The 2021 NFL season is finally in sight. But this year, unlike seasons past, players may be wearing jersey numbers unfamiliar to even trained eyes. Thanks to loosened restrictions that enable different positions to rock single digits starting this fall, some of the league’s top talent will be sporting a new look. With that in mind, we decided to revisit every single number — from 1 to 99 — and identify the best player set to wear each one going into the 2021 campaign.
Let’s get right to it, starting from the top at No. 1:
Lots of good candidates for future years: Justin Fields, Ja’Marr Chase, Tua Tagovailoa. For now, Murray brings the most pop and proven production to the table.
Once reserved for kickers, punters and the occasional QB, this number is now loaded with skill talent. Matt Ryan, D.J. Moore, Darius Slay and Robert Woods are honorable mentions. Other notables: Carson Wentz, Dyami Brown, Patrick Surtain II.
No debate. And no real competition, either.
This would belong to Deshaun Watson if it weren’t for the massive uncertainty surrounding the Texans QB’s career.
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Talk about a major talent infusion for the No. 5, which is otherwise owned by mid-tier QBs like Teddy Bridgewater and Tyrod Taylor.
Names to watch down the road: Ravens LB Patrick Queen and new Eagles WR DeVonta Smith.
Just not a ton of competition for a great number. Vikings CB Patrick Peterson and Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette are other considerations.
Jackson will probably own this as long as he suits up, but there’s a decent well of future talent: Packers WR Amari Rodgers, Panthers CB Jaycee Horn, Falcons TE Kyle Pitts and Jets WR Elijah Moore.
Drew Brees’ reign is over. You could make a case for the upside of Bengals QB Joe Burrow here.
Man, this is close. Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins are equally as spectacular at their respective peaks. A year from now, Herbert might be the no-brainer. Others to watch: Cooper Kupp and Jerry Jeudy.
Julio Jones Lite. Make that two Titans pass catchers in the first 11 numbers.
12 — Tom Brady, Buccaneers QB
This went to Aaron Rodgers in 2020. A-Rod is still more physically gifted, but how can this not be Brady, who refuses to age and/or stop delivering when it matters most? This is his number.
Michael Thomas is too banged up to retain this. Altogether, it’s a treasure trove of wideouts: Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks, T.Y. Hilton, Allen Lazard.
Only Chris Godwin offers competition here.
And he is real competition for the all-time owner, five-time NFL champion Bart Starr.
Still doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his production.
This is a tough call, with Bills QB Josh Allen emerging as a top five playmaker at his position. For now, the nod goes to the longer track record, with Adams clearly among the game’s best No. 1 wideouts.
Calvin Ridley works as well.
When he’s healthy, he’ll give you more fight and crunch-time results than most of the other options here, all of which are good: Amari Cooper, Kenny Golladay, Deebo Samuel.
This once belonged firmly to Ramsey (now No. 5). It deserves more competition.
Not a ton of other options. Zeke needs a big year to confirm he remains a top 10 ball-carrier.
Christian McCaffrey is more versatile, but Henry is more fearsome.
The most elite cover man in a decent crop of them: Marshon Lattimore, William Jackson III, Joe Haden, Kyle Fuller, Logan Ryan.
Close call with a bunch of top-flight corners, including James Bradberry, Stephon Gilmore and Marcus Peters.
Richard Sherman’s run is over. Howard is motivated after several years of top production on the outside.
His health this year will go a long way in determining whether he remains the top dog in 2022. Other names to watch: Miles Sanders, Asante Samuel Jr., Shaquill Griffin.
A good, solid secondary number, with Malcolm Jenkins and Xavier Rhodes other considerations.
He brings more explosiveness when healthy than fellow RB Josh Jacobs.
A pretty uninspiring number, as Cohen is coming off a lost season. Jaquiski Tartt, Casey Hayward and Kendall Fuller are alternatives.
Austin Ekeler is awesome for the Chargers when healthy, but Bates has quietly emerged as a steady playmaker.
Look out for Antoine Winfield Jr. down the road.
Apparently the 30s are made for rangy safeties. Seahawks RB Chris Carson gets honorable mention.
Jamal Adams once looked like a lock here. Now, there’s no question: Cook is one of the NFL’s premier playmakers.
Somehow, he’s held this spot for years on end. Rex Burkhead and Malcolm Brown are your other options.
Underrated player. Eagles backup Boston Scott is the only true competition.
Another quiet standout in Baltimore.
He’s due for a big year as the headliner of New England’s backfield.
Not a popular number, but Carrie has fared well in a tough Colts secondary.
Few defensive backs have hovered around the ball as well.
The youngster is due for an expanded role in Baltimore’s stingy “D.”
When you’re one of the NFL’s most slippery and explosive ball-carriers, you can make any number look cool.
An oft-overlooked piece of Baltimore’s NFL-pacing rushing attack.
Haason Reddick is another name to watch, so long as his 2020 wasn’t a flash in the pan.
Who said No. 1 corners can’t wear jerseys in the 40s?
You can also argue for Devin White, who appears to have the higher ceiling after a promising postseason.
The longtime snapper for Justin Tucker field goals in Baltimore, he’s entering his 12th NFL season.
He hasn’t been nearly as good as his numbers suggest, but he’s still a proven inside starter.
Let’s see if his Steelers ascension can translate to the Titans’ front.
He’s still got things to prove, but you can do a lot worse at this position (and jersey number).
50 — Vita Vea, Buccaneers DT
If he can stay healthy, he should anchor Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl-caliber front.
He brings the most potential to a New York pass rush group that needs his help immediately.
Still a terrorizing presence for offensive lines. Look out for Washington rookie Jamin Davis down the road.
One of the nastiest, most reliable players at his position.
Just an absolutely loaded number, with a handful of elite linebackers: Eric Kendricks, Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David, Dont’a Hightower.
Take your pick of any premium defensive starter: Chandler Jones, Bradley Chubb, Brandon Graham, Devin Bush, Anthony Barr.
Few offensive linemen are as powerful and reliable.
Maybe one of the most underrated up-and-coming linebackers in the NFL.
Von Miller is probably interchangeable here (and certainly has the all-time edge), but Barrett is still just hitting his prime.
Green Bay should be a nice fit after a detour in Arizona.
Pave the way for Henry.
Murray is thankful for his arrival.
The run on centers continues. Kelce remains ever athletic and feisty.
Maybe the Chargers’ best addition of 2021.
64 — JC Tretter, Browns C
You could form a whole All-Pro O-line with all these centers in the 60s!
Prone to injury and slip-ups, he’s still one of the game’s best right tackles.
Not necessarily elite, but a solid starter for a championship lineup.
Nothing special here, but Pugh has experience on Arizona’s revamped front.
One of several underrated pieces on Detroit’s O-line.
This man helps keep Rodgers happy.
Still one of the game’s top interior blockers when he’s on the field.
One of the biggest, baddest blind-side blockers when healthy. Ryan Ramczyk is a nice 1A. Jedrick Wills Jr. is a name to watch, too.
72 — Garett Bolles, Broncos OT
Terron Armstead and Taylor Moton also warrant consideration as top tackles.
Rams OG David Edwards is a name to keep an eye on down the road.
74 — Ali Marpet, Buccaneers OG
Another rock-solid piece of a championship front. The Packers’ Elgton Jenkins is also on the rise.
Tough call between him and Washington Pro Bowler Brandon Scherff. Both guys are maulers for good O-lines.
There’s a reason Wilson wants Seattle to pay him.
Lots of good blockers here, when they’re healthy: Tyron Smith, Taylor Lewan, Andrew Whitworth.
The Colts’ Ryan Kelly and Browns’ Jack Conklin could easily be slotted in here as well.
Brandon Brooks is honorable mention.
For a prime WR number, No. 80 is sorely lacking starting-caliber options outside of the Browns’ sure-handed target.
Only Jonnu Smith, Gerald Everett and Austin Hooper offer competition. Another underwhelming crop for a big WR number.
Perhaps another breakout is in store for Thomas, who just edges Kyle Rudolph and Jamison Crowder.
Tyler Boyd is probably still underrated, but Waller is now one of the steadiest pass targets in the entire NFL.
Irv Smith Jr. might be due for a big year in Minnesota, but Davis has proven he belongs as a starter on the outside.
No matter who’s throwing passes in 2021, he’s bound to return to Pro Bowl form.
Yes, he was hurt and ineffective for much of 2020, but he didn’t die. This is still a reliable target when healthy.
He’s aged like a fine wine. Who’s betting against another 1,000-yard season this year?
Be prepared for a big year out of the second-year target. Dallas Goedert and Mike Gesicki will have to wait.
Unless Kadarius Toney explodes as a rookie in New York, this number should stick with Andrews for a while.
90 — T.J. Watt, Steelers OLB
A prime number for big-time pass rushers, but none are more special than Watt. Alternatives: DeMarcus Lawrence, Jason Pierre-Paul.
He’s not always as dominant as he should be, but you’re still talking about a Pro Bowl talent.
Not a ton of competition for this spot. Davenport is still trying to live up to his first-round reputation.
Calais Campbell owns the all-time edge, but Allen is a force on Washington’s ferocious front.
New Vikings DT Dalvin Tomlinson has a chance to make noise here playing alongside Danielle Hunter.
Close call with Chiefs DT Chris Jones, another disruptive force, but you always want a premium edge rusher.
A sturdy piece of a stingy front.
Older brother Joey Bosa has done more, and neither Cameron Heyward nor Kenny Clark are slouches. But Nick is due for a monster return from injury after shining as a rookie.
Fellow former Vikings lineman Sheldon Richardson would’ve gotten consideration as well, had he not switched to No. 9.
Had Danielle Hunter stayed healthy in 2020, he might’ve been in the mix here. He’s not the only top talent worthy of an honorable mention, either: DeForest Buckner, Chase Young and J.J. Watt all share No. 99 with the freakish Donald.
