Before the start of a new season, NFL.com releases its Top 100 players that performed well in the previous year and it is voted on by the players. With Nos. 100 to 81 being unveiled on Monday, a trio of University of Alabama alums made the list to kick off the countdown.
After landing at No. 77 last season, Green Bay Packers safety Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix dropped to No. 100. The former first-round pick of the 2013 NFL Draft recorded 79 total tackles (third on the team), six pass breakups and three interceptions through 16 regular season games.
Despite being disappointed with his ranking, Clinton-Dix assures that next season will be a bounce back year for him.
Down year for me but I’ll take it and be back stronger and I’m betting on myself. I hold myself to a higher standard, but blessed to be recognized in the top 100 of this competitive league . #God100 #GopackGo https://t.co/HvbikcpVn0
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) May 1, 2018
As he enters his fifth NFL season in the fall, Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley made sure he was back in the Top 100 list. He was not ranked in the previous showing, however, his performance of 132 tackles (team-high), 11 tackles for loss, one sack, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions, seven pass breakups and a touchdown put him at No. 98.
Mosley’s goal for next season is get the Ravens in the playoffs and back to the Super Bowl.
Landon Collins led the New York Giants in tackles for a third consecutive year at safety, but for some reason his production was not respected on the NFL’s Top 100. While he placed at No. 28 in 2017, the New Orleans (La.) native fell to No. 92 – despite having 104 tackles, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions through 16 games.
He enters his fourth NFL season this fall and per his Twitter account, Collins felt very disrespected with his spot.
Glad I made it but very disrespectful with the number…#SavageSeasonuponus https://t.co/2G9PeeOLfa
— LANDON COLLINS (@TheHumble_21) May 1, 2018
All three guys are All-Pro caliber players. The next airing of NFL’s Top 100 will be next Monday via NFL Network.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
