The writers of Last Word on Sports voted on their top ten NFL players, and the results combined into a list of the top 42 players heading into the 2024 NFL season. A first-place vote was worth ten votes, second-place nine, etc. Each writer was given a chance to give an honorable mention, which counted as a half point for the sake of tie-breakers and many of the players on this list. Without further adieu, here are some of the top NFL players for 2024.
Top NFL Players Heading Into 2024: 20 Through 29
29. Justin Herbert, QB Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert stays underrated. He’s continually shown the arm talent and rushing ability to be a top five quarterback, but his team success is suspect at best. In a league with ascending talents and some mainstays at the top, Herbert could be on the Phillip Rivers track.
28. Sam Laporta, TE Detroit Lions
A quick list of the tight ends with more receiving yards than Sam LaPorta as a rookie:
- Mike Ditka
- Kyle Pitts
- Jeremy Shockey
That’s it. That’s the whole list. He’s broken out early and aggressively at a position that desperately needed it in fantasy football.
27. Fred Warner, ILB San Francisco 49ers
Three All-Pros. Three Pro Bowls. Fred Warner is one of the best linebackers in the sport, and plays for a team making postseason pushes to get even more publicity. Linebacker is an undervalued position by contract, but not by popularity by this list.
26. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE Detroit Lions
Another Lion on the list, the knee biting has only just begun. Hutchison might not always have his impact felt in the stat sheet, but his 91.0 PFF grade shows his impact on all areas of the defense.
25. A.J. Brown, WR Philadelphia Eagles
What happens when you take 226 pounds, give them 4.4 speed, and tie them to a quarterback with a nice deep ball? You get A.J. Brown. He might never put together a league-leading season in yards, but that’s more due to the rushing splits and having an elite WR2 than his individual talent.
24. C.J. Stroud, QB Houston Texans
Most passing yards per game by a rookie with a minimum of eight games played:
- Justin Herbert
- C.J. Stroud
If Stroud had played a full season, he was flirting with Andrew Luck’s record. He was a highly touted prospect who hit the ground running, and is likely due for an even bigger 2024.
23. Tristan Wirfs, OT Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tackles are supposed to take some time to marinade. Instead, Wirfs has been a keystone player for the Buccaneers and is one of the best tackles in the league. He keeps stacking up Pro Bowls and pancakes like he’s in an IHOP.
22. Brock Purdy, QB San Francisco 49ers
Purdy’s career is a Disney movie. It’s only a matter of time until they get over the hump (at least according to 49ers fans) and Mr. Irrelevant holding a Lhombardi trophy is what the sport is all about. His efficiency is off the charts and he runs the Shanahan system with pinpoint accuracy.
21. Penei Sewell, OT Detroit Lions
Another OT, another monster. Sewell moves 300 pounds defensive linemen with ease and has done nothing but produce since his first round pedigree. He’s rightfully one of the top 30 players in the NFL for 2024.
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