While the 2022 season was one to mostly forget for the New England Patriots, it wasn’t a complete wash for some players. In fact, for one team leader and defensive star it was rather effective and quite memorable, or so his peers believed.
Patriots edge defender, team leader, unofficial assistant GM and training camp warmup act Matthew Judon has landed at No. 33 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players for 2023. This year’s ranking represents quite a leap for Judon, who was ranked 52nd for the 2022 Top 100.
Judon, a first-time Pro Bowler following the 2022 season, has had 28 sacks over his first two seasons with the Pats, and his impact is often felt on and off the field, not to mention online where he often attempts to recruit players, as well as defend the organization.
Reports from the beginning of camp have it that Judon, who signed a four-year, $54.5 million deal in March 2021, is looking for a bit of a pay bump, especially considering not just his production but also the swollen contracts of other players at his position who don’t have his stats. This ranking might help bolster his case a touch.
“The Dude Wit The Red Sleeves” is likely to be the only member of the 2022 Patriots to land on the NFL Top 100 for 2023. Though some players on last year’s team made splashes (Marcus Jones) or posted positive numbers (Jakobi Meyers, Rhamondre Stevenson), Judon is widely considered the Pats’ best player, and his numbers for last season back that up.
The rankings of players 40-31 are available now via NFL+ (Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams landed at 40…and was recently given a $96 million contract), but will soon be available on NFL.com.
