Top 100 Players of 2024, Nos. 100-91: Aaron Rodgers falls to lowest ranking in his career

Franklin, the 235th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, initially grabbed attention with an impressive 167 tackles in the 2022 season. He then surpassed this feat the following season with the Colts, achieving a career-high 179 combined tackles. Both his 107 solo tackles and 179 combined tackles ranked second in the league, which led to his inaugural appearance in the Top 100.

In helping Tampa Bay secure its third straight NFC South crown, David was the lone player in the NFL with 100-plus tackles, 15-plus tackles for loss and 3.0-plus sacks. His 134 combined tackles were the most he’s had in a season since 2015. At 34 years old, the Super Bowl LV champion signed a one-year, $9 million extension to remain with the Bucs for his 13th season with the team and in the league.

The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro struggled in 2023 after being ranked within the top 50 in the last two seasons. Heyward sustained a groin injury in Week 1 and struggled to find his stride after recovering from surgery and a stint on IR. His two sacks were the lowest in his career since 2012, and his 33 combined tackles were the lowest since 2016.

McLaurin has played with 10 different starting QBs since entering the league in 2019, but he still finds ways to produce. Case in point, McLaurin can become the first player to post five straight seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards with each coming with a different primary starting QB. Heading into training camp, Around The NFL’s Kevin Patra ranked McLaurin’s connection with rookie QB Jayden Daniels as the fifth-best rookie-to-veteran duo. 

Known for his contributions off the field, Dawkins has emerged as a critical piece in the Bills offense. In 2023, Dawkins finished with the fourth-highest pass block win rate last season and allowed just a 6.9% pressure rate, which was the third-lowest among left tackles, per Next Gen Stats. After cementing himself as a regular starter, he earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl honor and signed a three-year contract to keep him with Bills Mafia through 2026.

Love received his inaugural Pro Bowl honor and place in the Top 100 following a standout season with the Seahawks, where he recorded a career-best four interceptions and 85 solo tackles. His most impressive outing of the season saw him make two interceptions and eight tackles in a crucial Week 15 victory over a faltering Eagles side. As Aden Durde takes over as Seattle’s new DC, it remains to be seen how Love’s game will further develop.

Although the Jags saw a late-season collapse, it’s no surprise that the team cashed in on the former Clemson star. After Lawrence led the franchise to its first back-to-back winning seasons since 2004-05, Jacksonville locked up the 2021 No. 1 overall pick with a five-year, $275 million contract. Lawrence is one of the brightest young passers in the NFL, but a 21:14 touchdown-to-interception ratio needs to improve in 2024.

In 2023, Smith registered 93 combined tackles and a personal record of six QB hits. He also bagged three sacks during the Week 4 victory against the Panthers. The 35-year-old, who already has six Pro Bowls and an All-Pro honor to his name, has established himself as one of the top safeties in the league. As he steps into his 13th season with the Vikings, he continues to uphold this status.

Rodgers took a major descent in this year’s rankings after a torn Achilles limited his debut season with the Jets to just four snaps. But the future Hall of Famer remains one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the league with four MVPs, 10 Pro Bowl honors and four All-Pro nods in addition to his one Super Bowl title.

Upon earning Pro Bowl honors in 2022 as a rookie with six interceptions and 63 combined tackles, Woolen had an off year in 2023, finishing with just 53 tackles and two interceptions. Alongside 2023’s fifth overall pick in Devon Witherspoon and a new head coach in Mike MacDonald, Tariq could regain his rookie season form.