The NFL's Elite Supporting Cast Begins to Emerge

The countdown continues with The S3 Top 100 NFL Players of 2026, highlighting players ranked No. 80 through No. 61.

This year's rankings are built on one simple philosophy: Who had the best individual seasons in the NFL during 2025?
There are no positional quotas. There are no lifetime achievement awards. These rankings recognize production, consistency, impact, and the ability to change football games during the 2025 season.

While the first installment introduced players who earned Top 100 recognition, this group begins to showcase athletes who consistently performed at a Pro Bowl level and helped shape playoff races across the league.

80. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Houston Texans
Derek Stingley Jr. continued establishing himself as one of football's premier cover corners. His combination of athleticism, instincts, and shutdown coverage allowed Houston's defense to consistently match up against opposing No. 1 receivers.

79. Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez followed his breakout campaign with another outstanding season. His length, ball skills, and ability to eliminate one side of the field made him one of the NFL's fastest-rising defensive backs.

78. Sauce Gardner, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Sauce Gardner remained one of the league's premier lockdown corners. His physical style and confidence continued frustrating opposing quarterbacks throughout the 2025 season.

77. Jessie Bates III, S, Atlanta Falcons
Few safeties impacted games like Jessie Bates III. His leadership, range, and knack for forcing turnovers helped anchor Atlanta's secondary throughout the season.

76. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
Budda Baker once again proved why he remains one of the NFL's most respected defensive leaders. Whether blitzing, stopping the run, or covering receivers, Baker delivered another complete season.

75. Montez Sweat, EDGE, Chicago Bears
Montez Sweat consistently pressured quarterbacks and helped transform Chicago's defensive front into one of the league's more disruptive units.

74. Josh Hines-Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Hines-Allen continued producing double-digit sack potential while remaining one of the NFL's most complete edge defenders.

73. Jared Verse, EDGE, Los Angeles Rams
After an outstanding rookie season, Jared Verse quickly established himself among football's ascending pass rushers with relentless pressure and explosive athleticism.

72. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
Even in the later stages of his career, Cameron Heyward continued playing at a remarkably high level, providing veteran leadership and disruptive interior play.

71. Zach Allen, DT, Denver Broncos
Zach Allen quietly put together one of the NFL's most productive seasons for an interior defensive lineman, consistently generating pressure and controlling the line of scrimmage.

70. Leonard Williams, DT, Seattle Seahawks
Leonard Williams remained a force against both the run and pass, giving Seattle a dependable veteran presence inside.

69. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans
Jeffery Simmons continued dominating in the trenches, using power and quickness to collapse pockets while remaining one of football's premier run defenders.

68. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Linderbaum solidified himself as one of the league's elite young centers with exceptional athleticism, intelligence, and consistency.

67. Quinn Meinerz, G, Denver Broncos
One of the NFL's most underrated offensive linemen, Quinn Meinerz delivered another dominant season opening rushing lanes while protecting his quarterback.

66. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts
Quenton Nelson returned to elite form in 2025, reminding everyone why he has long been considered one of football's premier guards.

65. Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs
Trey Smith continued developing into one of the league's most physical offensive linemen while helping anchor Kansas City's championship-caliber offense.

64. Joe Thuney, G, Chicago Bears
Joe Thuney once again demonstrated why consistency matters. His experience, versatility, and technique allowed him to remain among football's most dependable linemen.

63. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Washington Commanders
Laremy Tunsil continued playing at a Pro Bowl level, protecting the blind side while remaining one of the league's premier pass blockers.

62. Joe Alt, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Alt's outstanding rookie campaign immediately placed him among the NFL's brightest young offensive tackles. His future appears exceptionally bright.

61. Rashawn Slater, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Rashawn Slater narrowly misses the Top 60 after another excellent season protecting Justin Herbert. His combination of athleticism and technique continues making him one of football's elite left tackles.

Looking Ahead
With the Top 60 now in sight, the level of talent only continues to rise. The next installment features Pro Bowl stars, elite offensive playmakers, dominant defenders, and players who spent much of the 2025 season in the All-Pro conversation.

Past Articles in this Series:
The S3's Top 100 NFL Players of 2026: Nos. 100–81 

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