NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (20 to 11)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

We are now at the cream of the crop of the Top 100 rankings. We analyze players 20 down to 11 in the NFL. These are the difference makers who receive all the headlines justifiably so. Let's take a look at the game changers who are considered the league's best. Let me know your own analysis of the players ranked 20 to 11.



20. M. Vick Eagles, QB

Michael Vick an 8th year Pro earned his 4th Pro Bowl appearance during the 2010 season. Vick had a MVP type year in his second year back after serving time in prison. Vick passed for 21 touchdowns in 12 games of action for the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick was able to put up comeback player of the year type of stats after serving as the 3rd Quarterback for the Eagles in 2009. Vick is ascending up the list as a Top 20 player in the NFL. His dynamic nature as a passer and runner make him one of the league's best.

19. C. Matthews Packers, LB

Clay Matthews had a Defensive MVP type performance in his 2nd year as a Packer linebacker. Matthews was many outlets Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 totaling 13.5 sacks, and 60 tackles. Matthews made his 2nd Pro Bowl appearance in his second season in the league. Matthews distinguished himself as one of the best edge rushers in the 2010 season. Matthews has already branded himself after only 2 years is the league, and another standout year in 2011 will continue his accession in the Top 20 rankings.

18. N. Asomugha Raiders, CB

Nnamdi Asomugha a 8th year NFL Pro is labeled one of the best cover Corners in the NFL. Asomugha made his 3rd straight Pro Bowl appearance in 2010 after basically shutting down his side of the football field. Asomugha didn't record any interceptions in 2010 due in part to opposing teams not throwing the ball in his direction. Asomugha is will be one of the prized free-agents this summer and he'll be a Top 25 player again in 2011.

17. H. Ngata Ravens, DT

Haloti Ngata is a 5 year NFL Pro who is already considered the best interior Defensive lineman in the game. Ngata has made 3 straight Pro Bowl appearances after achieving the honors in 2010. Ngata posted 5.5 sacks, and 63 tackles at an interior position which routinely receives double and triple teams. Ngata comes off the ball like no other player in the NFL while providing protection for Ray Lewis of the Ravens. Ngata is only in his 5th year so he should be a mainstay in the Top 20 for years to come.

16. C. Woodson Packers, CB

Charles Woodson put together a Pro Bowl performance for the 7th time in 2010 of his 13 year career. Woodson is a Defensive back who plays all over the field. During the 2010 season Woodson recording 2 interceptions, 2 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 92 tackles. Woodson can be considered the league's best all-around Defensive back, who the offense must always account for. The only drawback in 2011 is that Woodson will be in his 14th season but a Top 30 performance is certainly attainable.

15. D. Freeney Colts, DE

Dwight Freeney posted another double digit sack year resulting in his 6th Pro Bowl selection in his 9 years of service in the NFL. Freeney totaled 10 sacks in 2010, causing havoc at the blind side of NFL QB's. Freeney is as quick as they come at the Defensive end position, and he hasn't seemed to slow down after 9 years in the league. The issue I have with Freeney is that his one dimension is rushing the Quarterback. However in the NFL pass rushers are always at a premium. Look for Freeney to post similar double digit sack numbers in 2011 leading to another Top 20 ranking after next season.

14. L. Fitzgerald Cardinals, WR

Larry Fitzgerald a 7 year Pro, with 5 Pro Bowl selections was the victim of lacking a strong Quarterback in 2010. Fitzgerald was only able to register 6 touchdowns in 2010, with 1,100 total yards receiving. Those are strong numbers for any other Receiver in the game, but not for Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald will need to have a bounce back year even though teams continue to key on him as the main target on the Cardinals offense. Fitzgerald has Top 10 talent but the question is will he have a Quarterback that can feed him the ball in 2011?

13. C. Johnson Titans, RB

Chris Johnson put together another solid season in his 3rd year as a Pro, which also resulted in his 3rd Pro Bowl selection. Johnson wasn't able to match the 2,000 yards he posted in 2009, but he still rushed for over 1,300 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Johnson is one of the two best Running Backs in the league, and with a possible rookie at Quarterback, Johnson should be the focal point of the Titans offense. Defenses will be keying on Johnson but look for him to post 1,400 plus yards, and 12 plus touchdowns in 2011. An even bigger year will place him into the Top 10 of the NFL's ranking in 2011.

12. D. Ware Cowboys, LB

DeMarcus Ware a 6 year NFL Pro, and 5 time Pro Bowler is the leading sack man in the NFL totaling 15.5 sacks in 2010. Ware is the best pass rusher in the game today. Ware is as strong as an ox and he puts fear into opposing offensive lineman. Ware will need to show more leadership on the defense side after the Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention early in 2010. If Ware shows the leadership in 2011, and he is able to put up similar numbers he'll definitely make the Top 10 for this upcoming season.

11. A. Rodgers Packers, QB

Aaron Rodgers a 6 year Pro, has only one Pro Bowl selection to his name. The Quarterback position is always a tough position to be nominated at for both Conferences. Rodgers led the Packers to the Super Bowl Championship in 2010, and he is finally starting to get the recognition that he deserves. Rodgers was able to lead the Packers to the title without many of his key weapons who were out due to injury. With a full complement of players in 2011 Rodgers might be able to throw for over 30 touchdown receptions while attaining a Top 10 ranking.

NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (30 to 21)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer, DGT Sports

30. M. Jones Jaguars, RB

Maurice Jones-Drew is a 5 year Pro, who has made the Pro-Bowl the last 2 years of his career. Jones-Drew scored 5 touchdowns in the 2010 season in which he missed two games due to injury. Jones-Drew also rushed for over 1,300 yards in 14 games in his 5th season. Jones-Drew is one of the toughest running backs in the NFL, and I look for him to score at least 10 rushing touchdowns in 2011. With a healthy year in 2011 Jones-Drew should ascend higher in the Top 100 list

29. D. Jackson Eagles, WR

Desean Jackson is a 3 year NFL player who has a Pro-Bowl appearance in 2009, and 2010. Jackson's most impressive stat was his 22.5 yards per catch which lead Wide Receivers in 2010. Jackson was only able to register 6 touchdown passes in a season where he suffered a serious head injury where he was forced to miss a couple of games. Jackson is one of the best young Wideouts in the NFL, who will have a great touchdown reception year in 2011. I look for Jackson to have a performance that has him listed in the Top 20 after the 2011 season.

28. J. Long Dolphins, T

Jake Long a former No. 1 pick in the NFL draft has made the Pro-Bowl in all three years of his football career. Long man handles his defensive responsibility week in and week out during the NFL season. Long is only three years into his career so it shouldn't suprise you if he's consistently on this list for many years to come.

27. C. Johnson Detroit, WR

Calvin Johnson is a 4 year NFL player who made his inaugural Pro-Bowl appearance in 2010. Johnson put up Pro-Bowl touchdown number scoring 12 touchdowns from the Receiver position. Johnson is definitely climbing the list as a Top 25 football player in the NFL, and a strong year in 2011 could possibly land him in the Top 10 after a big year. Johnson brings strong tangible skills with his length, speed, and extraordinary leaping ability. Johnson is definitely a top Wideout in the NFL.

26. P. Rivers Chargers, QB

Philip Rivers continues to put up excellent numbers after completing his 8th year in the NFL. Rivers is a 3 time Pro-Bowler who achieved the honor in 2010 after throwing for over 4,700 yards, and 30 touchdowns. Rivers was able to single handedly lead the Chargers to victories after having to deal with holdouts, and injuries to major weapons through the entire 2010 season. With a healthy roster in 2011 Rivers should put up similar strong passing numbers to lead the Chargers.

25. A. Foster Texans, RB

Arian Foster had a break-out Pro-Bowl year during his second season in the NFL. Foster totaled 1,600 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns in 2010. The rushing touchdown number was far and away the league leader last year. The main question is will Foster be able to put up similar numbers as defenses place more emphasis on stopping the Texans running game. If he's able to match 2010's stats Foster will be considered a Top 20 player, but that may be a tough task in a league filled with adjustments.

24. R. White Falcons, WR

Roddy White has 6 years in the NFL, and he led the league with 115 receptions in 2010 which was a 3rd straight Pro-Bowl appearance. White was also a leader with 10 touchdown receptions to lead the high power Falcons passing game. White is in the crop of leagues best receivers, and his numbers in 2011 may even improve on the touchdown side. Look for another Top 25 performance by White in 2010.

23. P. Willis 49ers, LB

Patrick Willis has made the Pro-Bowl in all 4 of his years in the NFL. Willis is one of the leagues best tacklers who is strong both against the run and pass. Willis registered 6 sacks in 2010, and 128 combined tackles. Willis is still elevating his status as a Linebacker in the NFL and he could easily join the Top 15 players in the NFL in 2011.

22. A. Gates Chargers, TE

Antonio Gates is simply the best Tight End in the NFL after completing his 8th year in 2010. Gates has made 7 straight Pro-Bowls as a Tight End. Gates was only able to play in 10 games in 2010 posting 9 touchdown receptions. Gates will have to comeback and play the entire year in 2011, and if he is healthy he shouldn't have a problem posting double digit touchdown receptions.

21. J. Harrison Steelers, LB

James Harrison an 8 year NFL Linebacker made his 4th straight Pro-Bowl after the 2010 season. Harrison totaled 10.5 sacks, and 100 tackles as one of the key players on the Steelers defense. Harrison had a tough year in 2010 relating to penalties, and league mandated fines for hits to the helmet, but it was still a very productive year for Harrison. If the new rules to protect head related injuries doesn't slow down Harrison aggressiveness he should post another strong statistical year. Harrison may have reached his ceiling at the 21 spot, but he is definitely one of the leagues best pass rushing linebackers.

NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (40 to 31)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

We move forward with our list of the NFL's Top players, listing players 40 to 31 on the Top 100 list. We'll see who makes the list as we climb up the list of the top players in the NFL. Please post your comment on your analysis of the players listed.

40. T. Suggs Ravens, LB

Terrell Suggs a 8 year player is one of the best linebackers in the league today. Suggs is a 4-time Pro Bowler who received the honor during the 2010 season. Suggs recorded double digit sacks in 2011 registering 11 sacks. Suggs is a one-dimensional linebacker whose primary attribute is to rush the passer. Suggs should have another double digit sack season and should maintain his position in the rankings.

39. L. Mankins Patriots, G

Logan Mankins is a 6 year Pro is considered one of the best Guards in the NFL. Mankins is a 3 time Pro Bowler who achieved the honor in 2010. Mankins held out the first part of 2010, however he still was able to achieve Pro-Bowl status. Mankins assist the Patriots with his able to seal defensive tackles on run plays, and hold rushers on passing downs. Mankins is a very solid Guard who could even see his position improve in 2011.

38. S. Jackson Rams, RB

Steven Jackson a 7 year player who is a 3 time Pro Bowler who was selected to the 2010 team. Jackson didn't have a high touchdown output scoring only 6 rushing TD's in 2010. Jackson was able to rush for over 1,200 yards over 16 games last year. The key with Jackson is can he stay healthy throughout the year. If Jackson is healthy in 2011 look for him to rank in the top 30. He should have a bigger year in 2011 due in part to expectations to a double digit touchdown year.

37. J. Vilma Saints, LB

Johnathan Vilma has been in the league for 7 years, and he is a 3 time Pro-Bowler. Vilma is the leader of the Saints defense which has the uncanny ability to cause a lot of turnovers. Vilma made the Pro Bowl in 2010 registering 105 tackles, and 4 sacks on the Quarterback. Vilma is a consistent linebacker who should put up similar stats in 2011 as the Saints defensive leader.

36. J. Witten Cowboys, TE

Jason Witten is a 8 year NFL player who has made the Pro Bowler 7 straight years. Witten has some of the best pair of hands in the NFL. Witten totaled 1,000 receiving yards in 2010. Witten caught 9 touchdowns last year with Tony Romo out most of the year. With Romo back Witten should have another big year in 2011. Witten's consistency will keep him ranked in the Top 40 this coming year.

35. V. Wilfork Patriots, DT

Vince Wilfork a 7 year Pro is arguably the best nose tackle in the NFL today. Wilfork is a 2010 Pro Bowl selection, who has been named to the team 3 times. Wilfork is the key to the Patriots defense as he receives double teams on every position. Wilfork is a stable force for on the Pats defense. Wilfork should maintain a similar position in 2011.

34. J. Evans Saints, OT

Jahri Evans is a 5 year Pro who is already one of the best lineman in the NFL. Evans has made the Pro Bowl the last 2 years, and he is one of the anchors of the Saints offensive line. Evans is trending upwards on the list and if he continues his dominant play Evans can make the Top 25 in 2011. Looks for Evans to have another dominating season in playing a major role in leading the Saints to a high octane offense this year.

33. J. Charles Chiefs, RB

Jamaal Charles is 3 year Pro who made his 1st Pro Bowl in 2010. Charles rushed for nearly 1,500 yards, averaging over 6 yards per carry. Charles is as explosive as they come from the running back position. Charles is ascending into one of the great young backs, but the question remains whether he can take the physical hits with his small stature. Charles is putting up historic numbers with his yards per carry statistics. If he averages close to 6 yards per carry in 2011 he'll make me a believer and he'll rank in the Top 20.

32. D. Hester Bears, WR

Devin Hester is a 5 year player in the NFL who is explosive every time he has the ball in his hand. Hester is a 2010 Pro Bowler who already leads the NFL all-time in combined punt return, and kickoff return touchdowns. Hester is on the field more as a Wideout which has affected some of his productivity. Hester produced only 475 passing yards, on 40 receptions in 2010. Hester must show that he can be a contributor as a Wide Receiver to be as high on the list in 2011.

31. R. Wayne Colts, WR

Reggie Wayne is a 10 year Pro, who has made the Pro Bowl the last 5 years. Wayne is Mr. Consistent from the Wide Receiver position. Wayne totaled 6 touchdowns in 2010, with 1,300 yards receiving. Wayne must total double digits in touchdowns in 2011 to maintain his spot for this coming season. Wayne is coming into his 11th year, and with the competition at the Wideout position it's imperative that he puts up big numbers in 2011.

Deadline soon arriving for decision on preseason Hall of Fame Game

Umaru Lamin, DGT Sports Writer

The deadline is nearing for the NFL Players, and Owners to agree on terms for a new labor contract before preseason games will be missed. The first game to affected is the annual Hall of Fame Game, scheduled for August 7th between the Chicago Bears, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Right now the NFL Players, and Owners are working on the framework of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, but time is arriving quickly before the training camp reporting date nears. We're already into the first week of July and an official labor deal hasn't been agreed on between the two sides. Players and Owners are meeting in New York City this week to iron out the final parameters of the labor contract. Lawyers from both sides are attempting to draw up documentation for the half a dozen issues that both sides have been negotiating. The theory is that it will take two weeks to finalize paperwork once both sides come to an agreement.

My opinion is that both sides seem to be very close to meeting one another eye to eye on a final agreement. A nine billion dollar a year business that is in the homes of millions of Americans every week needs time to iron out differences that will be in agreement for the next 6 to 10 years. The back and forth leveraging that takes place is normal in these type of negotiations where 1 percentage point in a deal can add up to millions of dollars in the labor contract. The dotting of the I's, and crossing of the T's will seem like one is attempting to pull out teeth but it should be the final stage of the starting point to a 2011 NFL season. The NFL has become America's pastime and if we just wait out this last couple of weeks we should see the great game back out on the field.

Former N.C. State starting Quarterback Russell Wilson transfers to Wisconsin

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

Former N.C. State starting Quarterback Russell Wilson will choose to sign with the Wisconsin Badgers with his last year of eligibility. Wilson a 4th round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies had been playing baseball for their minor league Asheville Tourist batting .228, with 3 home runs, and 15 RBI in 16 games. Wilson decided to join the Rockies minor league team instead of participating in spring practice with N.C. State. Tom O'Brien, head coach of N.C. State named Mike Glennon as the team's starter, and he gave Wilson his unconditional release.

Wilson had visits to the football programs of Auburn, and Wisconsin leading up to his decision yesterday. Wilson will have about one month before Wisconsin opens its fall practice August 1st in preparation for the upcoming college football season. Wilson had excellent numbers as the Wolfpack’s starting Quarterback last season throwing for 3,563 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Wisconsin is one of the favorites in the Big Ten in 2011 and with Wilson's addition the school has the potential to compete for a national championship.

This signing is big news for the Wisconsin football program. Wisconsin has never really had a top flight Quarterback, and Wilson brings his 3 years of experience as a starter to a team that already has a pretty potent offense. Wisconsin has a tough schedule with an early conference game against Nebraska, and two road games against Michigan State, and Ohio State later on in the year. If the Badgers are able to pull out those victories they have a good shot at going undefeated. Bret Bielema led the 2010 Wisconsin Badgers team to a Rose Bowl appearance, and with the returning starters coming back in 2011 the team looks like a top 5 football program in the country.

Wilson stated that he's a competitor, and he is willing to come to Wisconsin to compete for the starting Quarterback position. Wilson also stated that he was impressed by the Wisconsin coaching staff, fans, and players on the team. Wilson likes the system that the Badgers run, and he feels totally blessed to be in this situation.

NFL's Top 100 as voted by the NFL Players rankings (50 to 41)

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

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.

Sources say Terrell Owens had ACL Surgey on knee this past month

Umaru Lamin, Sports Writer DGT Sports

Sources say Terrell Owens had ACL surgery on one of his knees this past month. Owens the 37 year old Wide Receiver completed his 15th year with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. Owens apparently hurt his knee while filming The T.O. Show, according to sources from ESPN. Look for middle to later part of November as the earliest time before Owens is able to return. Owens trails only Jerry Rice on the all-time NFL receiving yards, and touchdown reception list.

Owens was unavailable for comment on the reported injury. Owens was a free agent who was looking to sign with possible teams going into his 16th year. Owens has been known for being a quick healer when dealing with serious injuries. Don't count Owens out, as he'll look to prove his doubters wrong after suffering his latest setback.