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 20 through 11. 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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20. Penei Sewell OT Lions
The all-pro tackle is an anchor for the Lions offensive line that is one of the best in the league. Sewell built on his first two seasons by being a brick wall last season. Sewell had a 92.8 grade and a 95.1 pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus which were the best in the NFL. Sewell is due for many top 20 appearances on the top 100 rankings throughout his career.
19. Lamar Jackson QB Ravens
The 2x MVP is a dynamic athlete that has developed into a good passer over his career. Jackson led one of the best offenses in football behind his rushing and timely passing abilities. Lamar has developed into a better passer by his ability to read opposing defenses better. He is now 27 years old, and the concerns remain though about if his playing style can lead the Ravens to the promise land.
18. George Kittle TE 49ers
The best blocking tight end in football that is also an elite vertical threat. Kittle is a dynamic athlete who never gets the amount of volume he deserves in the passing game but unselfishly never complains in public. He was a first team all-pro last season where he posted 1020 yards and 6 touchdowns with a wild 15.7 yards per reception.
17. Sauce Gardner CB Jets
The best corner in football, sauce is a wide receiver’s worst nightmare on Sunday’s. After his rookie year quarterbacks realized in 2023 it might be best to avoid the side Sauce was on. When quarterbacks did target him, he had a 90.8 coverage rating according to PFF. Expect Sauce to have a big year 3 for the Jets locking down number 1 wide receivers.
16. Travis Kelce TE Chiefs
Kelce finally looked like he was slowing down last season after his consecutive 1000-yard seasons streak came to an end. Then in the postseason Kelce turned back the clock and once again looked like prime Travis Kelce helping the Chiefs win their second straight super bowl. He has an argument for the goat tight end spot another ring and a big season this year might give him that honor.
15. Joe Burrow QB Bengals
Burrow’s 2023 season was one filled with bad play and injuries that led to the Bengals missing the playoffs last year. His injury history is starting to pile up becoming more concerning for the Bengals future. When Burrow is one of the best decision makers and throwers from the pocket in the NFL. Burrow is also a multiple time pro bowler and has a super bowl appearance under his belt. If he stays healthy this season expect the Bengals to be a tough team to beat in the AFC.
14. Nick Bosa EDGE 49ers
Bosa a 1x defensive player of the year, did not have his best campaign in 2023. In a down season Bosa still manage to finish with 10.5 sacks and graded out as the 3rd best EDGE rusher in football last year according to PFF. He beats guys with his elite first step and bull rush moves providing a tough matchup for any tackle in the NFL. Heading into his age 27 season expect a bounceback year from Bosa in 2024.
13. Dexter Lawrence NT Giants
Lawrence’s dominance has been overshadowed by the Giants woes and Aaron Donald. His stats are never going to jump out to you, but Lawrence is a menace at the front of the Giants defense. The last two seasons Lawrence has earned a 91.6 and a 92.9 grade from PFF. He excels at stopping the run, forcing teams to just outside or just abandon it all together. The addition of Brian Burns helps him take on less double and triple teams which could increase his sack numbers this season.
12. Maxx Crosby EDGE Raiders
Crosby had a career year in 2023 for the Raiders which led to him being 4th in defensive player of the year voting. In his age 26 season Crosby had 90 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss (led the league), and 2 forced fumbles. He dominates his matchups both on run and pass plays with his high motor. It seems like Crosby is only getting better and will be poised for another big season.
11. Fred Warner LB 49ers
The 3x first team all-pro is clearly the best linebacker in football due to how consistent he has been in his career. In 2023 Warner had 132 tackles, 11 passes defended, 4 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles. Warner is the perfect mold for a modern-day linebacker being good against the run and able to cover in space. Warner is entering his age 28 season and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Stay up to date with the list as we unveil players 10-1 tomorrow on Blitz Sports Media’s top 100 players!
For other top 100 reveals check out:
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 30-21
Ranking the Top 100 Players in the NFL in 2024 | 40-31
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
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