The biggest surprises from the NFL’s Top 100 list so far happened today with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Just one year ago, Jackson was ranked No. 2 on the NFL’s Top 100 list. Now, he’s all the way down at No. 69 entering the 2026 season.
That’s a staggering 67-spot fall and easily one of the most dramatic slides on this year’s rankings.
Lamar Jackson’s Ranking Raises Eyebrows Across the NFL
Whenever a former MVP and one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks appears outside the top 50, let alone outside the top 60, people are going to take notice.
Jackson’s placement at No. 69 immediately stands out because of where he ranked just a year ago. Being No. 2 put him behind only the very best player in the league, while the new ranking suggests NFL players viewed his 2025 season much differently.
The Ravens still have another player ahead of him on the list, with wide receiver Zay Flowers checking in at No. 71, highlighting just how crowded Baltimore’s roster remains with talent.
Still, Jackson’s tumble is the headline.
Few players in the NFL have his combination of arm talent, athleticism, leadership, and game-changing ability. Seeing him ranked alongside players in the 60s and 70s will undoubtedly spark debate among fans and analysts throughout the remainder of the countdown.
Xavier McKinney Lands One Spot Behind Jackson
While Jackson’s drop grabbed most of the attention, Packers safety Xavier McKinney earned another appearance on the NFL’s Top 100 list by coming in at No. 70.
McKinney followed up his spectacular 2024 All-Pro campaign with another strong season in 2025, proving his breakout year was no fluke.
The veteran safety finished with 107 total tackles, two interceptions, one sack, 10 passes defended, and a forced fumble while serving as the leader of Green Bay’s secondary.
Even though his interception total dropped significantly from eight in 2024 to two in 2025, opposing offenses simply became more cautious about throwing in his direction.
According to Pro Football Reference, quarterbacks completed just 57.5% of their passes when targeting McKinney and produced a passer rating of only 69.2.Those numbers reinforce why he remains one of the NFL’s most respected defensive backs.
Early Top 100 Rankings Already Delivering Surprises
The NFL’s Top 100 list always generates debate, but few expected to see Lamar Jackson sitting at No. 69.
Whether fans agree with the ranking or not, his massive drop is currently one of the biggest storylines of the countdown.
As the remaining rankings are revealed, Jackson’s unexpected fall will be a talking point from from this year’s NFL Top 100 list.
