Two Green Bay Packers named to the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023
The NFL Top 100 Players of 2023 has been released and the public is finally getting a chance to see where NFL players rank their peers.
The NFL did it a little differently this year, instead releasing portions of the poll on its new streaming platform — NFL+. Previously NFL Network would air the releases weekly, but now the lists were revealed nearly daily. It all culminated with a Top 10 reveal on Monday night.
Two Green Bay Packers made the list this year.
Which Packers made the Top 100?
Cornerback Jaire Alexander was voted to the No. 26 spot on this year's list.
Widely considered one of the best defensive backs in the NFL, Alexander was named second-team All-Pro and received a Pro Bowl spot last season. He receives a lot of praise for his role in holding division foe and one of the best receivers in football, Justin Jefferson, to just one catch and 15 yards in their week 17 matchup.
"When he's on his game, it's hard to beat," said teammate Aaron Jones in the NFL+ clip announcing Alexander's ranking. "Jaire wants to cover the best receiver, he wants that challenge, and he wants to prove that he is best corner in the league."
Alexander received the largest contract for a cornerback in NFL history in 2022 and responded by recording five interceptions — the second-highest mark in the league.
Jones, a Packers running back, came in at No. 64.
Longtime division foe and former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks, who now plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, said during the NFL+ clip announcing Jones' ranking that "I respect his game because his ability to make the moves and use his speed to his advantage. But also when it's the tough dirty downs, he's a tough dirty back."
Jones rushed for over 1,000 yards for the third time in his career last season. He scored seven touchdowns, with five of those coming through the air. This year marks Jones' third appearance after previously being ranked 30th in 2021 and 33rd in 2020.
Which other Packers had a chance at making the list?
The Packers' performance in 2022, finishing with a 8-9 record, and injuries likely affected where players ranked.
Four current Packers who made the list in the past are Jones, Alexander, David Bakhtiari and De'Vondre Campbell. Bakhtiari only started 11 games last season due to injury and that likely affected how players voted. And after a breakout season in 2021, Campbell fell off the list this year.
Defensive lineman Kenny Clark made a top 100 in at least one media outlet's list. Clark didn't receive any accolades last season, but is recognized as one of the best nose tackles in the league. Offensive guard Elgton Jenkins is also considered one of the best in the NFL. Both did not make the NFL Top 100 this year.
Of the nine games that linebacker Rashan Gary played, he was impactful. But like Bakhtiari, lack of games due to injury resulted in him not making the Top 100 this year. Similarly, wide receiver Christian Watson had a strong rookie outing, but injuries and the depth chart affected his targets.
Where did Aaron Rodgers land?
If you are a believer in the quarterback rating statistic then Aaron Rodgers had his worst season last year as starting quarterback for the Packers, and as a result, Rodgers dropped significantly in the eyes of the players. Rodgers was voted to the No. 51 spot.
Rodgers was named No. 1 following his first MVP award in 2012 and was named No. 2 in 2015 following his second time receiving the award. He's been named to the top 10 nine times and to the top 3 four times.
Rodgers is the only player to make the Top 100 in every year of its existence, beginning in 2011. Last year, he was voted the third-best player in the league. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was voted No. 2. Quarterback Tom Brady came in at No. 1.
Rodgers threw for 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season with the Packers.
Any other former Packers?
Voted to the No. 95 spot is New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams, who played for the Detroit Lions last season.
Williams left the Packers in 2021 and has since gone on to grow his fan-favorite image. He also accomplished a lot on the field by breaking the Lions' franchise record for rushing touchdowns in the season, previously held by the great Barry Sanders.
Known for his passion, Packers fans might remember him for being a member of the Lions team that ended Rodgers career in Green Bay. His postgame interview, filled with every emotion imaginable will live in infamy.
Its been over a year since wide receiver Davante Adams left the Packers for the Las Vegas Raiders, but he of course made the list this year, dropping a few spots to No. 13. Last year, he ranked No. 7, which is a year he was recognized for his time in Green Bay. Adams was named first-team All-Pro in 2023.
Corey Linsley left the Packers in 2020, and subsequently made the Top 100 the last two years while playing center for the Los Angeles Chargers has. Linsley did not make the Top 100 in 2023.
Any other Wisconsin connections?
In recent years the Wisconsin Badgers produced a few of the best players in the league, but former Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor didn't make the Top 100 in 2023 after being voted No. 5 in 2022. Taylor had a disappointing season after trying to play through an ankle injury.
Pewaukee native and former Badger T.J. Watt was voted No. 6 last year. Despite only playing 10 games in 2023, Watt finished at No. 27 in 2023. When Watt was in the lineup the Pittsburgh Steelers went 8-2 last season. "You need your game plan around TJ Watt, that's just first and foremost," Taylor said in the NFL+ clip announcing Watt's ranking. "If you don't do that, you've already lost."
Who were the Top 10?
Patrick Mahomes, quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs
Justin Jefferson, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Jalen Hurts, quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Nick Bosa, defensive lineman, San Francisco 49ers
Travis Kelce, tight end, Kansas City Chiefs
Joe Burrow, quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
Tyreek Hill, wide receiver, Miami Dolphins
Josh Allen, quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Micah Parsons, linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
Chris Jones, defensive end, Kansas City Chiefs
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two Green Bay Packers named to the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023
