NFL Top 100 Players for 2022: Non QB Rankings

The 2022 NFL Season opens with the Buffalo Bills visiting the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, September 8th. So naturally, all eyes will be on that game, but the 2022 season offers plenty more.

The league welcomes a slew of young rookie players who will try to make their way onto next year’s Top 100 Players lists. In addition, players like Micheal Thomas, Derrick Henry, and Chase Young will look for spectacular comebacks from injuries sustained last year. But, of course, we all want to know where OBJ may end up or if he will play this season!

The offseason still has a few contracts that need to be worked out, like Jesse Bates. What about the players like Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who landed big contracts this offseason? Will they play up to them or fall apart? There are plenty of players with new teams too. Tyreek Hill is a Dolphin now, and Davante Adams is a Raider. Will they look as good or better with their new teams?

While there are plenty of questions to be answered this season, we will examine the facts. Here are the top 100 players in the NFL right now that aren’t playing the quarterback position and everything you need to know about them.

100. Leonard Williams, DE, New York Giants

2017 Pro Bowl alternate Leonard Williams played for four and a half seasons for the Jets, who drafted him out of USC. Since coming to the Giants in 2019, his production has far exceeded what it was in the early years. He had banner seasons in 2020 and 2021, recording 81 combined tackles and six and a half sacks during the 2021 season, making him the 100th-best non-quarterback player in the NFL.

 99. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is one of the NFL’s most dangerous weapons when he is healthy. Despite having back-to-back seasons riddled with injuries, fantasy analysts still project that he is a must-have running back to be included on your roster. In 2019, he became the third running back in league history to rush for 1,000 yards and have 1,000 yards in the same season.

98. Robert Quinn, DE, Chicago Bears

Robert Quinn shows that he is one of the league’s most efficient pass rushers. By far, 2021 was his best season since joining the NFL in 2011. He recorded a career-high 18.5 sacks, which placed him second behind sack leader T.J. Watt. The 18.5 sacks also paved the way for Quinn to reach 100 sacks for his career.

97. Kenny Moore, CB, Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Moore was once an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State. Now he is recognized as one of the league’s best slot corners. His hard work and dedication to his craft have earned him a spot on the Strike 7 Sports NFL Top 100 Players for 2022.

96. Leonard Fournette, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Leonard Fournette is an asset that can provide a spark to a football team, especially in the postseason. The moniker “Playoff Lenny” was not placed upon him for nothing. In the playoffs, he’s a threat coming out of the backfield as a runner and a receiver.

95. Bobby Wagner, LB, Los Angeles Rams

Bobby Wagner’s resume speaks for itself.

• 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)
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012)
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

After spending his first ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Wagner took his talents to the defending Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams. He is Canton bound when he decides to walk away from football for good.

94. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A ten-year veteran, Lavonte David has spent his entire professional career with the Buccaneers. He is highly decorated, being a former Super Bowl champion, Pro Bowler and All-Pro. During the 2021 season, David had 63 solo tackles and two sacks. However, it’s not only his stats but also his knack for forcing fumbles and recovering them that gains him inclusion on this list.

93. Kennan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers wideout Kennan Allen is considered one of the league’s most productive and consistent players. He has recorded three consecutive years of having at least 100 receptions. When he is on the field, he is a player that defenses must account for at all times.

92. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Since coming to the scene in 2017, Chris Godwin has emerged as one of the better slot receivers in the game. He was on track to have another stellar season until a torn ACL injury against the Saints sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Tom Brady has always performed well with slot receivers throughout his career. When he arrived in Tampa Bay in 2020, the chemistry between him and Godwin was there from the start.

91. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos

Surtain was thrown into the fire last season as a rookie. He performed exceptionally well while facing some of the league’s best wideouts. Now that the Broncos’ pass rush has been upgraded, Surtain could be a prime candidate for a breakout player on defense.

90. D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers

Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore is one of the most underrated players on offense in today’s NFL. Regardless of who the Panthers’ starting QB is, Moore contributes regardless. However, if new QB Baker Mayfield is up to speed on Carolina’s offense, Moore’s stock could rise as an elite WR.

89. Tyrann Mathieu, SS, New Orleans Saints

Wherever Tyrann Mathieu ends up, he always makes an immediate impact on the team. We saw it with the Cardinals, Texans, and Chiefs. You can expect the same type of outcome with the New Orleans Saints. So far, his most significant impact came with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mathieu became critical for the Chiefs advancing to the Super Bowl in 2019. The Honey Badger’s many accolades include Super Bowl LIV champion, three-time Pro Bowler, first-team all-pro, and 2010s NFL All-Decade Team.

88. Chandler Jones, DE, Las Vegas Raiders

Chandler Jones is one of the league’s most underrated defensive ends. He has stellar numbers in his three stops as a pass rusher. Since the Patriots selected Jones in 2012, he’s accounted for 33 forced fumbles, 118 tackles for loss, and 107.5 sacks. If Jones can accumulate at least three more productive seasons, the argument for him becoming a future Hall of Famer would be there.

87. Kenny Clark, NT, Green Bay Packers

Kenny Cark played college football at UCLA, where he was named First-team All-Pac-12 before being drafted by the Green Bay Packers. As a Packer, he is a two-time Pro Bowler. One of his Pro Bowl nods came in 2021 after a four-sack, 48-tackle season. Clark looks to be a central figure in Green Bay’s defense for many years.

86. Frank Ragnow, C, Detroit Lions

Ragnow was a Lions’ first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has been dealt a rough hand being drafted by the Lions, who haven’t had the best season in the last few years. Nonetheless, he has performed well and even managed a Pro Bowl invitation, and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2020 while the league was plagued with issues from the pandemic. Ragnow remains a key factor in stabilizing the quarterback position for the Lions, who are still trying to find their franchise guy.

85. Shaq Mason, OG, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Georgia Tech alum Shaq Mason was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2015. He had a successful run with the Pats O-line, winning two Super Bowls with the team. He started and played in every game for the Patriots last year, but with a change at quarterback, Mason may be happy to be reunited with former teammate Tom Brady this season in Tampa Bay.

84. Chase Young, DE, Washington Commanders

Drafted from the Ohio State University in 2020, Young is a franchise player capable of effecting culture change in a locker room. That is what the Commanders were hoping for. While Young hasn’t quite led the team to a Super Bowl in his first two years, the team has improved. Young’s sophomore season in the league was cut short by an ACL tear, but in just nine games, he had one and a half sacks, two forced fumbles, and 21 total tackles. Expect a comeback season from Young as long as the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler can stay healthy.

83. Rashan Gary, OLB, Green Bay Packers

The Packers drafted Rashan Gary from Michigan. Some people considered it a questionable pick, but Gary has been a perfect fit for the Packer’s defense. He has been productive for the team in the three years he has played, with his best performance coming last season. During the 2021 season, he racked up nine and a half sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery during the regular season, and two sacks with four tackles in one playoff game.

82. Randy Gregory, DE, Denver Broncos

Randy Gregory might have had a tumultuous career, but his play has never been questioned, and he has developed like a fine wine. 2021 was his fifth and best season with the Dallas Cowboys. In 12 games, he amassed six sacks, tieing his career high in 2018, along with an interception, three forced fumbles, and one recovery. In a shocking turn of events, as a free agent at the end of the season, he chose not to resign with the Cowboys, opting for the Denver Broncos instead.

81. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens

Ronnie Stanley is a mainstay on the Ravens’ offensive line, having played for them for six years. Stanley’s play and body of work over the years merit his inclusion on this list, even if he could not play for most of the season. Stanley’s season ended prematurely in 2021 due to an ankle injury that required surgery.

80. Von Miller, OLB, Buffalo Bills

Von Miller came out of Texas A&M back in 2011. Von Miller is one of the most decorated players actively playing in the NFL with eight Pro Bowl appearances, seven years of All-Pro honors, two Super Bowl championships, and a place on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He spent ten seasons with the Denver Broncos before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams midseason in 2021. He never missed a beat. Combined for the year, Miller had nine and a half sacks and 50 total tackles. He signed a six-year deal worth $120 million to play for the Buffalo Bills starting in 2022.

79. Tyron Smith, LT, Dallas Cowboys

Widely considered a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Tyron Smith has played for the Cowboys for eleven seasons. During that time, he helped the team develop a reputation for one of the strongest O-lines in the league. Although he suffered from lingering ankle issues throughout the 2021 season, he still provided excellent cover for quarterback Prescott and is an invaluable piece of the Cowboys’ offense.

78. Khalil Mack, OLB, Los Angles Chargers

Mack started with the Raiders before a surprise trade to the Bears. In his final season with the Bears in 2021, he recorded six sacks and six tackles for loss before suffering a season-ending injury in week seven. Mack is a six-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, and member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, as well as part of the 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time. Mack takes his hard-hitting style to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022 to sure up an already strong defense.

77. Jonathan Allen, DT, Washington Commanders

A collegiate National Champion from the University of Alabama, Jonathan Allen was drafted by Washington in 2017. While he has become an integral part of the defensive line in Washington, Allen has faced some injuries and a slow transition into the league. 2021 was Allen’s best season so far. In the absence of teammate Chase Young, Allen arose as a defensive leader and set a new career high of eight and a half sacks. He was also named to his first Pro Bowl.

76. Matthew Joudon, LB, New England Patriots

What makes Matthew Joudon special as a linebacker is that he is far more than a great pass rusher. He is multi-faceted and just as likely to drop a running back in the backfield. After five years with the Ravens, the diversity of Bill Belichick’s schemes shows the breadth of talent that Joudon brings to the Patriots. Under Belichick, Joudon had one of his best seasons, putting up a career-high 12.5 sacks with 60 total tackles. His play this year earned him a third consecutive Pro Bowl nod.

75. A.J. Terrell, CB, Atlanta Falcons

After being part of a national championship-winning team at Clemson University, A.J. Terrell was drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. While his rookie year in the league was lackluster, Terrell saw a significant improvement in 2021. He started all 16 games he played in for the Falcons and recorded three interceptions, one sack, and three tackles for loss. In recognition of his season’s achievements, he was named Second-team All-Pro.

74. J.C. Jackson, CB, Los Angeles Chargers

An undrafted free agent in 2018, J.C. Jackson was signed by the New England Patriots, where he earned a spot on the roster. His numbers improved over his three years with the Patriots, culminating in eight interceptions, including a pick-six in 2021. A hard-hitting corner, Jackson had a forced fumble and 58 total tackles while starting all 17 games last season. The Super Bowl LIII champion was named Second-team All-Pro for the 2021 season and went to his first Pro Bowl before signing a massive contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in March.

73. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, New Orleans Saints

C.J. Gardner-Johnson has played for the New Orleans Saints since being drafted out of Florida in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. He has exhibited strong play throughout his time with the Saints leading up to 2021, his best season. In 2021, Gardner Johnson had 46 combined tackles, seven passes defended, and three interceptions. He looks poised to have an even better 2022.

72. Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins

An elder statesman of a young Dolphins franchise, Mike Gesicki, is a Penn State product in his fifth year with the franchise. After very productive 2019 and 2020 seasons, his numbers dropped off a little in 2021. He landed 72 on this top 100 list with two touchdowns and 780 yards. The reason is even when Gesicki isn’t quite as productive; his reputation dictates that an opposing team must still spend considerable time game-planning for him.

71. Roquan Smith, LB, Chicago Bears

Another hard hitter from the SEC, Georgia’s Roquan Smith, was drafted by the Bears in 2018, where he was honored as part of the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team. His first professional touchdown was a pick-six in 2021. During the season, he also had three sacks and 163 total tackles. The two-time Second-team All-Pro is currently under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract and has so far been unable to negotiate an extension.

70. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts

A two-time Pro Bowler twice named an All-Pro, DeForest Buckner spent his early career with the San Francisco 49ers. He was traded to the Colts in 2020 for a first-round draft pick. He inked a massive deal with the Colts and has given them standout performances for the last two years. He has recorded 16 sacks in his time with the Colts and 126 combined tackles.

69. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks drafted wideout DK Metcalf in 2019, and since then, he has started all but one game for them. He has recorded 3,170 yards in his time with the Seahawks and has been the team’s most effective receiver. With the departure of franchise quarterback Russell Wilson and Metcalf’s close personal friend veteran Bobby Wagner, many analysts thought Metcalf’s departure was a foregone conclusion. However, during the off-season, he signed a three-year, $72 million deal that will keep the former Pro Bowler and All-Pro with Seattle for the foreseeable future.

68. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings

FSU alum Dalvin Cook was injured during his first two seasons as a professional. Starting in 2019, he put together three consecutive seasons with over 1,100 yards earning a Pro Bowl berth each year. In 2021, the Vikings starter put up 1,159 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games.

67. Trent Williams, LT, San Francisco 49ers

Trent Williams is arguably the best-left tackle in the NFL. After a decade in Washington and seven consecutive Pro Bowls, Williams was traded to the 49ers for draft picks. He immediately returned to Pro Bowl form, being voted to the Pro Bowl during his years with the Niners, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league. Williams controls his destiny. If he stays healthy, he will likely retire a 49er when he decides the right time.

66. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward is still at the top of his game. 2021 was one of his best years in recent memory. The five-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro started every game and had ten sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a recovery with 89 total tackles. With two years left on his contract, Heyward will likely continue to be a central part of the Steelers’ stellar defense.

65. Joey Bosa, DE, Los Angeles Chargers

Buckeye Joey Bosa, the older of the two Bosa brothers and the 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been voted to the Pro Bowl every year of his professional career except for 2018 when a foot injury was holding him out of ten games. In 2021 a healthy Bosa started 16 games and recorded more than ten sacks, something he has done for four years of his professional career, with seven forced fumbles. Bosa’s fearless play and ability to wreck an offensive game plan land him at 65 on our list.

64. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

It’s easy to guess that the Colts are happy with fourth-year guard Quenton Nelson since they have already exercised their fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Although he faced multiple injuries during the 2021 season, his play was still strong enough to merit a fourth year of All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

63. Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers drafted Devin White out of LSU in 2019. White made an immediate impact and has started every game he played for the franchise, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2020. In 2021, the All-Pro and Pro Bowl linebacker had three and a half sacks, a fumble recovery, and 128 total tackles.

62. Erik McCoy, C, New Orleans Saints

Erik McCoy came into the league as the man responsible for keeping the aging but highly celebrated Drew Brees upright and has also protected Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston, both of which have a sorted history with injuries. McCoy is widely considered a premiere center and will likely maintain his position with the Saints for years to come.

61. Jamaal Adams, SS, Seattle Seahawks

Jamaal Adams is one of the players that helped give LSU its reputation as DBU. Adams started his professional career in New York with the Jets in 2017. During his time with the Jets, he was named Second Team All-Pro in 2018 and First-team All-Pro in 2019 and voted to two Pro Bowls. In 2020, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where he was named Second-team All-Pro in his first year and voted to the Pro Bowl. In 2021, he only played in 12 games because he tore his labrum in week 13. He didn’t record any sacks during the season, but he did have two interceptions and 87 combined tackles. Expect a healthy Adams to put up even bigger numbers when he returns to the field in 2022.

60. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

As a rookie in 2018, Saquon Barkley was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, FedEx Ground Player of the Year, and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team after recording the most games over 100 yards by a rookie in NFL history. In his second year, he also recorded more than 1,000 yards rushing. Although he faced injuries and other struggles in 2020 and 2021, Barkley has an intimidating reputation and is likely to return to form, making him an ever-present threat to defensive coordinators, which is why he makes the list at 60.

59. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins

Waddle was a prototype wideout at Alabama before being drafted by the Dolphins and reunited with college teammate and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. As one of several pairs of collegiate teammates that were drafted together for chemistry that season, Waddle performed well for the Dolphins immediately. In his first year in the league, he was named to the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team and had 104 receptions (an NFL rookie record) for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns as a rushing touchdown. Waddle is an elite receiver, but more importantly, he is a source of security for Tagovailoa. With Tyreek Hill added to the team, Waddle will face far less double coverage and should see increased stats.

58. Trevon Diggs, CB, Dallas Cowboys

Another Alabama product and younger brother of prolific receiver Stefan Diggs, Trevon Diggs started as a receiver in college before being transitioned to DB by coach Nick Saban. This helps to explain Diggs’s ability to anticipate a quarterback and play the ball. He had an impressive rookie season and only got better in year two. In 2021, Diggs led the league in interceptions with 11, two he took to the house for a score. If he can clean up the YAC allowed when he misses a pick, Diggs could be poised to be the best cornerback in the NFL.

57. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys drafted Lamb in the first round of the 2020 draft, and he became an immediate threat to score in every game. 2021 showed that his skills were developing even further. He had 79 receptions for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns; Lamb also contributes on special teams helping the return game. If his connection with quarterback Prescott continues to grow, the sky is the limit for the pair in 2022.

56. Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby has established himself as one of the cornerstones of the Las Vegas Raiders defense. His exceptional production on the field has allowed him to earn a four-year, $94 million contract with the team. He is proof that players taken in the mid to late rounds of the draft can become building blocks of an NFL franchise. Coming out of college, Crosby was a fourth-round selection of Eastern Michigan University.

55. Odell Beckham Jr, WR, Free Agent

Odell Beckham Jr, known as OBJ, was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014. He was named Second-team All-Pro the following two years and voted to the Pro Bowl from 2014 through 2016. After five seasons with the Giants, OBJ had a tumultuous tenure with the Cleveland Browns before being waived six games into the 2021 season. He quickly signed a contract with the Los Angeles Rams. For the Rams, he had five touchdowns from 27 receptions in eight games in addition to two in the postseason. He won his first Super Bowl with the Rams, although he suffered a torn ACL mid-game.

54. Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

There is a reason they call him “Big Play Slay.” Darius Slay made big plays for the Detroit Lions for seven seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. He has been a game-changer for the Eagles. In 2021, he had three picks and a touchdown. More important than his numbers are the numbers not put up by the receivers that he is covering.

53. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens

One of a plethora of defensive players in the NFL drafted out of Alabama, Humphrey has recorded double digits of passes defended every single year along with at least one interception. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl twice and was the NFL forced fumbles leader in 2020. Although his season was cut short due to injury in 2021, his play is still deserving of a spot on the top 100 non-quarterback NFL players list.

52. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

There was a lot of buzz around Kyle Pitts when he played at Florida. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. He is the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. He is only the second tight end in history to have 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie year, compiling 1,026 yards and a touchdown over 17 games. In the absence of Calvin Ridley or any other top mainstay receiver, Pitts should see plenty more targets in 2022.

51. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

A.J. Brown is a product of Ole Miss where he was a two-time First-team All-SEC honoree. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans where he played the first three years of his career. 2021 was Pro Bowler’s final year with the Titans. He put up 869 receiving yards with five touchdowns even while missing four games with a chest injury. Brown will join the Eagles in 2022. He already has a long-standing friendship with quarterback Jalen Hurts, stemming from their SEC days. It will be interesting to see if their connection transitions to chemistry in the field.

50. D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions

A Georgia standout named First-team All-SEC his final year, D’Andre Swift was drafted by the Detroit Lions. While he has faced a lot of adversity in terms of injuries and team struggles, Swift has started in six games during his two seasons in the NFL and has produced 11 touchdowns. If he can stay healthy, he could be one of the league’s top running backs.

49. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints

Micheal Thomas is a two-time First-team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler, and 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year who led the league in receiving yards and receptions twice. His 149 receptions is a league record for all players. Thomas had a lingering ankle injury that plagued his 2020 season. The surgery meant to correct the problem kept him from playing at all during the 2021 season. Even without playing last year, it goes without saying that a healthy Micheal Thomas is a dangerous offensive threat.

48. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler came into the league in 2017. He has been the Chargers’ starting running back for the last two seasons. 2021 was a break-out season for Ekeler who almost broke the 1,000-yard mark with his 911-yard performance which included 12 touchdowns. He has improved every year he has spent in the league. This could be the year that Ekeler finally breaks 1,000 yards.

47. Brian Burns, DE, Carolina Panthers

A Panthers’ first-round pick in 2019, Burns has started almost every game he has played in for the Panthers in the last two years, amassing nine sacks each year. In 2021, he also had four passes defended, two forced fumbles, and 50 total tackles. For all of his constant harassment of quarterbacks, he was named to the Pro Bowl and included on our list at number 47.

46. Terron Armstead, OT, Miami Dolphins

Terron Armstead was drafted by the Saints in 2013. He was given his first start in December of that year due to an injury of another player and he never relinquished the starting role.  Armstead protected Drew Brees in a prolific passing offense for nine years. In 2022, he signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Miami Dolphins with the hopes of shoring up their offensive line. Armstead is a three-time Pro Bowler and 2018 Second-team All-Pro.

45. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, New Orleans Saints

Drafted from Wisconsin in 2017, Ryan Ramczyk was included in the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team. He is a two-time Second-team All-Pro and 2019 First-team All-Pro. Although the Saints exercised their fifth-year option on his rookie contract in 2020, the following year they signed him to a $96 million contract that will keep him a Saint until at least 2027.

44. David Bakhtiari, LT, Green Bay Packers

David Bakhtiari was drafted by the Packers in 2013. Due to an injury to the starting left tackle, Bakhtiari was placed at left tackle where he started every game that season and still starts today. He is considered by many to be the best at his position and a future Hall of Famer. Bakhtiari is a three-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro. He will be part of the o-line protecting Aaron Rodgers again this season.

43. Harold Landry, OLB, Tennessee Titans

Harold Landry is going into his fifth year playing for the Tennessee Titans. He hasn’t missed starting a game since his rookie season. While he has been a steady player for the team, 2021 saw his best play yet with 12 sacks, a forced fumble, and 74 combined tackles. His outstanding play in 2021 landed him a spot in the Pro Bowl and he is expected to be just as strong in 2022.

42. Denzel Ward, CB, Cleveland Browns

Denzel Ward was born in Macedonia, Ohio, and attended the Ohio State University before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Being a hometown favorite isn’t the only reason that the Browns love Ward. He is a ball hawk who has given the team four years of solid play that includes multiple picks every year. In 2021, the two-time Pro Bowler had three interceptions, including one he took all the way back, 10 passes defended, and 43 total tackles.

41. Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Miami Dolphins drafted Minkah Fitzpatrick out of the University of Alabama. Fitzpatrick became disillusioned playing for the Dolphins and demanded a trade which landed him in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have been a far better fit for Fitzpatrick who immediately became more productive. The two-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro signed a $73 million extension with the team in the off-season. The Steelers hope to see Fitzpatrick add to the 27 picks he has already given them in his first two and a half years with their team.

40. Jaire Alexander, CB, Green Bay Packers

Jaire Alexander was drafted by the Packers in 2018 as they struggled to find a replacement for the highly productive Sam Shields. Alexander spent the next two years proving himself and outplaying a slew of Green Bay fan favorites at the position. Now the dominant cornerback in Green Bay, he has signed a four-year contract extension with the team and will be a staple of the 2022 defensive backfield. Alexander was named a Second-team All-Pro in 2020 when he also played in his first Pro Bowl.

39. Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans

While Jeffery Simmons may have come into the league on IR, once he got healthy, he hasn’t missed a game starting for the Titans. He had a little bit of a slow start, but once he gained his footing he has been an incredibly solid and productive member of the team. He had a breakout season in 2021 with eight and a half sacks and 54 total tackles. He was honored as Second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl nod for his efforts.

38. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Najee Harris struggled in his first two years at Alabama, but once he made it to the league he has done anything but struggle playing for the Steelers. He has been an absolute powerhouse, adding 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns to the Steelers’ offense in just his rookie year. If he continues to improve, there is no telling how great Harris could be in his career.

37. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals

Budda Baker is a perennial favorite for the Arizona Cardinals because of his consistency. He has been a strong player ever since coming into the league five years ago. In 2021, the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro recorded two sacks, three picks, and amassed 98 total tackles. His dominance as safety doesn’t look like it is going to end anytime soon.

36. Cam Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

Cam Jordan is a second-generation player who is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. His eleventh year in the league was as good as any that he has played. Jordan had 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles with a total of 59 tackles. The length of time he has been one of the best at his position in addition to his level of play last season is why Cam Jordan is number 36 on our list of the top 100 non-quarterback players in the NFL.

35. Tre’Davious White, CB, Buffalo Bills

Another great DB from LSU, Tre’Davious White was drafted by the Bills in 2017. He is a two-time All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in interceptions in 2019. His lone interception in 2021 came in week 10. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the Thanksgiving Day game and did not play the rest of the season. A healthy Tre’Davious White can wreak havoc on any passing game. Look for him to make a major impact in 2022.

34. Jesse Bates III, S, Cincinnati Bengals

Jesse Bates is a Second-team All-Pro drafted out of the ACC in 2018. He has been an exceptional player for the Bengals. In 2021, he helped them to the Super Bowl with his interception, forced fumble, and 88 combined tackles. It can be argued that Bates would have higher numbers if opposing quarterbacks didn’t shy away from throwing in his direction. Bengals fans hope he will be back as Bates has stayed out of training camp while looking for a contract extension in a reset market for safeties.

33. Marcus Williams, S, Baltimore Ravens

Marcus Williams played for the Saints who drafted him, for five seasons and recorded multiple interceptions every year. The Saints decided to not negotiate a new contract with Williams after his rookie deal and one year under a franchise tag. In his last year with the team, he had two interceptions, a forced fumble, and 74 combined tackles. He signed a new contract with the Baltimore Ravens during the off-season.

32. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs

Chris Jones has been an extraordinary player for the Chiefs. He came into the league with a strong enough season to be named to the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team. Since then he has been a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Second-team All-Pro as well as part of the Chiefs Super Bowl-winning team. In 2021, he recorded nine sacks and 27 tackles with a forced fumble and recovery.

31. Micah Parsons, DE, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons was a rookie in 2021 but that didn’t stop him from having an extraordinary year with the Dallas Cowboys. Parsons started all 16 games that he played in for the Cowboys. He accumulated 13 sacks and three forced fumbles along with 84 total tackles. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team, honored as First-team All-Pro, invited to the Pro Bowl, and named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. If Parsons continues to play at this level he is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer in the making.

30. Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers

Nick Bosa, a Buckeye like his older brother, was drafted by the Niners in 2019, a year that saw him named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Since then he has been to the Pro Bowl twice, including at the end of last season. Bosa’s 2021 season was better than even his rookie year with him amassing 15.5  sacks, four forced fumbles, 21 tackles for loss, and a total of 52 combined tackles.

29. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Eight seasons ago Mike Evans was drafted out of Texas A&M and in those eight seasons, he has produced more than 1,000 receiving yards every season. Since Tom Brady’s arrival in Tampa Bay, Evans has become even more prolific. 2021 was his best season so far with 14 touchdowns and 1,035 yards. During his career, Evans has been to the Pro Bowl four times, named Second-team All-Pro, and won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers.

28. Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts

Darius Leonard was drafted by the Colts in the second round in 2018. He has been a consummate starter all four years that he has played for them. After a standout rookie season where he saw seven sacks and two interceptions, his numbers dropped a bit. However, in 2021, he led the league in forced fumbles and terrorized opposing quarterbacks. He was named First-team All-Pro and voted to the Pro Bowl, both for the third time in his career.

27. Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints

Since being drafted into the league in 2012, Demario Davis had two stints with the Jets and spent time with the Browns before joining the Saints in 2018. His best years have come with the Saints as he has been named an All-Pro three times since 2018 and also won the Bart Starr Award last season for exceptional leadership on and off of the field. He had three sacks and 105 total tackles last season.

26. Xavien Howard, CB, Miami Dolphins

Xavien Howard had a rough transition coming into the NFL in 2016 and in 2018 had a very promising season until he was sidelined with a knee injury. He has come back with a vengeance. He has had 15 interceptions in the last two seasons and since 2018 has been voted to three Pro Bowls and been named an All-Pro three times. He also led the league in interceptions in 2018 and 2020. As the Dolphins’ stock rises, Howard figures to be a big part of any of their future success.

25. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle is well known to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Since being drafted in 2017, he has twice been named an All-Pro and has been voted to the Pro Bowl three times, including at the end of last season. In 2021, he had 910 yards and six touchdowns, which was a career-high.

24. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Fred Warner was drafted by the Niners in 2018 in the third round. In 2020, he was named First-team All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl. He has started every game since he was drafted and is the heart and soul of San Fransico’s defense. While he has only had four and a half sacks and three interceptions in his career, he is a hard-hitting playmaker. Warner’s game is less about his stats and more about the stats other players can’t put up against him.

23. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals drafted Higgins out of Clemson in 2020. He has been part of a culture change that has seen Cincinnati turn their team around and make it all the way to the Super Bowl. In his two seasons with the team, Higgins has averaged 1,000 yards per season and had six touchdowns each year. The Bengals seem to be trending up and that is nothing but good news for the former college football national champion.

22. Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Darren Waller has spent time with both the Ravens and the Raiders and is considered one of the most inspirational players in the NFL. He is also a fantastic player who has grown by leaps and bounds in his time with the Raiders. Two of his four years with the team have seen him break 1,000 yards. In the last two years, the former Pro Bowler has had a total of 11 touchdowns.

21. Trey Hendrickson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals

Trey Hendrickson spent his first four years in the league with the New Orleans Saints, but his best year by far was last year with the Bengals. Hendrickson had 14 sacks and three forced fumbles along with 34 total tackles. His outstanding play earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl, however, he did not play in the Pro Bowl due to playing in the Super Bowl.

20. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills

Drafted out of Maryland in 2015, Stefon Diggs spent his first five years with the Minnesota Vikings and was a solid receiver. In 2020, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills and his solid play became extraordinary. He has had more than 1,200 yards in both years. Last year he had a total of 103 receptions with 10 touchdowns. His outstanding play won him an invitation to the Pro Bowl.

19. Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns

Out of Texas A&M, Myles Garrett was the number one pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. As a rookie he was named to the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team, He has been named an All-Pro three times and played in the Pro Bowl three times. Garrett is as strong as he is quick and terrifies opposing quarterbacks. He has put up double sack numbers since his rookie season including a career-high 16 sacks in 2021. Additionally, he had 51 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a recovery that he scored on in 2021. The best part is Garrett doesn’t look to be slowing down at all.

18. Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Mixon is a versatile back than can run the ball as well as catch out of the backfield. On the way to the Super Bowl last season he put up over 1,200 yards on the ground and an additional 314 yards receiving and scored a total of 16 touchdowns. Mixon provides stability on the offense and gives his young quarterback breathing room in the passing game. Mixon was voted to his first Pro Bowl in 2021.

17. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Arizona Cardinals

DeAndre Hopkins spent his early career in Houston and played with a slew of quarterbacks. In Arizona, Hopkins has had the chance to build a relationship with his quarterback and play alongside other talented receivers who can take the pressure off of him. At 30 years of age, Hopkins is still putting up big numbers with eight touchdowns and 572 yards last year in just 10 games. Hopkins is suspended for the first six games of 2022 but will likely make a huge impact when he is allowed to return to his team. Hopkins is a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-team All-Pro, two-time Second-team All-Pro, and the league touchdown leader of 2017.

16. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns

The Browns drafted Nick Chubb out of Georgia in 2018. He has been a dynamic part of their run game ever since. He has played in the Pro Bowl every year after his rookie season and was listed as an All-Pro at the end of the 2021 season. In 2021, Chubb had 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns

15. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens

On a team where the run game is very dominant, Mark Andrews makes the very best of his situation and is a very large part of the passing game that the Ravens do use. In 2021, he hauled in nine touchdowns and had 1,361 yards off of 107 catches. He was named First-team All-Pro for the first time in his career and voted to his second Pro Bowl.

14. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

A national champion from LSU, 2021 was Justin Jefferson’s sophomore year in the NFL. In his first year, he was part of the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team, named Second-team All-Pro, and voted to the Pro Bowl. In 2021, after putting up more than 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns he was named Second-team All-Pro a second time and sent to a second Pro Bowl.

13. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Deebo Samuel is a Swiss Army knife of receivers. A gifted athlete, Samuel has faced plenty of adversity in terms of injuries during his career. That hasn’t stopped the kind of outstanding playmaking that leaves him as the wide receiver with the most rushing yards in a Super Bowl ever. In 2021, he had 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, numbers that garnered him First-team All-Pro honors as well as a trip to the Pro Bowl.

12. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Drafted out of Wisconsin in 2020, Jonathan Taylor has already made a sizable impact on the Colts’ offense. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team in 2020, but 2021 was his year. In his second season, he had over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns making him the NFL’s leading rusher and scorer. He was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Year and won the Bert Bell Award. He was honored as First-team All-Pro and voted through to his first Pro Bowl. Taylor is a Hall of Famer in the making.

11. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

From the SEC, Alvin Kamara came into the league as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has been a star rusher for the Saints ever since always providing big numbers as well as lots of excitement. Kamara is a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time Second-team All-Pro. He holds the record for single-game rushing touchdowns. In 2021, he rushed for 898 yards and four touchdowns and had 439 receiving yards with five touchdowns. Kamara should be a staple on the Saints offense but may face a penalty in late 2022 or 2023 for an altercation during the off-season.

10. Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

Davante Adams played for the Green Bay Packers from 2014 until 2021. During his time with the Packers, he was a two-time First-team All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl five times. He was Aaron Rodgers’s most important receiver after the departure of Jordy Nelson. He even led the league in touchdowns in 2020. In his last year with the Packers, he had 1,553 yards and 11 touchdowns. After eight years and 73 touchdowns with the Packers, Adams has signed with the Raiders and will be reunited with his college quarterback Derek Carr in 2022.

9. Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints

Another stand-out product from the Ohio State University, Marshon Lattimore has been with the Saints for five seasons. The former Buckeye has amassed a total of 13 interceptions and almost 300 total tackles. The 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year has played in the Pro Bowl four times. Last season, Lattimore signed a $97.6 million dollar contract that will make him a Saint through 2026.

8. Ja’Maar Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Maar Chase’s first year in the NFL was stellar. He started every game and accumulated 1,455 yards with 13 touchdowns playing alongside his college quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase’s season set the record for receiving yards by a rookie in a game, in a season, and in the postseason. He helped his team to their first Super Bowl berth in more than 30 years. He was named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Second-team All-Pro. He was also included in the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team and voted to the Pro Bowl. If his first year was any indication at all, Chase has a great career ahead of him.

7. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams

2021 was Cooper Kupp’s fifth season with the Rams. His outstanding play helped his team to win the Super Bowl and he was rewarded with Super Bowl MVP honors. He recorded 16 touchdowns and 1,947 yards during the regular season which made him the NFL’s leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, First-team All-Pro, and voted to the Pro Bowl. Kupp’s 2021 season is one of the statistically best seasons in NFL history.

6. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers

From one of football’s most well-known families, the younger brother of former Defensive Player of the Year, J.J. Watt, T.J. Watt, plays alongside his other brother Derek Watt for the Pittsburgh Steelers. T.J. Watt has been with the Steelers since 2017. He has 72 sacks total in his time with the Steelers, 22.5 coming in 2021, which ties a league record. He also had five forced fumbles and 64 combined tackles last year. He has been selected for the Pro Bowl and named an All-Pro four times. He was the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watt has played like this for years, and there is no end in sight.

5. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Kelce has had more 1,000-yard plus receiving seasons consecutively than any other tight end in NFL history. He has been named First-team All-Pro three times and Second-team All-Pro three times, as well as been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. Kelce is a former Super Bowl Champion and part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. After nine years in the league, he still exhibits a very high level of play, putting up 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns last season. His 2020 $57 million contract extension will keep him with the Chiefs through at least 2025.

4. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill came into the league in 2016 and played for the Kansas City Cheifs for six seasons, including in 2019 when they won the Super Bowl. He recorded 56 touchdowns for the franchise over those years and amassed 6,630 receiving yards. He is a six-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro who was included as part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. At the end of the 2021 football season, Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a package of draft picks. In 2022, he will play alongside Jaylen Waddle, and the two are expected to make one of the fastest-receiving tandems in the NFL.

3. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Los Angeles Rams

Jalen Ramsey began his career as a starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played for them for three seasons before demanding a trade at the beginning of his fourth year. He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. In 2021, he started every game for the Rams and had four interceptions, a forced fumble, a recovery, and 77 combined tackles. He is a reigning Super Bowl champion, a three-time First-team All-Pro, and a five-time Pro Bowler. Ramsey is one of the most feared cornerbacks in the NFL and can completely shut down his side of the field when necessary.

2. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans

Known for his outrageous stiff arm that has sent opposing defenders flying, Derrick Henry is one of the toughest running backs in the NFL. Nicknamed “King Henry,” is a two-time NFL rushing yards and scoring leader. Henry has been named an All-Pro twice and has been voted to the Pro Bowl twice. He is also the 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. In his six seasons with the Titans, Henry has had 65 touchdowns, 10 of which were in 2021. In 2021 he also had 937 rushing yards in addition to touchdowns, while he only played in eight games due to injury.

1. Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams

Aaron Donald entered the league as the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has played for the Rams for eight seasons and was part of the 2021 Super Bowl-winning team. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl every year of his career and received First-team All-Pro honors seven of those years. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times, a record, in 2017, 2018, and 2020 and is part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the Madden 99 Club. Donald recorded 12.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and 84 total tackles en route to the Super Bowl last season. Without Donald, likely, the Rams would not have won the Super Bowl as he was a major key to them making it there. This is why Aaron Donald tops the list of the best NFL players not playing quarterback.

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