Skip to content
Before free agency, the Chargers had several superstar players on their roster. Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa and Derwin James certainly led the 2021 group, but after a massive spending spree that resulted in the team winning multiple All-Pro players, this group of elite talent continued to grow on the roster.
For a look at just how much high-profile talent the Bolts are currently employing, let’s take a look at Pete Prisco’s top 100 list of the NFL’s best players going this season, as the Chargers have a whopping NINE players ranked . That’s one away from owning 1/10th of the entire list. This is absolutely insane considering there are 31 other teams in the league.
It probably comes as no great surprise which Chargers are the highest on this list, but I bet you all will have some thoughts on which players failed to make the top half of the list.
Let’s take a look at all nine players, their rankings, and what Prisco had to say about each one.
Table of Contents
20.) QB Justin Herbert
“He threw 69 touchdown passes in his first two seasons, showing off his cannon as an arm and his ability to make big plays. This could be the year he emerges as a legitimate MVP candidate.”
23.) EDGE Joey Bosa
“He had 10.5 sacks last season but that number will go up now with Khalil Mack on the other side. His best season came when Melvin Ingram got double-digit sacks on the other side. Mack should help him with that.”
43.) EDGE Khalil Mack
“He hasn’t had double-digit sacks in a season since 2018, down from just six last season when he was limited to seven games. But he’s still capable of being a 12-15 sack player and should thrive against Joey Bosa.”
53.) CB JC Jackson
“He had eight picks last year and was once again sticky in coverage for the Patriots. That got him a big deal from the Chargers in free agency.”
60.) OT Rashawn Slater
“He came into the league as a rookie last year and immediately looked like he had been there for a couple of years. He’s already been talked about as one of the best left tackles in the game. That was fast.”
65.) WR Keenan Allen
“He finishes a season with a career-best 106 catches and remains a huge part of the Chargers offense. Averaging 10.7 yards per catch, he’s not a huge threat on the field, but he’s a reliable chain mover.”
74.) S Durwin James
“After being limited to five games in the 2019 and 2020 seasons through injury, he played 15 games last season. He showed his ability to play both the pass and the run in Brandon Staley’s defense.
79.) RB Austin Ekeler
“He rushed for a career-best 911 yards and also caught 70 passes, proving to be one of the best all-around defenders in the game. He also scored 20 touchdowns, which makes him a fantasy gamer’s delight.”
86.) C. Corey Linsley
“After signing as a free agent last spring, he cemented the line in front of Justin Herbert. This is a unit that needed an anchor down the middle and he has responded with a good season.”
At the bottom of the list, there were a significant number of players who received “honorable mentions,” but no Chargers were included in that group.
Who completely missed the top 100 after seeing the entire ranking? Which players are too high? Too low? Let me know all your thoughts below!