We are now in the top 40 players in my list of the NFL's Top 100 Players. These next 10 include a decent number of pass-rushers who continue to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
If you haven't checked out the previous articles of mine, here they are:
40. Calais Campbell
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a down year on the defensive side of the ball in 2018 but Calais Campbell still wreaked havoc on opposing offenses.
The veteran pass-rusher finished the 2018 season with 10.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 22 hits on the quarterback. The duo of Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue is nearly unstoppable for opposing teams.
39. Matt Ryan
Over recent seasons, many have questioned Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons since they botched the Super Bowl in 2016. Still, Ryan had one of the best seasons of his career in 2019
With Dirk Koetter returning as his offensive coordinator, Ryan should be able to put up fantastic numbers again, especially considering the number of weapons on the Falcons offense.
38. Cameron Jordan
The New Orleans Saints defense was drastically improved in 2018 and part of the reason was the presence of Cameron Jordan. Jordan is the leader of the defense and is one of the league's best pass-rushers.
After having 13 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 28 hits on the quarterback in 2017, Jordan followed up with 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 21 hits on the quarterback in 2018.
37. Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett is one player who could easily work his way into being one of the best defensive players in the NFL in 2019. Garrett's potential shined in 2018 after an impressive rookie campaign the year prior.
Last season, Garrett finished the season with 13.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 12 tackles for loss, and 29 quarterback hits.
36. Darius Leonard
Besides Quenton Nelson, Darius Leonard was another rookie for the Indianapolis Colts who performed magnificently. The Colts were desperate for a leader on their defense and found a great one in Leonard.
Leonard led the NFL with 163 total tackles and added seven sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Soon, Leonard could be mentioned with the likes of Bobby Wagner and Luke Kuechly after being named First-Team All-Pro as a rookie.
35. Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL since being drafted by the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers. Although, Rivers just can't seem to get to the Super Bowl.
At 36-years-old last season, Rivers had 4,308 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Now, at 37, Rivers might have his best season to date in 2019.
34. Tyron Smith
The most empowering left tackle in the NFL is Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. You can easily make the argument that Smith is the best offensive lineman in the NFL.
In 2018, Smith had one of the most impressive seasons for an offensive lineman with zero (yes zero) sacks allowed on 849 offensive snaps.
33. Eddie Jackson
The Chicago Bears had the best defense in football in 2018 and led the NFL in interceptions. Eddie Jackson was responsible for a lot of them.
In just his second season, Jackson had six interceptions and three defensive touchdowns last year. Another season similar to 2018 and Jackson could rise to being arguably the best safety in the NFL.
32. Chris Jones
People tend to forget about Chris Jones when discussing the NFL's best interior defenders. The Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle is coming off the best season of his young career.
In 2018, the Chiefs had one of the worst defenses but Jones was a bright spot for Kansas City. Jones finished last season with 15.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and 29 hits on the quarterback.
31. Tre'Davious White
In the last two seasons, Tre'Davious White has emerged as one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills haven't been winning games but that hasn't prevented White from shutting guys down.
In his second season in the NFL in 2018, White had two interceptions and eight pass deflections. White continues to improve his game and he'll likely be mentioned among the best in the NFL by 2020.
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