With 100 days left until the NFL regular-season kickoff, there’s still plenty to sort out.
Minicamps, training camps and preseason are all ahead in the coming months. But lots of players have already created a buzz for themselves ahead of that time.
Here’s a look at the 100 most anticipated player performances of 2015. Note that this is not a ranking of players – the list skews toward quarterbacks and away from offensive linemen.
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100. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Patriots: Tom Brady’s replacement might be higher on this list if he were slated to start more than four games. Garoppolo still figures to be one of the most heavily discussed players of the first quarter of the season.
99. Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers: Taking over for the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher in Frank Gore is no easy task. But Hyde showed a promising ability to break tackles and grind out extra yards as a rookie.
98. Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle, RBs, Cowboys: DeMarco Murray earned plenty of his yards in 2014, but one of the league’s best lines made his life easy. Now it’s up to McFadden and Randle to keep the Cowboys’ ground attack going.
97. Lavonte David, OLB, Buccaneers: David was easy to overlook amid the disaster that was the Buccaneers’ season. But he’s one year removed from an all-pro effort and has helped open the door for undersized outside linebackers.
96. Thomas Davis, OLB, Panthers: Despite turning 32 in March and having torn his ACL three times in his career, Davis shows no signs of slowing down. He won’t receive the same plaudits given to teammate Luke Kuechly, but he remains one of the league’s top sideline-to-sideline playmakers.
95. Harrison Smith, S, Vikings: Smith has been stellar from the outset of his career with the Vikings. On a defense filled with potential rising young stars, Smith might be the most promising player.
94. Calais Campbell, DE, Cardinals: Given his responsibilities in the 3-4, Campbell’s sack numbers (43.5 in the last six seasons) and highlight reels will never match that of the league’s best pass rushers. But he gives the Cardinals everything they need and more from his position.
93. Joe Haden, CB, Browns: Cleveland is in need of cornerstones, and it has at least one in the 26-year-old Haden. One year into a massive contract extension, Haden carries great expectations in his showdowns with top receivers for years to come.
92. Geno Smith, QB, Jets: With a new coaching staff and upgraded weapons, the Jets’ offense has the supporting cast it needs to be competitive. Now it’s time to find out whether Smith is the right quarterback to lead the group.
91. Bobby Wagner, MLB, Seahawks: Wagner memorably earned Tony Dungy’s MVP vote last season, which helped drive attention to the overlooked linebacker. Though he likely won’t find himself in the tally this season, Wagner keys the league’s best defense.
90. Dont’a Hightower, OLB, Patriots: Hightower had offseason shoulder surgery, but he had a remarkable 12-game run last season for the Patriots. He’ll be depended on in a Patriots defense that lost key parts in the offseason.
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89. Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: Cutler is the rare signal-caller who doubles down on his poor-decision making, with his errors coming in bunches. Whether the Bears’ new regime reins in his overly daring tendencies, Cutler always finds a way to the spotlight.
88. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs: Signing the speedy Maclin seemed like the easy answer for upgrading a wide receiving corps that didn’t catch a single touchdown last year. If the risk-averse Alex Smith can’t trust Maclin, bigger changes are needed.
87. Fletcher Cox, DE, Eagles: Cox hasn’t earned national attention for his play, but he’s the Eagles’ best defender and one of the NFL’s best 3-4 defensive ends. At 24, his game still has plenty of room to grow.
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86. Jairus Byrd, S, Saints: New Orleans’ biggest offseason addition played in just four games last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He’ll be counted on to upgrade the 25th-ranked pass defense.
85. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs: Kelce starred in his first season of action while playing a limited role. With Anthony Fasano gone, Kelce could emerge as the league’s third-best tight end this season.
84. DeSean Jackson, WR, Redskins: Jay Gruden’s balanced offense might not allow Jackson to duplicate last season’s numbers. But few players are as exciting in the open field (or in interviews) as the 5-10 burner.
83. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: Even during the Falcons’ two-year run of strife, Ryan has remained a steadying presence. New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan likely will put Ryan in some new situations, with fewer straight dropbacks than the quarterback is accustomed to.
82. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans: Hopkins proved his worth of becoming a No. 1 receiver, as he emerged as one of the league’s best jump-ball threats. But it won’t be easy to make fans forget all-time favorite Andre Johnson.
81. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings: Bridgewater’s close to the season likely left some teams regretting their decision to pass on him in the 2014 NFL draft. Steady under pressure, Bridgewater could take a leap forward as a reliable game manager in Norv Turner’s offense.
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80. Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Redskins: Brian Orakpo’s departure should give Kerrigan the attention he’s due. He could become one of the top free agents available if he hits the market after this season.
79. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: Green is an acrobatic pass-catcher, but his entertinment value is capped by his quarterback, Andy Dalton. If Green had a more proficient passer, he’d be a threat to crack the top 25.
78. Robert Mathis, OLB, Colts: A torn Achilles cost Mathis his follow-up campaign to a 19.5-sack year in 2013. Mathis, 34, might not return to Pro Bowl form, but the Colts need everything he can muster against opposing quarterbacks.
77. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys: Witten’s career has been marked by astounding consistency, though his numbers took a slight hit last season. Is another dip coming, or will Witten make his 11th Pro Bowl?
76. Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals: The Cardinals’ season can neatly be divided into two sections – the promising 8-1 start under Palmer’s guidance and the disappointing 3-4 finish and early playoff exit that followed his Week 10 torn ACL. Palmer is far from a dynamic threat, but he’s the only man on the roster who can execute in Bruce Arians’ vertical system.
75. NaVorro Bowman, ILB, 49ers: Bowman was a three-time all-pro and rising star before a multi-ligament knee injury in the 2013 NFC Championship Game sidelined him for all of last season. Even if he doesn’t return to his previous level, he’ll be needed on a 49ers defense gutted by retirements and free agency.
74. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins: Tannehill checked off nearly every trait except mastery of the deep ball in his 27-touchdown campaign last year. After the Dolphins gave Tannehill a contract extension and overhauled receiving corps, the signal-caller’s progress will be a determining factor in Miami’s ability to make a playoff push.
73. Mario Williams, OLB, Bills: Rex Ryan’s arrival pushes Williams back to outside linebacker, but he’ll still be one of the league’s most feared pass rushers on one of its best front sevens. Williams could be deployed in several interesting forms by Ryan, who lacked a dynamic edge threat in his final years with the Jets.
72. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: Long saddled with subpar quarterbacks, Fitzgerald was overdue for a quarterback of Carson Palmer’s caliber. Though Fitzgerald will someday cede to John Brown and Michael Floyd, don’t expect it to be this season.
71. Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers: The NFL’s 30th-ranked rushing offense was in dire need of a shake-up. Gordon should see experience his share of rookie struggles, but he also adds an electric element that’s long been missing from the Chargers’ ground game.
70. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Lions: Ansah was easy to miss on the same line as Ndamukong Suh for the No. 2 defense. With Suh in Miami, Ansah should earn more attentions for his exploits – if he can keep them up.
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69. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers: Sandwiched between Sammy Watkins and Odell Beckham Jr. in a stellar receiver class, Evans would have been easy to miss in Tampa Bay. But the tall target finished the season on a tear that makes him one to watch in 2015.
68. Eric Weddle, S, Chargers: Weddle made waves this offseason with his lobbying for a new contract, but the Chargers wouldn’t budge. That could prove to a be a tactical error if Weddle stars before heading into free agency.
67. Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers: Asked to handle more offensive responsibilities, Kaepernick unraveled and was one of the many catalysts for the 49ers’ downfall last season. Kaepernick should be one of the league’s more electrifying presences at quarterback, especially if the team asks him to run more as planned.
66. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Giants: Pierre-Paul is one of the league’s most unpredictable pass rushers, and not always in a pleasant way for the Giants. Hit with the franchise tag after a 12.5-sack year, Pierre-Paul must show the consistency that has eluded him since his breakout 2011 campaign.
65. Terrell Suggs, OLB, Ravens: Any player willing to get fined for wearing a gladiator helmet is worth the price of admission. If that player has the résumé of Suggs, who eclipsed 100 career sacks last season, all the better.
64. Randall Cobb, WR, Packers: Many wide receivers in Cobb’s shoes this past offsesaon would have fled to a lesser team for more money and a larger role. But Cobb’s decision to remain in Green Bay adds to his intrigue.
63. Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Jets: Wilkerson’s contract standoff with the Jets overshadowed another outstanding season. Though Gang Green has some flexibility with rookie DE Leonard Williams on board, Wilkerson would be a key piece in new coach Todd Bowles’ defense.
62. Devin McCourty, S, Patriots: McCourty’s return was the one move that kept the Patriots’ secondary from collapsing after it lost both Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency. The best bet is for McCourty to remain at safety, but his intrigue jumps if the Patriots have him dabble at cornerback.
61. Vontae Davis, CB, Colts: Davis approached shutdown corner status at times last season. He’ll once again benefit from a soft schedule in the AFC South, but he’s one of the most important assets when the Colts take on the league’s best.
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60. Aldon Smith, OLB, 49ers: Smith’s poor off-field decision making has superseded his immense pass rushing talent as his defining characteristic. The pass rusher needs to stay in the 49ers’ good graces with a productive season without incident.
59. Cameron Wake, DE, Dolphins: Wake has established himself as one of the league’s pre-eminent threats off the edge. Now able to line up next to Ndamukong Suh, Wake could rattle a lot of offenses.
58. Frank Gore, RB, Colts: An about-face from agreeing to a deal with the Eagles to signing with the Colts made Gore one of the offseason’s more bizarre stories. The Colts should give Gore plenty of opportunities to prove what he has left at 32 and with 2,442 career carries to his name.
57. Brandon Marshall, WR, Jets: New York bought low on Marshall but could see immediate returns on its investment. Marshall gives the Jets the true No. 1 receiver they have long lacked, and he could be the face of a vastly improved offense.
56. Chris Harris, CB, Broncos: Harris earned a substantial contract after grading out as ProFootballFocus’ top cornerback last season. Entering his fifth year, Harris has become one of the most difficult defensive backs to burn for a long gain.
55. Sean Lee, OLB, Cowboys: Lee could be in line for a noteworthy return after tearing his ACL before last season. A move to the weak side should free him up to make more plays in space.
54. Michael Bennett, DE, Seahawks: Bennett is locked in what appears to be a losing battle with the Seahawks regarding his contract, but there’s little question that he deserves a significant payday. Few pass rushers can match his versatility and power.
53. Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers: With an ability to push the pile and surprising agility, Lacy sometimes looks a bellcow back. Even with Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay puts a premium on establishing an offensive balance.
52. Robert Quinn, DE, Rams: Quinn is the unquestioned standout of the league’s most formidable defensive line. With rare physical tools, Quinn should be one of the most productive pass rushers for years to come.
51. Marcell Dareus, DT, Bills: If there’s a defensive line capable of challenging the Rams, it might just be the Bills. Dareus should remain a disruptive force despite his one-game suspension to start the year.
50. Nick Foles, QB, Rams: Foles’ time as an NFL starter has always been marked by mystery. No longer leading Chip Kelly’s attack, Foles will be closely monitored in St. Louis to see if his skill set translates to a different system.
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49. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts: Hilton is among the diminutive receivers who have shown that size isn’t a prerequisite for success at the position today. Even with Andre Johnson replacing the heavily targeted Reggie Wayne, Hilton should carve out a significant role this season.
48. Byron Maxwell, CB, Eagles: The Seahawks couldn’t afford to pay all their free agents over the years, and Maxwell was one who was bound to get away. Now he’ll be tasked with facing Odell Beckham Jr., Dez Bryant and DeSean Jackson in the NFC East.
47. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams: If a torn ACL hasn’t slowed Gurley down, he has a rare package of skills for a rookie running back. He’ll be worth checking in on as soon as he plays to see whether he looks like the same player he was at Georgia.
46. Greg Hardy, DE, Cowboys: Hardy is serving a 10-game suspension and his very presence on the Cowboys has created a stir. There’s little telling what Hardy will be able to contribute after his extended absence – he missed all but one game last season while on the Commissioner’s exempt list.
45. Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans: Mariota was finely dissected in the pre-draft process, yet few were left with a clear picture of what he might be as an NFL quarterback. Given his lack of offensive support, any progress Mariota can establish in Year 1 will be considered a win.
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44. Sheldon Richardson, DE, Jets: At 24, Richardson has already put his remarkable athleticism on display in his two years with the Jets. His career track should only take off further under Todd Bowles.
43. Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys: Will the Cowboys turn back to their old pass-happy formula with DeMarco Murray gone? Dallas might need to lean on Romo more this season, but it can’t afford to put him in harm’s way.
42. C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos: Anderson averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season, among the league’s best for running backs. Gary Kubiak’s zone-blocking scheme should pave the way for a big season for Anderson.
41. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons: Jones was dominant down the stretch in 2014, most notably in an 11-catch, 259-yard performance against the Packers. New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has shown a willingness to feed his top receiver over the years, and Jones is up for the task.
40. Patrick Peterson, CB, Cardinals: Peterson quickly put to rest any questions of where he stood relative to Richard Sherman with a lackluster season. But he remains a dynamic playmaker with outstanding physical tools, and a year of humility might have helped him.
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39. Aaron Donald, DT, Rams: Even as Defensive Rookie of the Year, Donald outpaced any expectations he faced in his first year. His explosion off the line of scrimmage makes him a genuine joy to watch.
38. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers: Nelson’s ascension to one of the league’s best wide receivers has been quiet yet undeniable. Of course, playing with Aaron Rodgers helps.
37. Khalil Mack, OLB, Raiders: If Mack weren’t relegated to obscurity in college at Buffalo before experiencing it as a rookie with the Raiders, he’d receive national acclaim for his well-rounded play. A Pro Bowl appearance in his second season is well within reach.
36. Jadeveon Clowney, OLB, Texans: Limited to just four games as a rookie, the former No. 1 overall pick still faces an uncertain future after undergoing December microfracture surgery. Texans coaches and fans are still craving for the pass-rushing terror they saw at South Carolina.
35. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos: Thomas, 27, is in his prime, but how will he fare with Peyton Manning now well past his own? GM John Elway’s comments criticizing Thomas, who stayed away from team activities after being given the franchise tag, add to the intrigue surrounding the wide receiver.
34. Gerald McCoy, DT, Buccaneers: McCoy is the only interior defensive lineman capable of rivaling Ndamukong Suh, though he receives a fraction of the acclaim. Tampa Bay’s second crack at Lovie Smith’s Cover-2 defense should give McCoy some of the help he needs.
33. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: Rivers’ offseason refusal to move his family to Los Angeles should the Chargers move set the rumor mill in motion, but San Diego appears set with its signal-caller. Now the Chargers must figure out what they can do to put Rivers back on the MVP pace he began the season with last year.
32. Earl Thomas, S, Seahawks: Every team wants an Earl Thomas. Though Richard Sherman is more closely followed, Thomas is worth tracking for all the freedoms he affords the rest of the Seahawks’ defense.
31. Le’Veon Bell, RB, Steelers: Sidelined for three games by a suspension, Bell will be sorely missed by the Steelers to start the year. His diverse skills make him an essential every-down back.
30. Luke Kuechly, MLB, Panthers: Next to J.J. Watt, Kuechly might be the young defender best set up for a long reign. At 24, Kuechly already has been named Defensive Player of the Year and has mastered his role on the Panthers.
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29. Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers: Manziel Mania might have outranked Winston’s rookie season in hype, but the Browns quarterback never carried the same expectations as this year’s No. 1 overall pick. With a lackluster running game and defense still under repair, Winston could find himself in plenty of shootouts in his first year.
28. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: Big Ben played at an MVP level at times last season, posting nine games with 300 yards or more and a career best 32-9 TD-INT ratio. Roethlisberger now has to show he’s capable of sustaining the levels he’s proven he can reach.
27. Andre Johnson, WR, Colts: Johnson’s separation from the Texans and subsequent signing with the division rival Colts is an all-timer for vindictiveness. Expect the seven-time Pro Bowl pick to play with an edge similar to the one Steve Smith showed with the Ravens last season.
26. Von Miller, OLB, Broncos: Miller’s best days as a pass rusher might be right around the corner. New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips should be more aggressive than Jack Del Rio was, which should mean more opportunities for Miller to do what he does best: go after the quarterback.
25. Cam Newton, QB, Panthers: Perpetually roughed-up, Newton enters another season with a world-beater attitude and little protection in front of him. That combination is cause for excitement and concern.
24. Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins: RG3 still has another season on his contract after his fifth-year option was picked up, but it’s difficult to envision this fractured relationship continuing unless progress is made this season. Another public call-out from Jay Gruden might be the tipping point.
23. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: Megatron is peerless in physical makeup among wide receivers, but some of his competition caught up to him in production. But when fully healthy, few players can alter a single play the way Johnson can.
22. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: A lackluster line prevented Charles from duplicating his past levels of production, but he’s still one of the league’s top rushers. If the Chiefs can show any semblance of a passing threat, Charles should have an easier go in 2015.
21. Drew Brees, QB, Saints: Pinning blame on Brees is almost sacrilegious in New Orleans, but the 36-year-old played a substantial part in the Saints’ collapse last year. After the organization’s offseason of baffling moves, Brees must prove that he and the Saints haven’t missed their window to compete for another title.
20. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: What is a fully healthy Gronk capable of (other than partying)? No longer on the comeback from past injuries, Gronkowski could be an even more fearsome player for the Patriots this season.
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19. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks: Lynch turned 29 in the offseason, and there’s a lingering uncertainty about when he’ll begin to slow down given his 2,033 career carries. Still, there’s no duplicating his violent running style.
18. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys: It’s a shame that Dez Bryant’s 2014 season might be remembered for his “no catch” controversy. Maybe receiving the franchise tag will push Bryant to new heights this year.
17. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks: Whatever comes of his contract situation, Wilson will be in an enviable position. Jimmy Graham’s arrival gives Wilson the most options for attacking a defense he has ever had in Seattle.
16. Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets: How’s this for a homecoming? With a Super Bowl ring from his year for the Patriots, Revis sparked the hopes for a defensive revival in New York with his return.
15. DeMarco Murray, RB, Eagles: A reigning rushing leader departing in free agency is an odd occurrence, even more so when he’s headed to a division rival. Murray won’t have to carry the same workload as he did with the Cowboys, but he could be just as efficient.
14. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers: Brown’s slight frame might cause some to overlook him, but he can lay claim to being one of the most difficult offensive players to stop. After finishing with the second-most catches in a single season in 2014, he could put other records in jeopardy.
13. Sam Bradford, QB, Eagles: The Chip Kelly factor strikes again. Bradford on his own doesn’t warrant this high of a spot, but everyone wants to know why Kelly traded for him and what he’s capable of after missing two consecutive seasons.
12. Justin Houston, OLB, Chiefs: With a near-record 22 sacks, Houston would have been the easy choice for Defensive Player of the Year were it not for J.J. Watt’s incredible run. If the Chiefs don’t sign him to a long-term deal, Houston will be playing with even more motivation in his franchise-tag year.
11. LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills: McCoy’s trade to the Bills surprised almost everyone, including the parties involved. The running back’s various jabs in the media only make his Buffalo debut more anticipated.
10. Richard Sherman, CB, Seahawks: There’s no guarantee how much action Sherman will see in a given game. But with Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant, Jordy Nelson, Larry Fitzgerald and A.J. Green on the schedule this season, do you really want to miss any matchup?
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9. Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks: Graham doesn’t need to post big numbers to justify the big splash the Seahawks made by trading for him. If he cultivates a pick-your-poison attack that frees up Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, he’ll have earned his place.
8. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: Rodgers makes throws no one else in the NFL does. Even after an MVP year, there’s a distinct sense that more is yet to come.
7. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Dolphins: Colossal contract in place, Suh now will be monitored to see exactly how far his impact extends. Will his presence have a rippling effect in Miami?
6. Andrew Luck, QB, Colts: Luck is likely on the precipice of awards territory, and the Colts have given him reliable weapons in the offseason. Expectations are high, but Luck has cleared the bar almost every time thus far in his career.
5. Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos: An alarming finish to the season left many wondering what Manning has left. Regardless of how he fares, this could be a farewell tour for an eventual Hall of Famer.
4. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants: Beckham Jr. became appointment viewing in his rookie season despite the Giants’ underwhelming performance.
3. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots: If Brady and the Patriots were more loose-lipped, he would threaten for the top overall spot. Still, the five-time Super Bowl winner should provide plenty of entertainment in his return from his Deflategate suspension.
2. J.J. Watt, DE, Texans: Watt is on an unparalleled tear after recording 20.5 sacks and five touchdowns last season.
1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: Maybe Adrian Peterson won’t be the same after nearly a full season off and turning 30 in March. But he’s a generational talent who has shown a freakish ability to return to action. I doubt many will look elsewhere when Peterson takes the field.