Sports Illustrated's Top 100 NFL Players Snubs Packers

Only three Green Bay players make the 2026 rankings, raising questions about the team's ceiling.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In Sports Illustrated's projection of the NFL's Top 100 players for the 2026 season, the Green Bay Packers were sparsely represented, with only three players making the list. Tight end Tucker Kraft, quarterback Jordan Love, and defensive end Micah Parsons were the lone Packers to crack the rankings, which some see as a reflection of the team's lack of elite talent compared to other perennial contenders.

Why it matters

The Packers' limited representation on the Top 100 list feeds into a broader narrative about the team's ceiling and ability to compete with the NFC's top teams. As a perennial Super Bowl contender, the Packers are usually more heavily featured on these types of rankings, and their absence speaks to league-wide perceptions about the team's talent level.

The details

Tight end Tucker Kraft made the list at No. 86 despite his season ending prematurely due to an ACL injury, reflecting his breakout performance before the setback. Quarterback Jordan Love was ranked No. 59, recognizing his clear talent but raising questions about whether he can elevate the Packers into true contender status. Defensive end Micah Parsons, ranked No. 17, remains Green Bay's lone top-tier defensive star.

  • Sports Illustrated released its 2026 projection of the NFL's Top 100 players on January 29, 2026.

The players

Tucker Kraft

A tight end for the Green Bay Packers who made the Sports Illustrated Top 100 list despite his season ending early due to an ACL injury.

Jordan Love

The Packers' quarterback, ranked No. 59 on the Sports Illustrated Top 100 list, raising questions about whether he can elevate the team into true contender status.

Micah Parsons

The Packers' defensive end, ranked No. 17 on the Sports Illustrated Top 100 list, and the team's lone top-tier defensive star.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The offseason brings lots of pablum like this. We must feed the content monster. Even still, the Packers' limited representation in this piece feeds into a broader narrative about the team's ceiling.”

— Zach Rapport, Author

The takeaway

The Packers' sparse representation on the Sports Illustrated Top 100 players list highlights the perception that the team lacks elite talent compared to other perennial contenders in the NFC. This raises questions about the team's ability to compete at the highest level, despite having a few standout players like Micah Parsons.