The annual NFL Top 100 players list has now been fully released ahead of the 2023-24 season, with the final 10 players coming out on Aug. 3. Although the Lions didn’t have any players who cracked the top 10, they were still well represented, with five Lions making the list.
The NFL Top 100 is voted on by the players itself and is often quibbled with for some surprising rankings. This year, the biggest shock was reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes being slotted at No. 4 overall, despite leading the Kansas City Chiefs to back-to-back crowns. Despite the flaws, the list is still an interesting talking point and gives you an idea of what the players think of each other.
After finishing 11-5 last year and coming up just short in the NFC championship game to the San Francisco 49ers, it’s no surprise the Lions had five players picked in this year’s crop.
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Here’s where the Lions players came in in this year’s NFL Top 100 list:
No. 80: Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta finished his rookie season with an impressive 86 receptions, the fifth most receiving yards by a tight end in the NFL with 889 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. LaPorta offered stability at the tight end spot for the Lions and was a reliable target for Jared Goff on a team that was not littered with playmakers outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown and the two running backs.
LaPorta was drafted in the second round with the No. 34 pick by the Lions in 2023 and has already shown he is capable of producing well. Expect an even bigger sophomore season.
No. 48: Jared Goff
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff waves to fans after the 31-26 comeback win over the Chicago Bears at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.© Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press
Jared Goff came in as the 11th highest rated quarterback on the list. Goff moved up 18 spots from last year’s list where he was ranked No. 66.
Goff’s third season with the Lions was definitely his best so far. He passed for the second most passing yards in the NFL with 4,575, and was fourth in passing touchdowns with 30. This led to Goff receiving a four-year, $212 million contract extension.
No. 47 Aidan Hutchinson
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the first half against Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.© Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press
Coming in just one spot ahead of his quarterback is former Michigan football star Aidan Hutchinson, who shot way up the rankings after just his second year. Hutchinson was the 88th ranked player in last year’s list, meaning the play-making defensive end jumped 41 spots.
Hutchinson finished with 11.5 sacks on the season, also grabbing three more sacks in the playoffs. He also had seven passes defended, three forced fumbles and even an interception.
In his second season Hutchinson proved he is a vital part of the Lions’ defense and was recognized for his efforts with an appearance in the Pro Bowl.
No. 23: Amon-Ra St. Brown
Like Hutchinson, St. Brown is another big mover on the list, jumping up from No. 67 last year and now being a top-5 receiver.
St. Brown had a career high in touchdowns (10), receivering yards (1,515) and receptions (119), with the latter two categories both ranking third in the league.
St. Brown was drafted in the fourth round with the 112th pick in 2021 and has proved he is a premier receiver in the NFL. Like Goff, St. Brown was rewarded for his stellar play this past offseason with a major a four-year, $120 million contract extension.
No. 22: Penei Sewell
Penei Sewell clocks in as the highest ranked Lions player in the Top 100.
Sewell is a certified mauler and will be the cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line for years to come after signing a four-year, $112 million contract extension this offseason (sensing a trend?)
It’s not just the players who admire Sewell’s dominance either: Pro Football Focus rated Sewell as the league top offensive tackle for his work last season and he was also selected to a second-consecutive Pro Bowl.