When NFL Network announced its list of top 100 players the outlet featured just one on Minnesota in the bottom 30 names.
However, with the next 30 — No. 70 through No. 41 on the players rankings — two different Vikings players cracked the list. Eric Kendricks was the Vikings player to make the top 100 list before Monday.
First was Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who ranked No. 64. By some accounts, Smith could maybe be a little higher based on his level of play.
However, 64th in the rankings is solid, especially for a safety. And Smith came in at No. 83 last time NFL Network did these rankings in 2019, so progress is progress.
Smith had three interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 2019.
Then, there was Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. He had 3,603 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and six interceptions this past season.
He ranked 58th after ranking 78th just a season ago.
Cousins put up fewer touchdown passes and passing yards than he did the season before. But the Vikings quarterback lowered his interception total, raised his QBR and now he has a higher ranking on the NFL Top 100 Players List this year. We’ll have to see what happens after the 2020 season.
