r/NFL Top 100 Players of the 2021 Season - #60-51

Welcome to the reveal for players ranked 60-51 for the r/NFL Top 100 Players of the 2021 Season!

Players whose average rank landed them in places 60-51 are on this portion of the list revealed today. Players are associated with the team they finished playing for in 2021

Below you will see some write-ups from the rankers summarizing the players’ 2021 season and why they were among the best in 2021. Stats for each player are included below. Additionally, their ranks from previous years are available for y’all to see

METHODOLOGY

Link to more detailed writeup on our methodology

• Step 1: A Call to Rankers right after the Super Bowl

• Step 2: Rankers from each team nominated players to rank, with a 10 game minimum threshold. Players are associated with the team they played for in 2021

• Step 3: The Grind. We instructed users to tier positions groups into T25, T50, etc based on 2021 regular season play only. This took several weeks as the rankers tiered each position group and discussed them. There were no individual player threads and no arbitrary position caps. Just questions and rankings.

• Step 4: Users submitted their own personal Top 125 lists.

• Step 5: User lists were reviewed by myself, u/mattkud , and u/MikeTysonChicken . The rankers were expected to answer questions about their lists. They were allowed to make any changes to their list, and were not forced to make any changes

• Step 6: The Reveal… where we are now!

And without further ado, here are the players ranked 60-51 in the r/nfl Top 100 Players of the 2021 Season!

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#60 - Andrew Whitworth - Los Angeles Rams - Offensive Tackle

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
N/A	N/A	57	48	29	46	26	62	N/A​

Key Stat

2nd least pressures allowed with at least 500 pass blocking snaps (16)

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Written by: u/PhAnToM444

First of all, let me give Big Whit his proper sendoff.

A true veteran presence in the Rams' locker room, Whitworth has been instrumental in the offense since joining the team from Cincinnati. He's kept our QBs safe from day one and, for that, he will go down as a legend for this franchise, despite his limited tenure. He will (and should) enter the Hall as a Bengal, but we will be forever grateful for the few years of protection the biggest changes in the NFL gave us.

This season, a 40 year old Whitworth — the second oldest player in the NFL after Brady, and oldest LT in history — was an instrumental part in keeping Stafford healthy. Not only that, but he has done a great job preparing his heir apparent, Joe Noteboom, to take over in his retirement. Noteboom came to the Rams in the 3rd round as an extremely raw but physically perfect OT, and under Whitworth he has developed to the point that we signed him to a 3 year, $40m contract despite never being a full-time starter. That's because, in the games Whit has had to miss in his time with the Rams, it's barely noticeable — nobody is yelling at their TV when Noteboom plays.

That will be a big part of Whitworth's legacy. Not only being able to play at a top-5 level until 40, but the Rams' fanbase congratulating him on his retirement unconditionally, and welcoming his replacement with open arms. A Walter Payton Man of the Year, there have been many great LTs in this league, but few have been as good of a mentor Big Whit.

I end this summary of one of the greatest all-around NFL players to ever take the field, with one of the greatest moments in NFL history.

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#59 - Justin Simmons - Denver Broncos - Safety

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
55	24	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

Most forced incompletions of any safety in man coverage (4)

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Written by: u/BlindManBaldwin

In Week 14 of the 2021 season, the Denver Broncos hosted the Detroit Lions. Leading the Lions 31-10 with 9:01 left in the game, Justin Simmons dived in front of a Jared Goff pass and intercepted the ball.

The 2021 season was another horrible, no-good, very bad season for the Denver Broncos. Their sixth-straight year missing the playoffs, their fifth-straight losing season. Teddy Bridgewater couldn’t steady the ship beyond mediocrity, and the wheels fell off the Drew Lock experiment in ways even his most ardent critics couldn’t imagine them ever doing. As the season dragged along, it became increasingly apparent Vic Fangio and the coaching staff would be jettisoned by new GM George Patton. And, of course, there was the specter of the ownership questions still lingering over the whole organization.

But none of these things mattered. None of these were the worst thing to happen this season.

On December 9th, 2021, Broncos all-time great Demaryius Thomas died in his home following a medical episode. When news trickled out that night, all of Broncos Country felt their hearts split in two. For nearly a decade, Thomas anchored down one of the receiver spots in Denver. But all of the all-pros, pro bowls, and Super Bowls meant nothing compared to the legacy he left in the community. His compassionate smile and relentless commitment to service made him a beacon of light for many groups in Denver, including the Boys and Girls Club where he spent a lot of time and money. As Demaryius Thomas grew up in trauma, he made it his purpose to help children who were living in similar circumstances.

Many Denver Broncos players joined Thomas in this service over the years, including Justin Simmons — who has been the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the last three seasons. Simmons, one of the longest-tenured Broncos, is a leader of the team on and off-the-field. And he has been there for all the suck. Six years in the league, six years missing the playoffs. But Simmons never has lost that smile, he’s never lost that compassionate spirit. He’s kept that fire going that Thomas represented for all of these years in town.

As Simmons made it to the sideline following his interception, he parked the ball on the Broncos “88” tribute to Thomas on the sideline. One Broncos leader of today commemorating a legend of the not-to-distant past. And a moment that symbolizes how even if our bodies die, our souls can live on forever in the joy we pass onto others.

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#58 - Demario Davis - New Orleans Saints - Off-Ball Linebackers (LB)

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
44	36	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

Of linebackers, 2nd lowest catch rate allowed in man coverage (54.5%) while 3rd in Man Coverage snaps %

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Written by: u/Ian_Udani

Demario Davis demonstrated again in the 2021 season that he is truly one of the best off-ball linebackers in the league. He earned a 3rd consecutive AP award and really showed no weaknesses as a tackler (70 solo 13 TFL), pass rusher (3 sacks, 10 hits per PFR) or in coverage (7 PD). While still remaining ultra consistent and really the rock of good saints defense, he wasn’t quite as dominant as previous seasons. His slide down the rankings has more to do with the players slightly above him position wise as well as a glut of great defender players we saw this season. Furthermore, after Jameis Winston got hurt most people weren't tuning in to watch the Semen Demon lose 5 straight games so I think the defense flew unnoticed despite turning in good performances most weeks

Still another season of late career dominance demonstrated by Demario was remarkable but his signature game of the season was probably against Seattle. Playing against a Seattle team suffering from injuries he lead a defensive effort that limited seattle to just 10 points while he racked up 10 tackles and 2 sacks.

Not only a leader on the field, he has also been one of the keystones of the community and known around the league for his humanitarian and fund raising. He was rewarded this offseason with a contract extension and I hope he continues to play well into his mid 30s ala London Fletcher and climbs back up into the top 30 players where he belongs

Fun Fact - He is cousin to the late Steve McNair

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#57 - Denzel Ward - Cleveland Browns - Cornerback

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
85	N/A	86	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

5th lowest completion % allowed in Coverage since 2019 (54.1%)

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Written by: u/ownange

Denzel Ward is an incredible cornerback; a star shining bright among a constellation of veteran and young stars alike. Ward was given his second Pro Bowl Invitation, in a season that cemented him as one of the league's top cornerbacks.

Denzel Ward had an impressive season, allowing only 419 receiving yards in 15 games. Only Casey Hayward and A.J. Terrell allowed less among cornerbacks while playing as many games as Ward (15) Ward also boasted a three interception season including a 99 yard Pick-Six against Joe Burrow and Ja'marr Chase. Ward's QB Rating Against was 74.8, identical to Chidobe Awuzie and .4 behind Jalen Ramsey. To put that into context, when Quarterbacks threw at Denzel Ward, they were as effective as the Bears Passing Offense. That same passing offense was held to 68 passing yards by Ward and the Browns on week 3, for those who had forgotten. Ward was unfakeable, he kept his man in front of him, and allowed only 9.5 yards per reception, again, ahead of other CB1's like Jalen Ramsey and Chidobe Awuzie. Revisit that Pick Six against the Bengals. He backpedals the Zig/Out route that Chase was supposed to run better than Chase did, and then turns on the jets, using his 4.32 speed to give himself enough room to make a cutback and still be 5 yards clear of any Bengals player.

Ward has the complete package, and Cleveland signed him to a 100.5 million dollar extension for 5 seasons, making him the highest paid corner in the league, where he will no doubt create some exciting matchups against Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals, Diontae Johnson and the Steelers, and the rest of the high flying passing offenses that litter the AFC.

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#56 - Rashawn Slater - Los Angeles Chargers - Offensive Tackle

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

First Tackle to receiver AP Offensive Rookie of the Year votes since 2009

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Written by: u/KingDing-a-Ling13

The last time the Los Angeles Chargers had an above average offensive line, they played in San Diego and the average r/NFL user was not born yet. One year after drafting franchise QB Justin Herbert, the Chargers finally decided it was time, and drafted Rashawn Slater as the 13th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Slater, the consensus OT2 in the Class of 2021, behind Penei Sewell, staked an incredibly strong claim for OT1 of the class after one season, en route to an 2nd Team All-Pro award, and 4th in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting as an offensive lineman. The Chargers decision to focus on protecting Herbert more than paid off.

Slater slipped a little during the draft, possibly due to non-ideal OT length. At 6’3” 315lb, Slater certainly isn’t the biggest offensive tackle in the league. Based on the way he played this season, no one noticed the difference. From Week 1, Slater already showed elite potential, stonewalling former #1 overall pick Chase Young. Even when long-armed by former first-rounder Montez Sweat, Slater demonstrated incredible strength to prevent Sweat from getting to Herbert. So yeah, the Chargers knew they had a good one after only Week 1. Rookie luck, though, right? Surely Slater regressed next week? Hahahahahahahaha.. Micah Parsons, the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year, fared no better. In a battle between back-to-back picks, Slater got the better of Parsons.. Against the Chiefs in Week 3? Chris Jones who?. I can go on and on about defensive linemen Slater crushed week after week, but I think you get the point. Slater continued to dominate defenders throughout the season, and more than deserves his place on the Top 100, even as a rookie.

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#55 - Rashan Gary - Green Bay Packers - EDGE Rusher (EDGE)

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

Highest pass rush win rate on 3rd and 4+ situations over the last two seasons (28%). 2nd highest pass rush win rate per pff 26%

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Written by: u/futur3perfect

Maxx Crosby is pretty good. He had 101 pressures on the year which was tops in the NFL. But guess who #2 was? That’s right, Rashan Gary. He had 81 pressures and did it in 250 fewer snaps than Crosby. So while he wasn’t on the field quite as much, Rashan Gary led the league with a 12.3% pressure rate and totaled 10 sacks on the year. He was explosive off the edge and paired well with a rejuvenated Preston Smith for the Packers.

This was, undoubtedly, a breakout year for Gary. Coming out of Michigan as a first round pick, the expectations were high and although he flashed potential his first couple of years in the league, this was the performance Packer fans had been waiting for. He always had the raw talent. But this year his hands were better and he was able to disengage from blocks and cut back into the QB with more precision. He’s a high-energy guy with a lot of speed who never gave up on the play as well.

He was also above average in run D, grading just under Myles Garret and TJ Watt in that area and making some big stops (a certain 4th down stop with just over 6 minutes to go in the playoffs comes to mind) while sometimes struggling with contain. But in a pass heavy league, having elite pass rushing capability places Gary firmly within the top 100 for the first and hopefully not last time.

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#54 - Fred Warner - San Francisco 49ers - Off-Ball Linebacker (LB)

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
20	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

Almost half of Warner's career targets have come against WRs (49%) the highest rate of any LB

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Written by: u/confederalis

Late in the day on November 7, 2021, a battered and bruised 49ers defense returned to the locker room after giving up 31 points to the Colt McCoy-led Cardinals, plummeting their unit to 23rd in defensive EPA. Talking heads called for rookie DC Demeco Ryans’ head and lambasted the poor performance of the secondary, prompting Fred Warner to come to both of their defenses.

“I am going to take responsibility for getting guys right to right this ship,” he said in a postgame interview. And even the biggest of critics would say that promise was fulfilled and exceeded.

The man in the middle with 54 on his back comes in at #54 on the r/NFL Top 100 List. Warner’s year was one of two halves; in the first, he was the “overpaid” and overworked centerpiece of a bottom 10 defense, but in the second, he was the best linebacker in the league and an incredibly crucial piece in helping the 49ers fight for and secure a wild card berth. Fred Warner’s best trait has always been his coverage and this year, more than any other, that ability was leaned on heavily by the 49ers' defense. With constant liabilities starting at corner, the 49ers played a zone scheme for most of the season, finishing the year as one of only three teams who spent over 60% of their snaps in Cover 3 or Cover 4. While the safeties provided support and cleaned up for the corners, the onus was on Warner to protect the middle of the field, whether that was covering TE’s, slot receivers, or outside receivers schemed on to him. Whatever came his way in the passing game, he shut down, finishing a "down" year as a top coverage linebacker in the league (72.4 PFF coverage grade, 3rd best). Even while having to cover elite or incredibly fast players, Warner led his position in coverage snaps per target and tied for second in yards per coverage snap, exhibiting that Warner was as lockdown as a linebacker could be.

In just the first game of the season, here’s a compilation of Warner covering a Lions receiver vertically through the middle of the field. He did this in every game of the season, constantly having to work against faster and shiftier skillplayers, like this play in overtime against the Bengals, having to cover Tyler Boyd. He can even cover two receivers at the same time, like here against the Falcons where Warner covers the crosser and the deep breaker simultaneously with his back to the QB. During the season finale, you can see Warner call out the mesh concept pre-snap and again simultaneously watch three different interior routes before picking up the open receiver and shutting him down. Though he was at his best when in coverage, Warner also had many moments where he excelled in run defense, like here where he shoots through multiple blocks and clobbers AJ Brown for a huge loss. And lastly, even though our rankings don’t take playoffs in to account, I would be remiss not to mention Fred’s best performance of the year; against the Packers in the Divisional where he played perfectly in every aspect of his game. He blew up screens, shot gaps, forced fumbles, and locked down any receiving threat that came his way, all just in the FIRST quarter! Fred Warner may have started somewhat slow but, by the end of the season, he was back to his All Pro Fred ways, absolutely dominating opposing offenses during the final stretch of the season and in the playoffs. If this is how Fred played with a rookie DC, I expect to see him much higher on next years’ list after another year of the same old dominance.

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#53 - Ali Marpet - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Offensive Guard

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
32	98	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

1 of 3 Guards to have a 75 or higher grade in PFF Pass Blocking/Zone Blocking Grade/ Gap Blocking Grade

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Written by: u/sanswagata

Ali Marpet might just be the best player that a majority of even diehard football fans do not know. He has consistently been one of the best players at his position across the league. No one really cares because there are only a handful of offensive linemen from other teams that fans care about (mainly Quenton Nelson). Even though he just retired, I am here to show you why you should care about Ali Marpet.

The main reason you should care about Ali Marpet is that he is one of the only human beings on the planet that can block Aaron Donald one on one. The Buccaneers didn't willingly choose to do that, but when the Rams would scheme up looks to get Donald one on one with Marpet, Marpet could hold his own. The combination of timing, footwork, positioning, and strength was just enough to get the better of Donald. That's only three plays, but it's indicative of what Marpet could do for his team. The other team's best pass rusher was not in an advantageous matchup when he was one on one with the Hobart University alumni. If he faced lesser competition, then it looked like he wasn't even trying. He would just do his job and give Tom as much time as he needed.

The main reason you should care about Ali Marpet is that he is one of the only human beings on the planet who can block Aaron Donald one-on-one a big reason why the Buccaneers have been so efficient on the ground. To go with this strength is incredible athleticism and balance at the second level. To linebacker coaches, he was a terrorist, but to me, he's one of the most underrated players of the past decade and I think it's finally time to give him the respect he deserves.

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#52 - Tyron Smith - Dallas Cowboys - Offensive Tackle

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
N/A	N/A	55	N/A	65	14	25	50	N/A​

Key Stat

5 Pro Bowl seasons with 13 or less games played, 2nd most since the first 16 game season in 1978

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Written by: u/Yedic

Stop me if you've heard this one before: Tyron Smith struggled to stay on the field due to injuries this year. And I've got another one for you: Tyron Smith played at an elite level this year.

As has been the case for the last six years, both of the above statements are true. Ankle injuries limited Smith to just 11 games at LT, but he was still able to demonstrate why he consistently grades out as one of the best tackles in the league. Per PFF, he only allowed 2 sacks and 11 pressures en route to an 88.0 pass blocking grade. He also didn't allow a single tackle for loss in the run game, which led to a 90.5 run blocking grade and a 91.4 overall grade, good for second in the league among all Tackles, behind only Trent Williams. On this play, he climbs to the second level and engages Kyzir White #44 to prevent him from filling his gap, which springs Tony Pollard for a huge gain.

The Dallas offense averaged 1.7 sacks per game in the 10 games Smith played, and 2.3 sacks per game in the 6 games he didn't. I was looking through their games for pass blocking highlights, but it's actually hard because almost every rep looks the same. A pass rusher tries to put a move on Smith, and nothing happens. Here he is calmly guiding Chandler Jones around the perimeter of the pocket. We can see a more dominant rep on this play, as Tyron Smith completely stonewalls Jason Pierre-Paul and then proceeds to throw him off balance and gently lay him on the ground (s/o sans for the clip).

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#51 - Trey Hendrickson - Cincinnati Bengals - EDGE Rusher (EDGE)

Previous Ranks

2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A​

Key Stat

3rd player to change teams after a 13+ sack season and record a second 13+ sack season

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Written by: u/confederalis

The Cincinnati Bengals spent big this past offseason and their spree paid off; building a team good enough to propel them from the doldrums of the league to the Super Bowl. The biggest of these acquisitions was a 4 year, $60 million contract for Trey Hendrickson, who brought his pass rush talents to the jungle and finds himself at #51 on the r/NFL Top100 List.

Hendrickson continues to be one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league, and his value comes from his explosiveness off the edge and non-stop high motor. Over the course of the season, Hendrickson racked up 87 pass rush wins, good for a 20.6% pass rush win rate, both of which are Top 6 marks at his position and emphasize just how good he was at beating his man. With 16 sacks, 46 hurries, and 75 pressures, Hendrickson also finds himself in the top 5 of almost every important counting stat, showing how good he was at turning his high win rate into production. If you adjust these numbers on a per snap basis, his rankings go even higher, including the 3rd best pressure percentage in the league at 10.5%. So, Hendrickson constantly won his reps, but he also had the motor to turn those victories into a sack or hit, which is a winning combination for edge rushers. Even moreso, Hendrickson was also insanely consistent, tallying at least a sack in 13 of his 16 games, including a stretch of 11 straight games with one down the stretch. With many talking heads predicting a fall in production for the new Bengal, Hendrickson proved he could do more than just grab clean up sacks, acting as constant force on an underrated defensive line that carried its weight in an intense playoff push.

To start analyzing tape, I want to first point out this rep against Rashawn Slater and the Chargers as I think it is a culmination of all of Hendrickson’s best attributes. To start, he has tremendous speed and get-off, blasting off the line of scrimmage in to a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it double move that opens up the edge. Then he uses his excellent hand-fighting to chop down Slater’s arm and get around the edge before slamming into Herbert and perfectly finishing off the sack. This double-move, chop and speed combination can also be seen against the Packers earlier in the season and does a great job showing off just how Hendrickson creates his pressure. However, these aren’t the only moves in his bag of tricks; he showed off some fantastic swim moves throughout the season, like this rep against the Broncos or this one against the Ravens. However, Hendrickson’s true power comes from his incredibly high motor (yes, I know the meme) and speed. Here against the Lions, Hendrickson comes all the way around his defender before chasing down Goff right at the line. His insane get-off and speed can get him to the QB before the tackle can even react, leading to sacks and many holding calls. The big man can even peel into coverage! In conclusion, Trey Hendrickson is underrated, very deserving of this spot, and one of the most fun edge rushers to watch in the league. The Bengals are lucky to have him locked up for so cheap and I look forward to seeing if he can repeat his production next year.

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