NFL Network kicked off their annual countdown of the Top 100 Players last Monday. There's no end to these Top-whatever lists. That's no surprise as nearly everyone loves them. More importantly, everyone loves debating them. This list is a little different as it's determined by the players. The players rarely get a say in rankings. Not only does that make it unique it makes it fun. The presentation of the picks is supplemented by player commentary on their peers. The commentary is the highlight of the shows for both it's humor and information. Luke Kuechly's description a few years ago of the intricacies of then Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay was outstanding. But the humor of these player comments is the biggest draw for me. It's often hilarious. Pittsburgh Steelers corner Ike Taylor was the Top 100's first star and his riotous comments might be the reason he works for NFL Network now. Former Houston Texans and current New York Giants corner Charles James emerged as nice replacement for Taylor and continues as a personal favorite. Through three episodes Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels might be the star of this year's shows. As much fun as the Top 100 shows are for me it's still all about the rankings. The opening night double feature last week brought us players 100-81.
100. Joey Bosa, DE
99. Malcolm Butler, CB
98. Adrian Peterson, RB
97. David DeCastro, G
96. Damon Harrison, DT
95. Kelechi Osemele, G
94. Dont'a Hightower, LB
93. Brandon Graham, DE
92. Everson Griffen, DE
91. Lorenzo Alexander. LB
90. Malcolm Jenkins, S
89. Thomas Davis, LB
88. Doug Baldwin, WR
87. Travis Frederick, C
86. Jurrell Casey, DT
85. Chandler Jones, LB
84. Mike Daniels, DE
83. Calais Campbell, DT
82. Clay Matthews, LB
81. Alex Smith, QB
The highlight for me with this group of players is Everson Griffen's presence in it. He's been one of the league's best pass rushers and all-around ends for a few years. It's great to see that pay off in some national recognition. A lowlight is the sad reminder that Adrian Peterson will no longer be carrying the football for the Minnesota Vikings.
Joey Bosa, Malcolm Butler, David DeCastro, Damon Harrison, Kelechi Osemele, Dont'a Hightower, Brandon Graham, Everson Griffen, Lorenzo Alexander, Malcolm Jenkins, Travis Frederick, and Jurrell Casey made their first appearances on the list. Osemele and Casey are the surprises there. It feels like those two have been impact players for a few years. Bosa made his first appearance after his first season. Alexander made his first appearance after his twelfth.
Last night brought us 80-71.
80. LeGarrette Blount, RB
79. Sean Lee, LB
78. Brian Orakpo, LB
77. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S
76. Justin Houston, LB
75. Delanie Walker, TE
74. Harrison Smith. S
73. Philip Rivers, QB
72. Taylor Lewan, T
71. Julian Edelman, WR
There's still 70 players yet to be revealed but I'd be very surprised if LeGarrette Blount isn't the only member of the Top-100 that's unemployed. Although he could find a job any day.
The newbies continue. Blount, Sean Lee, Brian Orakpo, Ha Ha Clinton Dix, and Taylor Lewan are on the list for the first time. If injuries hadn't derailed so many of his previous seasons Lee would've made it a few years ago.
Harrison Smith is too low. Way too low.
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