The NFL debuted its annual Top 100 Players of the Year on Monday. Perhaps more Houston Texans will make the list, but at least one will appear heading into the 2024 campaign.
Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil appeared on the list for the third time in four years as the 71st-ranked player going into the new season by his peers. Last season, he ranked 14 spots lower at No. 85.
71. Laremy Tunsil #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/PwwWk4JDGn
— NFL (@NFL) July 24, 2024
Traded to Houston before the start of the 2019 season, Tunsil has been arguably the top pass-protector during his time with the AFC South franchise.
He’s been to the Pro Bowl in four of his five seasons while helping rebuild the program’s persona over the past three seasons.
“I would like to be higher on the list, four sure,” Tunsil told NFL Network. “I do appreciate it. It’s an honor just to be in this position.”
LT is a top LT in the league, should be MUCH lower on this list‼️ pic.twitter.com/38JKQNinSd
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 24, 2024
From 2019-2022, Tunsil didn’t allow more than three sacks per season. While penalized, he also posted a pass-blocking grade of 88.9 or higher during that same span.
“He can x out a whole game from a defensive game plan and that’s key for an offense. When you can put a guy in one position and know he’s going to dominate the whole side for four quarters,” Texans teammate Shaq Mason said.
In 2021, he put together a career season, allowing zero sacks and one penalty. A year later, he was only penalized three times and allowed one sack.
“He’s played at an elite level for a long time,” Baltimore Ravens All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley said.
Following back-to-back dominant seasons, the Texans inked a new three-year, $75 million extension, which at the time was the highest contract awarded to an offensive tackle.
“Most guys you can stab, lift, get the hand off of you,” said Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye. “I went to stab and life and I couldn’t get him off of me.”
While No. 71 feels like a high number when looking at the league overall, Tytus Howard was far from happy with the ranking.
Bullcrap! Not 70 guys in the league better than bro💯 https://t.co/o2TkdnS8Q9
— Tytus Howard (@tyhoward71) July 24, 2024
The Texans will travel to Canton, Ohio, to face the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame Game on August 1.
