Backers, Tight Ends, Safties, and More
Forget the quarterbacks for a moment. The NFL’s symphony of violence and athleticism wouldn’t be complete without the tenacious blitzers who hunt quarterbacks, the mismatch nightmares at tight end, the dazzling route runners who leave defenders in their dust, and the lockdown corners who silence aerial assaults. In the NFL’s Top 100, where legends are ranked and legacies debated, these unsung heroes – the linebackers, tight ends, receivers, and defensive backs – take center stage. Let’s delve into the pantheon of these gridiron warriors, exploring the all-time greats who redefined their positions and forever changed the way the game is played.
This article takes a deep dive into the prestigious NFL Top 100 list, a dynamic ranking meticulously compiled by current and former players, coaches, and media experts mixed with the database values of Pro-Football-Reference. We’ll unravel the criteria that distinguish the elite from the exceptional, examining factors like on-field dominance, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the game.
Prepare to embark on a journey through time, encountering iconic shutdown defenders who haunted opposing offenses and electrifying receivers who defied expectations. This list encompasses the best of the best, from the gridiron warriors of yesteryear to the modern-day superstars.
A few years ago, the NFL released a list called the NFL 100. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.
With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the top 100 is a daunting task. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. By the end, we’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans.
So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 3 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list of players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love. We fondly call this the “thumper section,” filled with tight ends, offensive two-position stars, safety, and backers, which fit the bill in this section.
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