Four more Chargers have joined the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2022 list.
After offensive linemen Rashawn Slater and Corey Linsley were named the 79th and 60th best players in the league, respectively, running back Austin Ekeler (No. 46), safety Derwin James (No. 43), quarterback Justin Herbert (No. 40), and wide receiver Keenan Allen (No. 35) were all revealed on Sunday.
It’s the first appearance on the list for Ekeler, who racked up 1,558 yards from scrimmage as LA’s primary back last season following an injury-shortened 2020 campaign. While the Chargers hold an open competition for a backup to take some of the load off the 27 year old, Ekeler is still poised to be a focal point of the offense in 2022.
James makes his second appearance on the countdown after a two-year absence due to injury. Named the 31st best player on the 2019 edition of the list, the 2018 All-Pro proceeded to play five games in 2019 and none in 2020 as he dealt with foot and knee injuries. With 15 healthy games to his name in 2021, James reminded fans and opponents alike why he’s among the league’s best. That effort was rewarded this offseason with a market-resetting contract extension that will keep James in powder blue until 2026.
After debuting on last year’s list at No. 56, Herbert climbed the rankings this year thanks to a breakout sophomore campaign that saw the young signal-caller earn his first Pro Bowl nod. His performance last season led many to rank him as one of the league’s top quarterbacks alongside Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Tom Brady. Detractors will say Herbert has yet to prove himself in the playoffs, but the Chargers have hardly missed out because of their young QB’s play. With some pundits predicting an MVP-caliber season for Herbert, perhaps this is the year he gets his chance at playoff success.
Allen moves up 20 spots after climbing another 22 spots from his 2020 ranking to No. 55 last season. It’s the wide receiver’s fifth straight season on the list and a new career-high placement, three spots better than his ranking in 2019. The 30-year-old went over 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth time in his career last season on his way to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl. As his chemistry with Herbert builds, health should be his only potential obstacle towards a sixth.
With six players now on the list, the Chargers lead the NFL in entries. Both the Saints and Buccaneers have logged five players so far. Pass rusher Joey Bosa is the lone remaining Charger expected to be revealed.
Numbers 30-21 on the list are to be revealed Sunday at 8 p.m. PST, with the Top 20 revealed next Sunday starting at 5pm.