Now that the offseason is soon coming to a close and football is returning, it is time to look at the best players in the NFL. Each year The Game Haus puts together a list of the top players in the league for the upcoming season. This list was put together by members of the TGH NFL staff. It starts with the NFL Top 100 Players 2019: 70-61.
70. Travis Frederick, C, Dallas Cowboys
Frederick wasn’t able to play in 2018, as he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is an auto-immune disease. Before he was diagnosed, Frederick was one of the best offensive linemen in football. He is expected back this season and will have to knock off the rust, but if he does, he should be one of the best players in football again.
69. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Last season, Smith-Schuster had 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. That was with Antonio Brown on the roster. Now, Smith-Schuster will have more opportunities to make plays, but will also have to prove he can handle being a number one receiver. With Ben Roethlisberger leading the league in passing yards last season, it is a good bet that Smith-Schuster will have another good statistical year in 2019.
68. Mitchell Schwartz, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
Schwartz has been a model of consistency, as he has played in 16 games every season of his career. Last season he started at left tackle for the Chiefs and helped them have a season where they were one of the most exciting offenses in football. They scored the most points in the league and passed for the third most yards, which is a lot of thanks to Schwartz protecting Patrick Mahomes.
67. Geno Atkins, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
The seven-time Pro Bowler, Atkins had the most sacks this season that he has had since 2015. This season he registered 10 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Cincinnati’s defense was bad last season, but Atkins was one of the bright spots. He’ll likely have to get pressure on the quarterback a lot for the defense to improve in 2019.
66. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Watt almost doubled his sack total from his rookie season to his sophomore campaign, as he had seven in 2017 and 13 last season. That rate of growth is great for a young player and now Watt should be one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. His play could be the key in getting the Steelers back into the playoffs this season.
65. Dee Ford, DE, San Francisco 49ers
In his fifth career season, Ford stepped up big time for the Kansas City Chiefs. His defense wasn’t the best, but Ford made them better with this 13 sacks. This offseason he was acquired by the San Francisco 49ers and will now be on a line with several solid young pass rushers. The 49ers have had some bad luck with injuries last year, but if they can stay healthy, Ford and co. can lead them to the playoffs.
64. Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
One of the best tackles in the game, Johnson has been a stalwart on Philadelphia’s offensive line since 2013. The Eagles didn’t run the ball well last season, but Johnson was not at fault for that, as he blocked well. He also kept the quarterback upright for the most part in his 15 games played. With Carson Wentz having injury issues, he’ll be responsible for keeping him clean this season.
63. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He had the best statistical season of his five-year career in 2018. Evans totaled 86 catches for 1,524 yards and eight touchdowns even though the offense split time with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston at quarterback. With Bruce Arians at head coach now, Evans should expect to be a big part of a revamped offense in 2019.
62. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings
Smith has been patrolling the backend of the defense in Minnesota for years now and made his fourth Pro Bowl last year. To get to that point, he amassed 84 total tackles, six passes defended and three interceptions. If the Vikings are to make the playoffs in a tough NFC North, Smith and the rest of the Minnesota defense will have to be at their best.
61. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Philip Rivers’ favorite target, Keenan Allen, had 97 receptions for 1,196 yards and six touchdowns in 2018. Allen has made a name for himself with his great route-running. Every year he has been able to stay on the field, Allen has been able to produce. The last two seasons have been his best yet, so there is no reason as to why he can’t have another solid campaign in 2019.
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