2023 Pre-Season Rank #92, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #133, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #146.  Peak Period: 2019-23

Smith was a Second-Team All-Pro for two years in a row (2020-21), but as good as he was, the Bears were not, and Smith and Chicago became disenchanted with each other. Chicago traded Smith to the Ravens during the season, and it was by far the best year of his career, with a career-high in Approximate Value (17) and landing a First-Team All-pro. 

Smith followed it with his second First-Team All-pro selection and his third consecutive year with 150-plus Combined Tackles. Moving forward, if Smith can remain the league’s top Middle Linebacker over the next three seasons, this is a Hall of Fame player.

2023 Pre-Season Rank #119, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #119, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #133.  Peak Period: 2015-19

After eight years in Minnesota, Eric Kendricks joined the Los Angeles Chargers but enters this season with Dallas. However, any Hall of Fame talk (if any) has stalled since his monster 2019 season. Has he done enough for the Vikings to honor him in some capacity in the future?

2023 Pre-Season Rank #60, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #91, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #143. Peak Period: 2018-22

Bitonio is now on a six-year run of Pro Bowls, and two years ago, he put forth his best campaign to date with his second First Team All-Pro nod.  No other Offensive Linemen have risen more over the last two seasons than the guard, who has been Cleveland's most consistent figure in the past six years.

2023 Pre-Season Rank #57, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #107, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #143. Peak Period 2017-18/2021-23

Johnson had a three-year streak in Pro Bowls (2017-19) and added two more in the last two years.  With a Super Bowl Ring in tow and Jason Kelce’s departure, Johnson is now the leader of the Eagles’ Offensive Line, and a strong showing by Johnson and Philly will see the Tackle greatly increase his chances.