Our own Seattle Seahawks linebacker, Ernest Jones IV, just landed squarely on the NFL Network's Top 100 list for 2026, clocking in at an impressive No. 97. Forget the noise, this is real validation for a guy who’s been balling out for the Emerald City defense!
Jones IV Cracks the League's Elite and He's Not Alone
This isn't just some random list; it's the NFL Top 100, and for Jones to make his debut at #97 tells you everything you need to know about his impact. Think about it: our guy is already being recognized among the league's absolute best. He’s up there with names like New Orleans Saints DE Cameron Jordan at #100, Indianapolis Colts OG Quenton Nelson at #99, and Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young at #98. This isn't just a nod for Jones; it's a statement for the Seahawks defense heading into the 2026 season. It means respect. It means the league is watching what we're building here under Coach Macdonald.
Wild Swings Across the League: Lamar's Tumble and McKinney's Money
While Jones is climbing, some established stars are seeing some wild movement. Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who was sitting at No. 2 just last year in 2025, plummeted all the way down to #69. Talk about a fall! That's a massive drop for a talent like that. And then there's Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who cracked the Top 100 list for the second straight year, landing right at No. 70. McKinney was an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his first season with the Packers, making the New York Giants look pretty silly for letting him walk as a free agent.
His 2025 season wasn't quite as flashy as his 2024 campaign, where he racked up eight interceptions, but he still put up 107 combined tackles and two picks. The man is a stingy pass defender, too. Pro Football Reference data shows opposing quarterbacks completed only 57.5 percent of their throws against him, with a meager 69.2 passer rating. McKinney's contract runs through 2027, with a massive $24.8 million cap hit in that final year. Only Kyle Hamilton of the Ravens and Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Buccaneers have higher cap numbers for safeties, so he’s definitely a prime candidate for a contract restructure or a short extension to bump up that pay even more.
What This Means for the Hawks' Season
With the regular season kicking off, seeing Ernest Jones IV get this kind of recognition is a huge boost. It sets the tone, plain and simple. It tells our opponents they're not just facing a defense; they're facing a defense with a certified Top 100 playmaker leading the charge. Expect Jones to play with that fire and intensity that earned him this spot, making every tackle, every pass breakup, and every defensive stop count. The 12s are ready for it, and so is Jones!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.