NFL's Top 100 Players of 2018

NFL Network kicked off the post-draft season last night with their annual reveal of the NFL's Top 100 Players. This list is unique in that it's done by a vote of the players. Fans and the media usually decide these things so this one receives a stream of criticism. Why not give the players a shot? It's a fun list and it's become an offseason staple. The list is usually revealed weekly in 10-player blocks but we got the first two last night.

NFL's Top 100 Players of 2018

100. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Green Bay Packers
  99. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
  98. C.J. Mosley, LB, Baltimore Ravens
  97. Carlos Hyde, RB, Cleveland Browns
  96. Malcolm Jenkins, S, Philadelphia Eagles
  95. Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
  94. Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings
  93. Mike Daniels, DE, Green Bay Packers
  92. Landon Collins, S, New York Giants
  91. David Bakhtari, OT, Green Bay Packers

96 is pretty low for Malcolm Jenkins. 95 is incredibly low for Lane Johnson. Even though Kirk Cousins earned his spot on this list with his play for the Washington Redskins it's great to see a Minnesota Vikings quarterback on this list.

The best thing about these weekly reveals is the commentary by the players. Former Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor was outstanding in that capacity over the initial years of the list. So outstanding it probably helped land a job with the NFL Network upon his retirement. In my opinion, Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Daniels is the new king of the commentary. He finally got a chance to talk about himself this year. That was fun. Houston Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu is excellent as well.

First-time appearances:
C.J. Mosley
Carlos Hyde
Lane Johnson
David Bakhtiari

90. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, San Francisco 49ers
89. Jimmy Graham, TE, Green Bay Packers
88. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
87. Andrew Whitworth, OT, Los Angeles Rams
86. Chris Harris, Jr., CB, Denver Broncos
85. Bruce Irvin, LB, Oakland Raiders
84. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
83. Linval Joseph, DT, Minnesota Vikings
82. Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints
81. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints

I try to avoid criticism of this annual list because it's all for fun (as all lists should be) and it's by and for the players but the lack of respect for offensive linemen is amazing. A young pass rusher like Yannick Ngakoue and young corner like Marshon Lattimore make the list as soon as they sniff stardom but Lane Johnson and David Bakhtiari have to excel for a few years before they crack it. It's surprising that even the players take offensive linemen for granted.

Then we have Jimmy Garoppolo. After only seven starts he becomes the highest paid player in the league. More significantly, he debuts on the NFL's Top 100 Players. Quarterbacks are special.

First-time appearances:
Jimmy Garoppolo
Yannick Ngakoue
Bruce Irvin
Marshon Lattimore
Michael Thomas

So, nine first-time appearances among the first 20 reveals.

Next week: 80-71. The annual fun has begun.