NFL Top 100 Rankings: New Quarterbacks Enter the Bottom Tier of Elite List
The NFL Top 100 rankings, a seasonal consensus of the league’s best players as voted on by their peers, have revealed the players occupying slots 100 through 83. The latest segment of the list features two quarterbacks making their debut in the rankings, reflecting a shift in perceived value for signal-callers who have transitioned from developmental roles to reliable starters.
The NFL Top 100 is an annual tradition where active players vote for the best in the league. Because the voting is conducted by the players themselves, the results often differ from analyst-driven rankings, frequently favoring high-impact defenders or quarterbacks with high visibility. The current bracket, covering positions 100 to 83, serves as the entry point for the league’s elite tier.
Who are the new quarterbacks in the Top 100?
Two quarterbacks have broken into the rankings for the first time in this initial segment. While the NFL does not release the full ballot data for every single position in real-time, the inclusion of new names at the bottom of the list typically indicates a “breakout” season where a player’s consistency earned the respect of opposing defenses and teammates.
The addition of these quarterbacks highlights a growing trend in the league where the “middle class” of signal-callers is expanding. For years, the Top 100 was dominated by a handful of superstars. Now, players who provide stable, winning football—even if they aren’t MVP candidates—are receiving votes from their peers.
How does the NFL Top 100 voting process work?
The rankings are determined by a peer-voting system. Every player in the league is eligible to vote, and they are asked to list the players they believe are the best in the league regardless of position. This creates a unique dynamic where “reputation” plays a significant role; a player who has a legendary career but a quiet current season may still rank high, while a rising star may struggle to enter the list until they have a few signature games.
Because the list is sorted from 100 down to 1, the players in the 100-83 range are often the most debated. These athletes are essentially the “bubble” players—talented enough to be recognized globally but fighting to prove they belong in the top 20% of the league’s talent pool.
Why do rankings 100-83 matter for player value?
While the NFL Top 100 has no official impact on salary cap figures or contract negotiations, it serves as a powerful psychological marker. For players in the 83-100 range, appearing on the list is a validation of their status as a “blue chip” player. In a league where market value is driven by perceived elite status, being recognized by peers can provide leverage in how a player is framed during contract extensions.
The presence of two quarterbacks in this specific range is notable because the position is usually the most heavily weighted in any ranking. Typically, the Top 100 is saturated with QBs in the top 20. Seeing new arrivals at the bottom suggests that the league’s overall level of quarterback play is rising, making the “entry level” for the Top 100 more accessible to a wider variety of starters.
Comparing peer rankings to professional scouting
There is often a disconnect between how players view their peers and how scouts view them. Scouts focus on technical efficiency, such as completion percentage under pressure or yards after catch. Players, however, vote based on “game-feel”—how difficult a player is to stop on a Sunday afternoon. This often results in defensive players, particularly edge rushers and cornerbacks, ranking higher in the Top 100 than they do in traditional “All-Pro” lists, because their impact is felt directly by the voters.
For the quarterbacks entering the list at the 100-83 mark, this suggests they have reached a level of “respectability” where they are no longer viewed as easy targets by opposing defenses.
What to expect as the list climbs toward No. 1
As the NFL continues to release the rankings in blocks, the concentration of quarterbacks is expected to increase. The 100-83 range is the most diverse in terms of position, featuring a mix of offensive linemen, wide receivers, and defensive backs. As the list moves toward the top 50, the “positional gravity” of the quarterback will likely take over, with the top 10 almost certainly consisting of the league’s premier passers.
The NFL typically releases these rankings in increments leading up to the start of the regular season, building anticipation for the final reveal of the league’s undisputed best player.
The league will continue to unveil the remaining players in the Top 100 over the coming days. Fans can follow official updates via the NFL’s digital platforms and verified sports news outlets.
Who do you think was snubbed in the bottom 20 of the Top 100? Let us know in the comments.