The countdown continues with the NFL Top 100. We're to the point where all the players ranked are now household names. Today we rank players from 50 down to 41. Many of the players ranked are multi Pro Bowl selections.
50. W. Welker Patriots, WR
Wes Welker a 7th year Pro is a perennial league leader in receptions. Welker caught 86 passes, and 7 touchdowns last year after missing the ladder portion of the 2009 season with a torn ACL. Welker is arguably the best slot Receiver in the NFL today, and he has 3 Pro Bowl selections to his arsenal. Welker has had a year to recover from the serious injury he suffered in 2009, so look him to bounce back with a 100 reception season for the slot position.
49. B. Urlacher Bears, LB
Brian Urlacher is an 11 year Pro who bounced back from a injury plagued season in 2009. Urlacher was selected to his 7th Pro Bowl appearance in 2010 after registering 125 tackles. Urlacher is one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL, and he has the motor that always keeps him around the football. Urlacher was able to register 125 tackles in 2010 in leading the Bears defense to the NFC Championship Game. Look for Urlacher to have another consistent year in 2011, and possibly make the top 50 again next year.
48. C. Bailey Broncos, DB
Champ Bailey completed his 12th year in 2010 making his 10th Pro Bowl appearance. Bailey is still a shut down Corner in a passing league with a lot of excellent young Wide Receivers. Bailey totaled only 2 interceptions in 2010, primarily because opposing Quarterbacks didn't throw in his direction. Bailey still has the ability to shut down one half of the football field after 12 years in the league. Bailey delivers the consistency that should net him a similar position after the 2011 season.
47. N. Mangold Jets, C
Nick Mangold finished his 5th season in 2010 with his 3rd straight Pro Bowl selection. Mangold is the anchor of the Jets offensive line that features a run happy offense. Mangold is strong with both run, and pass blocking and his performance should continue to place him in the Top 50. Look for another strong year in 2011 for Mangold and another Pro Bowl selection.
46. T. Gonzalez Atlanta, TE
Tony Gonzalez made his 11th Pro Bowl in 2010 in his 14th year in the NFL. Gonzalez was able a key target for Matt Ryan on key passing situations in 2010. Gonzalez is on the back side of his career, but I look for him to put up solid numbers again in 2011. A top 50 ranking might be a stretch but don't put it past the future Hall of Famer.
45. D. Bowe Chiefs, WR
Dwayne Bowe had a touchdown filled season in his 4th year recording 15 TD's from the Receiver position. Bowe is a very explosive Wide Out who is also very physical off the line of scrimmage. Bowe has the talent to climb into the top 30 if he's able to match his touchdown output in 2010. Bowe is difficult cover on the outside and his maturity in his 4th season show he has what it takes to be one of the leagues best Wide Out.
44. R. Mathis Colts, DE
Robert Mathis has played 8 years in the NFL, and he completed the 2010 season with his 3rd Pro Bowl selection. Mathis completes the duo as a tandem end with Dwight Freeney. Mathis recorded 11 sacks in 2010, and he has one of the best motors on the defensive side of the football. Mathias will record another double sack number in 2011, while making the top 100 for the coming season.
43. J. Thomas Cleveland, OT
Joe Thomas completed his 4th year with the Browns, and he has made Pro Bowl in each of those seasons. Thomas is one of the best left tackles in the NFL, and he has been each of the last few seasons. Thomas is very consistent on pass protection, and sealing Defensive lineman on running plays. Joe Thomas will be a Pro Bowler in 2011, and he will climb higher in the Top 100 ranking.
42. M. Turner Falcons, RB
Michael Turner completed his 7th year as a Pro Bowl selection for the 2nd time in his career. Turner rushed for close to 1,300 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Turner is one of the most physical Running Backs in the NFL, and he is a key component to the Falcons offensive. Turner should maintain his position in 2011 by posting similar rushing, and touchdown numbers. Look for another top 40 ranking in 2011 for Turner.
41. B. Roethlisberger Steelers, QB
Ben Roethlisberger was able to bounce back after sitting out the first 4 games of his 7th season. Roethlisberger is one of the top Quarterbacks in the NFL, however he has only 1 Pro Bowl appearance primarily because of the competition at the Quarterback position in the AFC. Roethlisberger was still able to throw 17 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions in leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl appearance. Look for Roethlisberger to put up stronger numbers in a full season in 2011, where he might be able to crack the top 30 ranking.
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