The NFL Top 100 for 2026 list is officially out, and our very own Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV landed a well-deserved spot at No. 97. Yeah, you heard that right. While the league buzzes about other names, Jones IV quietly cemented his place among the game’s elite. If you aren’t pumped about that, you’re missing out on a huge win for the Emerald City defense.
Ernest Jones IV Is Setting the Tone
Landing at 97 isn’t just a number, it’s a huge statement. It tells you exactly what kind of impact Jones IV is expected to have for the Seahawks heading into the 2026 campaign. With Coach Mike Macdonald shaping up this defense, having a player of Jones IV’s caliber recognized by executives, coaches, and scouts in this annual poll from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler just hits different for us. It signals our defense is on the rise, and Ernest Jones IV is a cornerstone piece ready to build something special. This isn’t random hype, it’s genuine recognition for a player making his mark and set to be a difference-maker from day one.
Bowers Slips, But the List Is Stacked
While we’re celebrating Jones IV, the big national story from the list focused on Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. He made the Top 100 for the second straight season but slipped to No. 60. Why the drop? Injuries limited him to just 12 appearances in 2025, a real bummer for a guy with so much talent. Despite the limited play, he still put up 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per reception. His yards per game dipped from 70.2 as a rookie to 56.7, clearly showing how those persistent knee problems and inconsistent quarterback play could hold back even the best tight end. An anonymous coordinator said Bowers is “better than the field” in route running, separation, zone instincts, and yards-after-catch. The Raiders are hoping an upgrade at QB with Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza, plus Tyler Linderbaum anchoring the line, gets him back over 1,000 yards this season.
This NFL Top 100 list is always packed with stars. You’ve got guys like Travis Kelce checking in at No. 79. And for fans who remember our glory days, seeing Bobby Wagner at No. 81 and Jordyn Brooks at No. 67 on this year’s list just reminds you how much talent has come through the Emerald City over the years. These rankings are a powerful snapshot of who’s expected to dominate. Seeing one of our current guys on there is exactly what you want heading into a new season.
So, what does this all mean for us? It means Ernest Jones IV is already getting national respect, and the 2026 season is going to be his massive chance to prove he belongs even higher up this list. When that whistle blows for real, we’ll be watching every snap, every tackle, eager to see our defense, anchored by Jones IV, shut down opposing offenses. Get ready, 12s, because this season is gonna be something special.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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