Drew Brees is considered by his peers to be the best quarterback in the NFL.
The NFL Network’s list of Top 100 players, which is voted on annually by the players, wrapped up its list on Wednesday night as the Top 10 was revealed. The New Orleans Saints quarterback came in No. 2 overall which was the highest-ranking of any quarterback in the Top 100.
Brees is two spots higher than 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and four spots higher than six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.
Brees, who was ranked No. 8 last year, is coming off a season in which he ranked first in overall passer rating, first in fourth-quarter passer rating, led the NFL with seven fourth-quarter/overtime game-winning drives, and ranked second in interception percentage.
Brees also became the only player in NFL history to have 350 passing yards, three touchdowns, two rushing TDs with zero interceptions in a game against arch-rival Atlanta.
Brees also broke Peyton Manning’s all-time passing record of 71,940 yards during a 43-19 win over the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football and picked up his franchise-record 11th Pro Bowl selection as a Saints.
Brees was joined on the NFL Network’s Top 100 players by wide receiver Michael Thomas (No. 13), running back Alvin Kamara (No.. 14), and defensive end Cameron Jordan (No. 41).
Thomas, who signed a $100 million deal on Wednesday, jumped 68 spots on the list after coming in at No. 81 in 2018. Thomas is coming off a record-breaking season in which he hauled in 125 receptions for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns while setting single-season franchise records for receptions and receiving yards.
Kamara, who was ranked No. 20 last year, led the Saints in rushing last season with 883 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also finishing second on the team in receiving with 82 catches for 692 yards and four touchdowns.
Jordan meanwhile finished the 2018 season with 12 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and 49 tackles. Jordan earned second-team All-Pro honors and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time.