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, starting with those ranked 100 through 91. 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.

100. Montez Sweat EDGE Bears

Creator: Quinn Harris | Credit: Getty Images

After coming over in a trade from the Commanders, Sweat changed the course of the Bears season. He had 6 sacks and 14 QB hits in 9 games with the Bears, where the defense turned into a top unit in football with him on the field. Sweat does not make a big impact on the running game, but his pass rush skills have earned him a spot on this list.

99. Christian Barmore DT Patriots

An underrated player, Barmore earned his four-year, $84 million extension from the Patriots with his breakout season last year. He set career highs in sacks (8.5), tackles (64), tackles for loss (13), and QB hits (16). If he continues to improve, Barmore will find himself higher on this list next season.

98. Tyron Smith OT Jets

If Smith were to stay on the field, he might have been top 20 on the top 100 players. He has yet to play a full season since 2016 but when he is on the field, he is one of the best in football. According to PFF, Smith was the best pass blocker in the NFL with his 89.3 grade. Smith staying healthy will be a key piece for the Jets this season.

97. Jaire Alexander CB Packers

Creator: Michael Owens | Credit: Getty Images

Injuries and poor tackling have Jaire falling down this list the past two years after many considered him the top corner in football in 2021. The 2x pro bowler is only going to be 27 years old next season and earned a 78.6 coverage grade from PFF last season. If Alexander is healthy, he could be in store for a bounce back season this year.

96. A.J. Terrell CB Falcons

Terrell just secured himself a massive contract locking him in Atlanta for multiple years. A versatile weapon Terrell is valuable both in coverage and against the run. He is never going to wow you with his stats, but he is everything a team looks for in a #1 corner.

95. Quinn Meinerz OG Broncos

Overshadowed due to the lack of recognition for interior offensive lineman and the Broncos, Meinerz has established himself as one of the best in the league. Last season Meinerz finished with a 88.7 run blocking grade according to PFF, which was the highest in the NFL.

94. DeVonta Smith WR Eagles

Smith has an argument for the best WR2 in football. Despite being in a run first offense his first three seasons, Smith has amassed 240 receptions, 3178 yards, and 19 touchdowns. The addition of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could increase Smith’s volume and highlight how talented Smith really is.

93. DeForest Buckner DT Colts

Maybe underrated at this point in his career Buckner has 52 sacks over the last five seasons which is only behind Aaron Donald over that period. Besides his ability to rush the passer, Buckner also excels in batting the ball down. He led all defenders with 7 batted passes last year. Expect a big season for Buckner again in the middle of the Colts defense.

92. T.J. Hockenson TE Vikings

Before tearing his ACL last season, Hockenson was on pace for a career season. Hockenson had a career high in receptions and yards despite missing the end of last season. Hockenson had a clean ACL tear and is expected to return to play this season. The 2x pro bowl TE will strive to be rookie QB J.J. McCarthy’s safety valve for years to come.

91. Jeffrey Simmons DT Titans

Simmons 2023 season was riddled with injuries and resulted in a poor season for the 2x pro bowler. Before last season, Simmons was a force in both the run game and pass game for the Titans. The defense runs through him and the Titans success on that side of the ball needs him to return to form in his age 27 season.

Stay up to date with the list as we unveil players 90-81 tomorrow on Blitz Sports Media’s top 100 players!

For more NFL content check out > NFL News