NFL Network recently released their annual top 100 players list voted on the players going into the 2019-20 season and for the first time, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald came in at No. 1.
Five other Rams players made the list as running back Todd Gurley is not far behind at No. 5, quarterback Jared Goff is No. 32, wide receiver Robert Woods is No. 76, offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth is No. 91 and recently-acquired safety Eric Weddle is No. 100.
Rounding out the top 10 along with Donald and Gurley is Drew Brees (2), Khalil Mack (3), Patrick Mahomes (4), Tom Brady (6), Antonio Brown (7), Aaron Rodgers (8), Julio Jones (9) and Von Miller (10).
It doesn’t come as much surprise that the reigning two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Donald, came in at No. 1 after a career-year in which he led the NFL in sacks with 20.5. That is the most ever for a defensive tackle, and he also added 59 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles.
Some of the great players throughout the league explained why they feel that Donald is currently the best play in all of football:
“In my opinion, he’s the MVP of the league and I’m not just talking about defense.”
Glad @AaronDonald97 is on our side. #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/XjECkRAg8d
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 1, 2019
Like Donald, Gurley is also coming off an outstanding season and that is why he was the highest-ranked running back in the league. He missed two games last season, but still carried the ball 256 times for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns while also adding 59 receptions for 580 yards and four more touchdowns.
Gurley was ranked sixth in the top 100 last year, so he moved up a spot. Some of Gurley’s peers also explained what makes him so great:
The definition of a running back.
Congratulations, @TG3II! #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/w5iCBDo55R
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 1, 2019
Goff has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons and after establishing himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league in 2018, he moved up six spots from 38 to 32 this year.
The 24-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted career-highs in completion percentage (64.9), yards (4,688) and touchdown passes (32) while also leading the Rams to the Super Bowl.
Coming off a breakout season, Woods makes his debut on the top 100 list. He was Mr. Reliable for Goff this past season, leading the team in receiving yards 1,219 while hauling in 86 catches and six touchdowns.
Whitworth is one of the least talked about players on the Rams, but there’s no denying the impact he has on the offense as Gurley, Goff and Woods would all not be as good as they are without Whitworth. He discussed potentially retiring after last season, but decided to come back for one more year to finish out his contract and make one last Super Bowl run.
Weddle spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Orioles before signing with the Rams this past offseason. The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro had 68 total tackles last season with the Ravens.
