2021 Preseason Edition

The NFL continues to do a nice job marketing it’s top talent, and you’ll find many household names in our 2021 edition of the top 50 players at all positions. There are some new names entering the chat this year, including a few from teams that may not be competitive during the season. One thing you won’t find on our list are any rookies, despite the fact that this is widely considered to be a very talented group, particularly on the offensive side of the football. It’s certainly possible that names like Trevor Lawrence and Kyle Pitts could become mainstays on preseason lists in the future, they’ve got to earn the right to be in this discussion. We’ve got a few players that are making their returns

Before we get to our top 50, let’s take a glance at some players that were in consideration, but just missed the cut line:

Za’Darius Smith – LB, Jamal Adams – S, Brandon Scherff – OG, Budda Baker – S, Ryan Tannehill – QB, Khalil Mack – LB, Bradley Chubb – LB, Mike Evans – WR, Demario Davis – LB, Ronnie Stanley – OT, Joe Thuney – OG, J.J. Watt – DE, Allen Robinson II – WR, Minkah Fitzpatrick- S, Justin Herbert – QB, Chandler Jones – LB, Keenan Allen – WR, Terron Armstead – OT, Justin Simmons – S, Matthew Stafford – QB, Eddie Jackson – S, Fletcher Cox – DT, Taylor Moton – T, L’ael Collins – T, CeeDee Lamb – WR, James Bradberry – CB, A.J. Brown – WR, Tre’Davious White – CB, Ryan Ramczyk – OT – Kyler Murray – QB, Derwin James – S, Tyler Lockett – WR, Frank Ragnow – OG, Corey Linsley – C, Chris Godwin – WR, Mark Andrews – TE, Cameron Jordan – DE, Tyrann Mathieu – S, Garrett Bolles – OT, Terry McLaurin – WR, JC Tretter – C, D.J. Moore – WR, Aaron Jones – RB, Adam Thielen – WR, Jeremy Chinn – S, Odell Beckham, Jr. – WR, Adrian Amos – S, Eric Kendricks – LB, Harrison Smith – S

As you’ve seen there are some pretty big names and talents that didn’t make our top 50 list. The margin of difference between players 50-100 is so small that there can certainly be arguments made for those that aren’t listed below. We studied a lot of film and had to make some assumptions to provide our finalized chart. Here it is:

50. SAQUON BARKLEY – RB

You can make the case that Barkley is too high and undeserving of cracking the top 50, or that this is too low based on his enormous level of talent. As a fan of the game you have to hope that injuries won’t end up defining the career of the superstar running back. His rehab has been considered strong and he says he’s ready to re-establish his mark as a premier back and player in the league. Few players in the history of the game possess the combination of strength, speed and abilities of Barkley. If Saquon can stay healthy, he’s potentially a top 20 guys in the league so it seems fitting that he makes the top 50 roster, even if at the last spot.

49. LAVONTE DAVID – LB

The headlines for the Super Bowl winning champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers rest with their star-studded offense, understandably so. However, their defense was critical in not only their Super Bowl victory and shutting down the high powered Kansas City offense, but throughout their playoff run. One of the least known All-Pro talents in the league is linebacker Lavonte David who put together another great performance and is still a force as he enters the later stage of his career. David may not get the headlines of some others in the league, but he’s still able to stop the run, get the quarterback or cover receivers. He’s been one of the surest tacklers in the league and can also hit you in the mouth when he has the opportunity. If the Bucs’ hope to make another run at the title, David and their defense will play an even more vital role than they did a season ago.

48. MARLON HUMPHREY – CB

After a slow start in his rookie season, the light switch flipped for Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey and he became a true lockdown type player, often playing in the slot. Humphrey isn’t the biggest guy, but he can play physical when he needs to. He’s also not the fastest DB in the league, but has enough speed to recover, and quickness to stay with the shiftier receivers in the game. Having entered the league with some veterans in the secondary, Humphrey is now the cornerstone in Baltimore’s secondary and a perennial Pro Bowl talent.

47. NICK CHUBB – RB

Nick Chubb is often a bit of a forgotten man when the elite running backs in the game are discussed on the national stage. It could be because he plays in Cleveland, or maybe because Kareem Hunt is talked about in tandem with him, or maybe even because the Browns offensive line is the best in the league. Perhaps the real reason is that Chubb isn’t as flashy as many of his peers at the position. What he is however, is one of the hardest guys to tackle in the league who a stat like yards after contact is made for. Chubb is a true north-south runner who has deceptive big play ability and will consistently get you 4 yards each time he touches the football. The 2021 season is shaping up to be another strong one for Nick Chubb with a loaded offense and high expectations in Cleveland.

46. JORDAN POYER – S

Steeler fans will be livid that the Bills Jordan Poyer edged out Minkah Fitzpatrick with this ranking at the safety position. While it’s certainly debatable, and Fitzpatrick has been a splash play and turnover machine since landing in Pittsburgh, Poyer gets the nod because of his overall consistent and strong play. Poyer led all safeties with 124 tackles in 2020 and has recorded at least 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. A fierce hitter, he’s often cleaning up a lot of missed tackles from a Bills front seven that has struggled, allowing opposing runners into the secondary. Poyer is a traditional Pro Bowl snub as he’s often overlooked because of big name guys like Fitzpatrick and others, but we’re not snubbing him in our top 50 rankings.

45. CALVIN RIDLEY – WR

Injuries to Julio Jones forced Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley to step into a number one receiver role on a few occasions since he entered the league as a first round draft pick. That’s now his permanent role with Jones off to Tennessee. The Falcons are stuck in a weird rebuilding type mode, but with Matt Ryan still at the QB position, which should lead to another productive season for Ridley. Having Jones on the other side allowed Ridley some softer coverage, but as the undisputed number one go to guy, he is going to see a lot of targets this year. Ridley is a good route runner with the ability to work over the middle, yet has the speed to take the ball deep and make big plays. If you’re a fantasy football player, expect 100+ catches and double-digit touchdowns for the Falcons wide receiver.

44. WYATT TELLER – OG

The Cleveland Browns got an absolute steal when they traded for guard Wyatt Teller prior to the 2020 season in exchange for basically nothing. All Teller has done since that trade is develop into arguably a top 3 guard in the league. He has raw power in the run game, but surprisingly proved to be a rock in pass blocking as well. It probably helps that his style fits the Browns blocking scheme perfectly as Teller is able to utilize his strength and aggressiveness to his advantage. After a remarkable first full season as a starter, it remains to be seen if Teller can duplicate his success in 2021? Based on the film we saw, Wyatt Teller is in this for the long haul and could be a repeat Pro Bowl caliber player for many years to come.

43. JUSTIN JEFFERSON – WR

Very rarely do both teams win in a trade in professional sports, yet that’s exactly what happened when the Minnesota Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for their first round pick. That pick was used to select wide receiver Justin Jefferson and all he did was lead rookies in receiving and finish 5th overall in the league. Jefferson had average speed at the combine running a 4.43, but looks and plays a lot faster, showing ability to get down the field and outrun defensive backs. His route-running is really high-level for a first year player and he was one of the best in the league at creating separation and getting open. Playing in the offense that presently doesn’t allow teams to fully roll coverage towards Jefferson, should prevent any kind of sophomore slump for a player that could be a top receiver of the 2020 decade when it’s all said and done.

42. DAK PRESCOTT – QB

One of the candidates for comeback player of the year is Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who will be returning after a gruesome ankle/leg fracture suffered in the fifth game of last season. Prescott was off to a huge start spreading the ball around and had really seemed to figure the game out before his season was cut short. He’s always had a strong arm and is mobile enough to get around in and outside of the pocket so it’s always been about reading defenses in his learning curve. If he has indeed figured that out, his return, along with the return of some of his big bodies blocking could lead to huge season and maybe even a Cowboys playoff berth.

41. ALVIN KAMARA – RB

Alvin Kamara burst on the scene with the Saints and became an instant star both for his incredible play and his charming persona. Kamara is the total package who can run, catch and block out of the backfield. He’s been a touchdown scoring machine since entering the league and glides effortlessly when he has the ball in his hand. One of the most impressive parts of Kamara’s game is his ability to run inside the tackles. Entering the league scouts believed he could operate well in space, but his strength and toughness is what really makes him a complete all-purpose back. With franchise hero Drew Brees calling it quits Kamara’s role and pressure increase. Will he be able to step up to the challenge as the focal point of the Saints offense?

40. DEANDRE HOPKINS – WR

Assuming DeAndre Hopkins doesn’t suddenly retire (we’re pretty sure that won’t happen), it’ll be fun to watch what he can do with another year of Kyler Murray and A.J. Green on the other side of him. Hopkins is always mentioned in the “best receivers in the game” debate and rightly so. He has arguably the best hands in the league and plays his best in big moments. After all, he was the second piece of the Hail Murray, that was voted play of the year. The only area where Hopkins occasionally struggles is creating separation against physical cornerbacks, however his ability to catch contested balls really overcomes the very minor Achille’s heel. If you ever want to watch highlights of the best catches in Pro Football, you’ll definitely see DHop appear on more than one occasion.

39. XAVIEN HOWARD – CB

There’s a common theme with several of the players on our top 50 list, and that is some uncertainty with where these players might be playing in the 2021 season. Enter the disgruntled Xavien Howard, who despite signing a mega-contract just over a year ago, is looking to be paid more and possibly moved if that doesn’t happen. We’re not here to debate whether or not that’s a valid position for him to take, we’re simply here to talk about how well he played at corner last year. Howard is an aggressive ball-hawking corner, who despite missing much of the 2019 season still has recorded 22 interceptions since 2017. Whichever team is fortunate enough to land Howard will have a true CB1 with a nose for the football.

38. DARIUS LEONARD – LB

You’re definitely playing good football when you accumulate 132 tackles and people are talking about the “down” year that you’ve had. That’s what happens when you burst on the scene as Colts linebacker Darius Leonard did in 2018 putting up almost unreal numbers as a rookie. Leonard is the prototypical modern inside linebacker, who combines size and speed, and is able to tackle and cover when needed. His football IQ is off the charts as he’s rarely caught out of position, and is one of the best at forcing turnovers at his position. Still only 25 years old, the Colts middle of the defense is in really good hands for the foreseeable future.

37. GRADY JARRETT – DT

Lost in the fact the Atlanta Falcons defense has largely been poor during his tenure in the league, is just how consistently well defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has played for the team. The past two seasons Jarrett has elevated his play to be a dominant force along the defensive line. It’s definitely not a stretch to say that the gap between Jarrett and their next best defensive player is as large as any in the league. Jarrett faces double teams as much as any defensive lineman, and he still manages to get in on tackles and find his way to pressuring and bringing down opposing quarterbacks.

36. D.K. METCALF – WR

On a list that is jam-packed with physical marvels, the Seattle Seahawks D.K. Metcalf probably gets the prize for biggest absolute freak. This is not only from having apparent amazing DNA, but also through working his tail off in the gym. One of the most deservedly re-watched plays of the 2020 season was Metcalf chasing down Cardinals safety Budda Baker and saving a touchdown off of a Russell Wilson interception. It’s that kind of talent and effort that have people star struck when they see D.K. Metcalf. Perhaps his most incredible feat came this offseason off of the football field as he completed in a sprint with the world’s top sprinters and completely held his own. The scary part for the rest of the league is Metcalf is still figuring out how to play the wide receiver position and will only get better with more experience.

35. DARREN WALLER – TE

It almost seems unbelievable that someone who is 6’6″ and weighs almost 260 lbs. can run and cut like Raiders tight end Darren Waller. Viewed as a bit of an afterthought project in the 2015 draft, safe to say that he’s figured out how to succeed in the NFL. Waller has put on some of the most impressive offensive performances over the last two seasons and at times seems almost downright unstoppable. If there is a knock on him, it’s that he can sometimes be inconsistent, and even invisible or lost for large portions of games. If Waller could put together a complete season his numbers could easily rival those of others at the tight end position and even some of the top wide receivers.

34. JULIO JONES – WR

One of the biggest names on the move in the offseason was the disgruntled Julio Jones, who forced his way out of Atlanta and landed playing opposite of A.J. Brown in Tennessee. At age 32, Jones hasn’t shown signs of slowing down on the football field, however staying on the field has been a bit of an issue. Hamstring and ankle injuries have forced him to miss considerable time over the last two years, limiting his production and effectiveness. Speaking of production, that’s what Jones has been known for throughout his career, averaging the highest yards per game in the history of the sport at wide receiver. A fresh start in Tennessee, along with some possible single coverage situations, could be exactly what the talented wideout needs to re-energize his career.

33. BOBBY WAGNER – LB

Early in his career the Seahawks Bobby Wagner was often overshadowed by other stars on his own team and defense, particularly the Legion of Boom. He blossomed into the leader of the defense and has been one of the most consistent linebackers of the past decade. All Wagner has done is put together 6 All-Pro seasons and 7 Pro Bowl selections on his way to what should end up being a Hall of Fame career if he can finish out strong. Wagner is a physical specimen who doesn’t shy away from contact around the line of scrimmage and is one of the harder hitters in a game that has toned down the physicality since his arrival on the scene in 2012. There are a lot of people who believe Wagner is still the premier linebacker in the game today, and they might be correct.

32. CHRIS JONES – DT

During the Chiefs Super Bowl winning season, defensive tackle Chris Jones was playing like a man possessed. He was actually in the conversation with the Rams Aaron Donald as the most dominant defensive lineman in the league. After re-upping with the Chiefs Jones continued his strong play anchoring the interior of the Chiefs line and imposing his strength and will on offensive linemen. His play graded out just a bit lower last year, however he remained one of the top defensive players in the league. What really makes him special is his ability to work both in space and in tight quarters battling with interior centers and guards. He’s one of the fastest off the ball and anticipates snap counts as well as anyone.

31. DESHAUN WATSON – QB

Has there ever been a start to an NFL season that has so many question marks around the marquee quarterbacks in the league? That’s certainly the case with Deshaun Watson as many NFL writers believe he may not play another down in Houston as the Texans signal caller. His outstanding legal and images challenges could be the most coverage that Watson gets in 2021, so how do you even begin to rank a player like him? Throw in the fact that the Texans are odds on favorites to finish with the worst record in the league and there isn’t a lot of support for him on the field either. Everyone knows about Watson’s physical gifts and ability to make clutch plays in big situations, it’s really just a question of how much of that will be on display?

30. JESSIE BATES III – S

Don’t feel bad if you haven’t seen a lot of the Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III as you clearly wouldn’t be alone. Lost amongst some bigger names on better teams, Bates III is the best safety in the National Football League. The BetCrushers may be alone on that stance, but it’s a hill we’re willing to die on. He has the physical tools as you’d expect a top safety to have, however it’s his instincts and playmaking ability that make him such a force. Playing on a defense that wasn’t very good, he was seemingly involved in every play and always around the ball. He can support the run and is great in coverage. On the off chance you are checking out Bengals games, don’t just watch the young stars on the offensive side of the ball, take a peak at Jessie Bates III as well.

29. DAVID BAKHTIARI – OT

The only reason we don’t have David Bakhtiari as our top offensive tackle is because he’s coming off of a major injury and could take a while to round into playing shape. Bakhtiari has always been one of the better left tackles in the league and vaulted to being considered one of the best the past couple of seasons. As we’re learning, it’s not always easy to earn Aaron Rodger’s trust, which is something that Bakhtiari has absolutely done in his career. There’s a chance that his best days are behind him, but for the time being we’re still high on the Pro Bowl tackle.

28. DEFOREST BUCKNER – DT

Maybe playing in the smaller market of Indianapolis overshadowed a bit of DeForest Buckner’s impact on an already good Colts defense? One thing that is not really arguable is the fact that Buckner lived up to every bit of the pressure and big contract he signed with Indy entering last season. He’s a perfect fit in Indy as a prototypical three technique defensive tackle who eats up double teams, slows down the running game, and keeps Darius Leonard and the linebacking crew clean. Having just turned 27, Buckner should be force on the interior of a defense for at least the next four or five seasons at minimum.

27. LAMAR JACKSON – QB

One of the more polarizing players on our list is Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. There are those around the league who believe Jackson is an MVP and one of the top talents that is a nightmare to defend. There are others who believe he’s just a skinny running back who can’t throw the football or win a big game. The truth is somewhere in the middle, but it’s definitely a lot closer to him being a perennial MVP candidate and one of the most exciting players in the game. Jackson is clearly the most athletic player at QB since Michael Vick, and the Ravens scheme allows him to showcase his talents on a weekly basis. For him to break the sterotypes and silence the critics he’s going to have to consistently throw the ball down the field and be able to win in games where his team is trailing. Don’t count this guy out for a potential return run at an MVP.

26. DALVIN COOK – RB

Dalvin Cook is definitely an “old-school” running back in a league that is all about trendiness and flash. Cook is certainly talented and can run well, catch adequately and block. Practically speaking, he’s just a phenomenal north and south running back who has enough power to run someone over, enough agility to run around them, and enough speed to take a carry the distance. If you’re looking for a guy to routinely get you 4+ yard on each tote and occasionally bust one through, Cook is your guy. He has a nose for finding the end zone and is one of the few three down backs who can handle 30 carries a game whenever it’s needed.

25. TYREEK HILL – WR

When you have a nickname like the “Cheetah” everyone already knows that you’re really fast. Tyreek Hill is a highlight film waiting to happen and can break a play at any point in the game. The Chiefs speedster has worked on his route running and really turned himself into a complete wide receiver. He just happens to be a complete wide receiver that’s quicker than everyone else on the field. Andy Reid and the Chiefs have also figured out a variety of ways to utilize the speedy Hill that maximizes his potential on a football field. With Sammy Watkins no longer in the mix, Hill is the veteran leader on the receiving corp now, and that should result in a lot more highlight reel plays in the upcoming season.

24. TRENT WILLIAMS – OT

What an incredible three year stretch it’s been for the San Francisco 49ers Trent Williams. From learning about a potentially life-threatening cancer, to sitting out a year and filing a grievance with Washington, to finally landing in San Francisco replacing longtime star left tackle Joe Staley. All Williams did was step in and end up the highest ranked left tackle in the league playing like he did in the early days of his career. Standing 6’5 and weighing in at over 320 Williams is a massive body who has surprisingly great footwork. Williams may not quite be on the Jonathan Ogden or Walter Jones level, but he’s pretty much recognized as the top left tackle in the game right now.

23. ZACK MARTIN – OG

The once dominant offensive line for the Dallas Cowboys was ravaged by injuries last season as they hope to get some pieces back into place. The player that anchors that group is guard Zack Martin. When coaches describe Martin they talk about his great technique and his focus on the fundamentals. You have to have that to succeed in the NFL, but it could be his downright determination and grit that make him the heart and soul of the Cowboys offensive line. It’s hard to believe that this will be Martin’s 7th season after leaving Notre Dame so he’ll really need to begin relying on those great fundamentals to continue to play at an All-Pro level.

22. JOEY BOSA – DE

Bosa volume 1 put together another strong campaign before injuries slowed him down in the 2020 season. Joey Bosa isn’t the flashiest edge player, but he grinds his way to causing pain for opposing offensive tackles and quarterbacks. He has a straightforward approach and is best as a power rusher, although he has enough speed to get around the edge and seems to come up big when big plays are needed on his defense. As a three-time Pro Bowl selection he’s somewhat quietly already building a great resume for himself. Expect another consistently solid season from the Chargers defensive end.

21. CHASE YOUNG – DE

In a draft that was loaded with potential franchise quarterback faces, the Washington Football Team elected to go defensive and landed a potential gem in defensive end Chase Young. As a rookie, Young elevated a solid defense and really helped mold it into one of the best in the league. As impressive as his size/speed/strength are, his football IQ is really off the charts. Not to put the cart before the horse, however don’t be surprised if Young climbs this list a year from now or if he’s a Pro Bowler until the year 2030.

20. FRED WARNER – LB

What does being a top 20 talent in the NFL get you these days? Well if you’re linebacker Fred Warner a new contract and approximately $95 million dollars. In a division that has watched Bobby Wagner put together a Hall of Fame career over the past decade, the torch has now been passed to Warner. His instincts combined with speed allow him to be a sideline to sideline player who is always around the football. He’s really the prototype for the modern linebacker and the best part for SF is he could continue to get even better.

19. GEORGE KITTLE – TE

It’s hard not to root for a player like George Kittle if you love the game of football. He plays the tight end position, yet would anyone be surprised if he had to line up and play linebacker or safety or any other positions really? Kittle has had a bit of an issue staying healthy, but when he’s on the field he’s a matchup problem. He’s too fast for linebackers and too strong for defensive backs. For the 49ers to regain their Super Bowl form of two seasons ago, they’re going to need a healthy George Kittle who is entering the prime of his career.

18. DEVIN WHITE – LB

No player in the league vaulted on the scene quicker than Buccaneers linebacker Devin White on the path to the Super Bowl. White is a throwback type of player that unlike many of his predecessors can also cover in the passing game. Think of a mix of Mike Singletary/Lawrence Taylor, but with the ability to stay with tight ends and even some receivers when he needs to drop back. On a roster that is loaded with stars and Pro Bowlers, Devin White is the young pillar that will anchor this defense for years to come.

17. JAIRE ALEXANDER – CB

The top 6 cornerbacks in the league are about as agreed upon in NFL social circles as can be the case in this day in age. The difference between the 6 is so minimal that ranking them between each other is a challenge in itself. We have Jaire Alexander as the 2nd best in the bunch and the number 17 overall player in the league heading into the season. The Packers defense has some liabilities against the running game, but they can be downright nasty when it comes to stopping the pass. Along with their pass rush, it really starts with Alexander manning the corner. Alexander is generally glue on opposing receivers and has enough recovery speed on the rare occasions when he actually needs it. He also doesn’t get enough credit for the cerebral way that he plays the corner.

16. STEFON DIGGS – WR

A lot of people including the BetCrushers felt that the Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen partnership might not be a match made in heaven. It’s ok to admit when we’re wrong as Diggs had instant rapport with Allen and was the league’s leading receiver in several categories. Diggs enters the season focused and with goals of being the top receiver again and winning a Lombardi. There may be no better route runner off of the line of scrimmage in the league as his footwork is comparable to Chad Johnson in his prime. He has the speed to go deep and despite his slender frame is not afraid to go over the middle or into traffic. Things are shaping up for another strong campaign for Diggs as he looks to duplicate and build upon his first year success in Buffalo.

15. NICK BOSA – DE

Nick Bosa enters the season as our 15th ranked player, and also a player that could be higher on this list, or potentially a lot lower. It’s always difficult to know how a player will respond to a major injury and surgery, but reports are positive for Bosa as he hopes to be one of several 49ers to come back from missing time last year. The San Francisco defense has some nice players, including freshly paid Fred Warner, but make no mistake about it, Nick Bosa is the engine that runs that unit. When you’re this high on a list you have a lot of plusses, so don’t just look at his ability to rush the passer. Bosa is a complete defensive end who is relentless when he’s on the field.

14. DAVANTE ADAMS – WR

If you ranked wide receivers by specific abilities it’s possible that the Packers Davante Adams wouldn’t rank at the top of any of the categories. He isn’t the biggest, or the fastest, and probably doesn’t have the best hands compared to some others. He is however, the most complete wide receiver in the league right now and one of the two most consistent receivers week in and week out. Adams is great in the Redzone and even though he draws the other team’s top corner or rolled coverage he still finds ways to be productive. The uncertainty with his quarterback entering the season are cause for concern, yet Adams remains a top player.

13. MYLES GARRETT – DE

Before Myles Garrett missed time due to COVID-19 he was tearing the league apart and terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. He never really looked like himself down the stretch, something that Garrett himself pointed toward the virus as the reasoning. Expect a big rebound for Garrett, despite the fact that the centerpiece of the Cleveland defense will garner a lot of attention from offensive lines. Garrett is an athletic freak who is able to translate his strength from the gym into production on the football field. Mel Kiper, Jr. referred to Garrett as a more athletic version of Bruce Smith, the former Buffalo Bill All-Pro. Heavy praise considering Kiper had Smith as his highest rated defensive linemen ever when he was being drafted in 1985.

12. RUSSELL WILSON – QB

If the season were cut in half in 2020 Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson would have been the Most Valuable Player. The weakness on their offensive line eventually became too much to overcome for Russ as his second half morphed into a lot of running for his life and throwing into coverage under pressure. It’s not certain how much better the blocking will be in Seattle, but if anyone can figure out how to get the ball to the talented receivers on this roster it’s Wilson. No matter how the rest of the team is playing, Wilson always seems to have his team in position to have a chance in the 4th quarter of games. For as much fanfare as Russell Wilson gets, it’s actually possible that he’s an underrated player in the league as his craftiness and athleticism are as impressive as anyone at the quarterback position.

11. DERRICK HENRY – RB

The league’s leading rusher resides in Tennessee and is also the king of the NFL stiff-arm highlight video reel on Youtube. Every team that faced the Titans was well aware that their top priority needed to be stopping Derrick Henry, yet nearly any of them were able to actually do it. With the addition of Julio Jones into this offense, it’s possible that Henry might actually find the running lanes even friendlier, which should keep defensive coordinators awake at night. Has there every been a more physically imposing running back in the history of the game?

10. JALEN RAMSEY – CB

Along with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Rams are the other team fortunate enough to have two players in the top ten of our rankings with Jalen Ramsey taking spot number ten. Ramsey had a little bit of a slow start when he arrived for a King’s ransom in LA, but he regained his form in 2020 and was the most complete cornerback in the league. His strength at the line of scrimmage allows him to play press coverage and he rarely has safety help on his side. He’s a true lockdown corner and his abilities give the Rams a scheme advantage nearly every week.

9. CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY – RB

It seems to be a discouraging trend that the top running backs in the NFL are really struggling to stay healthy. Christian McCaffrey fell into that category last season as he was sidelined for much of the year. He’ll look to rebound behind a new quarterback this season and re-establish his reign as the top all-purpose running back in the game. McCaffrey’s speed and strength make him a threat to score every time that he touches the football. Perhaps most importantly, his pass catching out of the backfield is what makes him the biggest weapon at the running back position.

8. QUENTON NELSON – OG

Offensive guard Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman in the game today and there’s a fairly large gap between his nearest competition. Nelson is a mauler in the run-game and is as good of an interior pass-blocker as we’ve seen in the game. We won’t know what the impact of Carson Wentz will do for this offense, but his pocket should stay clean and the Colts running game will remain strong with the help of Nelson.

7. JOSH ALLEN – QB

The runner-up for MVP in 2020 won’t be sneaking up on anyone when the now “expected to win” Buffalo Bills take the field. The leap that quarterback Josh Allen took between his second and third season is one of the biggest we’ve seen in recent memory. Allen threw the ball often, and unlike in his first two seasons, he threw it accurately. With his size and speed he’s as physically gifted as any player in the game and can beat an opposing defense in a variety of ways. The Bills mostly kept their offense intact which should allow Allen and his targets to have another strong season as they try to return to the AFC Championship game, and perhaps go a step further?

6. TRAVIS KELCE – TE

Maybe it’s the chemistry between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but somehow Kelce seems to be getting even better with age. His route-running from the tight end position is precise and his ability to box out defenders for contested throws over the middle is the best in the league. The two areas that are often overlooked in his game are his prowess as a blocker in the run game, and his speed down the field. Travis Kelce may not be the overall most gifted tight end in the league, but he’s absolutely the best.

5. TOM BRADY – QB

The most controversial player in our top five just happens to be the greatest quarterback to ever play in the National Football League. At age 43 Tom Brady at times looked mortal last season, but overall really looked physically just about as good as he ever has. He clearly had some help from his defense and weapons, but guiding his new team to a Super Bowl win is good enough for the BetCrushers to keep him in the top five. At this point in his career, the biggest question surrounding TB12 is whether Father Time is actually going to catch up with him, or if he’ll be able to call it quits prior to that happening?

4. T.J. WATT – DE

Playing in big brother’s shadow might be a dauting task for some, but T.J. Watt embraces the challenge and is the most consistent and complete defensive end in the league. Watt never takes a play off and is just as good at stopping the run as he is at getting after the quarterback. While most edge players usually have the talent of either speed or size and power, Watt is the rare talent who combines all of those traits along with a huge desire to win. There are some question marks on the offensive side of the football, but the defense appears primed for another strong season led by T.J. Watt.

3. AARON RODGERS – QB

At the time of typing this article it’s still an unknown as to whether or not Aaron Rodgers will even be playing for the Green Bay Packers, or at all during the 2021 season. If he does end up suiting up, he’ll still be one of the top players in the league despite the tumultuous offseason. After a slight, and we emphasize slight, dip in his career in the 2016-2018 seasons, Rodgers has been lights out the past two seasons playing like a tactful magician. If you’re a Packers fan, or just a fan of the sport, let’s hope that Rodgers is on the field competing in 2021 as we’re likely nearing the downhill stretch of his spectacular career.

2. PATRICK MAHOMES – QB

He’s clearly the new face of the league and it’s with good reason as Patrick Mahomes can work wonders at the quarterback position. Most quarterbacks have to have things setup really well around them in order to be successful. For Mahomes, he can flat out make things happen no matter what’s happening in front of him. It helps having the playmakers he has, but he’s a maestro at getting the ball where it needs to be when it needs to be there. Having accomplished so much at such an early age, the ceiling can still continue to rise for the talented young QB.

1. AARON DONALD – DT

It’s of course questionable to not have Patrick Mahomes or a quarterback in the number one ranking. However, this list is the 50 best players, not the most important position chart. Aaron Donald is simply the best player in the game today and has been for a few years. It’s going to take a few more really dominant years, and a championship would be nice, but Aaron Donald could end up being the best defensive player the game has seen when it’s all said and done. He’s one of the few defensive players in the game that you truly pay attention to when you see a play develop. Stopping the run, causing havoc as a pass rusher, and routinely beating double-teams is just what he does. Congratulations on the number one spot!

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