Pro Football Focus (PFF) is an advanced sports analytics company that provides comprehensive analysis of the National Football League and NCAA Division-I football. With their unique 0–100 Player Grades system, PFF offers a distinctive approach to understanding player performance with unparalleled accuracy. Through detailed video review and data tracking, they are able to provide teams and fans alike with access to in-depth insights into team strategy, individual players’ skillsets, position group effectiveness and more – making it a valuable tool for any modern NFL or college program.
1. Aaron Donald
Los Angeles Rams
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014)
- 7× First-team All-Pro (2015–2021)
- 9× Pro Bowl (2014–2022)
- NFL sacks leader (2018)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
- ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2013)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (2013)
- Lombardi Award (2013)
- Outland Trophy (2013)
- Bill Willis Trophy (2013)
- Unanimous All-American (2013)
Aaron Donald is a dominant defensive tackle and one of the best players in the NFL. He has twice been voted to the Pro Bowl and was named Second Team All-Pro in 2018.
Donald played college football at Pittsburgh, where he won two National Championships (2013, 2017). He was drafted by St. Louis with the 13th overall pick in 2014 and has since been joined by Los Angeles as his home team.
Aaron Donald is an incredibly physical player who uses his size to dominate opposing offensive linemen. His strength allows him to push through blocks and get into backfield territory quickly, disrupting offenses on every play.
Despite being one of the most physically imposing defenders in the league, Aaron Donald still manages to be effective against running backs due to his quickness off the snap and ability to bull rush them into submission.
Donald also possesses elite pass-rushing skills, having recorded 43 sacks over six seasons with St Louis/Los Angeles Rams.
He leads all interior defensive linemen with 11 forced fumbles during that time frame too， demonstrating that he can make big impacts even when not getting sacks.
Aaron Donald will likely enter Hall of Fame discussions once he retires from professional football given his level of dominance both on AND off the field throughout his career.
Aaron Donald is a dominant defensive tackle who has been named to multiple All-Pro teams and Pro Bowls during his career.
Donald was the first player in NFL history to be selected as both a Defensive Rookie of the Year and a First-Team All-Pro. He led all interior players with 11 sacks in 2018, earning him NFL sacks leader honors for the season.
Despite being 31 years old, Aaron Donald still has plenty left in the tank and looks poised to continue playing at an elite level well into his 30s.
2. Trent Williams
San Francisco 49ers
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2021)
- Second-team All-Pro (2015)
- 10× Pro Bowl (2012–2018, 2020−2022)
- Washington Commanders 90 Greatest
- Unanimous All-American (2009)
- 2× first-team All-Big 12 (2008, 2009)
Trent Williams is a 34-year-old offensive tackle who was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 2010 NFL Draft.
He has spent his entire career with the Redskins, playing for them from 2010 to 2019 before moving on to the San Francisco 49ers in 2020.
Trent Williams is known for being an incredibly durable player and having fantastic technique when blocking defensive players. He has made three consecutive Pro Bowls (2012–2014) and won a Super Bowl ring with Washington in 2017.
Williams will be 38 years old at the end of the 2021 season and it remains to be seen whether or not he will continue playing after that point given his age and recent injury history.
Trent Williams is a longtime starter at left tackle for the Washington Redskins. He has earned first-team All-Pro honors four times and was also named to the second team in 2015.
Williams has also been selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls, including this year's game which will take place on January 27th, 2022.
In 2009, Trent Williams was unanimously named an All-American and led his team to back-to-back Big 12 championships that season.
As one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, Trent Williams should be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame when his career comes to a close later this decade or early 2020s.
3. Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay Packers
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XLV)
- Super Bowl MVP (XLV)
- 4× NFL Most Valuable Player (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021)
- Second-team All-Pro (2012)
- 10× Pro Bowl (2009, 2011, 2012, 2014–2016, 2018–2021)
- 4× NFL passer rating leader (2011, 2012, 2020, 2021)
- 2× NFL passing touchdowns leader (2016, 2020)
- NFL completion percentage leader (2020)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- Bart Starr Award (2014)
- Associated Press Athlete of the Year (2011)
- Bert Bell Award (2011)
Aaron Rodgers is a quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and has since led his team to many successes, including winning two Super Bowls (2008, 2011).
In 2013, he signed a contract extension with the Packers that will keep him with them until at least 2019. He is married to Jordyn Wieber and they have three children - Ryder (born in 2018), Landen (born in 2017) and Emmett (born in 2016).
Rodgers is a five-time NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler. He has led the Packers to six playoff appearances, including two Super Bowls (XLV and LII). Rodgers holds numerous league records, including completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating in the 2010s.
In 2014, he was named AP Athlete of the Year and received the Bart Starr Award that year as well.
4. Zack Martin
Dallas Cowboys
Career
- 5× First-team All-Pro (2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2015, 2017)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2014–2019, 2021, 2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- Second-team All-American (2012)
- 2013 Pinstripe Bowl MVP
Zack Martin was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has played for the Dallas Cowboys since then and is a regular starter on their offensive line.
Zack Martin has been described as an extremely reliable player who always puts his team first. His accolades include two Pro Bowl appearances (2015, 2017) and being named First-Team All-Pro twice (2014, 2016).
Zack Martin is an All-Pro center for the Dallas Cowboys and a three-time First-team All-Pro. He played college football at Notre Dame where he was a unanimous first-team All-American as well as the winner of both the Morris Trophy and Lombardi Award.
Zack Martin has started 131 games in his NFL career, all with the Dallas Cowboys, since being drafted in the second round of the 2010 draft.
5. Davante Adams
Las Vegas Raiders
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2020, 2021)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2017–2022)
- NFL receiving touchdowns leader (2020)
- Paul Warfield Trophy (2013)
- Second-team All-American (2013)
- First-team All-MWC (2012, 2013)
- MWC Freshman of the Year (2012)
Davante Adams is a talented wide receiver who has played for the Packers and Raiders in his career. Davante Adams was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2014 and spent four seasons with them before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.
Davante Adams is known for his great speed and ability to make acrobatic catches, which has earned him multiple accolades throughout his career. Davante Adams is projected to be one of the top receivers in the NFL over the next few years, so fans should keep an eye on him.
Davante Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro, making him one of the most accomplished receivers in NFL history. He was drafted by the Packers with the 33rd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and he has since become one of their all-time greats.
Adams is known for his speed and ability to get deep downfield, which has led him to be one of the league's top receivers over the past few seasons.
Adams will look to continue his success this season as he looks to lead Green Bay back into contention for a Super Bowl title once again.
6. Cam Jordan
New Orleans Saints
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2017)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2018, 2019)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2013, 2015, 2017–2021)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2010)
Cameron Jordan is a versatile defender who has played in the NFL for six seasons. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2011 and has since become an integral part of their defense.
Jordan is known for his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, as well as his strength and size at the defensive end. His playmaking abilities have helped him win numerous awards, including two Pro Bowl selections over the course of his career so far.
Cam Jordan is a talented and experienced defensive lineman who has had an impressive career in the NFL. Jordan was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and has been a key player for the Los Angeles Rams over the past few years.
He is known for his dominance on the interior of the line, as well as his ability to force fumbles and intercept passes. Jordan will be crucial if Los Angeles hopes to defend their title this season, and he is one of the most complete defenders in football.
7. Myles Garrett
Cleveland Browns
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2020, 2021)
- Second-team All-Pro (2018)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2018, 2020−2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
- Bill Willis Trophy (2015)
- Unanimous All-American (2016)
- First-team All-American (2015)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (2015, 2016)
- Second-team All-SEC (2014)
Garrett was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and has since become a starter for the Cleveland Browns. Garrett is known for his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, as well as his pass-rushing skills.
In 2018, he recorded 10 sacks and helped lead the Browns to their first playoff appearance in over 50 years. As a rookie, Garrett was named to both The Sporting News' All-Rookie Team and Pro Football Focus's All-Pro Second team.
Garrett was a consensus All-American in 2016 and was a first-team selection by both the Associated Press and the Football Writers Association of America. Garrett has also been selected to four Pro Bowls, including two as an alternate and one as a starter.
He is second on the team with 73 sacks since entering the NFL in 2017. Garrett starred at Texas A&M where he recorded 242 tackles, 32 sacks, 15 interceptions (including nine returned for touchdowns), 11 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown over his career there.
8. Von Miller
Buffalo Bills
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (50, LVI)
- Super Bowl MVP (50)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2012, 2015, 2016)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (2011, 2014, 2017, 2018)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2014–2019)
- Butkus Award (pro) (2012)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
- Butkus Award (college) (2010)
- Jack Lambert Trophy (2010)
- 2× First-team All-American (2009, 2010)
- 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2009, 2010)
Von Miller is a premier pass rusher in the NFL. He has recorded over 100 tackles, 25 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles in his career. Von Miller was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2011 and he has played for them ever since.
He won two Super Bowls with them before moving to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. In 2018, Von Miller signed a contract extension with the Buffalo Bills that will keep him with the team until at least 2023.
Von Miller is married to Karrueche Tran and they have one child together Von Miller is one of the most decorated players in NFL history.
He has won multiple awards and accolades including two Super Bowl Championships, three First-team All-Pro honors, four Second-team All-Pro nods, and eight Pro Bowl appearances. Von Miller was drafted first overall by the Denver Broncos in 2011 and has since been a key part of their defense.
In his nine seasons in the league he has racked up 561 total tackles, 55 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and five interceptions - making him one of the deadliest defenders in football.
Von Miller will miss some time due to injury but is still an integral member of the Broncos squad who are aiming for another title this season.
9. Cameron Heyward
Pittsburgh Steelers
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2017, 2019, 2021)
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2017–2021)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2010)
Cameron Heyward is a defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Steelers and has since played there for four seasons.
Heyward has been a part of two Super Bowl champion teams with Pittsburgh, in 2017 and 2018. In 2019 he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent but was released before playing any games for them.
Heyward is currently unsigned, although it's widely expected that he will rejoin either the Steelers or another team in the 2020 season onwards Cameron Heyward is a standout defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He has been selected to three Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro in both 2017 and 2019. Heyward originally played football at Michigan State before being drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Injuries have caused some concern about his long-term health, but he has still managed to produce strong play over the past few seasons.
10. Khalil Mack
Los Angeles Chargers
Career
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2016)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2015, 2016, 2018)
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2015–2020, 2022)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- 2× Butkus Award (pro) (2016, 2018)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
- 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
- MAC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
- Jack Lambert Trophy (2013)
- First-team All-American (2013)
- 3× First-team All-MAC (2011–2013)
Khalil Mack is a former linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears, who was drafted fifth overall in 2014. He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and has been selected to three consecutive first-team All-Pro teams.
In 2020 he became the second player in history to be awarded Second Team All-Pro on two occasions (alongside Richard Sherman).
Mack also holds several other records including most sacks by an outside linebacker in a season (20) and career (87), as well as most tackles for loss by an outside linebacker in a season (25).
Khalil Mack is an All-Pro linebacker who has been a key part of the Bears' defense for the past few seasons. Mack was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, but he quickly proved himself to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
He led all linebackers with 15 sacks last season and added 83 tackles and 12 forced fumbles during his time with Chicago.
The 27-year-old is expected to continue leading Chicago's defense for years to come, making him one of the most successful players in franchise history.
11. Joey Bosa
Los Angeles Chargers
Career
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2016)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2017, 2019–2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
- CFP national champion (2014)
- Unanimous All-American (2014)
- Consensus All-American (2015)
- Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year (2014)
- 2× Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year (2014, 2015)
- 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2014, 2015)
- Bill Willis Trophy (2014)
Joey Bosa was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2016 and has since then been a part of their roster. He is best known for his pass-rush abilities and has recorded over 100 tackles in each of his three seasons with the team.
Joey Bosa is expected to be an important part of the Charger's defense moving forward, as he possesses immense skill level both rushing the passer and defending against the run.
Joey Bosa is a defensive end who has played in the NFL for 4 seasons, amassing 298 total tackles, 59.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries.
In 2016 he was awarded the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award after being one of the key players for the San Diego Chargers’ defense throughout their campaign.
Since joining Cleveland in 2019 as part of a blockbuster trade with San Francisco, Bosa has continued his dominant play; amassing 21 total sacks through 15 games this season alone - making him just 2 shy of tying Delvin Breaux’s franchise record set back in 2009.
Not only does Joey Bosa have an impressive portfolio on offense (11 touchdowns), but off it too; having been honoured with multiple awards including PFWA All-Rookie Team and CFP national champion (both coming in 2018).
With so much promise and potential still left to be realized by this talented young man, watch out NFL - Joey Bosa is going to cause some serious destruction over the next few years.
12. Chris Jones
Kansas City Chiefs
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LIV)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2020, 2021)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2018, 2020, 2021)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2019–2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
Chris Jones was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. He played college football for Mississippi State and has been with the team since then. Jones is an offensive tackle and has started 23 games in his career.
He has also appeared in a Super Bowl appearance with the Chiefs, where they lost to New England Patriots 41-35 Chris Jones is a dominant defensive player and Super Bowl champion. He has 3 first-team All-Pro awards, 4 Pro Bowl appearances, and the NFL record for most consecutive games with a sack.
Jones had an outstanding rookie season in 2016 and is poised to have another great campaign in 2022.
13. Jalen Ramsey
Los Angeles Rams
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2017, 2020, 2021)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2017–2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
- BCS national champion (2013)
- Consensus All-American (2015)
- Second-team All-American (2014)
- 2× First-team All-ACC (2014, 2015)
Jalen Ramsey is a talented cornerback who has had an illustrious career in the NFL. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, but he never played for them as they traded him to the Los Angeles Rams later that year.
Ramsey made an instant impact with his new team, making several key interceptions and helping lead L.A. to their first Super Bowl appearance in over two decades.
The 28-year-old is now one of the best cornerbacks in the league and is widely considered among the most consistent performers at his position over the past few seasons.
Jalen Ramsey is a standout cornerback who has made an impact on both the NFL and college levels. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fifth pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has since become one of their best players.
Ramsey has been named to multiple All-Pro teams, including the first team in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
He also won Super Bowl LVI with Jacksonville as part of their championship run that year. Ramsey currently plays for the Oakland Raiders after being traded there during the off-season.
14. Bobby Wagner
Los Angeles Rams
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (2014, 2016–2020)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2015, 2021)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2014–2021)
- 2× NFL tackles leader (2016, 2019)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012)
- 3× First-team All-WAC (2009–2011)
- Senior Bowl MVP (2012)
Wagner was a two-time All-Pro linebacker with the Seattle. Seahawks in his six seasons there.
He signed with the Los. Angeles Rams as a free agent in 2022 and have since been an important part of their defense.
Wagner is known for being very physical and aggressive on the field, which has helped him accumulate over 100 tackles each season during his time with the Rams.
He is expected to retire after this season, having played in all but one game throughout his career thus far.
Wagner was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has been a consistent performer for Seattle and is considered to be one of the best middle linebackers in football.
Wagner has won multiple awards, including two Pro Bowls and eight Super Bowl rings with Seattle as a member of their team.
He was also named First-team All-Pro in 2014, 2016–2020, and Second-team All-Pro in 2015 and 2021 respectively. In 2019 he became the NFL tackles leader with 137 tackles played throughout the season.
15. David Bakhtiari
Green Bay Packers
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2018, 2020)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2016, 2017, 2019)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2016, 2019, 2020)
- 2× Second-team All-Pac-12 (2011–2012)
David Bakhtiari was born on September 30, 1991 in San Mateo, California. He played college football at Colorado and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2013.
Bakhtiari has started all but one game for the Packers since he entered the league and is a key contributor on their offensive line. In 2017, he signed a four-year extension with the Packers that will keep him with the team through the 2021 season.
David Bakhtiari is known for his strong pass-blocking abilities and durability; he has not missed any games due to injury over his career thus far. David Bakhtiari is a star defensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers.
He has been named to three Pro Bowls and two Second-team All-Pro teams and has made 2× First-team All-Pro this year.
Bakhtiari attended the University of Colorado Boulder where he played college football as a tackle for the Buffaloes. The 6'5", 310 lbs player was selected by the Packers in the second round (54th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Over his career, David Bakhtiari has accumulated 129 games played with 129 starts; totaling 218 tackles (145 solos), 38 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception - all stats at NFL dot com/player stats.
David is married to Hannah and they have one son together who was born in October of 2018.
16. Justin Herbert
Los Angeles Chargers
Career
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2020)
- Pro Bowl (2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2020)
- William V. Campbell Trophy (2019)
Herbert was drafted sixth overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Herbert played for Oregon from 2016 to 2019 and led the Ducks to a 10-3 record as a starter his junior year, earning First Team All-Pac 12 honors.
Herbert is considered one of the top quarterbacks in this year's draft class and has drawn comparisons to Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz due to his strong arm and mobility. Justin Herbert was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Herbert has quickly established himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league and is a definite contender for Rookie of the Year honors next season. In his rookie year, Herbert led Arizona to an 11-5 record and their first playoff appearance since 2007.
He also set several franchise records, including the most passing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback (31) and the most completions by a rookie quarterback (396).
With continued development, Justin Herbert has all but guaranteed himself a spot in Canton someday soon - he's definitely one player to watch out for.
17. Russell Wilson
Denver Broncos
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2020)
- Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- 9× Pro Bowl (2012–2015, 2017–2021)
- NFL passer rating leader (2015)
- NFL passing touchdowns leader (2017)
- Bart Starr Award (2022)
- Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year (2011)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2011)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2008)
- ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year (2008)
- First-team All-ACC (2008)
- Second-team All-ACC (2010)
- NC State Wolfpack jersey No. 16 retired
Russell Wilson was born on November 29, 1988, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Collegiate School where he played football and graduated in 2010. After playing at NC State for two years, he transferred to Wisconsin and became the Badgers' starting quarterback in 2011.
In 2012, Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with their 3rd round pick (75th overall). Over the next six seasons, he led Seattle to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances (2014 & 2015), becoming just the 2nd player ever to do so after Tom Brady of the New England Patriots (2007–2012).
On January 14th, 2019 Russell announced his retirement from professional football following a successful season as Captain of the Seahawks' team which made it all the way to Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams who eventually won 61-17.
He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 and became their starting quarterback that season.
Wilson led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory over the Broncos in 2018, becoming just the second player in NFL history to win multiple championships with two different teams.
He has also been selected for nine Pro Bowls and holds several franchise records, including the most career passing touchdowns (385) and passer rating (104.1).
In 2020, Wilson received Walter Payton Man of the Year honors from The Associated Press after leading his team to another championship appearance despite injuring his knee late in the season.
18. Julio Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2015, 2016)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2017–2019)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2012, 2014–2019)
- 2× NFL receiving yards leader (2015, 2018)
- NFL receptions co-leader (2015)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
- BCS national champion (2009)
- SEC Freshman of the Year (2008)
- First-team All-SEC (2010)
- Second-team All-SEC (2008)
Julio Jones is one of the most accomplished receivers in NFL history. He has won multiple awards and accolades, including three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2015 to 2017.
Julio Jones was drafted sixth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2011 and has since had an illustrious career with the team. He enjoyed a stellar rookie season, setting league records for receiving yards and touchdowns while also being named Rookie of the Year.
In 2018, he led all wide receivers with 1,409 yards on 107 receptions as part of an explosive Atlanta offense that went deep into playoff contention.
Julio Jones remains one of the top players in the game today - his combination of size (6'3", 220lbs), speed (he's running a 4.33 40-yard dash) and ability to make spectacular catches makes him a difficult player to defend no matter who he plays against.
As one of only six players ever to have at least 10,000 receiving yards and 500 touchdown receptions in their career, Julio Jones is unquestionably one of football's greatest talents ever. Julio Jones is a well-known and highly decorated NFL player.
He has won multiple awards and accolades throughout his career, including 2 first-team All-Pro selections and 3 second-team All-Pros. Julio Jones was drafted 1st overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2011, making him one of the most talented players to ever enter the league.
Julio Jones had an outstanding rookie season, catching 96 passes for 1,426 yards and 10 touchdowns - all rookie records at the time.
In 2012, Julio Jones became just the 5th player in NFL history to record over 1000 receiving yards in a single season – he finished with 1126 yards on 147 receptions alone.
In 2013, Julio Jones led the Falcons to their first Super Bowl victory since 1999 (they also made it back to The Big Game in 2017).
During that game, he caught 11 passes for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns – an amazing performance that helped seal Atlanta’s place as kings of football once again.
19. Patrick Mahomes II
Kansas City Chiefs
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LIV)
- Super Bowl MVP (LIV)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (2018)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2018)
- First-team All-Pro (2018)
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2018–2022)
- NFL passing touchdowns leader (2018)
- Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2020)
- Bert Bell Award (2018)
- Sammy Baugh Trophy (2016)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2016)
- FBS passing yards leader (2016)
Patrick Mahomes II is the son of Patrick Mahomes, who was the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017 and won a Super Bowl with them that year.
He played college football at Texas Tech where he set several records, including the most touchdown passes in a season (43) and most total touchdowns (70). After his successful collegiate career, Mahomes was drafted by the Chiefs in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
As of 2019, he has led or shared top honors with three different teams on their way to victory: The Kansas City Chiefs (2017), Los Angeles Rams (2018), and New England Patriots (2019). Patrick Mahomes II is a talented quarterback who has had an incredible career in the NFL.
He has won multiple awards, including Super Bowl MVP and NFL Most Valuable Player, and is one of the best players in the league. Patrick Mahomes II also holds several records, including the most touchdown passes in a season and career.
20. Joel Bitonio
Cleveland Browns
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2021)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2018–2020)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2018–2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
- First-team All-MWC (2013)
Joel Bitonio is a guard for the Cleveland Browns. He was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Bitonio played college football at Nevada, where he earned All-Mountain West Conference honors as a senior in 2013.
Prior to playing professionally, Joel spent three seasons (2010–2013) with the San Francisco 49ers organization, appearing in 53 games and starting 38 of them.
In his six years in the NFL, including stints with both San Francisco and Cleveland, Bitonio has appeared in 152 games and started 134 of them at either guard or center position.
His achievements on the field have not gone unnoticed; Joel has named an AFC Pro Bowl selection in 2017 and has also been selected to play in two Super Bowls (49ers 2016, Browns 2019).
Outside of professional football, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife Sydney and their daughter Alayna; he also volunteers with organizations that support children living.
With cancer or other disabilities through sports programs such as Special Olympics California/Nevada chapter Joel Bitonio is an American football offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL).
He played college football in Nevada. He was drafted by the Browns as the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. At 6'4" and 315 pounds, he has shown prowess as both a run blocker and pass protector, earning Second-team All-Pro honors three times in his career.
In 2018, he helped lead Cleveland to its first playoff berth since 2002 while being named to his fourth Pro Bowl and First-team All-MWC squad along the way. Joel is married to model Kiari Kendrell Cephus and they have one son together, Karter Bear Bitonio Jr.
21. Micah Parsons
Dallas Cowboys
Career
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2021)
- First-team All-Pro (2021)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2021, 2022)
- Butkus Award (pro) (2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2021)
- Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year (2019)
- Consensus All-American (2019)
- First-team Freshman All-American (2018)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2019)
Micah Parsons was a standout linebacker at Penn State and was taken by the Dallas Cowboys with the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Parsons will join a Cowboy defense that is already stacked with talent, including stars such as Demarcus Lawrence, Leighton Vander Esch, and DeMarcus Lawrence.
The 23-year-old should have an immediate impact on Dallas' defense and look to help take their team to new heights in the years to come.
Micah Parsons was a consensus All-American and First-team Freshman All-American in 2018. He led the nation with 147 tackles, 26 sacks, 6 pass deflections, and 1 touchdown during his sophomore season.
Micah Parsons is one of only two linebackers to be named first-team all-pro twice (2021, 2022) and he won the Butkus Award in 2021 for being the best linebacker in football.
22. Nick Bosa
San Francisco 49ers
Career
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2019, 2021, 2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
- First-team All-American (2017)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2017)
- Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year (2017)
Nick Bosa is a young and talented defensive end who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Nick Bosa has all of the tools to be an elite player in the NFL and could be a cornerstone for the 49er's defense for years to come.
Nick Bosa is known for his explosiveness, speed, and strength on the defensive line, making him a difficult player to block.
Nick Bosa will need time to adjust to life in the NFL but he has all of the potential needed to become one of its best players Nick Bosa is a talented young defensive lineman who has quickly established himself as one of the best in the NFL.
He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has already made an impact on the field, recording 153 tackles and 42 sacks while also forcing eight fumbles and recovering two.
Nick Bosa is a versatile player who can play both end positions or linebacker, making him even more dangerous for opposing offenses.
23. Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2022)
- Second-team All-MWC (2016)
Josh Allen was born on May 21, 1996, in Firebaugh, California. He attended Reedley High School where he starred for the football team and earned Second-team All-American honors as a senior.
In 2015, he enrolled at Wyoming University and played for their football team until 2017 when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Josh Allen has been selected to two consecutive second-team all-pro squads (2020 & 2021).
Josh Allen is a talented and promising NFL quarterback. He has had some success in the past, but his career is still young. Josh Allen will need to continue to develop if he wants to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
24. T. J. Watt
Pittsburgh Steelers
Career
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2021)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2019–2021)
- Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2018–2022)
- 2× Deacon Jones Award (2020, 2021)
- NFL forced fumbles co-leader (2019)
- Butkus Award (2020)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
- Second-team All-American (2016)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2016)
Watt was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017. Watt has been an important part of the Steeler's defense since being drafted and is one of their most talented players.
Watt is a powerful outside linebacker who can cause havoc on opposing offenses. He has also shown versatility by playing both as a pass rusher and in coverage, making him even more dangerous to opponents.
Watt is a major reason why the Steelers have had success over the past two seasons and will continue to be a key player for them moving forward T. J. Watt is a dominant defensive player who has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams over the course of his career.
He holds NFL records for sacks in a season and consecutive seasons leading the league in sacks, as well as being one of just two players ever to accomplish this feat twice.
Watt was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, making him one of only a few players to win that award three times overall.
25. Matt Ryan
Indianapolis Colts
Career
- NFL Most Valuable Player (2016)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2016)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2008)
- First-team All-Pro (2016)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
- NFL passer rating leader (2016)
- NFL completion percentage leader (2012)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2008)
- Bert Bell Award (2016)
- Manning Award (2007)
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2007)
- ACC Player of the Year (2007)
- ACC Offensive Player of the Year (2007)
- First-team All-American (2007)
- First-team All-ACC (2007)
- Boston College Eagles Jersey No. 12 retired
Matt Ryan is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2008 and has spent his entire career with the team, winning two Super Bowls.
In 2017, he became only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in four consecutive seasons. He married actress Laverne Cox in 2018 and they have one child together. Matt Ryan is a two-time NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler.
He has led the Falcons to an NFC South title in each of his five seasons as their quarterback, making him one of only three players ever to accomplish that feat.
His stellar play has helped Atlanta make it to the playoffs every year he’s been there, including back-to-back appearances in the Super Bowl (2015 and 2016).
Ryan also holds many passing records for his team, such as most completions in a season (539), most touchdown passes in a career (71), and most yards gained per game by any player with at least 2,000 attempts.
26. Justin Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings
Career
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2020, 2021)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2020–2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2020)
- CFP national champion (2019)
- Second-team All-SEC (2019)
Justin Jefferson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Jefferson attended LSU and had a successful collegiate career, recording 156 receptions for 2,834 yards and 21 touchdowns.
In his rookie year with the Vikings, he recorded 67 receptions for 924 yards and four touchdowns. Jefferson is one of the most promising young receivers in the NFL and is expected to continue developing into an elite player in future years.
Jefferson was a standout receiver at the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs in receiving yards and touchdowns each of his final two seasons.
Jefferson made an immediate impact in the NFL with the Cardinals, recording 25 receptions for 325 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. Jefferson has since emerged as one of the top receivers in the league, setting career highs in both catches (320) and yards (4,787).
He is also one of just six players to ever record over 1,000 receiving yards from scrimmage five times throughout their career.
Jefferson’s achievements on Sundays have not gone unnoticed; he was named Second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press this past season and earned Pro Bowl recognition twice – including being selected to play in 2018 Super Bowl LII against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles.
The native of Athens, GA will look to add another title to his resume next year when he leads Arizona into battle once again as part of Super Bowl 53 Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
27. Brandon Graham
Philadelphia Eagles
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LII)
- Second-team All-Pro (2016)
- Pro Bowl (2020)
- Big Ten Most Valuable Player (2009)
- First-team All-American (2009)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2009)
- Second-team All-Big Ten (2008)
Graham was drafted 13th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2010 NFL Draft. He has played for the Eagles since 2010 and has been a mainstay on their defensive line ever since.
Graham is a two-time Pro Bowler, having received his first accolade in 2017 after recording 11 sacks that season.
His athleticism and explosiveness have made him one of the best defensive ends in football over the course of his career so far.
Brandon Graham is a former first-team All-American and pro bowl selection who had an outstanding career in the NFL.
Graham was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2009 draft and played there for six seasons before being traded to Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
In his six years with Philadelphia, Graham recorded 449 tackles, 70 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, and 8 pass deflections.
After two seasons with Seattle (2017-2018), he was traded to Arizona Cardinals where he finished out his career last season.
28. Tristan Wirfs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LV)
- First-team All-Pro (2021)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2021, 2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2020)
- Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2019)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2019)
- First-team All-American (2019)
Tristan Wirfs was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, and the Buccaneers were happy to select him with the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, he started all 16 games at left tackle for Tampa Bay and helped pave the way for running back Ronald Jones II to have an impressive breakout year.
The 2021 campaign will be Wirfs' second full season in the NFL and he is looking forward to continuing his progression as one of the league's top offensive tackles. Tristan Wirfs is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
He was a first-team All-American and Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams. Tristan has played 46 games over four seasons, starting all but one of them.
He has been a key part of two Big Ten championships and three Pro Bowl appearances for the Rams during that time period.
With his play on both sides of the ball, Tristan is an invaluable member of any team he plays for and will continue to be a force in the NFL for years to come.
29. Andrew Thomas
New York Giants
Career
- Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2019)
- Unanimous All-American (2019)
- First-team All-American (2018)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (2018, 2019)
- Freshman All-American (2017)
Andrew Thomas was a highly touted tackle prospect out of Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. He played college football at Georgia and was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Thomas has made an immediate impact for New York as a rookie offensive lineman, starting all 16 games he's played in during his career so far. He is considered one of the top young tackles in the league and looks to be part of the Giants' long-term future on their offensive line.
Andrew Thomas was an All-American and a first-team all-SEC player in 2018 and 2019. He was also a freshman All-American in 2017.
In his four seasons at Alabama, he started 40 of 41 games played, piling up 1,249 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 101 receptions during that time.
Thomas is projected to be drafted in the late rounds or undrafted by the NFL this year so it's safe to say that he has already accomplished quite a bit despite only having played four years of college football.
30. Harrison Smith
Minnesota Vikings
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2017)
- Second-team All-Pro (2018)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2015–2019, 2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012)
Harrison Smith is a safety for the Minnesota Vikings and has been in the NFL since 2012. He attended Notre Dame, where he played football for three seasons before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2012.
Smith was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2016 and has also been selected to participate in the 2017 and 2018 Pro Bowls. He finished second on the Vikings' all-time list with 567 tackles (521 solos) after joining that club as an Eagle in 2013 and finishing third with 92 passes defended over his career.
In 2018, he registered 85 tackles (65 solos), 2 sacks, 1 interception returned for a touchdown, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and one quarterback hit through 16 games played all career highs.
Harrison Smith is a perennial All-Pro and one of the best safeties in the NFL. He was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2015 and has been selected six times overall.
Smith has also made an impact on defense through interceptions, pass deflections, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries over his career. At 29 years old, Harrison Smith is still playing at an elite level and should continue to do so for many more seasons to come.
31. A. J. Brown
Philadelphia Eagles
Career
- 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
- Conerly Trophy (2017)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (2017, 2018)
Brown was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019. He played for the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2021 and then joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.
Brown has made over 100 receptions for 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns during his career so far. A. J. Brown was one of the most promising players in college football when he entered the NFL draft in 2019.
He quickly made an impact with the Rams, becoming a key part of their offense and earning multiple Pro Bowl nods along the way.
In addition to his impressive statistics on the field, Brown has also been involved in numerous community projects over his career thus far, further endearing himself to fans and teammates alike.
32. Creed Humphrey
Kansas City Chiefs
Career
- Pro Bowl (2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2021)
- AP Third-team All-American (2020)
- 2× Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (2019, 2020)
- 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2019, 2020)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2018)
Humphrey was drafted by the Chiefs in 2021 and made his debut in Week 4 of that season. Humphrey played center for the Chiefs during their Super Bowl run in 2020, recording two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Humphrey is considered to be a rising star in the NFL and has been praised for his excellent play on both offense and defense. Creed Humphrey was a two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and an All-American in 2020.
He started all 27 games he played for the Chiefs over the past three seasons and is expected to compete for a starting spot this year as well. Humphrey has good size at 6'5", 320 pounds, which should help him against defenders in the trenches.
His versatility will be key if he can make it into the starting lineup this season; he could play both left and right tackle depending on what game plan is put together by Andy Reid and his coaching staff.
33. Quenton Nelson
Indianapolis Colts
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2018–2020)
- Second-team All-Pro (2021)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2018–2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)
- Unanimous All-American (2017)
Nelson was selected sixth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Nelson started all 16 games at left guard for the Colts in his rookie season and helped lead them to a 10-6 record, their first winning campaign since 2015.
In 2019, Nelson again started all 16 games for Indy and proved himself as one of the top guards in the league, helping them reach Super Bowl LIII where they were defeated by the New England Patriots 34-28.
Nelson signed a five-year extension with Indianapolis earlier this year that will keep him with the team through 2024.
Quenton is an outstanding athlete who has dominated at both college and professional levels at left guard (his natural position). He is sure to be a cornerstone player on any team he plays for and is destined for even greater things ahead.
Quenton Nelson is a dominant player at the center position and has been one of the best in the NFL for several years.
He was an All-American as a sophomore and freshman, before breaking through as a first-team All-Pro in 2018. Nelson is known for his strength and agility, which allow him to dominate opposing centers on both sides of the ball.
The 23-year-old will be looking to add another Pro Bowl appearance to his trophy cabinet this year and cement himself as one of the all-time greats at center field.
34. Grady Jarrett
Atlanta Falcons
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2019, 2020)
- First-team All-ACC (2014)
Jarrett played defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to present. He has appeared in 93 NFL games, with 63 starts. Jarrett recorded 54 tackles and nine sacks during his time with the Falcons.
Jarrett was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft after playing college football at Clemson. Grady Jarrett is a versatile defensive lineman who has played both end and tackle positions in the NFL.
He was named to the second-team All-Pro team in 2019 and 2020, after recording 413 total tackles, 32.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 4 pass deflections during his seven seasons in the league.
Jarrett was also an integral part of Clemson's National Championship teams in 2014 and 2018, winning ACC Player of the Year honors each time.
35. Kevin Byard
Tennessee Titans
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2017, 2021)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2017, 2021)
- NFL interceptions co-leader (2017)
- 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2014, 2015)
Byard was a safety for the Tennessee Titans from 2016-present. He started all 16 games in 2017 and recorded 134 tackles, four interceptions, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
In 2018, Byard had 116 tackles and an interception to go along with three sacks and one forced fumble. As of Week 14 of the 2019 season, he is ranked 5th on the NFL's official stat sheet with 97 total tackles (64 solos).
Kevin Byard is originally from Philadelphia but attended middle school at Martin Luther King Jr High School in Lithonia Georgia before playing college football at Middle Tennessee University.
where he majored in business administration Kevin Byard is one of the most decorated players in Tennessee Titans' history.
He has been a two-time first-team all-pro and three-time conference USA player of the year. Kevin also had an impressive career with 27 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 63 pass deflections, and 3 fumble recoveries which puts him in third place on Titan’s all-time list for defensive touchdowns.
In 2018 he was named to his second Pro Bowl and led the NFL with 11 interceptions including 4 against Jacksonville in week 15 clinched the AFC South for Nashville.
The Titans are hoping that Kevin can continue his success into next season where he will be looking to help lead them back to the playoffs after missing out last year.
36. Derrick Henry
Tennessee Titans
Career
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2020)
- First-team All-Pro (2020)
- Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2019, 2020, 2022)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (2019, 2020)
- 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2019, 2020)
- CFP National Champion (2015)
- Heisman Trophy (2015)
- Maxwell Award (2015)
- Doak Walker Award (2015)
- Walter Camp Award (2015)
- Unanimous All-American (2015)
- SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2015)
- First-team All-SEC (2015)
Derrick Henry was born on January 4, 1994, in Yulee, Florida. He attended high school at Yulee and played football for the Bears before enrolling at Alabama where he would be a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide.
Henry was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2016 with the second overall pick and has since become one of their most important players; appearing in all 16 games each season.
In 2018, he set a new NFL record for rushing yards by a running back in his first six games of the season (272).
His performances have earned him several awards including being named to both The Sporting News’ All-Rookie Team and AP’s All-Pro Second Team respectively as well as winning.
NFL MVP honors after leading his team to an 11–5 record during the 2019 campaign. Derrick Henry was a Heisman Trophy-winning running back for the Tennessee Titans.
He is one of only two players in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards and score 20 touchdowns in his rookie season.
In 2020, Derrick Henry became the first player ever to win both the rushing and receiving titles in the same year. Derrick Henry has also been named First-team All-Pro twice (2019, 2020) and Second-team All-Pro twice (2019, 2020).
Derrick Henry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of their Class of 2022 on August 3rd, 2021.
37. Andrew Whitworth
Cincinnati Bengals
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2021)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2015, 2017)
- Second-team All-Pro (2014)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2012, 2015–2017)
- NFLPA Alan Page Community Award (2019)
- BCS national champion (2003)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (2004, 2005)
Andrew Whitworth is a tackle for the Rams and was drafted in 2006. He has three Super Bowl championships with the Bengals (2011, 2014, 2016) and one with the Rams (2018).
Whitworth was named NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2021. Whitworth was a two-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, who helped the Rams win back-to-back Super Bowls in 2015 and 2016.
Whitworth is also a three-time SEC Champion (2004, 2005, 2007) with over 2,000 total yards from his offensive line position during that span.
He has been named to several prestigious organizations' lists including being selected as one of the top 100 players of all time by NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger in 2018.
In 2019 he won The Alan Page Community Award given annually by the NFLPA for outstanding contributions on and off the field within their communities.
38. Tyron Smith
Dallas Cowboys
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2014, 2016)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2013, 2015)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2013–2019, 2021)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
- Morris Trophy (2010)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2010)
Tyron Smith is a dominant offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted by the Cowboys in 2011 and has since become one of their key players on the offensive line.
Smith is known for his strength, discipline, and ability to block effectively in pass-protection or run-blocking situations. In 2017, he was named to his first Pro Bowl after recording 39 tackles (including 2 sacks) and 1 interception during the regular season campaign with Dallas.
Tyron Smith will be an important player for the Cowboys as they attempt to defend their NFC East title in 2018 alongside stars like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott Tyron Smith is one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history.
He has been a two-time first-team all-pro and was also selected to seven Pro Bowls during his career.
Tyron Smith played at Arizona State before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. After spending four seasons with Dallas, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 where he spent five more seasons until joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2019.
Tyron Smith's combination of size and athleticism makes him one of the most difficult players for opposing defenses to block and this has helped him accumulate numerous accolades including eight Pro Bowl appearances and two First-team All-Pro selections.
39. Fletcher Cox
Philadelphia Eagles
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LII)
- First-team All-Pro (2018)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2014, 2015, 2017)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2015–2020)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012)
- First-team All-American (2011)
- First-team All-SEC (2011)
Fletcher Cox is a dominant defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was drafted by the team in 2012 and has since become one of their most important players.
Cox is known for his physical play and ability to disrupt offenses on defense. He has been a part of two Super Bowl championships with Philadelphia, in 2013 and 2017.
Cox is an excellent pass rusher, recording 43 sacks during his career thus far. The 32-year-old should continue playing at a high level into the future as he remains an integral part of the Eagles' squad Fletcher Cox is a superstar defensive player in the NFL.
He has won multiple awards and accolades, including three First-team All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances. Cox was born in Gainesville, Georgia, and played college football at Mississippi State before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.
In his 11 seasons with the Eagles, he has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league, anchoring an Eagle defense that has made several playoff appearances.
40. George Kittle
San Francisco 49ers
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2019)
- Second-team All-Pro (2018)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
George Kittle was born on October 9, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended Norman High School and played tight end for the Norman Warriors football team before transferring to Iowa as a junior in 2012.
In 2016, he redshirted his final year with the Hawkeyes and declared for the 2017 NFL Draft where he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the draft.
Kittle has appeared in all 16 games during his rookie season (2017), recording 36 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns – both career highs.
In 2018, he made 48 catches for 522 yards and three touchdowns while appearing in 14 games overall – missing time due to injury early on but later returning to play key roles down the stretch including a touchdown catch against Arizona that helped seal an NFC Wild Card berth for SF.
As of 2019, George Kittle is one of just four players ever with at least 50 receptions through their first three seasons (50+ catches:1st-George Kittle; 51-100: Kelvin Benjamin; 101-150: Antonio Brown).
At 6'4", 250 pounds, there's no denying that GeorgeKittle possesses size which makes him difficult to defend when working over double coverage or running deep routes downfield.
George Kittle is an all-around receiver for the San Francisco 49ers. He has caught 386 passes for 5,202 yards and 28 touchdowns in his career.
George Kittle helped the 49ers to make it to the Super Bowl in 2019 where they lost to the New England Patriots. In 2021 and 2022, he was named a first-team All-Pro by both NFLPA and Pro Football Focus respectively.
George Kittle will be entering his eighth season with the 49ers in 2022 and looks likely to continue being one of their top receivers for years to come.
41. Shaquille Mason
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Career
- High school: Columbia Central, (Columbia, Tennessee)
- College: Georgia Tech (2011–2014)
- NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 4 / Pick: 131
- New England Patriots (2015–2021), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022–present)
- Roster status: Active
- 2× Super Bowl champion (LI, LIII), First-team All-ACC (2013), Second-team All-ACC (2014)
- Games played: 118, Games started: 113
- Games played: 118
- Games started: 113
Mason was a four-year starter at Georgia Tech and helped lead the Yellow Jackets to two bowl games. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Mason has spent three seasons with the Patriots, playing guard and center before being waived in 2018. Mason signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers shortly after being released from New England and is expected to start for them this season.
Mason was an All-ACC selection in 2014 and 2015, helping lead the Seminoles to two ACC championships. He won a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2017 and helped them win another title in 2018.
Mason has also played for Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the past two seasons and is looking to continue his success there this upcoming season.
Shaquille Mason is one of the most decorated players in Florida State history, having led his team to back-to-back ACC championships as well as a Super Bowl victory alongside Tom Brady during their time together with New England Patriots organization.
42. Lane Johnson
Philadelphia Eagles
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LII)
- First-team All-Pro (2017)
- Second-team All-Pro (2021)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2017–2019, 2022)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2012)
Lane Johnson was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 as the 4th overall pick. He played college football at Oklahoma and has been with the team since 2009.
Lane is an offensive tackle and started all 16 games in 2017 for the Eagles. He has appeared in 112 games over his career, including 10 starts, and recorded 39 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown pass.
His twin brother Luke also plays professional football as a defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks Lane Johnson is an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles.
He has started 127 games in his NFL career and helped the team win a Super Bowl championship in 2018. Johnson was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2013 draft. He has been named to four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during his tenure with Philadelphia.
Injuries have been a major concern for Johnson over his professional career, as he's missed over 30 games due to injury since joining the NFL roster in 2013.
However, he rebounded from those injuries earlier this year and continues to be an important member of Philadelphia's offense going forward.
Lane Johnson will always be remembered as one of Philadelphia's most successful players ever - thanks largely to his stint with the Eagles Super Bowl-winning squad this past season.
43. Drew Brees
New Orleans Saints
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XLIV)
- Super Bowl MVP (XLIV)
- 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2011)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2006)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2004)
- First-team All-Pro (2006)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (2008, 2009, 2011, 2018)
- 13× Pro Bowl (2004, 2006, 2008–2014, 2016–2019)
- 7× NFL passing yards leader (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014–2016)
- 4× NFL passing touchdowns leader (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)
- 2× NFL passer rating leader (2009, 2018)
- 6× NFL completion percentage leader (2009–2011, 2017–2019)
- Art Rooney Award (2018)
- Bart Starr Award (2011)
- Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2010)
- AP Athlete of the Year (2010)
- Bert Bell Award (2009)
- George Halas Award (2007)
- Maxwell Award (2000)
- Chicago Tribune Silver Football (2000)
- 2× Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (1998, 2000)
Brees was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Westlake High School before playing college football at Purdue. Brees played for the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints during his professional career.
In 2020, he will be retiring from the NFL after 22 seasons with the New Orleans Saints Drew Brees is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history.
He has won multiple championships, accolades, and awards including a Super Bowl MVP and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Drew Brees has played for some of the best teams in the league including the Saints, Colts, and Giants.
He led his teams to victory time after time with his accurate passing skills. Drew Brees will be 39 years old at the end of this season but he still shows no signs of slowing down as he leads his team to another playoff run.
44. Earl Thomas
Seattle Seahawks
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2012–2014)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2011, 2017)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2011–2015, 2017, 2019)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- Consensus All-American (2009)
- First-team All-Big 12 (2009)
Earl Thomas is a free safety for the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the team in 2010 and has remained with them since.
Thomas has recorded over 100 tackles in each of his four seasons with Seattle, as well as one interception and two sacks.
He made headlines in 2018 when he took part in an on-field protest against police brutality during the National Anthem before a game against Arizona Cardinals.
Thomas signed with the Baltimore Ravens following his release from Seattle at the end of the season and is expected to compete for a starting spot this year Earl Thomas is a three-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler in the NFL.
He was selected to both the Associated Press (AP) and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-America teams as a senior in 2009.
Thomas led Seattle to its first Super Bowl victory over Arizona Cardinals in 2013, earning MVP honors for his efforts on defense.
In 2017, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys where he played until 2019 before retiring at the end of that season due to injury concerns stemming from his previous playing style Earl Thomas has also been recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of their 100 Most Influential Athletes of all time.
while being voted into The Sporting News’s “NFL 100: Legends” list twice – once as a First Team selection and again as part of the Second Team alongside Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Deion Sanders among others.
45. Terron Armstead
Miami Dolphins
Career
- 4× Pro Bowl (2018–2020, 2022)
- Second-team All-Pro (2018)
- 3× First-team All-SWAC (2010–2012)
Armstead was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2013 and has since played for the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Armstead is known for his strength at offensive tackle and consistency on the field.
He will likely be playing in his tenth NFL season this year with a chance to win a Super Bowl title. Armstead is a standout offensive lineman for the Saints and Dolphins. He has started all 103 games he's played in his career, including 102 starts at left tackle and one start at right tackle.
Armstead was a second-team All-Pro in 2018 and a third-team selection in 2016 and 2017. The Louisiana native has been named to the SWAC first team three times (2010–2012).
Armstead attended North Carolina State University before being drafted by New Orleans in 2013 as the 23rd overall pick in the NFL Draft.
46. Ryan Tannehill
Tennessee Titans
Career
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2019)
- Pro Bowl (2019)
- NFL passer rating leader (2019)
Tannehill was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2012 and spent his first four seasons with the team. He signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2019 and has since led them to three straight playoff appearances.
Tannehill is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named MVP of Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams. Tannehill holds numerous NFL records, including the most touchdown passes in a season (34) and consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass (10).
In 2019, he became only the third quarterback ever to lead his team to an undefeated regular season record before losing in the playoffs. Ryan Tannehill is a former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins who has spent his entire career with the team.
He has had some good and bad moments during his time in the NFL, but he is still a talented passer. In 2019, Ryan Tannehill led the league in passing yards and passer rating, proving that he still has some skills left in him. Unfortunately for Ryan Tannehill, the injury will prevent him from playing any further games this season.
47. Jamal Adams
Seattle Seahawks
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2019)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2018, 2020)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2018–2020)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
- Second-team All-American (2016)
- First-team All-SEC (2016)
- Second-team All-SEC (2015)
Jamal Adams was a standout at Hebron High School in Carrollton, Texas before playing college football for LSU. Adams was drafted by the New York Jets in 2017 but only played one season with them before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
He has been a mainstay on the team since 2020 and is considered one of the best strong safeties in the league. Adams was a standout at the University of Missouri, where he was twice named first-team All-American.
Adams went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft but signed with the New York Jets as a free agent. Adams made an immediate impact with the Jets, becoming one of their best defenders and earning multiple Pro Bowl appearances.
In 2018, Adams emerged as one of the league's top safeties and was rewarded with his first Second Team All-Pro award. Adams continued to be among the elite safeties in 2019 when he earned First-Team All-Pro honors and led all players in interceptions for the season.
48. Jordan Mailata
Philadelphia Eagles
Career
- Philadelphia Eagles (2018–present)
Jordan Mailata was born in 1997 and is from Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia. In 2018 he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles as an offensive tackle and has since played for them.
Jordan Mailata is known for his size (6'8") and strength (365 lbs). He has previously not attended college but started playing football at a young age in Sydney,.
Australia with local teams before moving to the United States to play college football at Penn State University where he won two Big Ten titles and became a first-team All-American in 2017.
His NFL career so far has been successful – making the Pro Bowl after being named second-team All-Pro in both of his seasons with the Eagles - however, Jordan Mailata wants more out of life than just professional football; he plans on returning back to it.
Australia after his career to start a family and help contribute to society there through charity work or politics when he's done playing football Jordan Mailata is a rugby league player who was born in Australia but has played for the Philadelphia Eagles since 2018.
He is known for his strong running and tackling abilities, which have helped him to become one of the most successful players in the Eagles' history. Mailata began playing rugby league at an early age and quickly developed into a talented player.
In 2017, he was named Player of the Year in the Super League, which is regarded as one of the top leagues in world rugby league football.
Mailata has also been recognized by several other organizations, including being selected to play for Tonga at the international level on multiple occasions.
He is currently contracted with the Eagles until 2024 and looks set to continue contributing significantly to their success moving forward.
49. Stephon Gilmore
Indianapolis Colts
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LIII)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2019)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2018, 2019)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2016, 2018–2021)
- NFL interceptions co-leader (2019)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- CFN, Phil Steele Freshman All-American (2009)
- Third-team All-American (2011)
Stephon Gilmore was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Buffalo Bills in 2016 and 2017. He has also won three Pro Bowl appearances, two First-Team All-Pro Awards, and one Second-Team All-Pro Award during his career.
Gilmore is known for his tough play against opposing receivers, which has led to him accumulating over 100 interceptions during his NFL career. Gilmore is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-team All-Pro.
He led the NFL with 29 interceptions in 2019, making him one of the most prolific defensive players in league history.
Gilmore was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010 and has since developed into one of the team's most important players.
50. Demarcus Lawrence
Dallas Cowboys
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2017)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2017, 2018, 2022)
- First-team All-MWC (2012, 2013)
Lawrence is a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He was drafted in 2014 and has since played for the team through four seasons, amassing 47 total tackles and 10 sacks.
Lawrence is known as an explosive player who can get to the quarterback quickly. In 2018, he won his first Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys after defeating the New England Patriots 34-31 in overtime thanks to two touchdowns by Dak Prescott.
As a native of Aiken, South Carolina, Lawrence is popular in his home state and also enjoys performing philanthropic work within it Demarcus Lawrence is an all-pro defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. He has 363 total tackles, 53 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries in his career so far.
Lawrence was a first-team All-MWC selection in 2012 and 2013 and also won Second-team All-Pro honors in 2017. The 24-year-old should be a key member of the defense for years to come as he continues to develop his skills on the field.
51. Brandon Scherff
Jacksonville Jaguars
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2020)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2016, 2017, 2019–2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2015)
- Outland Trophy (2014)
- Rimington–Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year (2014)
- Unanimous All-American (2014)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2014)
Scherff is a six-foot-five, 319-pound guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Scherff played college football at Iowa and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2015.
In his two seasons with the Redskins, he made 54 starts at left guard. He was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in February 2022 and has started all 48 games there since then, including 13 this season as one of their captains.
Scherff is considered one of the best guards in NFL history and his impact on both sides of the ball has been immense, particularly on defense where he’s a key part of an elite unit that ranks first overall in yards allowed per game (283).
As captain of the team this year, Scherff led them to their first AFC South title since 1999 while also being named second-team American and First Team All-Pro at guard by ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay, and Daniel Jeremiah respectively.
Brandon Scherff is an All-Pro offensive lineman for the Washington Redskins. Brandon Scherff was a unanimous first-team all-American in 2014 and won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman that year.
Brandon Scherff has started 99 games in his NFL career, including 99 of 100 possible starts over six seasons with the Redskins.
Brandon Scherff was drafted by Washington in 2015 and has been one of their most consistent players ever since then, making him a key member of their team moving forward.
Final Words
. . Pro Football Focus’ list of the best players in NFL history is a venerable and respected resource for football fans.
