A.J. Brown (No. 80): – Dropped 51 spots from No. 29 to No. 80 after a tumultuous final season with the Eagles. Despite posting 1,003 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, off-field drama and a knee injury contributed to the steep decline. He now enters a prove-it year with the New England Patriots.\n- **Travis Kelce (No. 79)** – The 36-year-old Chiefs legend dropped from No. 37 to No. 79 but remains elite, ranking third among tight ends in yards after the catch (463). He became just the third TE in NFL history to surpass 13,000 career receiving yards.\n- **Josh Sweat (No. 78)** – The Cardinals linebacker surged 17 spots up the rankings, earning his second straight Top 100 appearance. He posted a career-high 12 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in his first season with Arizona, despite the team's 3-14 record.\n- **Baker Mayfield (No. 77)** – Dropped 50 spots from No. 27 to No. 77. Started the season hot with 16 TDs and just 2 INTs in the first nine games, but a shoulder injury in Week 12 derailed his production. Still, he posted a career-high 382 rushing yards.\n\n**Why this matters:** These rankings reflect how quickly perceptions can shift in the NFL. A single down year — or a single strong season — can dramatically alter a player's standing among peers, underscoring the league's "what have you done for me lately?" mentality.
A.J. Brown's drop from No. 29 to No. 80 is the headline story of this group. After helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX and earning a No. 29 ranking in 2025, Brown's 2026 campaign was marred by a knee injury, untimely playoff drops, and persistent off-field noise. Despite still leading the Eagles in targets (121) and catches (78), and recording his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, his peers clearly saw a player who had taken a step back.
The ranking comes just months after the Eagles traded Brown to the Patriots — a move that now looks prescient given Philadelphia's front office sold high on the receiver. Brown joins a New England offense led by quarterback Drake Maye, and analysts expect a bounce-back season with a more traditional pocket passer. As noted by NFL.com, Brown's physical talent remains undeniable, and he ranked second in the NFL with 263 receiving yards on hitch routes, trailing only George Pickens.
Kelce's drop from No. 37 to No. 79 reflects the natural decline of an aging superstar, but the numbers tell a more nuanced story. The 36-year-old led the Chiefs in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in 2025, posting 76 receptions for 851 yards and 5 scores. His 463 yards after the catch ranked third among all tight ends, and he finished his 13th season with 1,080 career receptions — eighth all-time regardless of position.
Kelce's 11th straight Top 100 selection is a testament to his sustained excellence, even as Father Time begins to catch up. With at least one more season in Kansas City, the future Hall of Famer has a chance to cement his legacy further.
While the Cardinals struggled to a 3-14 record, Josh Sweat was a bright spot. The 28-year-old linebacker signed a lucrative free-agent deal with Arizona ahead of the 2025 season and delivered a career-best 12 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles. His 42 QB pressures led the team by a wide margin — more than three times the next closest defender in caused turnovers from pressure.
Sweat's rise from No. 95 to No. 78 reflects growing respect among his peers, and his Super Bowl pedigree from his time with the Eagles adds to his credibility. If the Cardinals can improve around him, Sweat could climb even higher in 2027.
Baker Mayfield's drop from No. 27 to No. 77 mirrors his 2025 season: a brilliant start followed by a painful finish. In the first nine games, Mayfield threw 16 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions, looking like a top-10 quarterback. But a non-throwing shoulder injury suffered in Week 12 against the Rams derailed his momentum. He finished with a 90.6 passer rating — his lowest as a Buccaneer — and 11 fumbles.
Despite the struggles, Mayfield's toughness remains undeniable. He never missed a start, played through multiple injuries, and posted a career-high 382 rushing yards. His moxie and grit continue to earn him respect from peers, even if the numbers dipped in the second half.
Why did A.J. Brown drop 51 spots in the rankings?
A combination of a knee injury, off-field drama in Philadelphia, and untimely playoff drops led to a perception among NFL players that Brown took a step back in 2025. Despite still surpassing 1,000 yards, his overall impact was diminished compared to his Super Bowl-winning 2024 season.
Is Travis Kelce nearing retirement?
While Kelce is 36 and has lost a step, he remains an elite tight end. He led the Chiefs in all major receiving categories in 2025 and has at least one more season under contract. Retirement is likely on the horizon, but he's still performing at a high level.
How did Josh Sweat perform in his first season with the Cardinals?
Sweat thrived in Arizona, posting a career-high 12 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles. He led the team with 42 QB pressures and was the Cardinals' most disruptive defensive player despite the team's 3-14 record.
Can Baker Mayfield bounce back in 2026?
Yes, especially if he stays healthy. Mayfield had a 99.2 passer rating in the first 11 weeks of 2025 before a shoulder injury derailed his season. If the Buccaneers can keep him upright and add more weapons, a return to form is very possible.
What does Brown's ranking mean for the Patriots?
It suggests the NFL views Brown as a talented but declining player. The Patriots are betting on a bounce-back season with a better quarterback fit in Drake Maye. If Brown rebounds, this ranking could look foolish in a year.
For Patriots fans:: A.J. Brown's ranking is a wake-up call, but also an opportunity. If he returns to form with Drake Maye, he could be a massive bargain. Watch for early-season chemistry between Brown and Maye as a key indicator.
For Chiefs fans:: Enjoy every snap of Travis Kelce's remaining time. He's still producing at an elite level, but the end is closer than ever. His 11th straight Top 100 appearance is a historic achievement.
For Cardinals fans:: Josh Sweat is a legitimate building block. If Arizona can improve its defense around him, he could become a perennial Top 50 player.
For Buccaneers fans:: Baker Mayfield's health is everything. The first-half version of Mayfield was a top-10 QB. The Bucs need to protect him better and ensure he's 100% heading into 2026.
General takeaway:: The NFL Top 100 is a volatile list. A single season — good or bad — can dramatically shift a player's standing. These rankings are a snapshot of peer perception, not a career verdict.
Do you think A.J. Brown will bounce back in New England, or is his best football behind him? Will Travis Kelce make one more deep playoff run with the Chiefs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Share this with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Share on Twitter/X • Share on LinkedIn • Share on Reddit
Do you think this trend of veteran players dropping will continue, or will there be a resurgence? Let us know!
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel opened training camp with a tactical masterstroke that had nothing to do with X's and O's. Arriv...
Three-time first-team All-Pro wide receiver **DeAndre Hopkins** is spending time with the New England Patriots coaching staff at training ca...
Former NFL offensive lineman Jordan Devey, a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, has passed away at the age of 38. His wife L...
The Baltimore Ravens have waived rookie quarterback **Diego Pavia**—the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted in 12 years—just days ...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer