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Lamar Jackson slides 67 spots in the NFL Top 100 player rankings
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- Lamar Jackson slides 67 spots in the NFL Top 100 player rankings
Lamar Jackson has spent most of his NFL career forcing people to reconsider what they thought they knew about quarterback play. That makes his latest placement on the NFL's Top 100 Players list even more jarring.
Jackson landed at No. 69 after spending the past two years in the top two, a 67-spot slide for a two-time MVP who remains one of football's most dangerous players. The drop will create debate, and some of it is understandable. Jackson missed time again in 2025, and durability concerns have become part of the discussion after he missed at least four games in three of the past five seasons. He also has missed practice time, both during the offseason and regular season, which only adds fuel to questions about availability.
Still, No. 69 feels low for a player who has already answered many of the criticisms that once followed him. Jackson earned his first 4,000-yard passing season in 2024 and led the NFL in yards per completion at 13.3 last season. Those numbers matter because they push back against the outdated idea that he is only dangerous outside a structure. Jackson has become more polished from the pocket while remaining the most productive rushing quarterback in league history.
His 6,522 career rushing yards are the most in NFL history among players with at least 1,000 passing yards. Even though his rushing yardage, yards per carry, and rushing touchdowns dropped in 2025, defenses still have to build entire game plans around his legs, his arm, and the stress created when both threats exist on the same snap.
"I expect him to have a big year," one NFL personnel evaluator said . "This is like a contract year for him coming up."
That expectation may define Baltimore's 2026 season. Todd Monken is gone, and new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle must structure the offense in a way that maximizes Jackson without overexposing him. The Ravens need explosive plays, but they also need sustainability, rhythm, and enough protection to keep their franchise quarterback healthy for January.
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Jackson's ranking may sting, but it also creates a familiar setup. He has been doubted before. If he stays healthy and Doyle's offense fits, No. 69 may become less of a ranking and more of a reminder that the league gave Lamar Jackson another reason to respond.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson slides 67 spots in the NFL Top 100 player rankings
