Most underrated players in first batch of NFL's top 100 players release

The NFL began releasing its list of the top 100 players ahead of the 2024 season with Nos. 100-81 revealed.

Here's a look at three players we believe were rated too low this year, with their 2024 ranking in parenthesis.

(97) Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin

For the second consecutive year, McLaurin snuck above the cut line to make the top 100. In 2023, McLaurin ranked 94th, his first appearance on the list.

It's anyone's guess why voters have hesitated to get behind him because McLaurin has been incredible for the Commanders since being selected in the third round (No. 76 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft.

He has four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons despite Washington's revolving door at quarterback, including Alex Smith, Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz and Sam Howell.

McLaurin had 79 receptions, 1,002 yards and four touchdowns a season ago. Per data from Pro Football Focus , the former Ohio State Buckeye had 13 contested catches in 2023; his 50 percent contested catch rate was tied for the league's 11th-best mark among 36 wideouts with at least 100 targets. He was also sure-handed, only credited with four drops.

(90) Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith

The 2020 Heisman winner continued to shine in Philadelphia's offense last season. Smith had 81 receptions, 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns.

He's a versatile playmaker who can beat opponents lined up in numerous ways. According to PFF , he had 459 yards while receiving 31.1 percent of his snaps out of the slot. Smith is a lethal zone-buster, too. PFF data shows he had the sixth-most receiving yards against zone coverage last season while averaging 14.2 yards per catch.

(85) Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs

Wirfs made the transition from right to left tackle look remarkably easy last year. In his first three seasons, Wirfs played 3,549 snaps on the right side before moving to the left in 2023, where he received 1,232 snaps. He received the third-best PFF pass-blocking grade in 2023. Wirfs was credited with allowing five sacks and 24 total pressures in 728 pass-rush opportunities. His PFF efficiency score (98) was the third-best among the 56 tackles with at least 700 blocking snaps.

Wirfs made the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive season after being selected 13th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.