JKFOOTBALL Top 100 Players for 2024: 100-81

 For the fourth season in a row, we are BACK for my top 100 list! Every year this list just gets more and more fun to make as we have the added data and history of the past. It is never easy to rank the top 100 guys, as my initial list had over 140 players and I had the tough job of trimming that down to 100, and then actually ranking the guys. Who is new? Who drops off? What rookies from last season made a top 100 worthy impact right away? This list is not only a reflection of 2023, but how I personally project guys for 2024. As always, rookies are NOT included on this list, no matter how badly I wanted to put someone like Caleb Williams or Marvin Harrison. Today we will kick off the list with the first 20 players: 100-81!

100. Brandon Aubrey, Kicker, Dallas Cowboys | LAST YEAR: N/A 

2023 stats: 36/38 FGs, 49/52 XPs, 10/10 from 50+, 60 yard LNG

What a way to KICK off this year's list...no pun intended. Jokes aside, Brandon Aubrey has become the third Kicker to ever grace my list, joining Justin Tucker and Evan McPherson. In just ONE season in the NFL, I believe Aubrey has already established himself as the best kicker in the game. I don't spoil much on this list, but I will say that Aubrey is the lone kicker I have making the list this year, and just barely. The former soccer player is one of the older rookies you will ever have seen, at 29 years old, but sometimes that is what it takes to find your footing in the NFL as a kicker. Aubrey won the kicking job and was an afterthought to most, until he actually started playing. Kicker numbers don't usually jump off the page at you, but Aubrey's certainly should. He missed just 2 kicks all year, starting off with a record amount of makes in a row. He was 10 for fricken' 10 from 50+ on the year, insanity as well. Aubrey has a massive leg, with great accuracy too, and is an absolute weapon to have, knowing he is cash from pretty much anywhere. I am excited to see if he can follow it up this coming season, and if he does, he will join rarefied air as Justin Tucker is the only kicker to ever make my list in consecutive seasons. 

99. George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 63 receptions for 1,140 yards, 5 TDs receiving

At 23 years old, George Pickens has made my top 100 for the first time! Pretty good stuff this early on. Since entering the league in 2022, Pickens has been a human highlight reel. While his stats were nothing crazy as a rookie, again, some of his crazy contested catches were. Then, in his second year, Pickens took a huge step. Even with poor QB play all year, he rose above, continuing to make his circus catches left and right, but also producing at a much higher rate. Pickens broke 1,100 yards on only 63 catches (50th in the league). He is the definition of a deep threat, just check his late season game against the Bengals, where he went for 195 yards and 2 TDs on just 4 catches. Imagine how good he can be with more progression, better QB play, and a valid amount of receptions for a WR1. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both in the mix now in Pittsburgh, a full fledged superstar breakout could be right on the horizon for the talented 23 year old! I think he will be MUCH higher on this list a year from now.

98. Raheem Mostert, Running Back, Miami Dolphins | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 209 carries for 1,012 yards, 18 TDs rushing | 25 receptions for 175 yards, 3 TDs rec.

I don't think anyone would have predicted a 31 year old running back who never was considered a top 10 guy at his position in his career to suddenly surge into the top 100. That is exactly what Raheem Mostert just did. The electrifyingly fast Mostert broke out in his second season in Miami, forming an elite duo with rookie back De'Von Achane. HC Mike McDaniel really figured out how to use Mostert, and it was scary. Mostert led the NFL in touchdowns, with a whopping 18 !! Who would have seen this coming?! Seriously. Entering his age 32 season, it is tough to project if Mostert will have another crazy season like this, but he just had to make this list either way. I have no idea what he has in store in 2024, and that is probably just how the Dolphins like it.

97. Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 120 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections

I have been a huge fan of Dre Greenlaw's game ever since his breakout rookie season. Greenlaw has been an impact player ever since that rookie year, after being drafted in the 5th round. At age 26 now, he finally gets his well deserved debut on my list. I said I won't spoil much, and I won't, but Linebacker is one of the positions with the LEAST players on my top 100, so making it is a true testament to the player, and Greenlaw deserves it. Even for an LB, his numbers are not insane or anything, but they are good, but he is so much more than that. He does all the little things, he brings a mean toughness to the table, and he is one of the heart and souls of this STOUT 49er defense. He just always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and is a major asset for the Niners. Just watch the games and you will realize exactly what I mean. Enough was enough for leaving Greenlaw off the list.

96. Kobie Turner, Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 57 total tackles, 9 sacks, 2 pass deflections

Five spots in and we have our first 2023 rookie hit the list, and its a guy that few would have expected to be here even a day after the 2023 draft concluded. A third round pick out of Wake Forest, Kobie Turner made his presence immediately felt, cashing in playing next to Aaron Donald and under Raheem Morris and racking up 9 sacks as a rookie! We see all of these edge rushers with 10+ sacks on the year, but very few DTs are able to do that from the inside, and Turner's 9 is All-Pro level pass rush production for his position. Turner was a DROY finalist and turned a lot of heads in LA. I am cautiously very excited to see what he does in his second year, as he will develop even more but will also be without the aid of Donald and Morris. If Turner TURNs in another elite season even without the help, he will shoot likely inside the top 30-40 a year from now, and the Rams may have a Donald-like replacement. Impressive stuff from the rook. 

95. Breece Hall, Running Back, New York Jets | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 223 carries for 994 yards, 5 TDs rushing | 76 receptions for 591 yards, 4 TDs rec.

Listed as a 'just missed' player a season ago, Breece Hall proved he truly is top 100 worthy in his first full season as a pro without injury. I do think the injury to Aaron Rodgers did certainly affect how high his ceiling was this year, but he was still damn productive even with Zach Wilson under center. Hall is one of the most juiced up runners in the league right now, and an easy top 3 receiving threat out of the backfield as well. His 76 catches were among the very most for backs. All in, Hall had over 1,500 yards of offense and 9 TDs. And he's only getting better. At just 22 years old, Hall is positioned for a true breakout year, with a healthy Aaron Rodgers under center and a revamped OL. Watch out.

94. Montez Sweat, Edge Rusher, Chicago Bears | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 57 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 4 pass deflections

Montez Sweat has been a good player for some time, but nothing ever great. That is why it raised some eyebrows when the Bears gave up solid draft compensation at the deadline to acquire him. Felt like a random move. Nope, Ryan Poles knew what he was doing. Sweat produced at a career best pace after making the move to Chicago, entrenching himself as a true no. 1 rusher and finishing the year with a career high 12.5 sacks and also 3 forced fumbles. Sweat looks very worthy of the huge money extension he signed with the Bears, and even more worth what they gave up to get him. Everything is looking up for Chicago right now, and with one of the flashiest edge defenders in the league on their side, the sky could be the limit. Montez Sweat has burst onto the scene as one of the best rushers in the league, and at 27 years old, he should be here to stay for some time. 

93. Jordan Mailata, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: #76

2023 stats: 1,147 snaps played, 8 penalties, 3 sacks allowed, 84.1 PFF grade

Our first returner from last season's list is now on a three year streak of making the big list! Ever since hearing about Mailata's story to the NFL, I have been intrigued. He came from overseas, with great size and athleticism but not a football background. The Eagles have since morphed him into one of the games best tackles, and he is consistently now making this list at a position that is hard to be recognized for. Mailata cut down to just 3 sacks allowed this year, after 6 a year ago, and he continues to play elite run blocking football as well. He did fall slightly, but for OL players, that is not as much of a knock as it might seem for any other position. It is truly hard to grade good OL against skill position players. The real testament is to Mailata for three straight JKFOOTBALL Top 100 appearances!

92. Michael Pittman Jr., Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 109 receptions for 1,152 yards, 4 TDs receiving

The 26 year old Pittman has been flirting with the list for some time now, but never actually cracked the code, until now! In a contract year, Pittman went OFF, and not only secured his money, but now is debuting on my annual list! Despite a revolving door of QBs, Pittman posted career highs in receptions, targets, and yards, with the nice numbers you can see above. His 109 catches were good for 5th most in the league. The big bodied wideout is so nimble for his frame and makes some of the hardest catches look routine. He is just entering his prime and now will hopefully get a full season with second-year QB Anthony Richardson, who has a cannon for an arm. After the breakout he just had, Pittman Jr. feels like he will be a fixture on the list for years to come now, in a potent offense called by Shane Steichen. 

91. Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, New York Jets | LAST YEAR: #84

2023 stats: 95 receptions for 1,042 yards, 3 TDs receiving

After making the list following his Rookie of the Year winning first season, Wilson is now 2/2, hitting the list again, but falling 7 spots. Wilson was so impressive as a rookie, the world was so excited to see what he could do with a real QB in Aaron Rodgers for 2023. We all know what happened there, and Wilson was stuck with one of the worst QB situations in football again for the 2023 season, leading to a season of mediocrity. It was impressive to see Wilson still rack up nearly 100 catches and get over the 1,000 yard mark again as well. Now, 2024 figures to be the year we can finally see Wilson take off for real. He has all the receiving talent in the world, he just needs a good QB to get him the ball. I hope 2024 can bring Wilson the QB play we've been waiting eagerly to see him with.

90. Darius Slay, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: #35

2023 stats: 57 total tackles, 2 INTs (one returned for TD) , 15 pass deflections

Darius Slay has long been one of the best corners in football since entering the league in 2013. Now at 33, it is sad to admit that his career may be winding down, hence the large fall from 35 to 90 on this year's list. 2023 was not a bad season AT ALL for Slay, the numbers were still clearly there, but he noticeably seemed like he lost a step, which is what you traditionally see from CBs past the age of 30. It is impressive how productive he has been since turning 30, but I do anticipate a likely drop in play again this season, as good as he has been. Slay will still be the CB1 for the Eagles, and likely produce, but I have to hedge my bet a little and put him here at 90. Not bad at all, but not inside the top 40 like he was last season. Future Hall of Famer here.

89. Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 1,799 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs passing | 44 carries for 244 yards, 3 TDs rushing (limited to 8 games, injury)

All bets were off for Kyler Murray heading into 2023. He had torn his ACL in 2022 after a bad stretch of play already before that. Many thought that despite the mega-deal he signed with Arizona recently, he could be entering his final season with the team. It was awesome to see him prove everyone wrong. Murray returned from the injury at about the mid-season point this year, and looked fresher than ever. If you multiplied his numbers by 2 (given that his 8 games is basically a half season worth) he would have finished with around 3,600 yards, 20 TDs, and 10 INTs passing, along with 6 rushing TDs. A very solid season. Murray becomes the first QB on my top 100 for this season, as I believe he is going to be at full strength for the season, and return to how good he was in the very beginning of what is still a very young career. The addition of potentially generational WR Marvin Harrison Jr. only helps his prospects. I can't wait to see what Murray does in 2024, and I have enough belief in him to put him back on my top 100 after a one year hiatus. 

88. TJ Hockenson, Tight End, Minnesota Vikings | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 95 receptions for 960 yards, 5 TDs receiving

I am not sure how I had TJ Hockenson as a just missed last year, but he easily makes it onto the list for 2024. Hockenson has long been one of the few elite TEs in the game, and he is only getting better now. Despite Kirk Cousins getting injured halfway through the year, Hockenson kept on producing. Hockenson was second in catches for TEs in the NFL this past year, and also top 4 in overall receiving yards at the position as well. He may not be the flashiest in the open field, but he gets open, has hands that are sure as hell, and breaks tackles. He is also more than a willing blocker at the position. Hockenson is truly the whole package at the TE spot, and with Justin Jefferson fully healthy, his job only gets easier. Hockenson should be a focal point once again, especially with the likely prospect of rookie QB JJ McCarthy starting, who will love to rely on a sure-handed big target like Hock.

87. Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 33 total tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

The second rookie to hit the list, also the second rookie DT! The hyped up DT from Georgia lived up to it in his first season in the NFL. Carter put up an elite (for a DT) statline with 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He was a menace in run defense, and showed those flashes of a potential game wrecking interior pass rusher as well. Carter was a finalist for DROY as well. Carter is such an exceptional athlete for his size and is only going to develop and get better. He is on a loaded Philly DL that will only help him produce. It takes time for DTs to become very productive in the NFL, and his rookie year was much better than many could have even guessed. Carter is already easily a top 100 player, and his generous ranking at 87 signifies the great sophomore year I expect him to have. Carter marks already the THIRD Eagle on this top 100 from just players 100-87! 

86. Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams | LAST YEAR: #20

2023 stats: 59 receptions for 737 yards, 5 TDs receiving (limited to 12 games due to injury)

Our first member of the top 20 from a season ago returns to the list, but not after a bit of a fall from grace. Cooper Kupp drops 66 spots to #86 for 2024. Maybe this is a bit harsh, but it is truly hard to predict what 2024 will look like for him. Kupp is now past 30 years old and coming off of yet another injury. When he was on the field for 12 games last year, he looked pretty good still, but Puka Nacua's shocking breakout season doesn't look like a fluke. Kupp still played second fiddle to Nacua even when both were on the field. I can't imagine that goes away with Kupp being another year older and Nacua only getting better. There is a chance Kupp goes right back to his 1,400+ yard seasons if healthy, and proves me very wrong, but I just feel like maybe prime Cooper Kupp may no longer be with us.

85. Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback, Miami Dolphins | LAST YEAR: #48

2023 stats: 22 total tackles, 3 INTs, 5 pass deflections (limited to 10 games, injury)

Back-to-back players who were fixtures on the recent Rams' Super Bowl winning squad. Kupp and Jalen Ramsey feel like they may be in similar points in their respective careers. In their primes, they were both the best player at their positions for a few years, now, they may be starting to regress with age. Ramsey's first year in Miami was interesting. He missed the start of the season with injury, but when he came back, was quite productive and the ball-hawking corner we've known him to be. Still, in 10 games, his numbers were not what they've always been. Ramsey will be 30 by this coming season's end, and like I mentioned before with Darius Slay, that is typically the point where CBs especially, start to fall off a bit. If Ramsey can remain healthy throughout this season, maybe we see a resurgent year. He, like Kupp, is hard to predict right now, but such a good player for so long, he remains in my top 100 for 2024, despite falling nearly 40 spots from last year.

84. Tank Dell, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 47 receptions for 709 yards, 7 TDs receiving (limited to 11 games, injury)

Our first OFFENSIVE rookie from this past season debuts on the top 100! This ranking might be a bit generous, especially due to the arrival of Stefon Diggs in Houston, but Tank Dell was so good when he was on the field and displayed such a rapport with CJ Stroud, that I had to include him. Before his injury, Dell was breaking out in front of our eyes. He was the top target (arguably) in the Houston offense, racking up 100+ yard games with 1 or more TDs in two of his final three games. Despite being severely undersized, Dell is a masterful route runner with elite hands as well, and he was making teams pay. The 24-year-old enters his second season now in a loaded passing attack led by Stroud and paired with Diggs and other stud Nico Collins. There is a chance Dell could see his production dip with the addition of Diggs, but I'm betting on the guy who has continued to prove everyone wrong. What a debut season from a guy drafted outside the first round, landing inside the top 85 as a rookie. 

83. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, New York Jets | LAST YEAR: #39

2023 stats: N/A (missed season due to injury)

Even after an underwhelming final season in Green Bay, expectations were through the roof for Aaron Rodgers' inaugural season with the Jets for 2023. As we all know, things did not go close to according to plan. Rodgers blew out his Achilles just 4 snaps into the season opening game, and missed the remainder of the season. Now, in 2024, it feels like a potential last hurrah for him. While he is now the oldest QB in the league, he is one of the greatest athletes the position has ever seen, and I believe he will be better than average at worst if he can stay healthy this upcoming season. The Jets have heavily invested around him, drafting OT Olu Fashanu in round 1, signing WR Mike Williams and OT Tyron Smith, and returning studs like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, both whom have already appeared in this first portion of the top 100. It is so hard to project Rodgers, but I feel like with health, he can and will be an easy top 100 player in the league this year. He no longer is that surefire top 20-40 talent he once was, but I believe he still has a little left in the tank, and so he returns yet again to my top 100!

82. Brock Purdy, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 4,280 yards, 31 TDs, 11 INTs passing | 39 carries for 144 yards, 2 TDs rushing

One of the most talked about players in the league over the last two seasons makes his debut on my list! Brock Purdy's numbers are really really good. He was top 5 in passing yards and top 3 in passing TDs, ultimately finishing in the top 5 of MVP voting for this past season. He led his 49ers to the Super Bowl, narrowly losing in OT to the Chiefs as well. So why isn't the 24 year old QB with all of this going for him not higher on my list? Until he drastically proves me wrong, Purdy will be seen as a system QB to me. He had arguably the best supporting cast in the NFL around him, and a lot of his numbers are off of little jet-touch-passes or dump-offs to guys like CMC or Deebo Samuel. He is generally a smart and safe thrower of the football, with good arm talent and mobility, but he showed serious flaws in pretty much every game the Niners lost this season, proving to me he is not more than a guy in a lucky situation with a great offensive coach. I hope he can do things to prove me wrong, but I won't give Purdy top 5 QB attention until I see it. 82 actually felt generous to me, including putting him over Kyler Murray and Aaron Rodgers, who we have seen already on this list. Good player, top 100 player, but nothing elite yet in my opinion. 

81. Frank Ragnow, Center, Detroit Lions | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 989 snaps played, 3 penalties, 1 sack allowed, 88.1 PFF grade

The 28 year old Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow has long been one of the best and most consistent Centers in football, yet somehow I left him off the list last year. I refuse to make that mistake again, as Ragnow checks in at a high-level #81 ranking. While many might say OT Penei Sewell is the BEST o-lineman on the Lions, Ragnow is the ANCHOR of the group. The Lions had arguably the best line in football this past season, and Ragnow is arguably the biggest reason as to why. He has such command at the line, is elite in both run and pass blocking, and was not banged up this year either. The Lions have found their identity running the football, and that flows through Ragnow. Jared Goff also had a career year, in huge part to Ragnow's ONE sack allowed in nearly 1000 downs of football. This guy is incredible, and only 28 years old. He will be a mainstay on the Lions for another decade if I had to guess. Incredible work from him, and I expect more of the same in 2024!

That caps off the initial 20 players of my top 100 for 2024! We will have another batch of 20 coming out very soon.