Today ESPN released their list of the Top 100 NFL players, that was compiled by “more than 70 voters. NFL analysts, reporters and statisticians — both from ESPN and outside ESPN — including former players and NFL front-office members.” Three former NC State football players cracked the Top 100 list: Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers, and Mario Williams
33. Russell Wilson | Seahawks | Rating: 87.55
Speaking of players who have had good offseasons, Wilson is due to pocket $87.6 million over the next four years — fair compensation after a three-year start to his career that includes 36 regular-season wins, one Super Bowl title and one near miss. Yes, the defense deserves some credit, but as one voter reminded: “He has a league-high 15 game-winning drives over the past three seasons.”
Add it up: Since he entered the league in 2012, Wilson has rushed for the most yards of any quarterback (1,877).
37. Philip Rivers | Chargers | Rating: 86.77
Rivers’ 64.7 career completion percentage ranks seventh all time. He’s the face of the debate about what greatness means in the modern era of QBs, a stat machine who hasn’t led his team to double-digit wins since 2009. He has a huge new contract, but he’s also coming off a season in which he led the NFL in interceptions. The stats will be there, but he’ll rise or fall on this list next year based on how far the Chargers go in 2015.
Add it up: Over the last two seasons, Rivers has the NFL’s third-best Total QBR (72.8) and the second-best completion rate (68 percent).
46. Mario Williams | Bills | Rating: 84.93
When Houston let Williams walk as a free agent in 2009 following a season in which he had 5.0 sacks and played in just five games, most assumed it was all aboard the Decline Train, last stop: Buffalo. Since then, all Williams has done is pile up 38.0 sacks and, in 2014, his first All-Pro selection (to go with four Pro Bowl invites). “He’s not as twitched up as some of the other top edge rushers,” said one panelist, “but he’s just as productive.”
Add it up: The Bills lead the NFL with 147 sacks since signing Williams in 2012. (ESPN)
