The NFL Top 100 premiers on June 30. The Baltimore Ravens are poised to flood the rankings with Pro Bowlers and All-Pros. The list, determined by votes from active players, can be used as a measuring stick to determine the best players in the league. Yet, it also tends to snub and undervalue some names.
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson is a player who always gets his flowers. Over his seven-year career, he has ranked inside the top five twice–placing second in 2024 and first in 2020. In the 2025 iteration, he should be in a similar area once more, but he has the opportunity to join a couple of all-time greats.
If Lamar Jackson places first in the Top 100, he’ll be a part of some great company
Only two players have placed first more than once on the Top 100 list since it began in 2011. Those players are Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback ever who did it four times, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will be a Hall of Famer when it is all said and done. He did it twice. After a career-best season, Jackson is more than worthy of joining that short list.
While the 28-year-old was robbed of his third MVP in 2024, it was widely considered the best campaign by any quarterback last season. He amassed over 5,000 total yards and 45 total touchdowns, limited the turnovers, and was named a first-team All-Pro for his efforts. Jackson also led the league’s most prolific offense, helping the Ravens make history as the first team to pass for over 4,000 yards and rush for 3,000.
Several names could block Jackson from joining Brady and Mahomes, though. Of course, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was recognized as the league MVP in 2024 and should get many votes after claiming the prestigious award. He is one of the three most talented quarterbacks in the league, but he is not a runaway favorite for the number-one spot by any means.
Mahomes could rank first for the third time in his career. While it was statistically a down year for the three-time Super Bowl champion, the league, both the players and media, respect Mahomes as the best quarterback in the league. His success on the field, especially in the postseason, already puts him among the greatest of all time at just 29 years old.
The reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, must also receive consideration. He ran rampant on defenses in his first season with the Eagles, rumbling for 2,005 yards on the ground, another 278 through the air, and 15 total touchdowns. He was a threat to break loose on every snap and led the league in both rushing yards and rushing yards per game at 125.3.
It would not be a snub if Jackson were not ranked first in this year’s list, but he has deserving numbers. The league was littered with outstanding talent this past season. However, if Jackson can place above everyone else, he will be the third player ever named the top player in the NFL Top 100 more than once.