Who are the Top 100 players in the NFL?
It’s a question that has varying answers, depending who you ask. But what do the players think?
Starting Monday, July 22, NFL Network will begin its countdown of the “Top 100 Players of 2019,” which was determined by 1,098 ballots from players around the NFL.
The “Top 100 Players of 2019” will air on 10 consecutive nights at 8:00 p.m. CT. Each show will reveal 10 players on the list, starting with No. 100-91 on July 22.
The top 10 players will be featured during a special two-hour edition of “Top 100,” airing on Wednesday, July 31.
Last season, no Bears made the list of the “Top 100 Players of 2018,” a stark contrast of what should happen this year.
So which Bears players made the list? We won’t actually know until the show airs. But here are 7 Bears that could see their name called:
1. Khalil Mack
It’s not a matter of if Khalil Mack makes this list. It’s a matter of how high Mack is going to place. A top 5 spot should be a lock at this point.
When Ryan Pace traded for Mack last September, he was already a top defensive talent in his prime. When he joined the Bears’ defense, Mack had an immediate impact, making what was already a Top 10 defense into a Top 3 defense.
In 14 regular-season games last season, Mack put together an All-Pro season with 12.5 sacks and was an absolute force on the Bears defense. But it wasn’t just his stats that were impressive. It was the impact that he had on those around him. That’s the sign of a great player. Making those around you better. And the best is yet to come.
2. Eddie Jackson
Eddie Jackson is another name that should, without question, make this list. It’s only a matter of how high his fellow NFL players rank him.
In just two seasons, Jackson has established himself as one of the premier safeties in the league. During that time, he has scored five defensive touchdowns and eight interceptions, including six last season, and garnered an All-Pro nod in just his second season in the NFL.
In fact, new Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano went as far as to compare Jackson to 2019 Hall of Famer, Ed Reed, noting that there are a lot fo similarities from a talent standpoint.
Entering his third season, Jackson doesn’t believe he’s even peaked yet.
3. Kyle Fuller
Kyle Fuller followed up a breakout season with an All-Pro year in 2018, which should be an automatic bid into the Top 100. Again, it’s a matter of how high up he is on this list.
In 2018, Fuller built off his breakout season in 2017, leading a Bears defense that had a league-best 27 interceptions, with seven interceptions of his own.
Fuller has proven to be an elite cornerback in the NFL, and it’s hard to imagine that the Fuller we saw just a couple of seasons ago would grow into the All-Pro he is now. And at 27, his best is ahead of him.
4. Akiem Hicks
It’s taken far too long for the NFL to recognize just how great of a football player Akiem Hicks is. And even then, it still feels like he doesn’t get the credit he deserves for being one of the best in the league.
But that’s what happens when you’re lost on a 5-11 team. After the Bears defense was a focal point in 2018, Hicks should finally hear his name called.
Hicks led one of the NFL’s most dominant front sevens in 2018, logging 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles and 3 forced fumbles, which earned him the first Pro Bowl nod of his career.
Entering his eighth season, Hicks is definitely in his prime and continues to be one of the best defensive tackles in the game. He can do it all, whether it’s as a run defender, where he absolutely dominates ball carriers, or as a pass defender, where he’s proven to be one of the game’s best interior pass rushers.
5. Tarik Cohen
Tarik Cohen is one of the league’s most versatile and electrifying players. Whether it’s making defenders miss as a dual-threat on offense or a speedster on punt returns, Cohen has proven to be one of the NFL’s most exciting players. But is it enough for a spot on the Top 100?
In 2018, Cohen rushed for 444 yards and three touchdowns on 99 carries and caught a team-best 71 passes for 725 yards and five touchdowns. He even threw a touchdown pass to Anthony Miller, in a losing effort against the Giants.
Matt Nagy used Cohen all over the field, which helped create matchup nightmares for defenders.
Cohen garnered his first All-Pro nod and was voted to the Pro Bowl as a punt returner, leading the NFL with 411 punt return yards.
6. Allen Robinson
While his stats aren’t the flashiest thing in the world, receiver Allen Robinson showed why the Bears brought him to Chicago as a viable weapon for QB Mitch Trubisky.
Coming off a torn ACL, Robinson had 55 receptions, 754 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. But it was his ability to make contested catches — and be that deep threat — that made Robinson a force. Look no further than the playoff game against the Eagles.
With a year to learn the offense and an offseason to get healthy, Robinson is poised for a breakout season in 2019. So if he doesn’t make the Top 100 this year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him there next season.
7. Roquan Smith
While Roquan Smith didn’t receive the kind of praise that other rookies did last season, he had an impressive first season, despite missing the majority of training camp.
In his rookie season, Smith led the Bears in tackles with 121, as well as added five sacks, eight tackles for loss, and an interception. In the playoff loss to the Eagles, Smith was a force with seven tackles and an interception.
Big things are ahead for Smith as he enters his second season. And with an offseason under his belt, he’s expected to make bigger strides in this defense.
