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2024 Players Top 50, Nos. 20-11: Where do top rookies land?

By PLL Beat Writers | Dec 16, 2024

Philadelphia Waterdogs midfielder Zach Currier

20. Zach Currier, Midfield, Philadelphia Waterdogs

2023 rank: 12th

The Swiss Army knife of midfielders. Whether you need him to shoot, pass, defend or even take a faceoff, Currier is the guy. His ability to play nearly anywhere on the field is what makes him such a valuable option for the Waterdogs’ midfield unit. Currier was a second-team All-Pro in 2024, finishing with 19 points (11G, 1T, 7A), 13 caused turnovers and 34 ground balls. -- Paul Lamonaca

Denver Outlaws rookie Brennan O'Neill

19. Brennan O'Neill, Attack, Denver Outlaws

2023 rank: NR

The first of many inclusions in the Top 50 for O’Neill. The prodigious talent entered the league with a casual 19-goal, 29-point rookie season, leading Denver back to the postseason. The craziest part is that he’s only scratching the surface of what he can do in the PLL. -- Topher Adams

Boston Cannons attackman Marcus Holman

18. Marcus Holman, Attack, Boston Cannons

2023 rank: fifth

Holman continues to defy time, delivering standout performances in his 12th professional season. In 2024, he ranked in the top 10 in points and was the Cannons' leading scorer. Holman's chemistry with fellow attackman Asher Nolting made them a formidable offensive duo, with Nolting assisting on nine of Holman's 10 goals early in the season. Holman surpassed 300 career goals this season, a testament to his consistent excellence. But of course, if you ask him, none of that matters much. Beyond his on-field achievements, Holman's leadership and experience have been invaluable to the Cannons as he guides younger players on and off the field. -- Sarah Griffin

New York Atlas defenseman Gavin Adler

17. Gavin Adler, Defense, New York Atlas

2023 rank: NR

Adler developed into the Atlas’ leader on defense this season after the unit failed to find its footing last year. He’s there to control traffic, pick up his teammates and — above all — win the one-on-one matchups. Adler is sneaky good at staying glued to his opponent no matter what picks come his way or commotion he’s run into. He nabbed 16 ground balls and ranked second in the league with 19 caused turnovers in his sophomore season. -- Lauren Merola

A lacrosse player in a blue "Boston" jersey with the number 20, holding a stick, on a sunny field.

16. Matt Campbell, Midfield, Boston Cannons

2023 rank: NR

After a solid rookie campaign, Campbell came back in 2024 ready to dominate, and dominate he did. With his league-leading five two-pointers and unmatched shooting accuracy, Campbell turned into a highlight reel waiting to happen. It was no surprise that he snagged his first All-Star nod and a Midfielder of the Year nomination. What sets Campbell apart is his knack for staying cool under pressure. Whether he’s lining up a two-point laser or slicing through defenses for a quick strike, he’s seemingly never fazed. His calm, collected demeanor is the perfect balance to his explosive playstyle – and defenses simply don’t know what to do with him. It’s safe to say he’s on every opponent's radar in the midfield. -- Sarah Griffin

Maryland Whipsnakes attackman Zed Williams

15. Zed Williams, Attack, Philadelphia Waterdogs

2023 rank: 20th

No surprise to see Williams, who was traded from the Whipsnakes to the Waterdogs after the season, land on the Top 50. Part of a formidable 1-2 punch with TJ Malone at attack in 2024, there are just games where Williams takes over. When he gets confidence, he’s as tough a player to stop as any in the PLL with his strength and creativity. He truly was a joy to watch this season, especially in the latter half. -- Adam Lamberti

Marylan Whipsnakes attackman TJ Malone

14. TJ Malone, Attack, Maryland Whipsnakes

2023 rank: NR

Malone burst onto the scene in 2024, winning Rookie of the Year and tallying 37 points (19G, 18A), tied for third-most in the league. When Malone fell to the Whipsnakes in the third round of the 2024 College Draft, everyone knew it was a steal not because of how good a player was, but how perfect the fit was with Maryland in desperate need of a true X attackman. He didn’t disappoint. -- Adam Lamberti

Utah Archers midfielder Grant Ament

13. Grant Ament, Midfield, Utah Archers

2023 rank: 31st

Ament’s permanent move to midfield made his 2024 campaign a season to remember as he abused short-stick matchups and adapted his playing style to be dominant out of the box. The Penn State product led all midfielders in scoring with 28 points in the regular season before he helped carry the Archers’ offense to another Cash App Championship. His selection as a first-team All-Pro made him the second player ever – along with Gary Gait – to earn All-Pro honors at both attack and midfield. -- Zach Carey  

Carolina Chaos attackman Josh Byrne

12. Josh Byrne, Attack, Carolina Chaos

2023 rank: eighth

Byrne was the one constant positive on a Chaos offense filled with negatives while taking a new role as a distributor following the loss of Dhane Smith. The silky Canadian’s 29 points (11G, 18A) matched his PLL career high from 2021. An improved Carolina offense could help catapult Byrne back into the top 10 in 2025. -- Hayden Lewis

Maryland Whipsnakes defenseman Matt Dunn

11. Matt Dunn, Defense, Maryland Whipsnakes

2023 rank: 37th

Dunn returned to his 2022 form that landed him No. 17 in the Players Top 50. Fully recovered from an injury, Dunn showed why he’s still regarded as an elite on-ball defender, capped off by holding Utah’s Connor Fields to just two points in the Cash App Championship game. His communication and leadership are integral to the Whipsnakes squad, as well, in particular rookie defender Ajax Zappitello. -- Adam Lamberti