We’ve reached episode seven of the NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2016 list and we’re starting to see more and more returning players from lists past. But the bottom of this one is populated with a few guys who didn’t make the list last year for good reason.
No. 40. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Miami Dolphins
Suh isn’t the best defensive tackle in the NFL, but he’s probably No. 3. He’s been a dominant force up front since he entered the league and a big free agent contract didn’t slow him down a bit last season in Miami. Of course, he was drafted No. 2 in 2010, the last year of the old collective bargaining agreement so he’d already pocketed plenty of money anyway. No. 40? Probably too low. Last year: No. 24
No. 39. Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive Tackle, New York Jets
Wilkerson over Suh? I don’t see it. But that’s the only complaint with him in this spot. Wilkerson has been outstanding since the Jets drafted him in the first round of the 2011 daft. Being put at No.39 is probably a good spot for him, especially after his best season as a pro. He had 64 tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles and seven passes defended last year. Last year: No. 74
No. 38. Greg Olsen, Tight End, Carolina Panthers
Two straight 1,000 yards seasons? For a tight end? Come on. Olsen has put himself in the same conversation as Rob Gronkowski and probably supplanted Jimmy Graham in that conversation after last season. Over the last three seasons he’s caught 73, 84 and 77 passes. Last year: No. 89
No. 37. Marshall Yanda, Offensive Guard, Baltimore Ravens
As the defensive tackles in the NFL become stronger and faster, you need a guy like Yanda on the line and the Ravens have had him for 10 seasons. The Ravens offensive line is one of the best pass-blocking units in the league and he’s the best player on it. Last year: No. 79
No. 36. DeMarcus Ware, Outside Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Ware’s career is winding down and when it’s over, he’ll be fitted for a gold jacket. He’s played 11 seasons and still one of the five or six best passrushing outside linebackers in the NFL. Eight out of his 11 seasons, he posted double-digit sacks. The fewest he ever had was six and he missed three games. Last year he he missed five games and still had 7.5 sacks. He made up for it in the postseason with 3.5 sacks in the playoffs. Last year: No. 87
No. 35. Andy Dalton, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
Before he broke his thumb in the 13th game of the season last year, Dalton was statistically the best quarterback in the NFL and whoever had him in your fantasy league was probably pretty damn happy. But more than just statistics, Dalton took a leap as a competitor, a leader and a clutch performer. Dalton going out for the season may have cost the Bengals a Super Bowl shot. Last year: Not on the list
No. 34. Aqib Talib, Cornerback, Denver Broncos
Talib just got shot in the leg (maybe by himself) so hopefully this makes him feel a little better. And hopefully for the Broncos he stays out of jail and trouble and doesn’t miss any real time on the field. Talib was one of the main reasons the Broncos made the Super Bowl last season, let alone won it. Last year: Not on the list
No. 33. Doug Martin, Running back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After two years of dealing with injuries, Martin finally burst back on the scene with 1.400-yard seasons. Only Adrian Peterson had more rushing yards. Martin was a free agent this season and the Bucs didn’t waste any time in making sure he was going nowhere. This is a good spot for him. Last year: Not on the list
No. 32. Kam Chancellor, Safety, Seattle Seahawks
Chancellor is probably too low on this list. The Seahawks with him and without him are two different defenses. He might be the best safety in football and there’s certainly an argument for it. He plays coverage as good as anybody at his position, delivers hard hits and tackles and plays special teams too. Last year: No. 41
No. 31. Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars
Robinson had a decent rookie season, but this year, along with wideout-mate Allen Hurns, became a super star. Robinson caught 80 passes for 1,400 yards and 14, yes, 14 touchdowns. The Jags are building something good on offense and Robinson is one of the main pieces of it. Last year: Not on the list
