#80: Desmond King, Cornerback, Los Angeles Chargers:
Versatility is rewarded, and King was one of the most versatile players in all of the NFL in 2018. An elite slot corner, King also excels as a returner and all-around defensive back. Despite a laughably bad playoff performance against the Patriots in the division round, King earns his spot in the Top 100 due to his ability to affect the game in a variety of different ways.
#79: Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons:
The man that is known affectionately as Matty Ice was a cold-blooded killer in 2018. While injuries across the offensive line and defense derailed any chances the Falcons had at returning to the playoffs, Ryan turned in a season which rivaled his 2016 MVP campaign. While he does have the benefit of a quality group of receivers and one of the best in the league in Julio Jones, Ryan has been a bastion of consistency in his 11 seasons. Moving forward, Ryan will be tasked to lead the Falcons back to the Super Bowl.
#78: Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys:
If Cooper had played a full year in Dallas, he would be significantly higher. As it stands, Cooper is a tremendous wideout, and he has the potential to fly up this list in the 2019 season. Cooper shone brightly in the 2018 season with Dallas, electrifying Jerry’s World in a new age Triplets group. Alongside Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys pressed into the playoffs and won in the wild-card round. A full year of the big three should lend itself to another successful campaign for the Cowboys.
#77: Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, New York Jets:
More than anyone on the list, Bell is an enigma. He played exactly zero snaps in 2018, and he is moving to an offense with a worse offensive line and more unproven commodities than the Steelers. With that said, when Bell is on the field, he produces like very few can. While it can be attributed to high volume, Bell is a two-way threat in the backfield, using his feet and hands to be one of the best. An effective year in the green side of East Rutherford would launch Bell back into the Top 20 Players in the NFL.
#76: Shaq Mason, Offensive Guard, New England Patriots:
A stalwart of the Patriots line, Mason churned out his best season in 2018. Despite the losses of Nate Solder (departure) and the Patriots’ first-round pick Isaiah Wynn (injury), Mason picked up the slack on the line and solidified a place in the Top 100. While not the biggest name, especially at a position as talented as an offensive guard, Mason is expected to play like a Pro Bowl caliber offensive lineman for the 2019 season.
#75: Jaylon Smith, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys:
After slipping in the 2017 draft due to a torn ACL in his final game at Notre Dame, Smith lit up the NFL as a sophomore. As a part of a special duo in the center of the Dallas defense, Smith and Leighton Vander Esch resurrected a Cowboys defense and placed them among the best in football. Entering Year 3, Smith has nowhere to go but up, and his development could push the Cowboys into the discussion as the best defensive unit in the whole of the NFL.
#74: Jurrell Casey, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans:
One of the least glamorous players in the NFL, Casey plays a pivotal role in the trenches of the Titans defense. One of the best units in the league, the defense begins and ends with the productive and ability of Casey to stuff the run. In a division with a variety of running back styles, Casey is relied upon to halt any sort of ground attack that the Colts, Jaguars, or Texans can muster. A return to the playoffs in 2019 could provide the stage for Casey to assert himself as a real threat to the best interior linemen in the NFL.
#73: Tre’Davious White, Cornerback, Buffalo Bills:
A member of an underrated and undervalued defense in Buffalo, White is a standout in every sense of the word. After an electric rookie season, White stabilized into a premier corner in the NFL. Moving forward, White’s coverage ability is critical to the Bills being in a position to return to the playoffs. Entering Year 3, it is imperative that White continues to be his dominant self and move up the list of best players in football.
#72: Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Houston Texans:
One of the most polarizing defensive players in the NFL, Clowney possesses undeniable talent at the edge position. With that said, the former number one overall pick has faced a motley of injuries and concerns in his career. In recent years, he has been the subject of trade and contract rumors, which highlights his value while also shedding light on the fickleness of his value. Clowney is one of the best players in football, but he needs to continue to improve.
#71: Grady Jarrett, Defensive Tackle, Atlanta Falcons:
On an improving defense, Jarrett is one of the stars. Despite not receiving nearly as many headlines as the offensive stars on the team, Jarrett is firmly implanted as the best player on the defense. While the likes of Desmond Trufant, Deion Jones, and Vic Beasley have dealt with injuries and inconsistencies, Jarrett has been productive in the center of the defensive line for multiple seasons. After becoming a household name in Super Bowl LI, Jarrett has continued his sublime play, and he should be a catalyst in Atlanta making a return to the playoffs.
