Continuing with the list, we now take a look at the top NFL players at each jersey number ranging from 74-50. A late run on offensive lineman continues on early. We also mix in a few linebackers who are among the best in the game.
Check out Jersey numbers 99-75
74. Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts
The longtime left tackle for the Colts considered retirement this offseason before ultimately resigning for two more seasons. Standing at 6’7 and weighing over 300 pounds, he is a monster along the offensive line. Castonzo has remained as reliable as they come, missing just 12 games over his nine-year NFL career. Still playing great football at age 31, last season Castonzo surrendered only three sacks in over 1,000 offensive plays.
Honorable Mentions: Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers/Mike Remmers, Kansas City Chiefs
73. Zach Fulton, Houston Texans
A staple guard for an offensive line in Houston that did not come together before week three in 2019, Fulton has been rock solid over the past few seasons. A 6th round pick of the Chiefs in 2014, the six-year veteran quickly earned a reputation as one of the meanest players in the league, ultimately finding a home with the Texans. After surrendering just one sack in over 800 snaps last year, he reworked his deal early on in the offseason to clear 3 million dollars in cap space.
Honorable Mentions: Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills/Greg Van Roten, New York Jets
72. Terron Armstead, New Orleans Saints
The longtime Saint looked as good as ever in 2019, leading him to a second straight pro bowl appearance. A fantastic athlete at his position, Armstead is one of the best pass protectors in the game, displaying the quickness and feet to match up against all types of pass rushers. Paired with the next member of this list in teammate Ryan Ramczyk, the duo has quickly made up one of the best in the NFL at keeping Drew Brees upright against a bevy of pass rushers in the NFC.
Honorable Mentions: Eric Fisher, Kansas City Chiefs/Braden Smith, Indianapolis Colts
71. Ryan Ramczyk, New Orleans Saints
Back to back New Orleans tackles continues with the former Wisconsin Badgers alumni who made his first-ever all-pro team in 2019. Missing just one start over his first three NFL seasons, Ramczyk has quickly become one of the best young offensive linemen in the game. Featuring great strength at the point of attack, he also uses stellar footwork to set against faster speed rushers. An underrated run blocker as well, he and Armstead both ranked top five in run-blocking grades for offensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus last season.
Honorable Mentions: Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers/Mitchell Schwartz, Kansas City Chiefs
70. Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys
The best offensive lineman in the NFL and a candidate for the best player in the game, Martin sets the standard at guard each season. A member of the Pro Bowl team in each of his first six seasons in the league, Martin is also a four-time first-team all-pro. The main reason for the success of the Cowboys rushing attack, he possesses the strength to knock down opposing defensive lineman along with the mobility to get up to the second level and open up holes for Dallas running backs.
Honorable Mentions: Jake Matthews, Atlanta Falcons/Trai Turner, Los Angeles Chargers
69. David Bakhtiari, Green Bay Packers
In a close battle with standout Patriots guard Shaq Mason, the edge went to Bakhtiari. The best pass-blocking tackle in the league, his 98.6 grade is the highest by Pro Football focus since 2016. Quick enough to cover vast distances against opposing edge rushers, he also uses good footwork and physicality to take it to defenders when pulling on run plays. Drawing high praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the most important piece on offense, Bakhtiari is paving the way to a hall of fame caliber career.
Honorable Mentions: Shaq Mason, New England Patriots/Mike McGlinchey, San Francisco 49ers
68. Andrew Norwell, Jacksonville Jaguars
Signing with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Norwell has exceeded expectations. In his second season with the Jaguars last year, he had one of his best seasons as a pro, starting in all 16 games, his 1,088 snaps played ranked sixth among guards in the league. Along with this, he only gave up three sacks against, good for top 20 at his position. Still only 28 years old, Norwell looks to be a key piece for a rebuilding Jaguars team over the next few seasons.
Honorable Mentions: Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions/James Daniels, Chicago Bears
67. Quinton Spain, Buffalo Bills
After signing a one-year prove-it deal with the Bills in 2019, Spain enjoyed his best season as a pro. Starting in all 16 games at left guard, the five year NFL veteran did not allow a single sack against all season in over 1,000 snaps played. Known for his pass blocking, he still has to improve as a run blocker as his 55.9 grade from Pro Football Focus was good enough for 60th in the league last season. One of the most beloved members in the Bills locker room, Spain was rewarded with a three-year contract extension this offseason.
Honorable Mentions: Brian Winters, New York Jets/ Justin Pugh, Arizona Cardinals
66. David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Steelers
One of the longest active members of the Steelers, Decastro beats out stellar Raiders guard Gabe Jackson as the best number 66 in the league. He is a five-time pro bowler and a two-time member of the all-pro team. DeCastro’s play has allowed the Pittsburgh offensive line to remain among the elite over the past few seasons. One of the most complete guards in the league, Decastro is stellar in pass protection along within the run game and looked as good as ever in 2019.
Honorable Mentions: Gabe Jackson, Las Vegas Raiders/ Ryan Jensen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
65. Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles
A second member of the Eagles offensive line is featured on this list. Johnson has anchored down the right side in Philadelphia for seven seasons. Once again, one of the highest-rated run blockers in the league last season, Johnson also only allowed one sack during pass-blocking snaps. He uses a kick step that is among the best in the game. It allows him to match up with any opposing pass rusher and help keep Carson Wentz upright.
Honorable Mentions: Cody Whitehair, Chicago Bears/ Larry Ogunjobi, Cleveland Browns
64. Richie Incognito, Las Vegas Raiders
After taking a year away from football, the often outspoken Incognito returned in 2019. Appearing in 12 games for the Raiders, the 37-year-old had a solid season, establishing himself as the future left guard for the team over the next few seasons. While off the field issues have plagued Incognito, as multiple incidents have led to suspensions, he remains one of the best guards in the NFL.
Honorable Mentions: J.C. Tretter, Cleveland Browns/ J.R. Sweezy, Arizona Cardinals
63. Corey Linsley, Green Bay Packers
A six-year starter at center for the Packers, Linsley has been one of the most consistent players in the league. He has played every single snap on offense three times in his career. Fighting through multiple injuries to remain on the field, Linsley is the leader of the offensive line in Green Bay. Lacking the athleticism like previous linemen on this list, Linsley relies on his steadiness and football smarts to call a terrific game upfront.
Honorable Mentions: Austin Corbett, Los Angeles Rams/ Michael Deiter, Miami Dolphins
62. Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles
The 32-year-old longtime Eagles center and brother of standout Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce remains the gold standard for centers in the NFL. A three-time pro bowler and first-team all-pro member, Kelce led all centers last season with an 84.9 overall grade and an 82.9 run-blocking grade according to PFF. There was once non-stop trade speculation over a lackluster start to his NFL career. He has turned that around and attributes his success to Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
Honorable Mentions: Joe Thuney, New England Patriots/ Austin Reiter, Kansas City Chiefs
61. Rodney Hudson, Las Vegas Raiders
Acquired by the Raiders from the division rival Chiefs in 2015, Hudson has become one of the best interior linemen in the game as the leader of the offensive line. An elite run blocker, Hudson has also not allowed a sack over the last two seasons. A vital piece of the team’s success in the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the three-time pro bowler signed a three-year extension with the Raiders this offseason, making him the highest-paid center in the league.
Honorable Mentions: Marcus Cannon, New England Patriots/Matt Paradis, Carolina Panthers
60. Ben Jones, Tennessee Titans
One of the critical pieces in the Titans’ run to the AFC championship game last season; Jones has started every game for the team since signing as a free agent in 2016. Known for his smarts and resounding toughness on the field, he had his best season to date in 2019, finishing the season with just ten pressures given up.
Honorable Mentions: David Andrews, New England Patriots/ A.J. Cann, Jacksonville Jaguars
59. Whitney Mercilus, Houston Texans
After a pectoral injury cut his 2018 season short, Mercilus bounced back nicely in 2019. He had a team-high 7.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. In the second wave of pass rushers in the NFL, Mercilus has had a solid career over his eight seasons. He has averaged eight sacks, 40 tackles, and 13 QB hits. Lauded for his consistent play and leadership by teammates and head coach Bill O’Brien, the Texans rewarded him with a four-year extension, making him the 16th highest paid edge rusher in the league.
Honorable Mentions: Tahir Whitehead, Carolina Panthers/Danny Trevathan, Chicago Bears
58. Von Miller, Denver Broncos
After a standout season by Tampa Bay pass rusher Shaquil Barrett, Miller is still the best in the league to wear the number 58. Featuring lightning-fast quickness and reaction skills, his first step is one of the best in the game, allowing him to get the jump on opposing lineman. Miller also features the strength and elusiveness to win around the edge with his patented spin move or with a quick move to the inside. He is an eight-time pro bowler, a four-time first-team all-pro member, and most impressively a Super Bowl MVP. Miller is surely headed to Canton when he ultimately calls it a career.
Honorable Mentions: Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Thomas Davis, Washington Redskins
57. C.J. Mosley, New York Jets
After signing a massive five-year, 85-million-dollar deal with the Jets in 2019, Mosley saw his season cut short by a groin injury. Still, the four-time pro-bowler remains one of the best linebackers in the NFL. With the ability to diagnose and breakdown plays before they develop, he is constantly a step ahead of opposing blockers. Along with this, he is a stout run defender and tackler, racking up 579 tackles over his career. Mosley missed just seven tackles in 2019.
Honorable Mentions: Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers/ Josh Bynes, Cincinnati Bengals
56. Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts
The best young offensive linemen in the league, Nelson, is a mauler for the Colts. Billed as a generational talent along the offensive line before he was drafted, he has lived up to the hype early on in his career, making the pro bowl and all-pro team in his first two seasons in the league. Packing a tremendous punch and featuring the base and hand movement to match up with any opposing pass rusher in the league, Nelson will be a member of this list for years.
Honorable Mentions: Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints/ Kwon Alexander, San Francisco 49ers
55. Chandler Jones, Arizona Cardinals
One of the best numbers in the league for player talent, Jones is the best 55 in the NFL. An underrated pass rusher and defender his entire career, he has posted double-digit sacks the last four seasons, followed by a career-high 19 last year. A unique combination of size, speed, along with the bend to beat opposing offensive linemen, Jones was the lone bright spot for a Cardinals defense that finished 28th in the league in 2019.
Honorable Mentions: Za’Darius Smith, Green Bay Packers/ Dee Ford, San Francisco 49ers
54. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
The best linebacker in the NFL and a future Hall of Famer. Already eight years into his career with the Seahawks, Wagner is a five-time first-team all-pro member and a six-time pro-bowler. A tackling machine at the middle linebacker position, he has recorded 100 or more tackles in each year of his NFL tenure and recently passed longtime Seahawk Eugene Robinson as the franchise leader.
Honorable Mentions: Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers/ Dont’a Hightower, New England Patriots
53. Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts
He is commonly referred to by his teammates as “maniac” for his tackling onslaughts in games. Leonard looks poised to become the next great NFL linebacker. He led the league in tackles his rookie season on his way to a first-team all-pro selection. Leonard followed up his play last season with 121 tackles, five interceptions, and six QB hits in 13 games in indy. Known for his tackling skills, he also possesses underrated coverage skills. This allows him to cover running backs, tight ends, and opposing receivers as the Colts defense leader.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Van Noy, Miami Dolphins/ Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers
52. Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears
In a down year last year for his standards, Mack posted 8.5 sacks, his lowest total since his rookie season. However, the former defensive player of the year remains one of the most terrifying presences off the edge in the entire NFL. Headlining the ability to take over games by himself, he is one of the most explosive athletes in the league. Heading into next season, look for him to be among the league leaders in sacks once again.
Honorable Mentions: Christian Jones, Detroit Lions/ Denzel Perryman, Los Angeles Chargers
51. Alex Mack, Atlanta Falcons
The longtime Browns and now Falcons center is getting up there in age at 34 but is still playing at a high level. With four pro bowls made in his last five seasons, Mack is on a hall of fame trajectory as one of the best centers to play the game. He is as consistent and reliable as they come. Over his ten seasons in the league, he has been praised for his leadership by teammates and was recently named to the all-decade team by Pro Football Focus.
Honorable Mentions: Todd Davis, Denver Broncos/ William Compton, Las Vegas Raiders
50. K.J. Wright, Seattle Seahawks
A longtime member of the Seahawks and the running mate to teammate Bobby Wagner, Wright, is a prototypical linebacker. He has the ability to play strong, middle, or weakside linebacker. Wright’s football IQ remains one of the highest in the game. After battling injuries the past few seasons, Wright returned fully healthy in 2019 and posted career highs in tackles, interceptions, and passes defended. Often overshadowed in Seattle by a future Hall of Famer in Wagner, he remains one of the best linebackers in the game and a vital piece of the Seahawks defense.
Honorable Mentions: Blake Martinez, New York Giants/ Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys
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