NFL Top 100

The countdown of the NFL Top 100 continues. Since the release has been so quiet, it’s easy to miss. As of Monday, the quiet release is through 21.

NFL Top 100 Players of 2026

100. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

  99. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

  98. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers 

  97. Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks 

  96. Travis Etienne, RB, New Orleans Saints

  95. Demario Davis, LB, New York Jets

  94. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

  93. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns 

  92. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans

  91. Montez Sweat, DE, Chicago Bears 

  90. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers 

  89. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams 

  88. Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions

  87. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

  86. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

  85. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers 

  84. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams 

  83. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans 

  82. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers 

  81. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

  80. A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots 

  79. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 

  77. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  76. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

  75. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

  74. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers

  73. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos

  72. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers

  71. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens

  70. Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers

  69. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

  68. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

  67. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins

  66. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons

  65. Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens

  64. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

  63. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens

  62. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

  61. Kevin Byard, S, New England Patriots

  60. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

  59. Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos

  58. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans

  57. Dion Dawkins, OT, Buffalo Bills

  56. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

  55. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

  54. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

  53. Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

  52. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  51. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

  50. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

  49. Joe Thuney, G, Chicago Bears

  48. Josh Hines-Allen, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

  47. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles 

  46. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

  45. Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

  44. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

  43. Chris Jones, DL, Kansas City Chiefs

  42. Garrett Bolles, OT, Denver Broncos

  41. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers

  40. Trent Williams, OT, San Francisco 49ers 

  39. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

  38. Cooper DeJean, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

  37. Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions

  36. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

  35. Jared Verse, DE, Cleveland Browns

  34. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles 

  33. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions

  32. Nic Bonitto, Edge, Denver Broncos

  31. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

  30. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions

  29. Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles 

  28. Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots

  27. Devin Lloyd, LB, Carolina Panthers

  26. De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins

  25. Derrick Stingley Jr., CB, Houston Texans

  24. Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders

  23. Danielle Hunter, DE, Houston Texans

  22. Amon Ra-St.Brown, WR, Detroit Lions

  21. Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks 

Sam Darnold at #21! This is the player’s list and the votes fall where they fall. I like Sam Darnold and his talent is much closer to this level than in the bust pile than many talking heads had placed him. However, any player that voted him at the top of their ballot really should take a look at his Week 13 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold is a capable quarterback and a capable quarterback isn’t the #21 player in the league. 

There are ranking movement in the NFL Top 100 every year. Here are some of the biggest drops and jumps this year. 

Lamar Jackson - 67 spot drop

A.J. Brown - 51 spot drop

Fred Warner - 38 spot drop

Travis Kelce - 42 spot drop

Budda Baker - 41 spot drop

Josh Jacobs - 41 spot drop

Xavier McKinney - 40 spot drop

Joe Burrow - 38 spot drop

Jalen Hurts - 37 spot drop

Brock Bowers - 36 spot drop

Saquon Barkley - 33 spot drop

Chris Jones - 31 spot drop

T.J. Watt - 30 spot drop

Baker Mayfield - 27 spot drop

Nico Collins - 26 spot drop

Roquan Smith - 25 spot drop

Penei Sewell - 24 spot drop

Tristan Wirfs - 24 spot drop

CeeDee Lamb - 20 spot drop

On the flip-side, here are some of the players that jumped the most.

Christian Gonzalez - 56 spot jump

Sam Darnold - 51 spot jump

Dak Prescott - 48 spot jump

Drake London - 31 spot jump

Aidan Hutchinson - 25 spot jump

Cooper DeJean - 22 spot drop

Jared Verse - 18 spot drop

Josh Sweat - 17 spot jump

Zach Allen - 17 spot jump

Josh Hines-Allen - 17 spot drop

Congratulations to the jumpers. Condolences to the droppers. 

The NFL Top 100 will quietly continue this week. 

1

Vikings Preseason Game #1

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Giants 13-10

Yay!

It’s a preseason game. It’s always nice to win. But it’s always nice to win.

Recently anointed QB1 Kyler Murray started the game for the Vikings. He had the starters (minus Justin Jefferson) around him. He only had one possession. The offense smoothly moved the ball down the field. A misconnection with Aaron Jones on third down from the Giants 17-yard line forced the Vikings to settle for a field goal. 

A re-imagined, re-emphasized running game has been a focus of the offseason and training camp. The first showing of this running game was promising. All of the backs had holes. All of the backs took advantage of those holes. If there was a highlight of the game for the Vikings, it was the productive work on the ground. 

And the defense smothered Jaxson Dart and the Giants offense. If it wasn’t for a couple of breakdowns on the Giants second possession of the game, the defense might’ve had a shutout. The first breakdown was the coverage and tackling on a screen. The Giants had a third-and-forever and the Vikings simply did everything wrong and let them convert. The second breakdown was on the Dart to rookie Malachi Fields touchdown. The Vikings defense got some sacks and got a couple interceptions. From starters to backups, the Vikings defense kept the Giants in check. 

Other highlights:

-Myles Price has emerged as much more than a fine returner. His touchdown catch was brilliant.

-Demond Claiborne made a couple rookie mistakes but looks to have some running juice the Vikings have lacked recently. His speed is evident.

-This is going to be a breakout year for Dallas Turner.

-It’s easy to circle a player with an interception but it’s also easy to notice undrafted rookie safety Jacob Thomas. 

The lowlight of the game was the injury to Jamal Adams. He went down with an apparent knee injury. It didn’t look good on the field. The reports since haven’t been good. Brutal. 

Next up: Joint Practices and Preseason Game #2 against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Minnesota Vikings “Unofficial” Depth Chart

The Minnesota Vikings play the New York Giants today. In advance of the first preseason game, the Vikings released their first “unofficial” depth chart. It’s been an interesting tradition for each of the NFL’s teams to release “unofficial” depth charts at this stage of training camp. It’s interesting because a depth chart released by the team seems more “official” than “unofficial.” I believe the league’s teams see these depth charts as “unofficial” because there’s still so much uncertainty about the rosters. Some positional competitions are still being contested. How can they put something definite out there when there’s daily fluctuations? Despite their questionable nature, these depth chart releases are part of the process and they can be interesting. Here’s a look at the first “unofficial” depth chart of the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings “Unofficial” Depth Chart

Offense

Quarterback

Starter:

Kyler Murray

Backups:

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Running Back

Starter:

Aaron Jones, Sr.

Jordan Mason

Backups:

Zavier Scott

Demond Claiborne

Jermar Jefferson

Fullback

Starter:

Max Bredeson

Wide Receiver

Starter:

Justin Jefferson

Backups:

Tai Felton

Dontae Fleming

Marcus Sanders Jr.

Terrill Davis

Wide Receiver

Starter:

Jordan Addison

Backups:

Jeshaun Jones

Dillon Bell

Trayvon Rudolph

Wide Receiver 

Jauan Jennings

Backups:

Myles Price

Michael Briscoe

Tight End

Starter:

T.J. Hockenson

Backups:

Josh Oliver

Ben Yurosek

Gavin Bartholomew

Bryson Nesbit

Marshall Lang

Left Tackle

Starter:

Christian Darrisaw

Backups:

Ryan Van Demark

Tristan Leigh

Left Guard

Starter:

Donovan Jackson

Backups:

Joe Huber

Vershon Lee

Center

Starter:

Blake Brandel

Backups:

Michael Jurgens

Gavin Gerhardt

Delby Lemieux

Right Guard

Starter:

Will Fries

Backup:

Walter Rouse

Tomas Rimac

Right Tackle

Starter:

Brian O’Neill

Backups:

Caleb Tiernan

Henry Byrd

Defense

Defensive Line

Starter:

Jalen Redmond

Backups:

Caleb Banks

Elijah Williams

Starter:

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Backups:

Domonique Orange

Taki Taimani

Starter:

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Backups:

Isaiah Loudermilk

Eric Johnson II

Smith Vilbert

Jahvaree Ritzie

Outside Linebacker

Starter:

Dallas Turner

Backups:

Tyler Batty

Cam’Ron Stewart

Arden Walker

Starter:

Andrew Van Ginkel

Backups:

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Inside Linebacker

Starter:

Blake Cashman

Backups:

Ivan Pace Jr.

Starter:

Eric Wilson

Backups:

Jake Golday

Josh Ross

Bengally Kamara

Cornerback:

Starter:

Isaiah Rodgers

Backups:

Mekhi Blackmon

Dwight McGlothern

Ambry Thomas

Zemaiah Vaughn

Cornerback

Starter:

Isaiah Rodgers

Backups:

James Pierre

Zemaiah Vaughn

Marcus Allen

Tyreak Chappell

Starter:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Backups:

Dwight McGlothern Jr. 

Chuck Demmings

Da’Veawn Armstead

Jarod Washington 

Safety

Joshua Metellus

Backups:

Theo Jackson

Tavierre Thomas

Jacob Thomas 

Safety

Starter:

Jay Ward

Backups:

Jakobe Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie

Special Teams

Punter/Holder

Starter:

Johnny Hekker

Backup:

Brett Thorson

Kicker

Starter:

Will Reichard

Long Snapper

Starter:

Andrew DePaola

Punt Returner

Starter:

Myles Price

Backup:

Tai Felton

Kick Returner

Starter:

Myles Price

Backup:

Demond Claiborne

Tai Felton

***

First of all, the comparison between the quarterback depth chart this year and last year is stark:

This year:

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Last year:

J.J. McCarthy

Sam Howell

Brett Rypien

Max Brosmer

There are now words. 

Some depth chart curiosities:

1. Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason as RB1a and RB1b. 

2. The offseason addition of Jauan Jennings nudged the Vikings to include three starting receivers in their “unofficial” depth chart. The Vikings do have the best receiving trio in the league.

3. The Vikings defensive line group is going to be fun. 

4. The overall depth, especially on defense, is much improved. 

5. Some might question the depth at outside linebacker. I’m intrigued by it. Partly because it might also include off-the-ball linebackers Eric Wilson and Jake Golday as well as lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. 

6. The drafts of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah weren’t good. It’s that simple. The lack of draft production was a significant reason he’s no longer the general manager. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Jay Ward are a couple Day 3 picks that were part of the drafting criticism. Both are currently listed as starters. Ingram-Dawkins, in particular, might be ready for a breakout season. 

Today brings “real” Vikings football. Finally. 

NFL Titles

Counting only Super Bowl trophies as a way of tallying titles is what most in the media and nearly all fans do these days. They naively skip over the 46 NFL titles that came before the first Super Bowl. That's just lazy. It's as if the league started with that first Super Bowl even though the first Super Bowl wasn't even called the Super Bowl when it was played. Neither was the second. But that's beside the point. All titles count. Despite what comedian Bill Burr seems to think, the NFL does count all titles. The teams that won titles before the Super Bowl was even a thought sure count them. You can bet that the Arizona Cardinals count the two titles that they won while they in Chicago. Here's the tally of which team has won each of the 106 NFL titles.

1.   Green Bay Packers: 13: 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966(I),
       1967(II), 1996(XXXI), 2010(XLV)
2.   Chicago Bears: 9: 1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963, 1985(XX)
3.   New York Giants: 8: 1927, 1934. 1938, 1956, 1986(XXI), 1990(XXV), 2007(XXXII),  
       2011(XLVI)
4.   New England Patriots: 6: 2001(XXXVI), 2003(XXXVIII), 2004(XXXIX), 2014(XLIX),
       2016(LI), 2018(LIII).
4.   Pittsburgh Steelers: 6: 1974(IX), 1975(X), 1978(XIII), 1979(XIV), 2005(XL), 2008(XLIII)

6.   Philadelphia Eagles: 5: 1948, 1939, 1960, 2017(LII), 2024(LIX)
6.   Washington Redskins: 5: 1937, 1942, 1982(XVII), 1987(XXII), 1991(XXVI)
6.   Dallas Cowboys: 5: 1971(VI), 1977(XII), 1992(XXVII), 1993(XXVIII), 1995(XXX)
6.   San Francisco 49ers: 5: 1981(XVI), 1984(XIX), 1988(XXIII), 1989(XXIV), 1994(XXIX)

10. Cleveland/LA/St. Louis Rams: 4: 1945, 1951, 1999(XXXIV), 2021(LVI)

10. Kansas City Chiefs: 4: 1969(IV), 2019(LIV), 2022(LVII), 2023(LVIII)

10. Detroit Lions: 4: 1935, 1952, 1953, 1957
10. Cleveland Browns: 4: 1950. 1954, 1955, 1964
10. Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: 4: 1958, 1959, 1970(V), 2006(XXXI)
15. Oakland/LA Raiders: 3: 1976(XI), 1980(XV), 1983(XVIII)
15. Denver Broncos: 3: 1997(XXXII), 1998(XXXIII), 2015(L)

15. Seattle Seahawks: 2: 2013(XLVIII), 2025(LX)

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2: 2002(XXXVII), 2020(LV)

18. Canton Bulldogs: 2: 1922, 1923
18. Chicago/St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals: 2: 1925, 1947
18. Miami Dolphins: 2: 1972(VII), 1973(VIII)
18. Baltimore Ravens: 2: 2000(XXXV), 2012(XLVII)
23. Akron Pros: 1: 1920
23. Cleveland Bulldogs: 1: 1924
23. Frankford Yellow Jackets: 1: 1926
23. Providence Steam Roller: 1: 1928
23. New York Jets: 1: 1968(III)
23. New Orleans Saints: 1: 2009(XLIV)

Other Leagues:

All-America Football Conference
1. Cleveland Browns: 4: 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949

American Football League
1. Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs: 3: 1962, 1966, 1969
2. Houston Oilers: 2: 1960, 1961
2. Buffalo Bills: 2: 1964, 1965
4. San Diego Chargers: 1: 1963
4. Oakland Raiders: 1: 1967
4. New York Jets: 1: 1968

Technically, the Minnesota Vikings have won an NFL title (1969) but they went on to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. So, it doesn't really count for much and it's easily forgotten. Although, they will forever have claim to the Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy. It’s a trophy they won but never held because the Green Bay Packers had lost the damn thing. 

As the Vikings did in 1969, the Colts won an NFL title in 1968 but went on to lose to the Jets in Super Bowl III.

Minnesota Vikings All - Time All - Rookie Team

It’s only training camp but it looks like the Minnesota Vikings 2026 rookie class could make immediate contributions. That would be a nice change as the Vikings have gotten little recent contributions from their rookies. With this year’s rookies in mind here’s a look at some of the best rookies in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. 

Quarterback
Fran Tarkenton-1961

Fran Tarkenton got his rookie season rolling early when he led the Vikings to a win over the Chicago Bears in the first game in franchise history. He's in the Hall of Fame and an easy choice here. Christian Ponder and Teddy Bridgewater are the only other quarterbacks to play significant roles as rookies. So, Tarkenton easily takes it.

Running backs
Adrian Peterson-2007
Chuck Foreman-1973

Easy choices. Each took home rookie of the year awards. Each was an immediate difference-maker.

Receivers
Randy Moss-1998
Justin Jefferson-2020

Randy Moss and Justin Jefferson each had one of the best rookie receiver seasons in NFL history. Randy Moss scored an NFL rookie record 17 touchdowns. Jefferson’s 1,400 receiving yards, at the time, was topped only by the 1,473 yards posted by Bill Groman in the first season of the AFL. Moss was an easy choice for rookie of the year. Jefferson should’ve been. Jefferson’s great rookie season topped that of 2009 Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin, 1976 Rookie of the Year Sammy White, and 1963 Rookie of the Year Paul Flatley. The Vikings have a nice history of rookie receivers. 

Tight end
Joe Senser-1980

Joe Senser's 4-year career was way too short but it started well. 42 catches and 7 TDs.

Tackles
Gary Zimmerman-1986
Korey Stringer-1995

Ron Yary would've made this team at right tackle if it wasn't for Bud Grant's "rookies aren't ready to start" philosophy. Gary Zimmerman was great. So was Korey Stringer. His life and career ended way too soon. In a little way, his being on this team helps keep his spirit alive. Zimmerman played two seasons in the USFL before he became an NFL rookie so he was a "seasoned" rookie. Matt Kalil made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2012 but I’m going with Zimmerman at left tackle on this team. He also edges the very good 2021 rookie season of Christian Darrisaw.

Guards
Randall McDaniel-1988
Donovan Jackson-2025

Randall McDaniel is an automatic choice. Donovan Jackson got better with each game. By the end of the season, he showed the promise and potential you hope to see from a player selected in the first round. If he continues to improve, he has a very bright future. Despite playing left guard, he’s the right guard on this team. No one’s topping Randall McDaniel. Ed White would probably get the nod if Bud Grant started rookies.

Center 
Mick Tingelhoff-1962

Tingelhoff started every game in his 17-year Hall of Fame career. That streak started with his rookie season.

Defensive ends
Carl Eller-1964
Kevin Williams-2003

Carl Eller is an easy choice. Kevin Williams played his rookie season at defensive end and collected 10.5 sacks. He went on to a dominant, All-Decade career on the interior the next season. 

Defensive tackles
Alan Page-1967
Keith Millard-1985

Alan Page is an automatic choice. Even Bud Grant couldn't keep Page on the bench as a rookie. Keith Millard was an immediate force in the middle of the Vikings line. 11 sacks as a rookie. Like Gary Zimmerman, Millard wasn't a raw NFL rookie after a short stint in the USFL It would take outstanding rookie seasons from Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange to bump Page and Millard. 

Linebackers
Anthony Barr-2014
Eric Kendricks-2015
Matt Blair-1974

Anthony Barr has been an impact playmaker since his rookie season. Eric Kendricks edges out Jeff Siemon. It took about a month for Kendricks to force his way into the starting lineup. Matt Blair played his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and became a defensive cornerstone.

Cornerbacks
Dewayne Washington-1994
Cameron Dantzler-2020

Dewayne Washington was very good as a rookie. He was very good each of his four seasons as a Vikings starting corner. I will never understand why was allowed to bolt Minnesota in free agency. Rookie cornerbacks don’t jump right into a Mike Zimmer defense. It takes a while for them to learn the nuances of the techniques and schemes. Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney were forced to learn on the run. Injuries kept Dantzler from starting every game. Gladney started 15 games. It’s a shame that those rookie seasons were the Vikings highlights for both players. I’m going with Dantzler for this team. If Chuck Demmings can earn a prominent role as a rookie, he can easily bump Dantzler. 

Safeties
Joey Browner-1983
Harrison Smith-2012

Joey Browner and Harrison Smith are two of the best safeties in Vikings franchise history. Browner gets the nod despite not starting a single game at safety as a rookie. He was a dynamo on special teams. Smith was a defensive force from the start.

Kicker
Blair Walsh-2012

Blair Walsh's best season was his first season. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. I can’t believe I have Walsh over the great Will Reichard. 

Punter
Bobby Walden-1964

Bobby Walden led the NFL in punting as a rookie.

Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson-2013

Cordarrelle Patterson edges Percy Harvin. Patterson was All-Pro as a rookie and has been the league’s best kick returner ever since. 

Vikings Have Their Quarterback

J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray have been competing to be the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings since the spring. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced yesterday that the competition is over with Murray tapped as the starter. 

It’s actually a relief. Now, it feels like the Vikings can really get down to preparation for the 2026 season. Rather than splitting snaps, Kyler Murray can get the work necessary to really and completely get into the offense. Murray can get comfortable with the players around him and they can get comfortable with him. This is a good thing.

It’s a good thing but many in the media and a load of fans are bitching. They are bitching about this whole quarterback competition thing between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy being a sham. I didn’t realize that all of these experts were in the meeting rooms and on the practice fields. How was there room? From the moment he signed as a free agent in March, these football-knowers had Murray pegged as the eventual starter. Part of their reasoning was this belief that Murray wouldn’t have signed with the Vikings if he wasn’t guaranteed the starting spot. Any quarterback with confidence in his abilities wouldn’t need that guarantee. There was going to be a competition. There was a competition. You know how I know there was a competition? J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray split reps in the spring. They split reps in training camp through Sunday’s Night Practice. If there wasn’t a competition there wouldn’t have been a splitting of the reps. No one benefits from a sham competition. O’Connell doesn’t benefit. The team certainly doesn’t benefit when the starting quarterback is watching as often as repping. Most importantly, neither quarterback benefits. If Murray was signed and anointed the starter in March, there was no reason to ever split reps. Many disagree but I believe McCarthy deserved a chance to compete for the starting job. 

Speaking of J.J. McCarthy. Many are asking what’s next for J.J. McCarthy. Asking if he’ll be traded. Asking if he’d want to be traded. After the 2025 season ended, Kevin O’Connell said that he wanted to put together the strongest possible quarterback room. That shouldn’t have been a surprise as two of his four seasons as the Vikings head coach required four and three quarterbacks. Over those two seasons, seven different quarterbacks started multiple games. Two of the quarterbacks were late-round/undrafted rookies that weren’t remotely ready for the NFL. As expected, those two seasons were disasters. In the two seasons with healthy quarterbacks, the Vikings were a combined 27-7. In the two seasons with seven quarterbacks starting games, the Vikings were a combined 16-18. Is there really any surprise that O’Connell wants a deep quarterback room? When the Vikings have at least competent quarterback play, they win often. Three competent quarterbacks in that room was the goal. The Vikings built that strong quarterback room with the signing of Kyler Murray and the re-signing of Carson Wentz. Combine those two with McCarthy and the Vikings have three quarterbacks that can win football games. It’s a comforting thing. Will McCarthy be traded? That question is so tiresome. Why would the Vikings intentionally build a deep, competent quarterback room in the offseason and then blow it up in training camp? 

Congratulations to Kyler Murray. Now, go win a Championship. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings need J.J. McCarthy this season to achieve that ultimate goal. 

NFL Top 100

The countdown of the NFL Top 100 continues. Since the release has been so quiet, it’s easy to miss. As of Monday, the quiet release is through 29.

NFL Top 100 Players of 2026

100. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints

  99. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

  98. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers 

  97. Ernest Jones, LB, Seattle Seahawks 

  96. Travis Etienne, RB, New Orleans Saints

  95. Demario Davis, LB, New York Jets

  94. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

  93. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns 

  92. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans

  91. Montez Sweat, DE, Chicago Bears 

  90. Derrick Brown, DL, Carolina Panthers 

  89. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams 

  88. Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions

  87. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

  86. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

  85. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers 

  84. Byron Young, Edge, Los Angeles Rams 

  83. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans 

  82. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers 

  81. Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

  80. A.J. Brown, WR, New England Patriots 

  79. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 

  77. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  76. Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers

  75. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

  74. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers

  73. Zach Allen, DL, Denver Broncos

  72. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers

  71. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens

  70. Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers

  69. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

  68. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

  67. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins

  66. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons

  65. Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens

  64. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

  63. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens

  62. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

  61. Kevin Byard, S, New England Patriots

  60. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

  59. Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos

  58. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans

  57. Dion Dawkins, OT, Buffalo Bills

  56. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

  55. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

  54. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

  53. Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

  52. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  51. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

  50. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

  49. Joe Thuney, G, Chicago Bears

  48. Josh Hines-Allen, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

  47. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles 

  46. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

  45. Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

  44. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

  43. Chris Jones, DL, Kansas City Chiefs

  42. Garrett Bolles, OT, Denver Broncos

  41. T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers

  40. Trent Williams, OT, San Francisco 49ers 

  39. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

  38. Cooper DeJean, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

  37. Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions

  36. George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

  35. Jared Verse, DE, Cleveland Browns

  34. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles 

  33. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions

  32. Nic Bonitto, Edge, Denver Broncos

  31. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

  30. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions

  29. Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles 

There are ranking movement in the NFL Top 100 every year. Here some of the biggest drops and jumps this year. 

Lamar Jackson - 67 spot drop

A.J. Brown - 51 spot drop

Fred Warner - 38 spot drop

Travis Kelce - 42 spot drop

Budda Baker - 41 spot drop

Josh Jacobs - 41 spot drop

Xavier McKinney - 40 spot drop

Joe Burrow - 38 spot drop

Jalen Hurts - 37 spot drop

Brock Bowers - 36 spot drop

Saquon Barkley - 33 spot drop

Chris Jones - 31 spot drop

T.J. Watt - 30 spot drop

Baker Mayfield - 27 spot drop

Nico Collins - 26 spot drop

Roquan Smith - 25 spot drop

Penei Sewell - 24 spot drop

Tristan Wirfs - 24 spot drop

CeeDee Lamb - 20 spot drop

On the flip-side, here are some of the players that jumped the most.

Dak Prescott - 48 spot jump

Drake London - 31 spot jump

Aidan Hutchinson - 25 spot jump

Cooper DeJean - 22 spot drop

Jared Verse - 18 spot drop

Josh Sweat - 17 spot jump

Zach Allen - 17 spot jump

Josh Hines-Allen - 17 spot drop

Congratulations to the jumpers. Condolences to the droppers. 

The NFL Top 100 will quietly continue this week.