This is not an MVP vote. The directions were simple: Rate players based on greatness. That's what you see below: the top 100 players in the NFL in 2015, based on how good they are -- not what positions they play or how many endorsements they have. It was a simple process, detailed here:
The parameters: Rate players based on how good they are -- period. All NFL players were eligible.
The process: Rate every player on a scale of 1-100. A score of 100 implies an all-time level of excellence; a 1 is for a player who doesn't belong in the NFL.
The panel: More than 70 voters. NFL analysts, reporters and statisticians -- both from ESPN and outside ESPN -- including former players and NFL front-office members.
That's it. We considered all NFL players and had a deep group of analysts rate them based on how good they are -- nothing more.
These are the results.
51. Cameron Wake | Dolphins | Rating: 84.54
Crazy thought: Wake was picked up by the Giants in 2005, but they released him during camp. Think about that 2007 Giants team with Wake as an added pass-rusher: Umenyiora, Tuck, Strahan ... Wake? "He still has explosive get-off and cornering quickness," said one voter. He's also one of the NFL's truly consistent pass-rushers, and this after knocking out 39 sacks in two years in Canada before he got the call to Miami.
Add it up: Wake is one of two players to have at least 8.5 sacks in each of the last five seasons (Charles Johnson is the other).
52. Eric Weddle | Chargers | Rating: 84.48
The advanced metrics have been making a case for Weddle as one of the NFL's best safeties for years, and both the public and the pundits have come around on the bearded star. "He's just versatile, smart and such a consistent ballhawk," said an ESPN analyst and front office veteran. He's also tough, playing a collision position at barely 200 pounds without a missed game since 2009. Maybe it really is the beard.
Add it up: Weddle is one of two players to be named either a first- or second-team All-Pro in each of the past five seasons (Joe Thomas is the other).
53. Khalil Mack | Raiders | Rating: 84.42
"A leverage power player who is simply dominant against the run," said one voter who had previously scouted Mack. "And he's improving as a pass-rusher." The PFF crew rated Mack as one of the best run defenders on the planet last season, and as our voter noted, Mack can and will rush the passer. He had 40 hurries last season, and new coach Jack Del Rio is intent on cutting Mack loose in 2015.
Add it up: Mack became the third rookie linebacker in franchise history to start all 16 games, along with Reggie McKenzie (1985) and Matt Millen (1980)
54. Jason Witten | Cowboys | Rating: 83.85
Anquan Boldin. Steve Smith. Larry Fitzgerald. Wes Welker. Calvin Johnson. Just a few of the guys with Hall of Fame trajectories with fewer career catches than Witten, who should reach No. 1,000 sometime in the second half of 2015. "He's an all-around blocking and receiving tight end, and he has the best third-down route-running instincts at his position," said a voter. He also hasn't missed a game since 2003.
Add it up: Witten's 943 career receptions are the most in Cowboys history.
55. Joe Staley | 49ers | Rating: 83.79
That the 49ers have been one of the more efficient running teams of the past half decade isn't just about philosophy; it's because they've had arguably the NFL's most consistent left tackle over that period. "He doesn't look it, but Staley has incredible athleticism and initial quickness," said one voter. He also hasn't missed a game in four seasons, and has been to the Pro Bowl every year during that span.
Add it up: Staley was the only 49ers to play 1,000 snaps last year (1,003).
56. Devin McCourty | Patriots | Rating: 83.58
A couple of voters pointed out how comical it is that McCourty has just one Pro Bowl on his résumé. "Maybe it's because they don't know what position to put him at," said an evaluator from another AFC East team. Capable of lining up anywhere in the secondary, McCourty is one of the NFL's most versatile talents, and will be under pressure in 2015 given the turnover in New England's back end.
Add it up: McCourty has 17 interceptions over the past five years, tied for fourth in the league over that span among active players.
57. Zack Martin | Cowboys | Rating: 83.48
Call it a good first impression. In 2013, the Cowboys finished 24th overall in rushing. Enter Martin, and in 2014, Dallas jumped to No. 2 overall -- and they were only topped by Seattle because of Russell Wilson's scrambling exploits. "He has an excellent combination of power and quickness, which will allow him to play tackle as well," said one voter. Martin, a former tackle at Notre Dame, has been superb at guard.
Add it up: Martin is the first Cowboys rookie to be named a first-team All-Pro since Calvin Hill in 1969.
58. Marshal Yanda | Ravens | Rating: 83.39
According to PFF, Yanda was the Jupiter in the guard solar system last season, by far the most dominant player at his position in the NFL. The tape says he might be the most dominant run-blocker in the NFL at any position. "He's a competitive, tough finisher in the run game," said one panelist. The former Iowa Hawkeye has been to four straight Pro Bowls.
Add it up: Yanda has played 3,886 snaps at left or right guard in the past four seasons, second most in the AFC, behind Zane Beadles.
59. Matt Forte | Bears | Rating: 83.21
Here's a good trivia question: Over the past seven seasons, which player has led the NFL in yards from scrimmage? OK, so maybe we already gave it away, but remarkably, no player has more than Forte's 11,431 combined rushing and receiving yards over that span. Good but not incredible rushing totals obscure facts like the 102 catches Forte had in 2014, more than every NFL player not named Julio Jones, Demaryius Thomas or Antonio Brown -- and a single-season record for RBs. "So smooth, with deceptive speed and quickness," said one voter. Forte's whole career has been deceptive.
Add it up: Forte has had at least 200 carries in seven consecutive seasons. Frank Gore is the only player with a longer active streak (nine).
60. Michael Bennett | Seahawks | Rating: 83.13
One voter summed it up perfectly: "I feel like he gets overlooked with all the big names in Seattle, but he's an absolute game-wrecker up front." Bennett probably loses some points from Joe Fan because he doesn't have the prodigious sack totals, but Pete Carroll's system demands his versatility and ability to take blocking schemes off the rails. And that's where Bennett shines. He's been a huge part of Seattle's defense, which has allowed the fewest points in the league over the past three seasons -- beating the second-ranked team by 155 points combined.
Add it up: Incredibly, Bennett took snaps at nine different positions last season.
61. Sheldon Richardson | Jets | Rating: 83.04
We don't yet know when we'll see Richardson in 2015 following much-publicized off-field issues this offseason, which is a shame, because he might be the most ruthlessly effective run-game wrecker not named J.J. Watt. "The only thing that will derail him from being a perennial All-Pro selection is not staying disciplined off the field," said a voter. It feels like a crossroads season for the gifted defender.
Add it up: Richardson, Watt and Calais Campbell are the only players with at least 40 solo tackles when lined up as defensive linemen in each of the past two seasons.
62. Terrell Suggs | Ravens | Rating: 82.97
As a junior at Arizona State, Suggs piled up a Tecmo Bowl-like 24 sacks, one of those goofy numbers that doesn't seem grounded in football reality. But while Suggs has never had more than 14 sacks in an NFL season, he's now at 106.5 for his career, which means the six-time Pro Bowler is inching his way into Hall of Fame conversations. And that 2012 Achilles injury? Suggs has played in every game over the past two seasons.
Add it up: Suggs' 12.0 sacks last year were tied for second in his career. The only year he had more (2011, 14 sacks), he ended up winning NFL defensive player of the year.
63. DeSean Jackson | Redskins | Rating: 82.86
"If the dictionary had an entry for 'Take the top off a defense' you could put Jackson's picture right there," said a voter. No kidding. In 2014, Jackson proved he hadn't lost a step, leading the NFL in yards per reception at 20.9, which is exactly how you catch only 56 passes but still have well over 1,000 yards. Jackson truly is a player who causes defenders to back up because they know it's coming, and they still can't stop him. Even a move from Philly to D.C. didn't appreciably cut into Jackson's numbers.
Add it up: Jackson has 30 career 50-yard receptions, which is tied with Steve Smith for most in the NFL among active players.
64. Marcell Dareus | Bills | Rating: 82.83
The big debate in Buffalo is how much the Bills will need to pay Dareus to stick around long-term, unless they want to franchise him in 2016. It's fair to say the price isn't going down. Dareus isn't just one of the NFL's best run defenders; he piled up 10.0 sacks last season. That combination of talent makes him a centerpiece player for a good defense.
Add it up: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 2014 Bills were the third team since 2000 to have three players with at least 10 sacks (Dareus, Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams).
65. Maurkice Pouncey | Steelers | Rating: 82.46
Soon after voting concluded for this year's #NFLRANK, Pouncey snapped his ankle in a preseason game, leaving another season in jeopardy. He missed basically all of 2013, and then played 2014 at his usual Pro Bowl level. "He has the movement skills of a tight end and the smarts of a quarterback," said one voter. "He's maybe the most talented interior lineman in the NFL." Talent isn't the issue. Healthy, Pouncey is an All-Pro. Pittsburgh can only hope he'll be available later this season.
Add it up: Pouncey is the only center with two first-team All-Pro selections since 2010.
66. Travis Frederick | Cowboys | Rating: 82.13
One of the more maligned picks of the 2013 draft (by you too, Dallas fans), Frederick has been everything the Cowboys could have hoped for. Yeah, a center better be good if you take him in Round 1, but Frederick is really good. The best run-blocking center in the league last season, he's only beginning what could be a long stretch of Pro Bowls. "You hear about Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, but Frederick is the linchpin," said an NFC evaluator.
Add it up: Frederick was one of three Cowboys offensive linemen named to the Pro Bowl last season. Smith and Martin -- all former first-round picks 25 or younger -- were the others.
67. Tamba Hali | Chiefs | Rating: 81.99
There is some concern that retirement could be in the 31-year-old Hali's near future. He finished 2014 with six sacks, his lowest total since 2008. But the sack total was (A) unlucky, because he did have 34 QB hurries, and (B) not for naught, because that Justin Houston kid Hali mentors had 22 sacks. Call it 28 combined and everyone is A-OK. Hali was back in the Pro Bowl, and is still a complete 3-4 OLB.
Add it up: Hali and Houston have 50 sacks over the last two seasons, the most by any two teammates in the league.
68. C.J. Mosley | Ravens | Rating: 81.93
"Odell had the fantasy numbers, but this was the NFL's best rookie last year," said one voter. Another: "Range, range, range. He's a dynamic chess piece to counter a fantasy-football-driven league." In other words, Mosley has arrived. His 129 total tackles last season paced the Ravens.
Add it up: Mosley had 21 more tackles than any other rookie last year and only 24 fewer than league leader Luke Kuechly.
69. Matt Ryan | Falcons | Rating: 81.83
Over the past two seasons, Ryan has completed 67 percent of his throws for 9,209 yards. If this was a ranking of player value, he'd be in the top 25. Unfortunately, with a trainwreck defense over the past 32 games, the Falcons have won just 10 games, and it's hurting Ryan's legacy. "He's an offensive coordinator's dream to dial up plays for because he sticks to the process of playing quarterback," said one voter. There are high hopes that with Kyle Shanahan doing the dialing, Ryan could have a huge year in 2015.
Add it up: Ryan leads the NFL with 26 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter/OT since entering the NFL in 2008.
70. Arian Foster | Texans | Rating: 81.82
Only Matt Forte and LeSean McCoy have more yards from scrimmage since the start of 2010 than Foster's 8,000 -- and he missed 14 games over that span. In other words, if he's healthy, he's easily tops in the league in production over the past five years. "He has the best combination of patience and vision from a runner in the NFL," said a voter. "It's still almost hard to believe he was undrafted," said another. Will we see a healthy Foster in 2015 after he returns from groin surgery?
Add it up: Foster has averaged 0.76 touchdowns per game the past five years. Only Adrian Peterson (0.79) has more.
71. Vontae Davis | Colts | Rating: 81.70
Indy paid a steep price to pry Davis from Miami in 2012, but he has proved to be worth it. He's been one of the best cornerbacks in the league over the past three seasons, culminating in a Pro Bowl invite after 2014. "He's a unique combination of a corner," said one panelist, "because he can win in off-man coverage but also smother you at the line of scrimmage."
Add it up: Davis' 12 pass breakups last year tied for fourth in the league.
72. Elvis Dumervil | Ravens | Rating: 81.62
It's been more than nine years since Dumervil fell to the fourth round of the 2006 draft after a 20-sack season at Louisville. Of course, 5-foot-11 defensive ends who don't run very fast tend to fall. But Dumervil got the last laugh, as he now has 90 sacks, and is coming off a monster 17-sack, All-Pro season. His lack of length has become an asset. "He can get under the pads of tackles and generate pressure," said a voter.
Add it up: Dumervil has the third-most sacks since 2009 (65).
73. Alex Mack | Browns | Rating: 81.56
Start here: In the five games Mack started in 2014, the Browns averaged 146.4 yards rushing per game. That number dipped to 90.5 in the next 11 without him. Quarterback play was an issue, but Mack's injury was a big part of Cleveland's derailed 2014. "He can make every blocking scheme call or adjustment at the line of scrimmage," said one panelist. "He's like a second quarterback for that offense."
Add it up: Prior to missing the final 11 games last year, Mack had made 85 consecutive starts for the Browns.
74. Greg Olsen | Panthers | Rating: 81.54
Improving with age? Olsen had his first 1,000-yard campaign last year, his eighth season in the league. "He's more athletic than people give him credit for, and he has the receiving skills to haul in some wayward Cam Newton passes," said one voter. "He's underrated because you really do have to have a plan for him," said an NFC evaluator. Since he entered the league, the only tight ends with more catches are Jason Witten, Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez.
Add it up: Olsen is one of two TEs with at least 800 receiving yards and five TDs in each of the past three years (Jimmy Graham is the other).
75. Julius Thomas | Jaguars | Rating: 81.48
Well, it's officially "prove it" time for Thomas. He has a big contract, but consider this perspective: Thomas caught 43 passes last season while starting only 10 games. The Jags didn't have a tight end exceed 35 targets in 2014. Can he be a part of the fix for Blake Bortles, or will he be the statistical victim of a bad offense? "He's an uncommon athlete for a tight end," said one voter. "Quick and fast with the good flexibility to work around defenders." Here's hoping his QB notices.
Add it up: Thomas is the only tight end in NFL history with 12 receiving TDs in back-to-back seasons.
76. Ryan Kerrigan | Redskins | Rating: 81.41
Over the last four years, Kerrigan has never once missed a start, and he has gotten better every year, going from 7.5 to 8.5 sacks (twice), then 13.5 sacks in his fourth season. He's now been rewarded with a long-term deal. "It's been crazy, but they nailed Trent [Williams] and him in back-to-back years [in the draft]," said an NFC evaluator. "He's the cliché -- the high motor and the endless gas tank," said a voter, "but he also generates pressure to go with it."
Add it up: Kerrigan has forced 15 fumbles in the past four seasons, second in the NFL behind Charles Tillman (17).
77. Geno Atkins | Bengals | Rating: 81.31
Anybody who saw Atkins in 2012 would think this slot is impossibly low. The only D-lineman more disruptive during that season is No. 1 on this list. Atkins was an All-Pro, a dominating run defender who chipped in 12.5 sacks. An injury in 2013 was a serious setback, but don't be surprised if the dominance returns -- he was a Pro Bowler in 2014 and should get even better. "I still think he's the best D-tackle in his draft class," said one panelist. "And that class contained both Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy. He's the leverage king."
Add it up: Atkins has 32 career sacks, the third most by a Bengals player in his first five seasons since sacks became official in 1982.
78. Calais Campbell | Cardinals | Rating: 81.20
A couple of voters were shocked to learn Campbell had been to just one Pro Bowl. An NFC West evaluator noted, "He's one of the most consistently good D-linemen in the game, but he suffers on stats." Campbell has never topped nine sacks in a season, but he has also never had a bad one. "He's the prototype long defensive lineman," said a voter of the 6-foot-8 Campbell. "He wins leverage battles with his hands and then kills blockers with speed."
Add it up: Campbell is one of two players with at least six sacks and 45 tackles in each of the past six seasons (Tamba Hali is the other).
79. Chris Harris Jr. | Broncos | Rating: 81.11
Has Harris surpassed Arian Foster as the best undrafted free agent in the NFL based on current results? Pro Football Focus rated him the best cornerback in the NFL in 2014, a tick ahead of names like Richard Sherman, Darrelle Revis and Vontae Davis. "He's excellent in man coverage, excellent in zone, excellent against the run, excellent in slot," said one voter. "Sensing a theme?" If Harris repeats his 2014 performance this season, a 50-spot jump here isn't out of the question.
Add it up: Harris is one of two defensive backs with at least 55 tackles and three interceptions in each of the past three seasons (DeAngelo Hall is the other).
80. Andrew Whitworth | Bengals | Rating: 80.97
"We tracked Whitworth with just a half-sack allowed last season, which is insane for a left tackle," said one voter. Another pointed out, "He might be the most underrated player in the NFL." So why is he so low? Is there some anonymity to protecting Andy Dalton as opposed to Aaron Rodgers? The jury is out. "He doesn't allow pressure, run-blocks like a tank," one more panelist noted. "He could be an All-Pro guard if he kicked inside." The superlatives go on. Perhaps Whitworth needs a PR campaign.
Add it up: Whitworth has played 4,877 snaps over the past five seasons. That's over 500 snaps more than any other Bengal (offensive or defensive).
81. NaVorro Bowman | 49ers | Rating: 80.85
It says a lot for Bowman that he didn't play a single snap in 2014 and voters still have him as easily one the league's top 100 players. Before his gruesome knee injury against Seattle in the 2013 playoffs, Bowman was in the midst of a three-year stretch of All-Pro status. Said one voter, "He's a tone-setting leader with exceptional instincts and play recognition, the strength to be a force against the run, the pattern awareness and speed to be productive against the pass." Said another, "He does everything well."
Add it up: Bowman was the only player with at least 135 tackles each season from 2011 to '13.
82. Dontari Poe | Chiefs | Rating: 80.82
On a per-snap basis, Poe is a marvel. Consider: In 2014, he played an incredible 1,041 snaps. The next closest DT? Ndamukong Suh with 938. And remember, Poe checks in at a cool 346 pounds. "He's a rare athlete for his body type," said one panelist. Poe had one of the more famous NFL combine performances in recent memory when he ran a sub-5.0 40 at 346 pounds, to go with 44 reps at 225 pounds on the bench, but he's proved to be more than a physical freak. He's a two-time Pro Bowler in three NFL seasons.
Add it up: Poe has 10.5 sacks since the start of 2013, third most among Chiefs defenders.
83. Duane Brown | Texans | Rating: 80.69
Brown was a tight end at Virginia Tech until Hokies coach Frank Beamer flipped him to tackle, and the rest is history. He's been one of the best LTs in football going on five years. "He's an underrated, smooth-moving tackle with the lateral quickness to be a very good zone run blocker," said a voter who scouted Brown in college, "and he has the feet to mirror and redirect in pass protection versus some of the very best pass-rushers." He's been a Pro Bowler for the past three seasons.
Add it up: Brown is one of four left tackles with at least 4,000 snaps over the past four years (4,062)
84. Eli Manning | Giants | Rating: 80.58
The NFL's ultimate enigma, Good Eli has two Super Bowl rings punctuated by incredible performances in the most crucial moments and is in the midst of a 10-year stretch without missing a single start. Bad Eli has led the NFL in interceptions three times during that period. "He's the definition of a streaky prototype pocket passer that has played his best in the biggest moments," said a voter. In perfect Eli form, he's also coming off arguably his most efficient season as a passer -- in a year in which the Giants went 6-10. Up next: A massive contract that should carry him to his retirement in New York.
Add it up: Manning has 10 seasons with 3,000 passing yards, ranking seventh all time, trailing only Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, John Elway and his brother Peyton.
85. Cam Newton | Panthers | Rating: 80.39
While Newton is not an elite NFL passer, voters still see him as the difference between a competitive Carolina squad and one of the worst teams in the NFL. "You have to consider Newton in the context of what the Panthers asked him to do last year: play through broken ribs with very little pass protection and a poor receiving corps," said one panelist. Nobody doubts Newton's almost unique ability to carry a team both as a passer and often the best running option. The question is whether he'll ever have enough help to not have to be both.
Add it up: Newton rushed for 2,571 yards and 33 TDs so far, the most of any QB in his first four seasons since the NFL-AFL merger.
86. Trent Williams | Redskins | Rating: 80.30
A complete tackle, Williams can run block and pass block, and is devastating in the screen game. His talent has been obvious in part because of the lack of blocking competency around him, and he's been to the last three Pro Bowls. Said one panelist, "Each new set of coaches in Washington seems to want a different blocking scheme, and while the rest of the line is in flux, the only constant is that Williams will play well no matter what."
Add it up: Redskins QBs were sacked on 7 percent of dropbacks with Williams on the field (10 percent without him).
87. Joe Flacco | Ravens | Rating: 80.20
The positive: Flacco has started 112 of a possible 112 NFL games, has never led a team to a record below .500 for a season, and has a Super Bowl ring courtesy of a brilliant playoff run in 2012 during which he threw 12 TD passes and not a single INT. The negative: He has never finished higher than No. 10 overall in QBR. If there were bonus points for being the signature QB of the debate on whatever the heck "elite" means, Flacco could be inducted into the Hall of Fame tomorrow without a five-year wait.
Add it up: Flacco has seven road playoff wins, the most of any quarterback in the Super Bowl era.
88. Nick Mangold | Jets | Rating: 80.10
With six Pro Bowls (including in the last two seasons) and two All-Pro appearances in nine NFL seasons, Mangold has been good for a long time with no signs of slowing down, and has never played in fewer than 14 games. Pro Football Focus rated him the top center of 2014, and it wasn't particularly close. The question is whether one of the best centers of this generation will ever get to snap the ball to a great quarterback.
Add it up: Mangold has 141 career games, second among centers since his rookie year in 2006 (Chris Myers is first with 144).
T-89. DeAndre Levy | Lions | Rating: 80.04
A late bloomer by NFL standards, it wasn't until his fifth NFL season that Levy was given every-down reps. Now he's easily one of the best 4-3 outside linebackers in the NFL, and has been outstanding when given the room to attack thanks to Detroit's formidable defensive line. "He's tremendous against the run, and paced outside linebackers in tackles last season," said one voter. Case in point: Levy finished the 2014 season with 151 total tackles -- no other Lion had more than 86.
Add it up: Levy led the NFL with 117 solo tackles in 2014.
T-89. Haloti Ngata | Lions | Rating: 80.04
At 31, the question now is whether Ngata has truly hit the "regression" stage of a brilliant career. Last season was the first time since 2008 that he wasn't selected to the Pro Bowl. Being suspended four games for PEDs certainly didn't help his case, but his play had dipped prior to the ban. The Ravens traded Ngata to Detroit for a pair of late-round draft picks to help plug the gap left by the departed Ndamukong Suh. "If you don't ask him to play every down, you're going to see that outstanding player," said one panelist. "Just don't pretend this is 2009."
Add it up: Ngata is one of six defensive linemen with five interceptions and 25 sacks since 2006.
91. Russell Okung | Seahawks | Rating: 79.89
"If he plays every week, you're talking about him next to the other best left tackles in the game," said an NFC evaluator. It's overstating things to say Okung's career has been decimated by injuries -- he has started fewer than 10 games only once in his five-year career -- but he's also never been completely healthy (zero seasons with 16 starts). The question now is whether this is Okung's final season in Seattle.
Add it up: Okung led the Seahawks with 3,383 offensive snaps over the past five seasons.
92. Josh Sitton | Packers | Rating: 79.86
"This is the league's top pass-blocking guard," said one voter. "He allowed a total of six hurries and zero sacks last season." Sitton is almost doomed to be underrated, too, as the top offensive lineman on a Green Bay front that some consider propped up by Aaron Rodgers' unmatched ability to hold onto the ball and make great plays amid chaos. Still, Sitton has been to two Pro Bowls in the last three seasons and is a crucial component to the NFL's top offense.
Add it up: Sitton is the only player with at least 1,000 snaps at both right guard and left guard in the past three seasons.
93. Antonio Gates | Chargers | Rating: 79.73
Someday Gates will be remembered as a revolutionary, not only as the tight end target able to dominate with athleticism and great hands, but as the guy who made searching for tight end talents on the basketball court seem routine, with players like Jimmy Graham and Julius Thomas following in his path. Among active tight ends, only Jason Witten has more career catches, but it's not like Gates is fading fast. He had 69 catches last season, playing in all 16 games, and as one voter pointed out, "Only three players racked up more red zone targets than Gates in 2014." Philip Rivers still has the Gates radar locked in when it matters.
Add it up: Gates' next receiving TD will make him the second tight end in history with at least 100 career scores (Tony Gonzalez, 111).
94. Kyle Williams | Bills | Rating: 79.61
Rex Ryan could have done a lot worse. Two of his inherited defensive linemen have already been listed here (Marcell Dareus and Mario Williams), Jerry Hughes is coming off his second consecutive 10-sack season, and Williams? "No defensive tackle had more QB hits than he did last year," pointed out one voter. Entering his 10th NFL season, all in Buffalo, Williams is still one of the NFL's most disruptive interior defenders.
Add it up: The Bills allowed 3.8 yards per rush last year with Williams on field (4.7 without).
95. Fletcher Cox | Eagles | Rating: 79.56
"The Fletcher Cox show is about to begin," said one voter. The voting bloc of over 70 NFL analysts, reporters, former coaches, scouts, and front-office members is clearly on board. Cox hasn't been to a Pro Bowl yet, but the potential is obvious. "He's dominant against the run, and only J.J. Watt had more hurries last season among 3-4 defensive ends," said another. The former No. 12 overall pick can no longer be called overlooked.
Add it up: Cox's 48 solo tackles last year were tied for third among defensive linemen. Only Watt (59) and Jason Pierre-Paul (54) had more.
96. Connor Barwin | Eagles | Rating: 79.44
Question: How many NFL players had more sacks than Connor Barwin last season? Answer: Two (Justin Houston and J.J. Watt). Surprised? Well, Barwin isn't a dominant run defender, but when you cut him loose, he has the pass-rushing skills to match his coiffure. Along with Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan, Barwin will help form what is, on paper, one of the more disruptive D-lines in the NFL.
Add it up: Barwin's 34.5 disrupted dropbacks in the last two seasons trail only Watt (47.0) and Houston (43.0).
97. Jamie Collins | Patriots | Rating: 79.38
Sweet irony. In 2012, Collins was a dominant defensive talent on one of the worst college football teams of the last 20 years. He had 20 tackles for loss ... for a 0-12 Southern Miss team that was outscored by nearly 20 points per game. Three years later he was one of the most overlooked defensive players for a Super Bowl champion. But #NFLRANK voters watched the tape. Collins enters his third NFL season a star on the rise, a versatile defender in Matt Patricia's defense in New England.
Add it up: Collins was the only NFL player with 100 tackles, four forced fumbles and multiple sacks (four) last season.
98. Thomas Davis | Panthers | Rating: 79.34
It's not overstating it to call Davis a physical miracle. No, he can't pull a 747 with his teeth, but after tearing his ACL three times in a 36-month period, he has missed two of a possible 48 games, regaining his spot as one the NFL's best three-down linebackers. Drafted as a safety, Davis now trails only Derrick Johnson and Antrel Rolle in career tackles among active players from the 2005 draft class.
Add it up: In the last three seasons, Carolina allowed 4.1 yards per rush with Davis on field (5.0 without).
99. Travis Kelce | Chiefs | Rating: 79.32
"He's tremendous as a blocker, but he's also special with the ball in his hands," said one panelist. Added an AFC evaluator: "Put him with a Brady or a Rodgers and we're talking about a superstar." #NFLRANK voters agree with league insiders: Kelce is a star you just don't know yet. An example of his running ability? Pro Football Focus had Kelce getting an average of 7.9 yards after the catch in 2014. The next closest tight end with over 50 receptions was Delanie Walker at 6.3.
Add it up: Kelce caught a pass on 19 percent of his routes, second among TEs with 70 targets, behind only Rob Gronkowski.
100. Aqib Talib | Broncos | Rating: 79.15
A Pro Bowl selection in each of the last two seasons, Talib isn't a cornerback you throw at with a great rate of success. Last season, per PFF, QBs had a rating of just 72.2 when they targeted a receiver Talib was covering. "I don't think he's dominant, but when you look at him [covering a WR] you don't love the matchup," said an AFC evaluator. A former two-star recruit whom top programs took a pass on, Talib enters his eighth NFL season as one of the NFL's top 10 corners.
Add it up: Talib is the only CB with eight interceptions and two forced fumbles over the past two seasons.