theScore's Top 100 NFL Players of 2015: 2 teams dominate top 10

The Top 100 NFL Players of 2015 were selected by a panel of theScore's NFL editors including Arun Srinivasan, Dan Wilkins, David P. Woods and Justin Boone based on the individual players' performance this past regular season.

theScore's Top 100 NFL Players of 2015

• 100-71
• 70-51
• 50-31
• 30-11
• 10-1

Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
69 tackles, 11 sacks

Few players have been able to assert themselves in the NFL like Donald has done in his first two seasons. The impact he's able to make from the interior of the defensive line borders on supernatural, so it shouldn't be surprising that he received a 99.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. Instead, we're left to wonder - how long until he attains perfection? - Boone

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
72 catches, 1,176 yards receiving, 11 TDs

Gronkowski is arguably the most dangerous weapon in the NFL. He once again emerged as Tom Brady's primary target, breaking off 22 receptions of 20 or more yards, while running around, past, and over defenders. Although it's seldom brought up, Gronkowski could be the best blocking tight end in NFL history, and helped an anemic Patriots offensive line protect Brady - particularly during the second half of the year. Until proven otherwise, Gronkowski is the NFL's premier tight end by a comically wide margin. - Srinivasan

Josh Norman, CB, Panthers
56 tackles, 4 INTs, 3 FF, 18 PD

Norman bet on himself and turned down a long-term extension before the season. The move paid off as well as it possibly could have: The cornerback enjoyed the best season of his career and became a household name, thanks not only to elite shutdown play but also plenty of self-promotion and a well-publicized war with Odell Beckham Jr. - Woods

Luke Kuechly, LB, Panthers
118 tackles, 1 sack, 4 INTs, 2 FF, 10 PD

Kuechly may have been in position for his second Defensive Player of the Year award had he not missed three games with injury. The Panthers star once again showed why he's the league's best off-ball linebacker, dominating in both run support and pass coverage. Still just 24 years old, he's only going to keep getting better. - Wilkins

Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
136 catches, 1,871 yards receiving, 8 TDs

If you're ever in Atlanta, Julio Jones' one-man show is a must-see. His 2015 season was one of the greatest ever by a receiver, as he finished with the second-most catches and second-most receiving yards of all time. The fact that Antonio Brown had an equally impressive campaign may have caused fans to overlook how truly remarkable these performances were. - Boone

Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals
4,671 yards passing, 35 TDs, 11 INTs

If not for Cam Newton's historic season and Eric Berry's remarkable return from cancer, Palmer might have taken home MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year honors. Don't forget that only two Novembers ago, Palmer suffered the second torn ACL of his career, leading some to speculate he would never be the same. Palmer didn't just return to the same level of play in less than a year; he surpassed it. In his age-36 season, Palmer threw for career highs in yards and touchdowns, and orchestrated an offense that finished first in the NFL in total yards and second in total points. - Woods

J.J. Watt, DE, Texans
76 tackles, 17.5 sacks, 3 FF

Watt is the single most dominant defensive player of his era. The Texans superstar became the second player to capture three Defensive Player of the Year awards after Lawrence Taylor. Although Watt consistently faced double teams, it made little difference, as his pass-rushing acumen, speed, size, and strength were too much to plan for. It's unfathomable that the Texans would have captured the AFC South without Watt shredding his competition. - Srinivasan

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
4,770 yards passing, 36 TDs, 7 INTs

As his fellow veteran signal-callers enter the downside, and potential end, of their pro careers, Brady has continued to perform as one of the NFL's elite. His 16th season was quite easily among the best of his Hall of Fame career, managing an impressive level of production across the board despite being without his top receiver for the last seven games. There may not be an end in sight for Brady's dominance. - Wilkins

Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
136 catches, 1,834 yards receiving, 10 TDs

Exceptional seasons are nothing new for Brown, but this year, he tied for the league lead in receptions and posted the third-most receiving yards ever while playing a portion of his games with Landry Jones and an over-the-hill Michael Vick. It's a level of consistency few pass-catchers will ever accomplish. Had Brown not been held out of the divisional round of the playoffs due to a concussion, the Steelers may have prevented the Broncos from making their Super Bowl run. - Boone

Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
3,837 yards passing, 35 TDs, 10 INTs, 636 yards rushing, 10 TDs

Newton was at the forefront of a revolution, bridging the gap between a traditional pocket passer and a mobile quarterback. Newton was the primary reason for the Panthers' 15-1 season and defied notions of what a star quarterback ought to look like, both on and off the field. Newton brought the best out of a largely nondescript wide receiver corps as the Panthers led the league in scoring offense with 31.3 points per game. Newton's post-touchdown celebrations were the subject of national attention, and after winning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, 2015 was simply Cam's year. - Srinivasan