The NFL’s Top 100 players list is being released. With weeks to go before training camp begins, the NFL unveiled the first part of its annual top 100 players list. The list is issued every preseason as voted upon by the players. This list allows the players to pay their respect to their teammates and great players across the league. Earlier this week, the league unveiled the first ten players honored, ranked from 100 to 95. This Jets linebacker finished 95th on the top 100 list.
In this edition, this Jets linebacker was ranked among the best in the league. An impressive feat for a linebacker entering his 15th season. This Jets linebacker is returning to the New York Jets for his third tenure with the team. Ready to help the team as a veteran leader, New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis is still among the league’s best players.
Jets Linebacker Ranked as NFL’s Top 100 Player
Every offseason, the NFL releases its top 100 players list. This list is voted upon by the players to recognize and appreciate some of the best talent within the league today. Sections of the list are released periodically, with a certain number of players being listed each time. As a result, the league released its first six players, from 100 to 95. In the initial reveal, it included names such as defensive end Cameron Jordan and running back Travis Etienne of the New Orleans Saints. Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quinton Nelson. Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Along with Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones.
However, one attention grabber was the New York Jets making their first entry on the list. New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis was unveiled as the 95th player on the top 100. This offseason, Davis returned to New York for his third tenure with the team after an impressive eight-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints. From 2019 to 2023, Davis was named to the All-Pro list five times, including First-Team All-Pro in 2019.
No. 95 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@nyjets LB Demario Davis! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/V1mH6IfmpU
— NFL (@NFL) June 24, 2026
Jets Linebacker Demario Davis ranked 95th in the NFL’s Top 100 Player List
Linebacker Demario Davis was drafted 77th overall in the third round by the New York Jets in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Arkansas State product finished his collegiate career with back-to-back first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. After limited playing time in his rookie season, Davis became the Jets starting weakside linebacker from 2013 to 2015. After a successful season in 2015, Davis left the Jets to sign a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2016.
After finishing the season with 99 total tackles, Davis was reacquired by the Jets in a trade with Cleveland. Despite New York finishing the year with a 5-11 record, Davis himself was outstanding. The Jets linebacker finished 2017 with a career high of 97 solo tackles and five sacks. Davis parlayed that production into a lucrative three-year, $24 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. In New Orleans, Davis thrived both on the field and as a vocal leader for head coach Sean Payton off the field. In 2019, Davis was named First-Team All-Pro after finishing the year with 111 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, and an interception.
During his eight-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints, Davis started 131 games. Within that span, he recorded 954 total tackles, 565 tackles with 78 tackles for loss, including 45 sacks. Not to mention five forced fumbles and three interceptions. Such production is very impressive. But performing at that level in his 30s shows how talented Davis is. At 37 years old, Demario Davis being recognized as one of the NFL’s Top 100 players is impressive.
Demario Davis will be a valuable veteran for the Jets linebacker room
Along with being recognized as one of the NFL’s top 100 players, Demario Davis will play an important role off the field as well. After finishing with one of the worst defenses in 2025, the New York Jets defense has undergone a major facelift. Davis is among the eight new starting players joining the unit this fall. The arrival of Davis couldn’t have come at a better time for Aaron Glenn. The Jets head coach is very familiar with the Jets linebacker. Glenn was in the Jets scouting department when Davis was drafted, along with serving as the Saints defensive backs coach from 2018 to 2020.
Along with the top 100 player production, Aaron Glenn is hoping Davis serves as the vocal leader of the defense. One major weakness of the Jets defense was weak linebacker play. While Jamien Sherwood got tackles, his coverage skills fell off last season. If New York wants to improve, it will need to ensure Davis can make Sherwood’s life easier. In addition, another young player who can benefit from Demario Davis’s presence is the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, David Bailey.
Defensive coordinator Brian Duker on Demario Davis: "He's been everything as advertised and more" pic.twitter.com/9Bp4tFBhQ7
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 17, 2026
After leading the NCAA in sacks, along with helping Texas Tech reach the college football playoff, edge rusher David Bailey became the second overall pick in the NFL Draft in April. With Bailey’s speed and pass-rushing ability, he has the potential to finish with double-digit sacks annually. However, with such a promising young talent, New York needs to give him an environment to grow in. Thankfully, veteran defensive line coach Karl Dunbar will help.
Along with Dunbar, Davis will be a valuable asset to Bailey’s growth as well. After playing in New Orleans, Davis watched Cameron Jordan evolve into one of the league’s best defensive ends. If Bailey can pay attention to Davis’ work ethic and notes he has from watching Jordan’s development, David Bailey can soon wind up on the NFL’s top 100 list himself.
Main Photo: [Stephen Lew] – Imagn Images
