Steven Cheah's NFL Top 100 Players in 2021: #70 - #61
These are my Top 100 Players for this upcoming season based on last season's performance and potential. For reference, here is every one up until this point:
Here are my guys #61 - #70. The next batch will come out every Tuesday at 11am eastern.
*Note - This list is exempt of any Rookies and other Players that played zero games in 2020 due to either injury or opt outs.
70) DT/DE Cam Heyward - Pittsburgh Steelers (2020 Rank: 28)
Heyward is entering season #11 but he’s still going strong. He had 4.0 sacks last year and affects both the run and pass game to the point where teams have to be aware of where big #97 is. His strength is outrageous and he’s capable of taking out two guys by himself:
69) OT Michael Onwenu – New England Patriots (2020 Rank: N/R)
A lot gets made out of the big four tackle crop from the 2020 Draft, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton, and Tristan Wirfs. But a guy that didn’t get the shine is Michael Onwenu who was drafted in the 6th round but is every bit as good as those drafted before him. He’s a mauler in the run game and has some surprisingly nimble feet for a guy that weighs 350 lbs!
68) LB Devin White – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020 Rank: N/R)
White has his detractors and people who knock his pass coverage. But you can’t win a football game on a spreadsheet. If you ask those that play against him, they’re pretty clear:
His closing speed is ridiculous. He just destroys angles:
He finished the year with 9.0 sacks so is super versatile and showed much improved pass defense towards the end of the year. The arrow is firmly pointed up on White and he’s the new prototype for an Inside Linebacker.
67) QB Matthew Stafford – Los Angeles Rams (2020 Rank: 96)
Stafford finally gets out of Detroit and instead of working with the likes of guys named Jim Bob Cooter, he gets to work under the tutelage of QB guru Sean McVay. He’ll also have improved weapons with Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Van Jefferson, DeSean Jackson, and Tutu “thpick” Atwell. The Rams gave up a major haul for the former #1 overall pick and it's now put up or shut up time. It'll be an interesting year for sure in the city of angels.
66) OT Garrett Bolles – Denver Broncos (2020 Rank: N/R)
Bolles is a big nasty sumbitch who will fight you at the drop of a hat. A former 1st round pick out of Utah, the talent has always been there. But in 2020, Bolles actually put it all together, cut down the penalties from 17 => 7 and dominated. Whoever is throwing passes for Denver in 2021, whether it be Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater, or even Aaron Rodgers, should know that their blindside will be protected.
65) OG Shaq Mason – New England Patriots (2020 Rank: N/R)
Speaking of penalties, Shaq Mason only had one all last year and it wasn't even accepted. Mason is as consistent as it gets from the Guard position. When you see big #69 pulling out in space you better say your prayers and eat your vitamins cause you’re about to get buried.
64) S Justin Simmons – Denver Broncos (2020 Rank: 93)
Simmons was franchised last year and really used 2020 as a ‘prove it’ year and he did just that. As a result he earned the largest contract ever for a Safety with a 4-year $61M pact this off-season. He might not get the shine of some of the others, but he’s every bit as good both in run defense and pass coverage where he covers a ton of ground.
63) EDGE Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers (2020 Rank: N/R)
Burns is a freaky athlete and has the unique ability to almost dip his body while going full speed. He is a little on the light side and needs to get stronger against the run, but there may not be a more natural pass rusher in all of football coming off the edge.
62) OT Tristan Wirfs – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020 Rank: N/R)
Speaking of freaky athletes, Tristan Wirfs is that on the Offensive Line. He’s 320 lbs. and runs a 4.85 40 yard dash and lifts monster weights around like they're nothing.
But the scary part of defenders, is it all translates to on the field. He’s nimble in pass pro and can anchor against even the strongest pass rushers. But he can also blow open big holes in the run game and can get out in space and bury moving targets when pulling. After his rookie season, he is arguably the best Right Tackle in all of football.
61) WR Allen Robinson – Chicago Bears (2020 Rank: N/R)
Robinson is an underrated player and it’s likely because of the Offense he plays in. He’s still a true #1 WR, but Chicago’s Offense has been stuck in neutral for awhile. But Robinson consistently gets open and has outstanding hands. His catch radius is fantastic and that gives his signal caller a bigger target. With Andy Dalton and Justin Fields in town, hopefully they can be more productive and get A-Rob the ball more.
Stay tuned next Tuesday at 11am eastern for the next installment of my Top 100 list, #51 - #60.