It’s time to identify the top 100 players in the NFL, this time Nos. 90 through 81. Be sure to check out the offensive honorable mentions and the defensive honorable mentions.
Previous Installments: 100-91
No.90: Terron Armstead, Offensive Tackle, Miami Dolphins
After nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Armstead is heading to South Beach. While injuries have been a routine concern, Armstead’s 11.4 games per season since 2014 are as good as any tackle in the NFL in that time frame. He made three Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro in 2018. Even if he only plays 12 games for the Dolphins, he is a gargantuan upgrade over the past carousel of left tackles.
No.89: Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Cleveland Browns
In six NFL seasons, Conklin is a two-time All-Pro. In 2021, he was on his way to another All-Pro season, but he ended up missing 10 games. He had his career-best run-blocking grade, and his pass-blocking efficiency was in line with his career average. He is as consistent as it gets at the right tackle position, and he will once again compete for the All-Pro spot in 2022.
No.88: Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins has a career 17-game average of 80 catches, 1,133 yards, and seven touchdowns. He was particularly dominant down the stretch in 2021, crossing the 100-yard plateau in Weeks 12, 13, 14, and 16 before gaining at least 96 yards in three playoff games. He may be the second option to Ja’Marr Chase in the Bengals’ offense, but Higgins is an alpha receiver, and he should be well on his way to a distinguished career.
No.87: Terry McLaurin, Wide Receiver, Washington Commanders
2021 was a slight step in the wrong direction for McLaurin, but he once again had quarterback controversy strike at the worst time. He broke 1,000 yards for the second year in a row, but his yards per game went down by 12.6. However, with Carson Wentz in town, McLaurin has a top-25 quarterback to throw him the football for the first time in his career. Even without high-level quarterback play, McLaurin has 3,090 yards and 16 touchdowns in three seasons.
No.86: D.J. Moore, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
Welcome to McLaurin 2.0. Moore has had his share of horrendous quarterbacks, but he has three straight seasons over 1,100 yards. Only Stefon Diggs and Travis Kelce (four) have active streaks that long. Moore is a do-it-all player, and he would be the biggest beneficiary if Baker Mayfield plays well with the Panthers. Moore is already fourth in Panthers’ history with his 4,313 yards in four seasons.
No.85: Darius Slay, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
“Big Play” Slay made the most of his opportunities in 2021. He turned three interceptions and two fumble recoveries into three defensive touchdowns. However, when he was not scoring touchdowns, he was an elite down-to-down player in the Eagles’ defense. He had career-best grades both overall and in coverage. The four-time Pro Bowler and 2017 All-Pro locked down the opposition to the tune of a 76.1 passer rating, the best of his career.
No.84: Micah Hyde, Safety, Buffalo Bills
Hyde is the bar of consistency at the safety position. He rarely misses games, and he is a reliable tackler. A one-time Pro Bowler with two second-team All-Pro nods, Hyde notched five interceptions in 2021 to tie a career-best. He earned an 80.0 PFF grade for the third time in his career. He continued to excel in coverage to the tune of an 88.3 coverage grade. His teammate, Jordan Poyer, got the All-Pro nod, but Hyde was just as deserving.
No.83: Darren Waller, Tight End, Las Vegas Raiders
Injuries prevented Waller from reaching the same heights as his 2020 season. He hauled in 55 passes for 665 yards and a pair of touchdowns across 11 games. In 2019 and 2020, Waller had a 17-game average of 105 catches, 1,244 yards, and six touchdowns. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2020. With Davante Adams in town, Waller’s production will become more volatile, but 2022 Waller could be the best yet.
No.82: Marcus Williams, Safety, Baltimore Ravens
In his five seasons, Williams has logged 4,100 free safety snaps, and he has been excellent for the vast majority of them. He has 15 interceptions and 15 pass breakups so far. He allowed a 54.2 passer rating in 2021, only beaten by ludicrous marks he posted in 2017 (19.2) and 2019 (47.8). The Minneapolis Miracle will always hang over his head, but Williams has put together five strong seasons of play.
No.81: Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Before missing the last three games of the season, Godwin was on pace for 154 targets, 119 catches, 1,339 yards, and six touchdowns. He had five 100-yard games including a pair of 140-yard performances. The 2019 Pro Bowler is not a lock to return for Week 1 in 2022, but when he does return, he will resume the role of Tom Brady’s best friend in the offense. If he plays even 12 games, he should have a strong shot at 1,000 yards.
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