year’s r/NFL Top 100 Players for the 2020 Season!
Players whose average rank had them land in places 70-61 are on this portion of the list revealed today. Players are associated with the team they finished 2020 with.
Below you will see write-ups from rankers summarizing the players' 2020 season and why they were among the best in 2020. Stats for each player are from this season and are included below. Additionally, their previous ranks in this long running series are also available for all of you.
Lastly, we have a return of the individual player cards this year with some fun “facts” about each player.
Methodology
LINK TO THE HUB POST WITH A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGY
- A CALL FOR RANKERS just before the Super Bowl.
- Rankers for each team nominated players to rank. 10 Games Played Minimum Threshold. Players are associated with the team they finished the 2020 Season with.
- The Grind. Utilize ranking threads for individual rankers broken up by positional groups. Users were tasked with ranking players within the following tiers based on their evaluation: T-25, T-50, T-100, T-125 based on 2020 regular season only. There were no individual user case threads. There were no arbitrary position limit caps. Just questions and rankings.
- Users submitted their individual Top 125 list.
- User lists were reviewed for outliers by me with assistance from two former rankers. Users were permitted to correct any mistakes found. Once complete, lists were locked.
- Reveal the list… right now.
So now, without further ado, here are the players ranked 70-61 in the r/NFL Top 100 Players of the 2020 Season!
#70 - Marlon Humphrey - Cornerback (CB) - Baltimore Ravens
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/R | 94 | 53 |
Written By: /u/Lazy_Street
Marlon Humphrey checks in a little early on the list to me. Admittedly, I am a little biased towards highlights and turnovers as I'm not a Ravens fan that watched Marlon all year long but I thought he would make the top 50. The first thing that leaps out at you looking at Marlon's stat line is the eye popping 8 forced fumbles, the man has perfected the Peanut Punch of knocking the ball out with precision which always helps put your team in position to win..
He does a lot for the Ravens defense, shadowing number 1 WRs in press coverage and swarming to the ball on run support while always looking to force a fumble. Humphrey has the ability to rotate inside and play the slot or play at outside CB, which is an incredibly valuable trait. Slot play demands more from DBs since they can’t use the boundary in coverage. However, he ranked fairly low on pass breakups (t-24th overall) and only had one interception on the year. With this year was stacked with great corner play he just got relatively out performed by other corners in similar schemes,
With his consistent play making ability and versatile coverage ability, I expect Marlon to rise even further up the list next season.
#69 - Grady Jarrett - Interior Defensive Line (IDL) - Atlanta Falcons
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/R | N/R | N/R | 62 | 61 |
Written By: /u/wrhslax1996
I am always down to put together a write-up for the player ranked #69. I can honestly say that Grady Jarrett earned this ELITE spot on the list in 2020. "But but but u/wrhslax1996, I just looked at SickFootballSpreadsheets.com and saw that Grady only had 4 sacks last season. How dare the rankers put him on the list above insert bad player from your favorite team here?" Well, voice in my head, because he is as ferocious as interior defensive linemen come, is a wrecking ball in the run game, and possesses versatility that only the cream of the crop have.
I'll start with this clip. It's pretty simple, but it shows how effective Grady is when it comes to using his hands. Two steps after the snap, Grady can see how open the A-gap is with Chicago's center providing help on the other side of the DL. He then plants with his left foot, drawing Ifedi's weight even further outside of the now gaping A-gap. From there, Grady quickly swats Ifedi's hands off at the punch and easily beats him around the inside shoulder to notch a pressure. On this play, Grady picks up a sack against one of the most mobile QBs in the game on a stunt around the Right Tackle. Grady eats the combo from the C and RG until he knows the RT is too far over to correct his position. He then skirts around the outside to absolutely engulf Russ in 300lbs of Grade A Man Meat. Here is yet another example of how smart Grady is with his hands and feet. Same outside jab step as before, same well-timed swat with both hands to get free, same fire up the gap to force an awesome pressure. Finally, in case you're curious what Jarrett looks like as a free rusher, here you go. Can you blame Lock for throwing an ugly pick there? I sure can't.
In my opinion, some of Grady's best work in 2020 came against the run. Just watch him destroy David Montgomery before the play can actually really start.. Now, did Ifedi absolutely telegraph the fact that he was pulling based on his stance? Absolutely. Did Grady still just tear through the chip from the RT like it was nothing? Also yes. Dude forced a 4 or 5 yard loss just by being aggressive as hell through the LOS and you love to see it. This may be my favorite Grady play I found when watching him last year.. The RG pulls again, but this time Jarrett fights through both the C and the RT, knocking the TE back into Lindsay and finishing things off with a great hustle tackle. Dude just flies around all over the place and nobody can stop him.
To summarize, Grady is very good at football.
#68 - Justin Herbert - Quarterback (QB) - Los Angeles Chargers
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Written By: /u/Big_Lewi
By a lot of metrics, Justin Herbert may have just had the greatest rookie QB season in NFL history. Even though Herbert was thrown into his first start with only a few minutes notice, he managed to impress from his first snap. The traits he showed, from his poise and confidence inside the pocket to his ability to his passes in tight windows across the field, has filled Chargers fans with a belief that we haven’t felt since the days of LaDanian Tomlinson. To break the rookie passing TD record off 15 games was something I feel most football fans would never have seen coming, including myself, but what was most impressive was the variety of throws he made to achieve this feat. Excellent inside and outside of the pocket, Herbert continually showed his ability to hit targets both short and long, when he was pressured, on the move, or standing tall in the pocket. Realistically, Herbert shone from his first snap and has comfortably put himself on a trajectory to be one of the best QB's for the rest of this decade.
Toughness as a runner was an underrated aspect of Herbert's game, finishing 6th in rushing TD's out of all QB's. Having this ability to scramble when he had such a poor pass blocking offensive line was a huge asset and something that helped him greatly both in the air and on the ground. Although impressively finishing top 10 in passing yards, passing touchdowns and first downs, Justin's most impressive stat might have been his 3 game winning drives, good for 6th in the NFL and more than accomplished stars like Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson. Not to be fooled purely by volume stats, Justin also finished top 10 in completion percentage under pressure and adjusted passer rating (passer rating after drops and throw aways are removed).
Knowing what we know now, the Chargers were extremely lucky to get Herbert with the 6th pick and aren't far away from putting themselves back into the conversation of one of the more dangerous teams in the AFC. In closing, Justin Herbert has laid all the ground work to plant himself firmly in the "who is the best QB" discussions (after Mahomes) for the next decade. Really, I'm just excited. Keen to see how far this phenomenal talent can take a team that has spent far too long in the doldrums of mediocrity, I just hope the rest of you want to come along for the ride.
#67 - Tyrann Mathieu - Safety (SAF) - Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/R | N/R | 10 | N/R | N/R | N/R | 56 |
Written By: /u/DTSportsNow
The tone setter and de facto leader of the defense for the Kansas City Chiefs is without a shadow of a doubt the now back to back all-pro safety Tyrann Mathieu. But as many are more than aware, Mathieu is more than just a safety. He plays all levels of the defense lining up outside the defensive line, in the box as a hybrid linebacker/defensive back, out wide and inside as a corner, and in the deep backfield as a free safety. Whatever defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants to do on defense, Mathieu is involved as a central piece.
Mathieu has helped lift KC's defense from being vulnerable and mediocre to a solid and respectable group that can win games when the offense doesn't have its best days. In 2020 Mathieu earned his all-pro honor along with a career high in interceptions (6), and his first defensive touchdown since 2015. Two of his interceptions came against the Broncos in week 13 in a game the Chiefs only scored 22 points, a low point for the team. Mathieu also secured an interception off of Baker Mayfield in the divisional round of the playoffs in a tightly contested game.
Mathieu is the heart and soul of the Chiefs defense, and is now entering the final year of his contract. The team, Mathieu, and fans all hope he continues to be a Chief for the rest of his career.
#66 - Eric Kendricks - Off-Ball Linebacker (LB) - Minnesota Vikings
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | 28 |
Written By: /u/Tripudelops
Reasons Eric Kendricks isn't higher than this: he missed five games in 2020.
Reasons Eric Kendricks was ranked at all despite missing five games: when he was out there, he was the best damn linebacker in football.
Okay maybe that's a little spicy, but I'm going to do my best to convince you all that it's true. Let's start with some stats because I know you nerds eat that shit up. While Kendricks is very good in run defense and is frequently used as an effective blitzer, where he really shines is in the passing game. In 2020, not only did Kendricks allow the lowest passer-rating-against when targeted of all nominated linebackers, he allowed a lower passer-rating-against than all but five of the 50+ nominated defensive backs. Despite only playing 11 games, Kendricks still finished with the most interceptions by a linebacker (3) and was still third-highest in PBUs among nominated linebackers.
Kendricks was a 1st Team All-Pro in 2019, but in 2020, he was on-pace to outstrip his 2019 numbers for interceptions, defeats, tackles, stops, and every pass rushing stat out there. His broken tackle rate went from his typical (but not unimpressive) ~10% in 2019 down to a staggering 3.6%, best in the league for linebackers with more than 60 total tackles. SIS had Kendricks as the only player in the top 20 in points saved with fewer than 14 games played. Any way you cut it, Kendricks was at or near the top in every metric for measuring quality linebacker play in 2020.
Stats not doing it for you? How about some film then? Kendricks is a TE eraser. He's a big play machine. He throws 300-pound tackles around like they're nothing if they're between him and the ball. He's as rangey as a safety, is a better corner than our actual corners, and a thumper in the run game. He calls out plays before they happen, then murders them himself. He's a relentless ball of energy who completely changes the way the Vikings can play defense. And these plays aren't few and far-between, it's an every-down kind of deal. He is the heart and soul of the Vikings defense and deserves the hell out of this ranking.
#65 - Roquan Smith - Off-Ball Linebacker (LB) - Chicago Bears
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/R | N/R |
Written By: /u/Butkus69
Faster than greased lightning. More aggressive than a hammerhead shark. Quicker than Tyrone Biggums on a bender. In 2020, Roquan Smith lived in the opponent’s backfield. In my personal opinion, this was the year that he officially entered the conversation as next great inside linebacker for the Chicago Bears. All of the ranks below are among the 37 ILBs who logged 700+ snaps unless otherwise stated.
Roquan led the entire NFL in TFL’s in 2020, with 18. He was third in the NFL in solo tackles (109) and 5th in the NFL in total tackles (134). Not only did he make all those tackles, but he rarely missed, ranking 10th in missed tackle percentage (6.9%). Smith made the 4th most run stops (36) among ILB’s, and ranked 5th in run stop rate (8.9%). Don't let his bite sized stature fool you, this guy plays like he has a Napoleon Complex he's working through.
In coverage, Roquan was the 4th most targeted ILB in the league. But that didn’t slow him down, as he ranked 1st in completion percentage allowed (70.6%), and ranked 2nd in yards allowed per target (4.99). He allowed only one TD on the season, and caught two interceptions. His 36 pass stops ranked 2nd, and his pass stop rate ranked 1st (5.9%). Roquan entered elite status among LBs in the pass coverage aspect of his game in 2020.
As a blitzer, Roquan wreaked havoc. He didn’t get the chance to go after the QB often, but when he did, he made the most of his chances. He only logged 48 pass rush snaps on the season, but he accumulated 5 sacks and 14 pressures on those 48 snaps. Good for a sack rate of 10.4% and a pressure rate of 29.2%.
All in all, Roquan Smith is an absolute animal, and was a real problem for opposing offenses in 2020.
#64 - Darius Leonard - Off-Ball Linebacker (LB) - Indianapolis Colts
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 26 | 46 |
Written By: /u/ghettogoatsauce
When attempting to build a stout, run-choking, and opportunistic defense, what kind of linebacker do you look for? One with speed to close on the ball? One with the strength to push an unwary ball carrier backwards? One with a nose for the ball? One that shows up in the clutch? One with attitude? Why not all of the above?
The "Maniac", Darius Leonard, entered his 3rd year with a chip on his shoulder. You see, he was only a 2nd team All-Pro in his 2nd year, a downgrade from the year before. Because of this terrible slight on his reputation, Leonard was forced to amass 132 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries in 14 games to reclaim a 1st team All-Pro. As one of the best run-stopping linebackers in the game, it's pretty easy to see how he helped contribute to the defense that found itself 2nd in rushing yards allowed. He also finds himself to be decent (though not great) in pass coverage, breaking up passes with his quick hands and foot speed. This has allowed him to continue to be a main cornerstone in Colts DC Matt Eberflus's 4-3 defense since the day he was drafted.
Leonard is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and there have been reports that the Colts are "making progress" negotiating an extension with him. If he continues to play like the maniac that he is, Leonard will be worth every penny sent his way.
#63 - Ryan Ramczyk - Offensive Tackle (OT) - New Orleans Saints
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 100 | 74 | 14 |
Written By: /u/Lazy_Street
Ryan Ramczyk proved once again in 2020 that he is one of the best right tackles in the NFL, picking up his third All-Pro nod (2nd team) in as many seasons. He has improved as a pass protector every season but he is at his best when run blocking.
I think without question his best game of the year was against the Vikings where he paved the way for Alvin Kamaras historic 6 touchdown day.
Alvin ran right towards Ryan's blocks on all 6 touchdowns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf5bhR1N4Eo
TD 1 - Ryan engages at both the first and second level almost simultaneously creating a monster crease for Alvin to blast through en route to a 49 yard touchdown.
TD 2 - Ryan shows some raw player blasting his way forward on the right side of a messy scrum to lead the way for Alvin to run behind.
TD 3 - Ryan again shows off his tremendous power engaging his man and controlling him as the rest of the line shifts and Alvin rides ram into the endzone.
TD 4 - Ryan shows great timing as he blocks down the line and blows open a hole for AK to run through for another yet another score.
TD 5 - Ryan once again dominates his assignment blowing him off the line and forcing him outside giving AK time to decide where to flow with the blocks.
TD 6 - It's almost comical at this point, rinse and repeat of the above, Ryan was just unstoppable this game.
BONUS TUDDY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6rA-kMwH-w Oh yeah Taysom also scored running behind the right side of the line this game.
In closing, Rams technique is only matched by his raw strength and I personally thought he should've been in the Top 30-40.
#62 - J.C. Jackson - Cornerback (CB) - New England Patriots
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/R | 78 |
Written By: /u/KingDing-a-Ling13
Last year, in my write-up about J.C. Jackson, I wrote “As a CB2 in a stacked secondary, it’s difficult to argue J.C. is among the league’s elite yet, but with his continued development, the Patriots look to have one of the best cornerback tandems in upcoming years.” Let me tell you, J.C. this year made it much easier to argue he is among the league’s elite, and is shaping up to be one of Bill Belichick’s best finds. Jackson took a big step forward in 2020, finishing second in the league with 9 interceptions, and cementing himself as one of the best ballhawk cornerbacks in the league. This led to an allowed passer rating of only 62.7 on 75 targets, better than players like Jalen Ramsey, Marlon Humphrey, and his teammate Stephon Gilmore. Watch here when he jams Tim Patrick a few yards off the line, and runs down the sideline in perfect coverage for an easy interception. Against speedster Hollywood Brown, Jackson shows off his speed and stays stride for stride, again in perfect position to come down with the ball. Jackson was consistently able to take opposing WR2s out of the game. With that being said, it wasn’t just WR2s this year. Jackson was tested more this season than ever before. His partner-in-crime Gilmore struggled with injuries, and missed 5 games and parts of others. Some of the concerns with J.C. were how he would fare against tougher competition, and he mostly impressed. Take the Ravens game, when Brown was held to 2 receptions and 14 yards on 7 targets. His stats would look even better if he didn’t get kind of torched by Stefon Diggs for two games, but to be fair, who didn’t this year? After improving in each of his first three seasons, the sky’s the limit for Jackson. With some improved consistency and more convincing battles against top-end wide receivers, J.C. will unquestionably be among the league’s elite, if he isn’t already.
#61 - Tristan Wirfs - Offensive Tackle (OT) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Ranks
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/R | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Written By: /u/MysticTyph00n
Starting off I'd be remiss to not wish Tristan Wirfs a belated happy Father's Day as he was everyone's dad this year....except Khalil Mack . That right there was the only sack he allowed the entire season.
Taken 13th overall by the Bucs after a trade to move up *one spot* (Thanks Lynch) they selected what many regarded as possibly the best OT prospect in the draft in Wirfs. Wirfs was expected to replace long-time Buccaneer Demar Dotson, and he did an impeccable job in doing so only allowing the aforementioned single sack, 7 hits along with 14 hurries keeping Brady relatively clean in the pocket through all 16 games played.
He earned All-Pro hon....oh excuse me he didn't earn first or second team AP this season. Well at least he made the pro bowl....no he didn't earn that either? How bizarre for a rookie to step in on day one and protect Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr all season, and not earn either honor is beyond me....but I digress. He did make the PFWA All-Rookie team, so I guess that's some kind of consolation prize?
Wirfs was never the sexiest pick, and we all knew the Bucs needed to take a tackle in the first this year, but it was the necessary pick for this year as well as the future.
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