2024 Pre-Season Rank #89, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #117, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #143.  Peak: 18-19/21-23

The first year of Joe Mixon’s career in Houston netted the former Sooner his first Pro Bowl since 2021, off a year where he broke 1,000 Yards (1,016) for the fifth time and 11 Touchdowns.  Mixon has been consistent over his eight NFL seasons, but at no time has he been considered a top-five Running Back.  This has to change, or he will have to go the Frank Gore route of compiling.  Considering he is starting 2025 on the IR, it will be a tall task.

2024 Pre-Season Rank #50, 2023 Pre-Season Rank #101, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #130.  Peak Period: 2020-24

Since he debuted in 2020, Justin Jefferson has accumulated more Receiving Yards (7,432) than any other Wide Receiver.  He is also the current all-time leader in Receiving Yards per Game (96.5).   He is also in his prime.

Except for 2023, when he only played 10 Games, Jefferson has been named to the Pro Bowl annually, was the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year, the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, and is a two-time First Team All-Pro.  This man is a star!

Barring injury, Justin Jefferson has the tools to replicate his first half-decade from 2025 to 2029.   If he does, that bust is a lock.

2024 Pre-Season Rank #98, 2023 Pre-Season Rank: #107, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #111.  Peak Period: 2020-24

After a good rookie year in 2020, Taylor exploded, leading the NFL in Rushing Yards (1,811) and Rushing Touchdowns (18), and a Running Back needs a year like this to place you on the tips of tongues of Hall of Fame voters.  In 2022, Taylor had a great start to the season but was held to 11 Games due to ankle issues. In 2023, he held out, delaying his start until that year.

We said last year that one monstrous season does not make a Hall of Fame career for a player, and Taylor would have to reclaim that 2021 magic for a serious Hall of Fame list jump.   He did, with a bounce-back 1,431-yard/11-touchdown year and a return to the Pro Bowl.