theScore's Top 100 NFL Players of 2016: 60-51

The Top 100 NFL Players of 2016 were selected by a panel of theScore's NFL editors including Justin Boone, Arun Srinivasan, Dan Wilkins, and David P. Woods based on the individual players' performances this past regular season.

theScore's Top 100 NFL Players of 2016

• 100-91
• 90-81
• 80-71
• 70-61
• 60-51
• 50-41
• 40-31
• 30-21
• 20-11
• 10-1

Casey Hayward, CB, Chargers
7 INTs, 20 passes defensed
58 tackles, 1 TD

Hayward proved the Packers were foolish to let him go in free agency, delivering a stellar season in San Diego. In addition to his shutdown coverage from every corner position, including the slot, Hayward led the league in interceptions. - Boone

Andrew Whitworth, LT, Bengals
0 sacks allowed

Might the transition be put off another year? Despite having a pair of young tackles waiting in the wings, the Bengals could have a hard time moving on from Whitworth. The 35-year-old showed no signs of slowing down during his 11th season, starting all 16 games and not allowing a single sack. - Wilkins

Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons
227 carries, 1,079 rushing yards, 11 TDs
54 catches, 462 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Freeman lobbied for an extension and deserves a lucrative deal after excelling in 2016. The 24-year-old's ability to change his pace and run through contact makes him a defender's nightmare. Freeman also emerged as a potent receiver out of the backfield, and his progress into stardom is an imperative reason why the Falcons glided into Super Bowl LI. - Srinivasan

Melvin Ingram, LB, Chargers
60 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 FFs

His injury woes now firmly in the rearview mirror, Ingram enjoyed the best season of his five-year career in 2016, finishing with eight sacks, four forced fumbles, and five passes batted down, as well as offering greatly improved run support. - Woods

Geno Atkins, DT, Bengals
32 tackles, 9 sacks

Few interior defenders can generate the kind of pressure Atkins creates. The star defensive tackle led the Bengals in sacks, QB hits, and tackles for a loss. While his performance in 2016 wasn't quite as dominant as past years, the Bengals star remains a force that offensive coordinators need to plan for all week long. - Boone

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
4,327 passing yards, 24 TDs, 10 INTs
207 rushing yards, 2 TDs

Stafford had a legitimate case for MVP honors before a finger injury resulted in some difficulties down the stretch. The Lions quarterback made some significant strides in his first full season in Jim Bob Cooter's offense, enjoying some particularly efficient play and orchestrating an NFL-record eight fourth-quarter comebacks. - Wilkins

Devin McCourty, S, Patriots
83 tackles, 1 FF
1 INT, 7 passes defensed

McCourty is the de facto leader of the Patriots' defense and Bill Belichick trusts the veteran as an extension of himself. The Patriots can tailor their schemes to the opponent in large part due to McCourty's ability to play as a box safety or centerfielder. Without McCourty, it's hard to imagine the Patriots holding opponents to an NFL-best 15.6 points per game. - Srinivasan

Cameron Jordan, DE, Saints
58 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 FF

Jordan’s 7.5 sacks don’t come close to telling the whole story about his impact. Jordan provides the Saints with top-end pass-rushing production while also offering far more in run defense than a typical edge rusher. - Woods

Kam Chancellor, S, Seahawks
85 tackles, 1 FF
2 INTs, 8 passes defensed

Chancellor is an impact strong safety and a powerful leader on the Seahawks' defense. His toughness embodies the identity of Seattle's Legion of Boom, and he continues to excel as a run-stuffer and playmaker. - Boone

Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks
4,219 passing yards, 21 TDs, 11 INTs
259 rushing yards, 1 TD

The stat sheet could never tell the entire story of how much the Seahawks depend on their quarterback on a weekly basis. Wilson overcame injuries and some horrendous pass protection to put the offense on his back throughout the year. He could be an MVP candidate if Seattle ever stops ignoring the offensive line. - Wilkins

theScore's Top 100 NFL Players of 2016

• 100-91
• 90-81
• 80-71
• 70-61
• 60-51
• 50-41
• 40-31
• 30-21
• 20-11
• 10-1