NFL Top 100 Players of 2022: 100-91

It is that time of the year! Sports fans all around the world can smell football in the air. As the summer begins to wind down, training camp for all 32 NFL teams is in full force. We have created our NFL rankings of the NFL top 100 players of 2022. Each article will be split up into 10 different players, starting at 100-91 and moving all the way to 10-1.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the first 10 players on the list of our NFL top 100 players of 2022. Two young wide receivers and four big-name defensive backs find themselves in this first group.

NFL Top 100 Players of 2022: 100-91

100. Diontae Johnson – Wide Receiver – Pittsburgh Steelers

Tailing the back end of Ben Roethlisberger’s career, Diontae Johnson has not really had consistent quarterback play. Last season, Johnson was rewarded with this first Pro Bowl selection after recording 1,161 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. With Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky throwing him the ball, Johnson may regress, but should still be a major part of Pittsburgh’s offense.

99. Jessie Bates III – Safety – Cincinnati Bengals

Jessie Bates III struggled in the 2021 season, proved by his 88 tackles, which is 12 or more less than his previous three seasons. Then, the playoffs happened. In four games, Bates recorded 20 combined tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections. Playing almost every snap in the playoffs, Bates should be a major part of Cincinnati’s run back to the Super Bowl.

98. Darius Slay – Cornerback – Philadelphia Eagles

Throughout his career, Darius Slay has been one of the better corners in the NFL. That was proved to be this past year, as Slay had maybe his best season in the league. Slay finished the year with three interceptions – one them he brought back for a touchdown. He also recovered two fumbles, bringing both of them back for a touchdown. In coverage last year, Slay allowed a 59% completion percentage for only 535 yards.

97. DeMario Davis – Inside Linebacker – New York Jets

Even though last year can be described as a down year for Demario Davis, he still finished with 105 combined tackles. As he grows in age, Davis has shown a strong ability in the pass game, both as a pass rusher and in coverage. He recorded three sacks, 10 QB hits and only gave up a passer rating of 82.2 (which is down from 106.3 from 2020).

96. Joe Thuney – Guard – Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Thuney was a big ticket free agent for the Chiefs in the previous offseason. In 2021, Thuney started all 17 games at guard. Thuney was a part of the rebuilt Chiefs offensive line after the Super Bowl against the Buccaneers. He helped Patrick Mahomes to another Pro Bowl season, which saw the young QB pass for almost 5,000 yards.

95. Tre’Davious White – Cornerback – Buffalo Bills

This is a major year for Tre’Davious White, who is coming off of a torn ACL. He has already shown flashes of being a premier lockdown corner in this league. While not known for being a ballhawk, White does have the second-lowest passer rating in coverage since 2019. White loves to play physically, which works in favor of the Buffalo defense as they try to make a Super Bowl run.

94. A.J. Brown – Wide Receiver – Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles had a desperate need at receiver, so what did they do? They traded for one of the biggest in the game today. A.J. Brown possesses a unique ability to box out corners, with his 6-1 frame. Jalen Hurts should see his development skyrocket this year, as Brown seems to be his “fail-safe” option. If the big-bodied receiver can stay healthy, we will probably see more plays like his touchdown against the Ravens in 2020.

93. Rashan Gary – Outside Linebacker – Green Bay Packers

Much to the delight of Green Bay Packers fans, Rashan Gary proved that the team may not need Za’Darius Smith in the future. Gary showed flashes of why the Packers drafted him early in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. With Smith injured for most of the year, Gary recorded 9.5 sacks. His combination of speed and power rushing has been proved by his 47 pressures in 2021. The next step is to complete more than just 9.5 sacks.

92. Harrison Smith – Safety – Minnesota Vikings

Even though Harrison Smith is coming to the back end of his career, he is still one of the biggest players that offenses game plan against. On a terrible Vikings defense last year, Smith recorded 114 combined tackles and one interception. Smith is a ballhawk who also excels in the run. Look for Smith to put together another Pro Bowl season in Minnesota this year.

91. Penei Sewell – Tackle – Detroit Lions

When the Detroit Lions drafted Penei Sewell in the first round last year, they knew that he was going to be one of their franchise players. Even though the Lions only recorded three wins last year, Sewell made his name as one of the best tackles in the NFL. His running-blocking skills and ability to move to both tackle spots helped lead the Lions to 1,886 rushing yards and 3,884 passing yards. The red zone offense for Detroit should improve with Penei Sewell having one year under his belt.