We’re six episodes in and still have plenty of new faces of the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2016 list. Let’s look at 50-41.
No. 50. Devonta Freeman, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
Last season the Atlanta Falcons drafted Tevin Coleman in the third round out of Indiana to be their new starting running back. The only problem with that plan was they already had a starting running back and didn’t even know it. It turns out their fourth-round pick out of Florida State the year before became one of the best running backs in the NFL. Freeman carried the ball 264 times last season for 1,061 yards and 11 touchowns, averaging four yards per carry. He also caught 73 passes for 578 yards and three touchdowns. And he can block. He’s a star it took a new coaching staff hire in 2015 to figure it out. Last season: Not on the list
No. 49. Fletcher Cox, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles
Cox had a career year in 2015 in spite of a lackluster Eagles season. He posted career highs in tackles (71), solo tackles (50), sacks (9.5) and forced fumbles (3). Cox has always been a decent player since the Eagles drafted him out of Mississippi State in the first round of 2012. But last season he actually became a good player and performed how you would expect a first-round pick to perform. This is probably a little high though. I would have had him somewhere in the 80s. Last season: Not on the list
No. 48. Chandler Jones, Defensive End, Arizona Cardinals
Jones was the Patriots best pass rusher and one of their best players, but since he was due a new contract after this season they did what they almost always do, traded him away. The Cardinals made the deal without thinking about it for a second. Last year he had 31 tackles, four forced fumbles, two passes defended, one interception and 12.5 sacks. That’s who the Pats shipped off. Ridiculous. Last year: Not on the list
No. 47. Eli Manning, Quarterback, New York Giants
Two things. First off, it’s outrageous that Eli wasn’t on this list last year and it’s also outrageous that he’s No. 47. If you look at his career stat line it shows, unquestionably, he’s not only one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but one of the best of his generation. He’s had one “bad” season outside of his rookie year in a 13-year career. He’s won two Super Bowls, both as an underdog, and was the MVP of both. He might just be the best “big game quarterback” of his era. No. 47? No way. Last season: Not on the list
No. 46. Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers
I remember last season, before the draft, there was talk about the Chargers trading Philip Rivers away to the Titans for the No. 2 pick and, essentially, Marcus Mariota. I said at the time that the very notion of that trade was a joke. Rivers is, and continues to be, a franchise quarterback that the Chargers franchise has let down with bad coaching hires and personnel decisions. They continue to do so, yet his performance on the field hasn’t changed. I wouldn’t put him above Eli, but this is too low for him too. Last year: No. 43
No. 45. Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, Washington Redskins
Williams is one of the most consistent and dominant left tackles in the league. He also stays healthy for a big man, only missing three games over the last four seasons. The Redskins didn’t screw around and signed him long-term in 2015 to a five-year, $68 million contract. He’s worth every penny. Last year: No. 47
No. 44. Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals
In his third season Eifert exploded onto the league after dealing with bad luck an injuries for the two seasons before. He caught 52 passes for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 11.8 yards per carry. This is his first appearance on this list. It won’t be the last. Last season: Not on the list
No. 43. Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End, Detroit Lions
If this is the beginning for Ansah as an impact player in the NFL, the league is trouble. He’s only been playing football for about seven years and had never even seen the sport as a kid growing up in Ghana. Last year he had 47 tackles, 14.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one pass defended. It’s funny that a guy considered a “reach” in the 2013 draft (a draft notorious for its number of busts) turned out to be one of its best players. Last year: Not on the list
No. 42. Tyron Smith, Offensive tackle, Dallas Cowboys
I’m not sure about this ranking at all. How many tackles are better than Smith in the NFL? How many more tackles will be on the list? He’s the best player on the best offensive line in football. Obviously the Cowboys had a rough year, but Smith didn’t. Last year: No. 36
No. 41. Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bell only played in six games last season and still averaged 4.9 yards per carry, gained 556 yards, scored three touchdowns and caught 24 passes. His knee injury is the only reason he dropped. He’ll be back up in the teens again next season and might even have a Super Bowl ring to go with it. Last season: No. 16
