The NFL’s annual Top 100 players list is currently underway and included are a few familiar faces. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Mark Andrews once again make the list, proving to be respected by their fellow players and peers. Jackson is a fan favorite known to enamor teammates and opposition alike, so it’s no surprise that he made the list, despite his injuries.
It should also come as no surprise that Andrews made the list, seeing as he’s Jackson’s favorite target. Andrews also stood out as a pass catcher while Jackson missed time with injury, solidifying his spot on the NFL top 100. Although both players received honors, they both ranked significantly lower than they did in the previous installment.
Jackson, Andrews Once Again Voted NFL Top 100
Lamar Jackson: #72
Lamar Jackson at 72! pic.twitter.com/yEncVKpdNe
— Nick H (@NickEHenderson) August 2, 2023
Lamar Jackson had a challenging 2022 campaign, undergoing a contract dispute, missing the final five games of the regular season, and missing a short-lived postseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although he was absent for the home stretch, Jackson still did enough in 12 appearances to impress his NFL brethren and secure a spot amongst the best players in the game. Posting an 8-5 record in 2022, Jackson threw for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns to just seven interceptions while adding 764 yards on the ground. All of that was enough to land Jackson at number 72 on this year’s NFL Top 100.
In contrast, Jackson ranked number 36 last year, exactly 36 spots lower than this year. Jackson also missed 5 games in 2021, posting a 7-5 record in the regular season, and again missed a pivotal Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2021, Jackson threw for 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, while rushing for 767 yards. Statistically, Jackson may have been better this year than the year prior, yet his rank fell drastically. Injuries tend to contribute to the way a player is viewed; When fully healthy in 2020 and 2021, Jackson ranked as the number 1 and number 24 best player in the league, respectively.
Mark Andrews: #80
Mark Andrews at 80! pic.twitter.com/2Spdai1PXO
— Nick H (@NickEHenderson) August 2, 2023
Mark Andrews had a productive year in 2022. Andrews played in 15 games, missing two games due to injury. In 2022, Andrews caught 73 passes for 847 yards and five touchdowns. Statistically, Andrews was down from the prior season. There are a number of factors that contributed to his statistical decline, including the injury to Lamar Jackson and the lack of depth in the receiver room. Mark Andrews is widely considered one of the best tight ends in the league and comes in at number 80 on this year’s NFL Top 100.
After the conclusion of the 2021 season, Andrews was voted the 32nd-best player on the NFL Top 100 list. Andrews’ ranking fell 48 spots this year, a very big discrepancy from the year prior. In 2021, Andrews exploded statistically and made himself a household name amongst NFL fans. Last season, Andrews played in all 17 games, posting 1,361 receiving yards, 107 receptions, and nine touchdowns. That was enough to earn Andrews First Team All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl appearance, and a spot atop the top 100 list.
With the additions of Odell Beckham Jr, Nelson Agholor, and Zay Flowers, the Baltimore Ravens are due for a big year. Lamar Jackson now has a receiver room worth mentioning, and Mark Andrews now has playmakers on each side of him. The addition of this legitimate supporting cast makes both Jackson and Andrews potentially more dangerous than ever before. The Ravens are planning to have a turnaround season, and if all goes as planned, both Jackson and Andrews should be making an appearance on next year’s top 100 list as well.
Main Photo: Jessica Rapfogel – USA Today Sports
