ESPN published their annual list of the top 100 players in the NFL, and the names in the top five should come as little-to-no surprise.
At No. 1 is Patrick Mahomes, of course, who already has a league MVP, Super Bowl MVP and Super Bowl win on his Chiefs resume. He’s the game’s biggest and brightest superstar at the sport’s most important position. This one’s a no-brainer.
At No. 2 is Rams defensive lineman, Aaron Donald. This one may be a bit more controversial, as I would’ve had Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens) in this spot. He comes up next at No. 3. But There’s no denying how lethal Donald is as a game-changing interior disruptor. Few players can impact an offense’s gameplan like Donald, and there’s no doubt he’s one of the five best players in the league.
Jackson is next at No. 3, and there’s a chance he could begin next season at the top spot. He’s just that dynamic. He won the NFL MVP award in 2019 and appeared destined for a Super Bowl win too, but things fell apart for Baltimore in the playoffs. I’d be surprised if that happens again in 2020.
The No. 4 spot belongs to Russell Wilson (QB, Seahawks), which makes three of the top four players quarterbacks. Wilson is the old dog of the bunch, but there’s no indication he’ll slow down anytime soon. He is just 31 years old, after all.
Rounding out the top five is Saints wide receiver, Michael Thomas. After a record-setting 2019 season (149 catches), Thomas proved to be virtually uncoverable in New Orleans’ offense. While I’m not sold on his standing as a freakish talent who deserves to be this highly ranked, it’s hard to argue against his box score. Thomas is as reliable as they come, even if he isn’t a spectacular playmaker.
