Seven key takeaways from Prisco’s Top 100 list for 2024: Aaron Rodgers hype is back, 49ers cream of the crop

Identifying the best players in the NFL It’s a thing. Ranking all the stars in a Top 100 roundup is another. However, that’s what CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco did ahead of the 2024 season.

Which players made – or missed – the cut? You can check the the entire hierarchy of the top 100 here. In the meantime, here are seven main conclusions from the 2024 edition of Prisco’s annual ranking:

1. 49ers are the cream of the crop

While quarterback Brock Purdy apparently still hasn’t convinced Prisco that he’s one of the game’s elite signal-callers, coming in at No. 85 after his second consecutive MVP-level performance, San Francisco still stood out as the best team represented. Not only do the 49ers have eight NFL-best players on Prisco’s Top 100 list, but three of them landed alone in the top 10: offensive tackle Trent Williams (No. 3), running back Christian McCaffrey (No. 8) and defensive end defensive tackle Nick Bosa (No. 10). It’s a testament to the firm infrastructure built and overseen by coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, who have been knocking on the door of a title for years. And another Super Bowl bid on the cards? We would count on that.

2. Aaron Rodgers hype is growing (again)

Somehow the New York Jets quarterback was ranked 29th on Prisco’s 2023 list, only to move up (!) nine spots in 2024 now that he’s a year older and coming off a torn Achilles tendon, credited with just four snaps in his Gang Green debut. . And yet, Prisco isn’t alone in professing faith in A-Rod, who is notably his fifth quarterback in the Top 100; the former MVP’s current and former teammates continue to rave about the gasoline left in your tank. Perhaps most importantly, the Jets have really addressed Rodgers’ offensive line this offseason, fortifying the front with additions of young and old. That doesn’t mean Rodgers himself will return to top form, but it certainly helps the cause.

3. Other elite QBs have lost some confidence

While Rodgers has taken advantage of Prisco, a number of other big-name — and highly paid — quarterbacks have seen their stock take a big hit starting in 2023. Here are some of the notable declines: Joe Burrow (dropped 12 spots to 15th ), Trevor Lawrence (down 39 spots to #62), Jalen Hurts (down 22 spots to #53) and Justin Herbert (down 19 spots to #41). Interestingly, each of these quarterbacks was beat during significant portions of the 2023 campaign. But each of them should also reduce turnovers moving forward. Are they still elite at the position? Most signs would indicate this. However, it’s clear they have some work to do to restore full confidence in the center.

4. Truly dynamic RBs remain a rare breed

Prisco has long preached about the replaceability of starting ball carriers, so his decision to feature just two running backs in the Top 100 is not surprising. His placement and selection are notable, however: McCaffrey has reached No. 8 (up 19 spots from 2023) after a season of hard work in San Francisco, suggesting it’s still possible for the back to be the centerpiece of a contemporary attack. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry (No. 91) passed over comparable talents like Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley, big-name omissions who also changed teams in free agency. Barkley, in particular, could have a chance to make a big jump while enjoying the Philadelphia Eagles’ supporting cast.

5. The Lions are no longer underdogs

This has been apparent for some time now – at least since Detroit advanced to the NFC title game on the backs of a rejuvenated Jared Goff, an ultra-aggressive Dan Campbell, etc. Prisco confirmed the Lions’ rise by placing seven different Motor City players in the Top 100, tied for second with the Ravens and defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. Goff, who was unranked in 2023, ranked 76th, ahead of even Purdy and the Green Bay Packers’ gunslinger Jordan Love; while young standouts from the trenches Penei Sewell (No. 17) and Aidan Hutchinson (No. 47) made huge leaps from the previous year. No one would be surprised if the Lions remain one of the NFC’s top contenders even after their painful exit in 2023.

6. Youth is king in secondary school

Big names like Jalen Ramsey and Marshon Lattimore may still resonate in 2024, but the truth is that fresh legs are often a priority in the defensive backfield, and that’s reflected in the widespread rise of younger cornerbacks and safeties in Prisco’s ranks. Chiefs cover man Trent McDuffie, for example, went from unranked in 2023 to 30th this year, when he will be without fellow Super Bowl starter L’Jarius Sneed. And he’s just one of several back-end players who were nowhere to be found on Prisco’s 2023 roster, only to secure respected spots this year. Others include Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (No. 31), Chicago Bears corner Jaylon Johnson (No. 34) and Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (No. 36).

7. Texas is talented, and so is Florida

Behind the 49ers, Chiefs, Lions and Ravens, these teams had the most representation in Prisco’s Top 100: Dallas Cowboys (6), Houston Texans (6), Philadelphia Eagles (6), Miami Dolphins (5) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5). ). All five made the playoffs in 2023, and all five are looking to take a step forward in 2024. Houston is a popular Super Bowl pick following the emergence of C.J. Stroud as a rookie, while the Cowboys and Eagles have proven to be head coaches under pressure to maximize all-star lineups. Tampa Bay is perhaps the most intriguing inclusion, considering the Bucs narrowly escaped the NFC South and essentially “bounced back” this offseason. They are quietly seeking a fourth consecutive division title in 2024.