We’ve got two episodes left and probably not a lot of conjecture on who the 10 players will be. Let’s look at the NFL Network’s Top 100 list, Nos. 20-11.
N0. 20. Richard Sherman, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks
No one thinks Sherman is better than Sherman, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t an outstanding corner. In fact, in my mind he’s passed up Darrelle Revis as the No. 2 corner in the league behind a guy that appears on this list a few selections later. Sherman is probably the best zone corner in the league and he has some of the best ball skills in the game. Last year: No. 11
No. 19. DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
To put what Hopkins has done in Houston in perspective, you have to look at the crew of former custodians, Subway sandwich artists and carnival fry cooks the Texans have played at quarterback over the last two seasons. In spite of that Hopkins still caught 1,210 yards worth of passes for six touchdowns in 2014, then followed that up with a 111 catch, 1,521 yard and 11 touchdown season in 2015. Last year: Not on the list
No. 18. Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals
As a Rams fan, I’ll never forget watching the Cardinals draft Peterson at No. 5 in 2011 and the dread that crept over me. He was the best college corner I’d seen in a decade and it didn’t take him more than a season to become the best corner in the NFL. The Cardinals know exactly what they have and aren’t afraid to spend money, so it’s unlikely he’ll leave the NFC West anytime soon. Dammit. Last year: No. 19
No. 17. Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson had his best year as a pro last season and didn’t make it to a Super Bowl. The reason I bring that up is that it’s only the second time in his entire NFL career he didn’t make it to a Super Bowl. As clutch players go, it’s hard to argue that Wilson isn’t at the top of the league right now. His athleticism is second to none, but he only uses it sparingly. He’s a quarterback and plays the position that way. He’s this generation’s Steve Young. Last year: No. 22
No. 16. A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Everyone talks about how Green is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but what no one really talks about is how good he is historically. He’s never not had a 1,000-yard season in his career. He’s never caught fewer than six touchdowns. He’s missed a total of four games in five NFL seasons. He hasn’t even reached his ceiling yet. Last year: No. 37
No. 15. Von Miller, Outside Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Miller had one of the best postseason runs in NFL history last year and it culminated in a Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl MVP nod. All deserved. He’s the most dominant outside linebacker pass rusher in the league and still plays the all-around position, dropping into coverage when he needs to. John Elway.Pay this person. Last year: No. 33
No. 14. Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams
I remember watching Donald’s film when he was coming out of Pitt and just thinking, “How in the hell did he last to No. 13?” Well, he did and the Rams snapped him up 2014. He was one of their top three players the minute he got on the field. Last year, he became not only their best player, but one of the league’s best players. Last year: No. 92
No. 13. Khalil Mack, Defensive End, Oakland Raiders
If you think Peyton Manning is sorry he retired, I have two words for you; Khalil Mack. In just his second season he became one of the three or four best defensive players in the league playing two positions, outside linebacker and defensive end. I would have Miller ahead of him at OLB, but at defensive end? I’m not sure there’s anybody better in the league. Last year: No. 49
No. 12. Carson Palmer, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
Now this is ridiculous. Yes, Palmer had an outstanding 2015, but lets not forget the epic choke-job he put on display in the playoffs. The Cardinals won in spite of Palmer in the postseason, not because of him. Does he deserve to be in the Top 100? Sure, I guess. Top 12? Pbffft. Last year: Not on the list
No. 11. Josh Norman, Cornerback, Washington Redskins
Norman burst on the scene last year and cashed in as a free agent, signing a monster deal with the Redskins after the Panthers pulled the franchise tag. Norman was just as good in 2014, only the Panthers weren’t so he went unnoticed. A Super Bowl run can change everything. The Panthers were stupid to let him go. To men, he’s the third best corner in the league. Last year: Not on the list
