The Los Angeles Rams look like one of the best teams in the NFL heading into the regular season, led by three critical players: Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford. They have several other role players who are vital to their success, but for the most part, they’ll go as far as Donald, Ramsey and Stafford will take them.
Those three players were all ranked on ESPN’s list of the 100 best players in the NFL, earning high praise from the outlet. Unlike NFL Network’s top 100, which is voted on by the players, Ramsey was ranked inside the top 10. Stafford also appeared on ESPN’s list after being snubbed on NFL Network’s top 100.
Here’s where each of the three Rams landed in ESPN’s rankings, which were released on Monday.
2. Aaron Donald
7. Jalen Ramsey
24. Matthew Stafford
That’s a surprisingly high ranking for Stafford, who’s the ninth-best quarterback on the list. Lamar Jackson is two spots ahead of him, Kyler Murray is three spots higher and Tom Brady is only 20th, four places ahead of Stafford.
Ramsey is the highest-ranked cornerback at No. 7 overall, seven spots ahead of the next-closest corner, Xavien Howard. Donald, of course, is the top-ranked defender, with Patrick Mahomes claiming the top spot – just as he did on NFL Network’s list.
No other Rams made the top 100, though that’s not terribly surprising. With a strong 2021 season, Darious Williams could vault into the conversation, as could Leonard Floyd, Jordan Fuller, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods.
