It’s no secret the New England Patriots have one of the best defensive backfields in the game and now two of its members have been recognized for their achievements.
Over the weekend, NFL Network began its annual television countdown of the best 100 active players in the game as voted on by their peers and both JC Jackson and Stephon Gilmore made the list. Jackson landed at 49 overall while Gilmore came in just above him at 47.
Heading into 2020, Gilmore was ranked the ninth best player during last seasons countdown show, but fell in the rankings this year due to an injury that caused him to miss five games. Despite the down year, Gilmore earned yet another Pro Bowl selection, it was his fourth overall and third in New England.
As for Jackson, he had a breakout 2020 season that saw him record a career high nine interceptions and 37 total tackles over 11 starts in 16 games played. Jackson however, was curiously snubbed out of his own Pro Bowl selection.
Heading into 2021, both players will look to continue their dominance as a dynamic duo for the Patriots, but Gilmore is presently still dealing with a torn quad and hasn’t participated in any preseason activities so far while sitting on the physically able to perform (PUP) list.
Whether or not Gilmore sees any action before week one remains to be seen, especially as negotiations over a new contract continue in addition to his injury.
In case you missed the episode, you can view both Jackson and Gilmore’s segments from the “NFL Top 100 Players of 2021” show in the tweets below.
"He’s a ball hog, he is always finding the football."
As the highest ranked undrafted player on this year’s #NFLTop100, JC Jackson comes in at 49. pic.twitter.com/LzyqNV4i4B
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 16, 2021
"When he's in his zone, there's nothing like it."@BumpNrunGilm0re comes in at 47 on the #NFLTop100. pic.twitter.com/IvIif5BLZd
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 16, 2021
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
More Patriots News Headlines:
Patriots Notes 08-02: Maye, Brown Begin To Shine
By: Steve BalestrieriPatriots training camp: Drake Maye and A.J. Brown's chemistry builds, while Kayshon Boutte shines amid trade rumors. Mike Vrabel discusses practice.
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 7
By: Mark MorsePatriots Training Camp Day 7 featured Drake Maye's INTs, Romeo Doubs' standout day, and several injuries. Christian Gonzalez's contract talks continue.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 8/1
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on August 1, 2026:
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Practice Day 6
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Patriots Training Camp Day 6: Drake Maye's strong performance, Kayshon Boutte's emergence, and updates on key position battles and injuries.
TRANSCRIPT: Drake Maye Press Conference 7/31
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had to say during his press conference with the media on Friday, July…
