30. Mason Woodward, Defense, Utah Archers

2023 rank: NR

As a rookie, Woodward embraced the difficult task of filling Matt McMahon’s large shoes within the Archers defense. Although in a different style, he did so brilliantly, becoming a lockdown on-ball defender and a crucial playmaker for Utah in the middle of the field. The title game sequence when he stripped Ryan Conrad at midfield and proceeded to rip a two-pointer to pull the Archers within one goal flipped the Cash App Championship on its head and gave Utah the spark it needed to go back-to-back. -- Zach Carey

29. Jack Hannah, Midfield, Philadelphia Waterdogs

2023 rank: 34th

Hannah's ability to shoot from all areas of the field is what makes him stand out as a midfielder. He also can shoot the ball with both hands with the same amount of power and accuracy. Hannah was a staple on the Waterdogs' championship team in 2022 and has developed into one of the top shooting and dodging threats in the league. -- Paul Lamonaca

JACK HANNAH REALLY HIT THIS WITH 27 SECONDS LEFT TO TIE THE GAME 🤯🤯🤯

(via @PremierLacrosse / ESPN+) pic.twitter.com/ewxzjOuYR1

— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) August 26, 2023

28. Mac O'Keefe, Attack, Utah Archers

2023 rank: 16th

In addition to his place among the very best stepdown shooters, O’Keefe added to his scoring repertoire with an impressive 13 unassisted goals (tied for the sixth-most in the PLL) in 2024. His three scores in the Cash App Championship – all of which came in the second half – helped cap off Utah’s run to back-to-back titles. O’Keefe has been on fire since joining the Archers in 2023, perfectly fitting in as the Utah offense’s missing piece with his patented low-to-high lefty rips leaving defenses perpetually hesitant to slide off him. -- Zach Carey

27. Ryan Terefenko, SSDM, Denver Outlaws

2023 rank: 30th

Terefenko is the backbone of the Outlaws roster. He’s a captain and a leader, helping usher in the changing of the guard from the old Chrome teams to the new future in Denver. He’s also one of the most consistent short sticks in the game and does a little bit of everything at a high level for the Outlaws. -- Topher Adams

26. Colin Kirst, Goalie, Boston Cannons

2023 rank: 36th

Kirst is a human highlight reel in the cage, and his 2024 season solidified his reputation as one of the PLL's elite goalies. A two-time All-Star, Kirst earned his first Goalie of the Year nomination this year thanks to a season full of jaw-dropping saves and unmatched consistency. With a save percentage of 54% that put him among the league’s best, Kirst was the backbone of the Cannons' defense, often bailing out his team with clutch performances. What sets Kirst apart isn’t just his quick reflexes; it’s his mental toughness. Not to mention, he also was second in the league in secondary assists with his dimes from the cage. -- Sarah Griffin 

25. Dox Aitken, Midfield, New York Atlas

2023 rank: NR

It was a resurgent year for one of the PLL’s best athletes. Aitken set career highs in points (16), goals (15) and ground balls (16). He took 49 shots, more than doubling his former career high (23), indicative of the momentum he generated, especially on the wings this season. New York struggled last season to adapt to the introduction of the shorter shot-clock rule after a won faceoff. With Aitken off the PUP list and active this season, he helped the Atlas not only adjust, but thrive within the 32-second shot clock. A mainstay on the wing, Aitken was one of the best downhill dodgers off the faceoff this season, recording double-digit goals within the 32. -- Lauren Merola

He's shifty, he's quick, he's Dox Aitken. https://t.co/QoeL8OMmpO pic.twitter.com/VSq02DJ3es

— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) June 16, 2024

24. Jack Rowlett, Defense, Carolina Chaos

2023 rank: 13th

After another great season, it’s an 11-spot drop for Rowlett, who had 18 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers on an elite Carolina defense. The physical defender notched his first career two-point goal while continuing his mastery of the over-the-head check on defense. Some would be happy to be recognized as a top-six defender in the league, but Rowlett will use this to fuel his 2025 campaign as he chases down the top ranking. -- Hayden Lewis

23. Joe Nardella, Faceoff, Maryland Whipsnakes

2023 rank: NR

Like teammate Matt Dunn, Nardella returned to dominant form in 2024 after recovering from knee surgery. He led the league in faceoff percentage (67.5%) while chipping in five goals. For what it’s worth, I think Nardella got snubbed by not winning the Paul Cantabene Faceoff Man of the Year award after a terrific 2024 campaign. -- Adam Lamberti

22. JT Giles-Harris, Defense, Denver Outlaws

2023 rank: 28th

As long as he’s healthy, Giles-Harris is a written-in-pen Top 50 player and Defensive Player of the Year contender. The 2021 DPOY turned in another elite campaign, shutting down top options across the league for the Outlaws. -- Topher Adams

21. Garrett Epple, Defense, Boston Cannons

2023 rank: 19th

Epple's 2024 season with the Cannons was a masterclass in defensive dominance. After joining the team as a free agent, Epple quickly became the cornerstone of the Cannons' defense, once again leading the league in caused turnovers with 18. His presence on the backend was instrumental to Boston’s success in 2024, especially after the team lost its defensive leader, Jack Kielty, to a season-ending injury. Epple, along with teammates Bryce Young and Cade van Raaphorst, stepped up, spearheading the league's second-best defense (11.3 scores per game). -- Sarah Griffin