Top 100 Players of 2024, Nos. 80-71: Justin Herbert, Minkah Fitzpatrick fall off; Sam LaPorta debuts

It took only one season for LaPorta to earn his first Pro Bowl nod and be named in the Top 100 list. He emerged as a solid foundation piece for the Lions. With his 86 receptions during the regular season, LaPorta set the tight end rookie record for most catches in a season. He was also the only tight end with 80-plus catches, 800-plus receiving yards and seven-plus touchdowns, per NFL Research.

Last season was one that Fitzpatrick would like to put behind him even after earning his fourth Pro Bowl honor. Fitzpatrick caught the injury bug and missed seven games, but his peers clearly believe that the safety’s talents as a whole and his ball-hawking play warrants him remaining on the exclusive list. Fitzpatrick is looking forward to turning things around as he wants to return to playing “Minkah ball” in 2024.

In his rookie season, Williams only rushed for 139 yards in 10 games played. That changed in 2023 when he took over the RB1 role in Los Angeles. The dual-threat RB recorded 1,144 rushing yards for 12 touchdowns, including 32 receptions with three receiving TDs in 11 games. It was the first time a Rams RB eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards since Todd Gurley did it in 2018, which resulted in Williams earning his first Pro Bowl honor.

Hendrickson has become a familiar face on the Top 100 list since joining the Bengals in 2021, and he makes his third straight appearance after a career year. In 17 games played, he had a career high in sacks (17.5), tackles (28) and tackles for loss (16). Hendrickson has been the centerpiece of consistency in the Bengals’ defense, and he capped off his best season with his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

Greenlaw was once again a presence that opposing offensive coordinators had to game plan against. Greenlaw was second on the 49ers with 120 tackles. He also contributed five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in 15 games. However, things took a turn in Super Bowl LVIII, with the veteran linebacker suffering a torn Achilles. His unceremonious end didn’t take away from his stellar contributions, which proved crucial in the Niners’ Super Bowl berth.

Despite having his season shortened by a broken finger, Herbert’s peers believed that the Chargers QB was worthy of a selection. Herbert finished the 2023 campaign with 3,134 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes to go with 228 yards and three TDs on the ground. The Chargers will have a new regime in Los Angeles with John Harbaugh, and Herbert already has his new head coach “starstruck” before the start of a new era in L.A.

Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side, especially in Atlanta for Bates. In his first season with the Falcons, Bates received his first Pro Bowl selection in his sixth NFL season. The safety had a career year by setting new highs with six interceptions, three forced fumbles and 132 tackles.

Simmons had a challenging year, as he struggled with knee injuries. But the Titans defensive lineman disrupted offenses in the 12 games he played, recording 44 tackles, 11 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Though Tennessee struggled to a 6-11 season, Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler, remains regarded as one of the top interior defensive linemen in the league.

There wasn’t a sophomore slump for Wilson in 2023, even without his starting quarterback in Gotham. Wilson continued to be one of the bright spots for New York, producing 95 receptions for 1,042 yards and four scrimmage touchdowns. The AP 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year should see an uptick in all offensive categories, with Aaron Rodgers expected to be ready at the start of the 2024 season.

Though Tunsil battled injuries, he still played a mammoth role in the Texans winning the AFC South title and making the playoffs. The veteran made his fourth career Pro Bowl and second in a row as he protected the 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, quarterback C.J. Stroud. While the Texans are ascending thanks to a young core of players, the eight-year pro at tackle’s prime play continues to be a boon for Houston.