Which NFL Teams Don’t Have a Single Elite Player? The Answer Is Surprising
Every year, the NFL Top 100 list sparks debate, excitement, and a lot of confusion. Everyone is suddenly weighing in on which athletes deserve a place. This year, a few teams were left completely off the list as not even one player on their roster made the cut. That’s a pretty big deal.
If you’re a fan of any of these teams, you’ve probably been wondering how that is possible, since some of these players are definitely worthy of a little more respect.
The Bears Are Back, But Where’s the Love?
Image via Wikimedia Commons/All-Pro Reels
Chicago’s history in the NFL is renowned, but in recent years, the team’s roster has been filled with some interesting talents. Somehow, still, not a single one made the Top 100 list.
Jaylon Johnson is a cornerback who regularly shuts down top-tier receivers, but despite his standout ability, he was left without recognition. Teams don’t even throw his way half the time because they know he’ll make them pay.
It’s not just Johnson, either. The Bears have a whole offensive line, featuring veterans like Joe Thuney, that often gets ignored.
Maybe Chicago’s inability to compete at the highest level is the reason its players remain unnoticed, despite their solid contributions. NFL peers value winning, and without those standout team performances, the individual stats often get overlooked.
The Panthers Are Missing Some Big Pieces
Over in Carolina, the situation is just as perplexing. Jaycee Horn, one of the best cornerbacks in the game, didn’t even make the list. It’s baffling considering he’s consistently been one of the top players on a defense that’s been a bit overshadowed by team struggles.
Horn has everything it takes to be a game-changer, but it seems, like the case with the Bears, his recognition is simply tied to the Panthers’ struggles in recent seasons.
Derrick Brown is another name that’s been passed over. Brown’s ability to disrupt offenses is undeniable, but just like with the Bears, individual talent alone doesn’t seem enough to crack the Top 100.
The Colts Can’t Catch a Break, Either
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Keith Allison
Then there’s Indianapolis, a team that should have a few players in the mix. Jonathan Taylor, a top-tier running back, finished fourth in rushing yards last season but somehow still couldn’t earn a spot on the list. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been wreaking havoc for years. And let’s not forget about Quenton Nelson, one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL.
These elite players may have been left out of the Top 100 because the Colts have missed the playoffs for the last four years.
The Saints Have History
Perhaps the most surprising absence of players on the list was the New Orleans Saints. For the first time ever, none cracked the rankings, a stark contrast to the years when names like Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis, and Cam Jordan were regulars. Last season, Davis was the only Saint to make it, but now even he’s been left off.
Why did this happen? Well, the Saints haven’t exactly been tearing up the league in recent seasons. Although they’ve had some individual standouts, a lack of playoff success and the perception of a team in decline have led to a lack of respect for their top performers. Players like Kamara, despite being a dual-threat machine, just didn’t make the cut. It’s a hard pill to swallow for fans who know their team still has talent, just not enough to get noticed in the eyes of the league’s top players.
The Titans: A Team Full of Talent
Image via Wikimedia Commons/ Tennessee Titans
Finally, the Tennessee Titans somehow managed to have no players on the Top 100 list. Jeffrey Simmons, one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the game, didn’t make the cut. Neither did Derrick Henry, the league’s most feared running back for the past few years.
The Titans have a roster filled with players who could arguably be considered elite, yet they’re nowhere to be found on this list. Like the Colts and Panthers, the Titans’ lack of recent playoff success might be a key factor in this oversight.