As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the excitement is growing, with teams gearing up for another year of football. Every season brings a fresh wave of anticipation, not just for the games themselves but also for the players who will define the year. In this article, we kick off our countdown of the top 100 players in the NFL heading into 2024, continuing with those ranked 40 through 31. These players have proven their talent and impact on the field, earning them a spot among the league’s elite. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, this section of the list highlights players poised to make significant contributions to their teams in the upcoming season.
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40. Davante Adams WR Raiders
Despite the carousel of quarterbacks in Las Vegas, Davante Adams still put up big numbers in 2023. He had 103 receptions, 1144 yards, and 8 touchdowns last season. The concern with him his age (32) and his yards per reception was the 2nd lowest in his career last year. Adams is still an elite wide receiver but his time at the top half of the top 100 rankings might be coming to an end.
39. Trent McDuffie CB Chiefs
McDuffie has been a key part of the Chiefs last two super bowl wins. Spags has a way of developing cornerbacks, and McDuffie has been arguably the best corner on the team since his first snap as a rookie. He plays in the slot and on the outside. With his sticky coverage he also adds great awareness in the run game, snuffing plays out at or behind the line of scrimmage. Crazy to think he still has 0 career interceptions yet.
38. Trey Hendrickson EDGE Bengals
Hendrickson never gets the respect he deserves for being the Bengals star defensive player in the Joe Burrow era. In 3 seasons in Cincinnati, he has 39.5 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 pro bowl appearances. With the losses of Jessie Bates, Chidobe Awuize, and D.J. Reader the last 2 years, Hendrickson will be tasked with even more responsibilities if the Bengals want to make a deep playoff run this season.
37. Pat Surtain CB Broncos
Surtain had the worst season of his career last year for the Broncos. In 2022 though Surtain was the 2nd highest graded corner according to Pro Football Focus with an 86.8 grade. We are expecting Surtain to bounce back in his age 24 season this year and still be an all-pro ball hawk corner in 2024.
36. A.J. Brown WR Eagles
The best physical receiver in football, Brown had another great season in 2023. Brown now had back-to-back seasons with at least 85 catches, 1400 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. Those two seasons earned him 2nd team all-pro nods. It feels like Brown is on the outside looking in for the top 5 receivers in football due to his lack of volume in the Eagles offense.
35. Jaylon Johnson CB Bears
Johnson has a strong argument for being the best cornerback in football but failed to make the player’s top 100 list. Last season Johnson was a lockdown corner earning the highest graded corner from Pro Football Focus with a 90.1 grade. When he was thrown at quarterbacks had a 55.2% completion percentage and only a 50.2 passer rating. Heading into his age 25 season expect Jaylon Johnson to have another monster season for the Bears.
34. Jessie Bates S Falcons
Bates was an animal in his first season with the Falcons last year. He was the second highest graded safety according to Pro Football Focus with a 90.6 grade in 2023. Bates both excels against the pass and the run while having ball hawk skills. He will be tasked with leading a Falcons team with high expectations in 2024.
33. Andrew Thomas OT Giants
Thomas was not as dominant as he was in 2022 due to injuries. Thomas is an edge rushers nightmare as he excels in pass blocking and rarely lets his quarterback get touched. He is only going to be 26 this season and should only keep getting better as he gets older.
32. Creed Humphrey C Chiefs
After Jason Kelce’s retirement, Creed Humphrey finally takes claim as the top center in the league. Humphrey has been dominant since he entered the league and earned himself the largest contract for a center in league history this off-season. He is a stout run blocker and rarely gives up pressures when pass blocking. The only thing Humphrey needs to work on is his snapping ability.
31. Aidan Hutchinson EDGE Lions
Hutchinson built upon his solid rookie campaign and had an impressive 2023 season. He racked up 11.5 sacks, 33 QB hits, 7 passes defended, and 3 forced fumbles which earned him a pro bowl nod. Hutch is only going to keep getting better as he is only going to be 24 in 2024. It will be interesting to see if he joins the group of elite pass rushers in the league after this season.
Stay up to date with the list as we unveil players 30-21 tomorrow on Blitz Sports Media’s top 100 players!
For more other top 100 reveals check out:
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 50-41
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 60-51
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 70-61
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 80-71
[…] Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 40-31 […]