JKFOOTBALL Top 100 Players for 2024: 60-41

 Today we take another large chunk out of my annual top 100 players list as we will see players 60-41! Lets get into it!

60. Joshua Hines-Allen, Edge Rusher, Jacksonville Jaguars | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 66 total tackles, 17.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT

Joshua Hines-Allen (formerly known as Josh Allen) finally makes his debut on my list after 5 pro seasons. Allen has always been a good young player, but aside from a 10.5 sack rookie season, has never fully lived up to the hype he got being selected 7th overall in 2019. He put it all together in 2023 and suddenly has become one of the best pure pass rushers in football. Hines-Allen exploded for 17.5 sacks (2nd most in football) and 2 forced fumbles. His athleticism was on full display as he was a genuine game wrecker for the Jags. He made his second career Pro Bowl and was paid a big money extension to remain a Jaguar for a long time. It was awesome to see Hines-Allen finally live up to his potential, and at 27, it looks like he is just entering what should be an exciting and productive prime! 

59. Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Detroit Lions | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 1,178 snaps played, 7 penalties, 1 sack allowed, 90.7 PFF grade

The 23 year old Penei Sewell has been an ELITE OT ever since being drafted highly by the Lions a few years ago, but he really took it up another notch in 2023, allowing just 1 sack in nearly 1,200 downs played. Not only is Sewell arguably the best pass protector in football, but he was an iron man. His 1,178 snaps were the most played by anyone in football, and just one sack in all of that is unreal. His 90.7 PFF grade was also a top 5 grade in the NFL. The Lions made their arrival known in 2023, making it to the brink of a Super Bowl appearance, and Sewell is the most unsung hero on that high octane offense. I could have put Sewell much higher even, but I tend to just undervalue OL even though I admittedly shouldn't. Sewell is going to be here or higher again a year from now. He's only 23!!

58. Kenneth Walker III, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks | LAST YEAR: #93

2023 stats: 219 carries for 905 yards, 8 TDs rushing | 29 receptions for 259 yards, 1 TD receiving (limited to 15 games played)

Ken Walker is now 2/2 in terms of years in the NFL and Top 100 appearances on my list! Walker debuted near the bottom of this list last year, and rises more than 30 spots a year later! This guy is one of the most fun players to watch in the league. He is so shifty and elusive, sacrificing no speed when making cuts and flying through holes. Even with a suspect OL in Seattle, Walker was able to find success again, combining for over 1,100 yards and 9 scores of all-purpose offensive yardage. With a revamped OL, and a new OC in Ryan Grubb, this could be a major breakout year for Walker. Last year he missed two games with injury and didn't start at RB until mid-way through the season. This past year he had some slow games and missed time with injury again. If he can stay healthy, we could see a true explosion from Walker III in 2024, hence his high ranking at #58! 

57. Danielle Hunter, Edge Rusher, Houston Texans | LAST YEAR: #71

2023 stats: 83 total tackles, 16.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 pass deflections

While Danielle Hunter has long been one of the best and most feared pass rushers in football, year 8 was the lucky charm for him. Hunter had double digit sacks 4 other seasons of his career, but this year he exploded for a career high 16.5 of them (good for 5th most in football). His 4 forced fumbles were also 5th most. Hunter is 29 and is in the midst of his prime, and was traded to the Texans where he will for the first time in his storied career play for another team, pairing up with reigning DROY pass rusher Will Anderson! The Texans defense took a major step forward in 2023 under new defensive minded HC DeMeco Ryans. Just imagine what he will be able to do with two elite pure edge rushers on either side in Hunter and Anderson in 2024. I could see another 15+ sack output for 'The Quarterback Hunter' in 2024 as the Texans look to be a true Super Bowl contender for the first time...maybe ever. Hunter rises 14 spots from last year!

56. DeForest Buckner, Defensive Tackle, Indianapolis Colts | LAST YEAR: #67

2023 stats: 81 total tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 7 pass deflections

Another annual fixture on the big list: DeForest Buckner. Like I have mentioned with a few other of the rare DTs to make this list, there are few that are really elite at getting after the QB from their position, and if they are, they are likely to make this list. That is what DeForest Buckner has been doing for years. Forcing major pressure on opposing QBs from the interior spot. This is one of the freakiest athletes in the entire NFL, and he showed up again in 2023. He produced another 8 sacks (elite for a DT) and 2 forced fumbles, along with batting down 7 passes at the line. While the Colts were a pretty average team on both offense and defense in 2023, Buckner was a major bright spot for this squad. With a revamped roster and a hopefully healthy 2024 season out of young QB Anthony Richardson, the Colts should be playoff contenders this season, and they will go as far on defense as Buckner can carry them once again, which should be pretty solid given he is 30 years old and firmly in or even at the end of his elite prime. 11 spot rise for the timeless wonder Buckner this season. 

55. Jared Goff, Quarterback, Detroit Lions | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 4,575 yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs passing | 2 TDs rushing 

What a resurgence it has been of late for Jared Goff. We all know he came into the league as a highly heralded, no. 1 overall draft pick, who struggled as a rookie but then was brilliant when Sean McVay got to LA. He led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance but was soon traded to the Lions as sort of a throw-in to make the money work in the big Matthew Stafford trade. Arguably more shocking than Stafford winning a Super Bowl with the Rams as a result of that trade is the career resurgence of Goff. Goff has slowly been getting better and better with each year in Detroit, and he is coming off of arguably the best year of his entire career in 2023 throwing for top 5 in both yards (2nd) and TDs (4th) in all of football, while leading the Lions to the brink of their first Super Bowl. At 29 years old, Goff is entering the midst of his prime where we should see more precision passing in the near future. The Lions have a loaded offensive group, with Pro Bowl/All-Pro talent all around him like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, a loaded OL, and the best offensive coordinator in the league in Ben Johnson. The Lions are my NFC favorites to reach the Super Bowl this season and Goff's accuracy is a huge reason why. After narrowly missing the big list a year ago, Goff makes it, and nearly cracks the top 50 a year later! 

54. DK Metcalf, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks | LAST YEAR: #55

2023 stats: 66 receptions for 1,114 yards, 8 TDs receiving

Another year, another high ranking on the top 100 for DK Metcalf! DK is firmly cemented in this range right now, rising just one spot from 55 last year to 54 this year. It feels like Metcalf is on the verge of an all-league type breakout season. He is the most physically imposing WR (and maybe overall player) in the entire league. We have really never seen someone built like him at his position (except maybe Calvin Johnson) with so much success. Metcalf stands at a towering 6'4 and weighs roughly 230 pounds of pure muscle, all while flashing 4.2/4.3 speed. He might be the fastest player in all of football even despite this insane frame. Metcalf can outrun anyone, he can outjump most, and out muscle anyone as well. In previous years under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have been a truly run-first offense with the occasional deep shot to DK. Times are changing. While Geno Smith is still at the helm, a new coaching staff has come to Seattle, and one that should really benefit Metcalf. Former Washington Husky OC Ryan Grubb has come to town with his air raid, deep shot type offense he had with Michael Penix and the 'Dawgs in 2023. Metcalf is going to be a major beneficiary. For a guy as talented and imposing as Metcalf, 66 catches just does not get it done. Expect a career year for DK, possibly going for over 80/90 catches. If he could put up 1,100+ yards and 8 scores on just 65 catches, imagine what he may be able to do now with an offense truly running through him. I think a huge year is in store for Metcalf, and he could be a lot higher on this list a year from now!

53. Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Houston Texans | LAST YEAR: #50

2023 stats: 877 snaps played, 10 penalties, 5 sacks allowed, 73.4 PFF grade

Since entering the league as a first rounder a few years ago, Laremy Tunsil has been in the discussion for best OT in football pretty much every year. I would call 2023 a bit of a down year for him, and that's saying something given that his numbers are not half bad. 5 sacks given up is not terrible, but it is for Tunsil's standards, along with a slightly lower PFF grade than he is used to. Still, Tunsil played through some injury and also missed some time as well. Like I have said before, this list is not solely based on 2023, but also some projection for 2024, which is why he is higher than a guy like Penei Sewell (#59) who was arguably the best OT in football in 2023. I know how good Tunsil is, everyone knows, and I think with health, he will be back to his dominant ways again in 2024. The hype is real for the Texans, and I think a huge factor in whether or not the team has the major success we expect falls on the shoulders of Tunsil and if he can hold up as well as we know he is capable of blocking for the elite young CJ Stroud. Tunsil remains right in his usual ranking area, falling just 3 spots from 50 to 53, but could rise a lot higher if he gets back to what we know he is in 2024.

52. Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Detroit Lions | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 182 carries for 945 yards, 10 TDs rushing | 52 receptions for 316 yards, 1 TD rec.

The Lions shocked the NFL world when they selected Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the draft a year ago, many calling for heads in Detroit with 'such a massive reach'. Boy do a lot of people feel stupid now. Just one year in and the pick looks like another stroke of genius for Brad Holmes and co. in Detroit. Gibbs was simply electric as a rookie. The speedster dual-threat back did everything for the Lions this year, and only got better as the year went on. He was never the full-time starter, splitting with the talented David Montgomery, and still put up very good numbers. Gibbs rushed for just shy of 1,000 yards on just 182 carries, averaging a whopping 5.2 yards per carry. The vision and footwork he showed off, coupled with electric speed and change of direction ability was such a joy to watch, and gave the Lions' high octane offense yet another dimension. Gibbs was one of the best dual threat backs in all of football, and has publicly set a goal for a 1,000/1,000 season, meaning at least 1k yards both rushing and receiving in 2024. With more snaps in 2024, that feels very possible. Gibbs just made his entrance to the show in 2023, I feel like he is about to officially ARRIVE and show everyone he might just be a top 3-5 RB in football in 2024! Another Lion in this chunk of the list! 

51. George Kittle, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers | LAST YEAR: #38

2023 stats: 65 receptions for 1,020 yards, 6 TDs receiving 

From a breakout star in Gibbs to a perennial Top 100 member; George Kittle. Kittle has made the list multiple years in a row and I see him doing the same until he probably retires. This guy is a future Hall of Famer at a position that is more scarce for talent than ever. Kittle is truly one of the few do-it-all TEs in the sport right now. He is absolutely elite as a contested catch receiver and exceptional after the catch, but is also more than just a willing blocker, giving the 49ers an elite blocking TE down the field. The Niners' scheme supports many YAC players, and Kittle not only is one of them, but is a major contributor to the others' success on the team with his second-level blocking. Kittle broke 1,000 yards for somehow just the third time in his decorated career this year, along with 6 TD catches and remained one of those guys that opposing defenses are always accounting for. At 30 years old, if he can stay healthy (which has been somewhat of a problem in the past), there is no reason he won't continue to dominate well into his 30s. Even though he was better in 2023 than 2022, Kittle falls 13 spots this year due to other talent on the rise, but is as close as you can get to a top 50 player going into 2024.

50. Tariq Woolen, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks | LAST YEAR: #27

2023 stats: 53 total tackles, 2 INTs, 11 pass deflections

Kicking off our top 50 is one of the best young players in the sport! Tariq Woolen has been an absolute superstar gem of a find for Seattle over the course of his first two seasons in the NFL. Entering the league as a 5th round pick project type of player, Seattle started him from the get-go due to his immense potential that came with his extremely rare frame. Woolen stands at a towering 6'4 and ran a 4.2 forty yard dash at the combine. That alone got him drafted, but his development in just a short period of time has been elite. Woolen led the LEAGUE in INTs as a rookie with 6, and tacked on another 2 this season, along with 11 pass deflections. He is so long that it is hard to get the ball up or around him, and he has next level recovery speed as you can imagine. Those two physical traits make him so good and so hard to throw against. Woolen does drop 23 spots this year, but top 50 is still the best of the best. While he is coming into his own as a coverage player (PFF's highest graded coverage corner this season), he is still extremely raw in terms of tackling, with many missed tackles this year especially causing his perception around fans in the league to fall. Woolen is still just 25 entering his third pro season, and I expect him to get even better in coverage AND tackling. He forms arguably the best CB duo in football with another young stud Devon Witherspoon (who is still to come *spoiler*) on this list. The addition of defensive genius HC Mike MacDonald should only help. 

49. Jalen Hurts, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles | LAST YEAR: #7

2023 stats: 3,858 yards, 23 TDs, 15 INTs passing | 157 carries for 605 yards, 15 TDs rushing

One of the biggest drops from 2023 to 2024. Jalen Hurts found himself in the top 10 last year after an unreal campaign where he came in second for MVP. While he was not BAD by any means this year, he definitely was not the exact same top 10 level player we saw the year before. The Eagles slumped a bit to end the year, and Hurts did not help their case. While he combined for nearly 40 TDs, he also accounted for 17 turnovers (15 INTs, 2 fumbles lost). Even if the other numbers are good, you simply cannot turn the ball over that much if you are going to be considered an MVP level player. Hurts is just 25 and entering the midst of his prime, and with a new play caller in the innovative Kellen Moore coming to town, I think Hurts is likely in line for a big bounce-back season. Hurts is still elite, or very close to it, and still firmly a top 50 player in this league for the upcoming season, but he does fall 42 spots from his very high ranking of #7 a year ago.

48. Sam LaPorta, Tight End, Detroit Lions | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 86 receptions for 889 yards, 10 TDs receiving

Another Detroit Lion, another Detroit Lion rookie! Sam LaPorta is the next big thing in terms of Iowa Hawkeye TEs translating to the NFL! Many thought that LaPorta would be an impact player for the Lions, going as the second pick in the second round, but few realized how quickly that would be. LaPorta burst onto the scene almost instantly as an ELITE safety blanket for Jared Goff. He has such secure hands and is great after the catch. LaPorta had almost 900 yards and DID have double digit TDs as just a rookie, which history is not kind to (rookie TEs). As a rookie, LaPorta made the Pro Bowl and was truly one of the very best at his position. Going into year 2, I expect even more for this young weapon. Ben Johnson returns as OC and will likely plan to have him even more involved than he already was as a rook. Debuting at 48 is pretty impressive, especially for a rookie TIGHT END! Big things are in store for this guy.

47. Brandon Aiyuk, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers (?) | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 75 receptions for 1,342 yards, 7 TDs receiving

After narrowly missing the list a year ago following his first career 1,000 yard season, Aiyuk easily makes it this year after an All-Pro level season. One of the best deep threats/yards after the catch players in the league, Aiyuk ARRIVED in 2023, totaling 1300 yards and 7 TDs on 75 catches. While it is a crowded offensive skill group in SF with CMC, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Aiyuk, he was able to become the main focal point in the receiving game. The former first round pick was so elusive and hard to cover downfield all year long, and displayed an amazing rapport with Brock Purdy. He made his first career All-Pro team as a result. However, Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal and wants to be paid like the star he is. There have been serious problems in negotiations with him in the Bay Area, and it is sounding more and more likely by the day that he will be dealt soon. Aiyuk could arguably be higher on this list, but I am not fully sure just how good he might be on a different team. The Niners have so many stars on offense that it definitely takes some eyes off of Aiyuk defensively, and he wouldn't be playing for the offensive genius that is Kyle Shannahan. We all know he is talented, and he has proven to be wildly productive under multiple QBs, but how might he fare as a lone WR1 on a worse team? The Patriots and Browns have been heavily rumored to be in on Aiyuk, and him heading to either team could drastically change the outlook of the 2024 season for him. 

46. De'Von Achane, Running Back, Miami Dolphins | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 103 carries for 800 yards, 8 TDs rushing | 27 receptions for 197 yards, 3 TDs receiving (limited to 11 games played, injury)

Another rookie, another rookie picked outside the first round! Man, we all knew how electric De'Von Achane looked in college, but we didn't know it would still translate perfectly to the NFL! Achane bursted onto the scene like no other. In week 1 he recorded just one carry for 5 yards, but in week 2, it all clicked. In the Dolphins' offensive explosion for 70 points against the Broncos, Achane rushed for 200+ yards on 18 carries and 4 total TDs! It was downright insane, one of the best performances in a game ever by a rookie. The next week he rushed for over 100 yards and 2 scores on just EIGHT carries. Then the week after THAT, 151 yards and a score on just 11 carries. Sadly after that, Achane was victim to a slew of injuries throughout the season that made his playing time in terms of games very sporadic. He was still able to finish the year with 997 yards and 11 TDs total on just 130 touches. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry! MENTAL! Achane was known for his game-breaking speed in college, but boy did it translate to the NFL. In 2024, with health, Achane has a chance to genuinely become the best running back in the NFL. No one could figure him out when he was on the field. If healthy, expect a much larger workload, even with Raheem Mostert around. This might be the first (and probably only) time that a team has TWO top 100 running backs on their team. Achane is special, and he debuts at #46 after a rookie season of under 150 touches of the football.

45. Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback, Chicago Bears | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 36 total tackles, 4 INTs, 10 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 defensive TD

Jaylon Johnson has been one of the better young CBs in the NFL for a couple of years now, but makes his debut on my Top 100 finally going into 2024. Johnson was a breakout star as a rookie and continued to progress slowly but surely, but has also dealt with some injuries. However, 2023 he played 14 games and showed just how shutdown he is to the entire league. Sometimes it is hard to tell how good a corner is by the numbers, and that could be the case here with Johnson, but his numbers are also pretty good. His 4 picks was good for 7th most in the league, and he also had double digit pass breakups. The numbers don't show the sheer amount of times Johnson had receivers absolutely blanketed in coverage and the ball was not thrown his way. As a result of his elite season, Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his young career as well as Second Team All-Pro! He signed a lucrative extension with the Bears for 4 years and $76 million, and will be the heart and soul of a Bear defense that is on the rise. While he was snubbed from the official NFL Top 100, he firmly makes my list at the high ranking of #45!

44. Chris Lindstrom, Offensive Guard, Atlanta Falcons | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 1,066 snaps played, 7 penalties, 3 sacks allowed, 87.6 PFF grade

Similarly to some of the very best corners in the league, some of the best offensive guards in the game can not be recognized fully by the numbers either. Chris Lindstrom is arguably the BEST run blocker in the sport, and that cannot be told by the numbers. As you can see, he was pretty good in pass protection too, allowing just 3 sacks in over 1,000 snaps played, but those numbers don't mention the mauler he is in the run game and how he has been, again, arguably the best run blocker in the sport. That facet of his game however is definitely factored into the absolutely elite 87.6 PFF grade he received, along with being named a Pro Bowler and All-Pro player for the second straight season. I am not sure how I left him snubbed a year ago, but I am making up for it this year, placing him firmly inside my top 45! 

43. Charvarius Ward, Cornerback, San Francisco 49ers | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 72 total tackles, 5 INTs, 23 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 1 defensive TD

A lot like Jaylon Johnson (above), Charvarius Ward has been known as a plus-CB in the NFL for multiple years now, but 2023 was truly his breakout. The 49ers smartly signed the up and coming Ward to a big contract two years ago, but he fully lived up to it (and then some) in 2023. Ward was elite in every facet of the game as a CB. He was an elite tackler, with 72 tackles, and more importantly, he was a shutdown corner (league-leading 23 PDs) and an elite ball-hawk with 5 picks (4th most in the league). Ward made his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro team, and was one of the biggest reasons the Niner defense remained amongst the leagues most feared units and returned to the Super Bowl. At 28 years old, Ward is in the midst of his prime and will be an elite CB1 again for the Niners in 2024. Ward finally makes his Top 100 debut at #43 going into 2024!

42. Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 214 carries for 976 yards, 4 TDs rushing | 58 receptions for 487 yards, 4 TDs rec.

This is a name I knew I'd be typing a year from when I was writing my 2023 edition of my Top 100. Every year, there is maybe a rookie or two who you feel is a lock to be a major day 1 contributor, and will make the list when they are eligible (under my standards). Bijan was that guy, everyone knew it, and he delivered. While 2023 was not GAME BREAKING for Robinson, he showed immense flashes of potential that have everyone continuing to say he is going to be an elite RB in the NFL for a long time to come. Despite being hindered by a terrible playcaller (and substitution manager) in Arthur Smith, Robinson managed to combine for nearly 1,500 yards of offense and 8 TDs. Everytime Robinson got the ball, it felt like it had a chance to be a big play. Robinson is so elusive and quick, yet big enough to run through people. He just almost has a kind of swagger or aura that comes off of him and he looks different than the other guys on the field when he has the ball. You just know he is special. If I was ranking solely off 2023, Robinson would probably be in the 90s range or maybe just outside the list, but it is also a projection for 2024, where I think Bijan will go bananas. Arthur Smith is gone in Atlanta, replacing him is the experienced Raheem Morris, with Zac Robinson from the Rams as his offensive play caller, who came right out and said how the offense will run through Bijan, which Falcon fans had been clamoring for all season long. Gone are the days where Bijan does not even get a touch in the second half for no apparent reason. Big things are coming for Robinson in 2024, especially running behind an elite OL with elite run blockers like Chris Lindstrom (above) in the fold!

41. Jessie Bates III, Safety, Atlanta Falcons | LAST YEAR: N/A

2023 stats: 132 total tackles, 6 INTs, 11 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 1 defensive TD

The third Atlanta Falcon in four slots in these low 40s of my list! Jessie Bates could not have had a better first season in Atlanta. Bates was always a plus-safety in Cincinnati, but never QUITE as good as the season he just had in Atlanta. Bates proved he is a do-it-all Safety. He combined for over 130 tackles, elite. He had a whopping 6 picks (3rd most in football) coupled with 11 pass deflections, elite. AND he forced 3 fumbles, elite. The 27 year old gave the Falcons their crucially needed commander on the back-end of what has been a porous Falcons secondary for years upon years. Bates combined with stud CB AJ Terrell was awesome for Atlanta this past season, and he should be even better in 2024 with defensive minded Raheem Morris as the new HC of this team! After just missing out on the list a year ago, Bates gets nearly all the way inside the top 40 after an elite season with the Falcons where he achieved All-Pro honors and established himself as a clear-cut top 3 Safety in all of football!

The top 100 will continue inside the top 40 in the coming days! With the 40 best of the best players on the verge of being named, here is my lengthy list of players who just missed a spot on the big list. *SPOILERS* below if you think potentially a player might be in the top 40 that isn't.

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Isiah Pacheco, Kenny Moore, Paulson Adebo, Tyler Linderbaum, DeVonta Smith, Will Anderson, Bobby Wagner, Nico Collins, Jayden Reed, Tyler Lockett, Trevon Diggs, Alex Highsmith, Uchenna Nwosu, Quincy Williams, Brian Burns, Joe Mixon, Marshon Lattimore, Martin Emerson Jr., Alvin Kamara, Jonathan Taylor, AJ Terrell, Matthew Stafford, Charles Cross, Kyle Pitts, Dak Prescott, Geno Smith, Anthony Richardson, Deshaun Watson, Jordan Addison, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Darious Williams, Baker Mayfield, Justin Tucker, Jaylen Waddle, Travis Etienne, Bradley Chubb, Boye Mafe, Leonard Williams, Julian Love, Derrick Brown, Justin Simmons, Jeffery Simmons