The best NFL players of the first quarter of the 21st century include two former Alabama stars, according to Pro Football Focus.
The All-PFF team is based on the organization’s grading of every player on every play in every game since 2006, so some compensation had to be given for players who appeared in the first six seasons of the century.
The all-star team of players with the highest grades at each position during the time period included Crimson Tide alumni Derrick Henry at running back and Julio Jones as one of the three wide receivers. Former West Alabama standout Tyreek Hill joined Antonio Brown as the other wide receivers.
Over the past nine seasons, Henry ran for 11,423 yards and 106 touchdowns on 2,355 carries and caught 174 passes for 1,651 yards and five touchdowns. Henry’s first eight seasons came with the Tennessee Titans, and he played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
A former Foley High School standout, Jones had 914 receptions for 13,703 yards and 66 touchdowns from 2011 through 2023. Jones played his first 10 seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, then had one each with the Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Over the past nine seasons, Hill had 798 receptions for 11,098 yards and 82 touchdowns. He also had seven rushing touchdowns, four punt-return touchdowns and one kickoff-return touchdown. Hill’s first six seasons came with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he’s spent the past three with the Miami Dolphins.
Former Homewood High School and Alabama standout Evan Mathis graded as the No. 2 left guard, finishing behind Logan Mankins. Mathis played for six NFL teams from 2005 through 2016.
