New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees surged in the annual Top 100 ranking from NFL Network, rising to the second overall spot after placing eighth a year ago. He was the highest-ranked quarterback on the list, above Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (No. 4), the reigning league MVP; last year’s top-ranked player, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (No. 6); and Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (No. 8).
This list, assembled through a surveyed of NFL players, shows just how widely regarded Brees is. He earned praise from former opponents, offensive and defensive players, and some fresh faces who haven’t even lined up against him yet.
“When I was a rookie it was my second career start, playing against him. You’re just out there like, ‘Oh my God, this is Drew Brees, this is really it, this is Drew Brees,'” said Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff. “He’s just that guy you look up to. He’s a guy you aspire to be like, and a guy you look at as an absolute first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
Goff wasn’t alone in putting Brees at the top of his ballot. Chicago Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara agreed with him. So did Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. As did Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett, Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen.
“He’s just unstoppable,” said Evans, shaking his head.
“He can make any throw,” added Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker. “The way he just handles that offense is, it’s amazing. The way he can manage his players, it’s just amazing to watch. He’s the one player, I look forward to watching him.”
Brees trailed only one of his peers, a guy who has an easy argument to make as the best football player in the league. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald claimed the top spot off back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2017 and 2018, along with four career first-team All-Pro nods and five trips to the Pro Bowl. He’s already racked up 59.5 sacks since being drafted in 2014, insane numbers for an interior pass rusher.
Still, it’s telling that Brees rose so high in this year’s ranking, towering over bigger names (Brady and Rodgers) and trendier talents (Mahomes). He’s clearly still someone that NFL players won’t underestimate.
