This week, NFL Network released its 2020 edition of the top NFL players as voted by players. Now that the list is complete, the debates across social media have begun. Fans are arguing over who did and didn’t make the list, or who should be higher on the list. Even spats between the players themselves have begun.
The Tennessee Titans, one of last year’s Cinderella teams, had two players make the list who are no longer in Nashville in Logan Ryan who remains a free agent and Jurrell Casey who the Titans surprisingly traded to Denver Broncos to free up salary-cap space.
They only had a pair of current players make the list this. While they deserved to be on the list, so did a few more.
Made the List
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill made the list at No. 68. After being awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, on the heels of almost single-handedly turning the teams season around. After taking over the Titans starting job, he led the team to the AFC Championship Game. It also led to a big four-year $118-million contract. Tannehill is just one season removed from being all but written off in Miami.
Derrick Henry, who debuted on the top 100 list last year at number 99, stiff-armed his way to No. 10 on this year’s list. He is ahead of Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones and Saints quarterback Drew Brees and right behind Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The way Henry manhandled defenses on his way to the NFL rushing title and leading the team to a pair of playoff upset victories, led to the dramatic leap. Henry signed a $50-million contract extension of his own, just two weeks ago.
Who Missed the Cut
Safety Kevin Byard just missed the cut coming in at 103 according to the list. Byard has been among the top safeties in the league, consistently.
Rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown who made a solid case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Although his former Ole Miss teammate D.K. Metcalf made the list at number 81, Brown had a better season statistically. He was the third guy offensively behind Henry and Tannehill.
One That Could Be Added
Free-agent Jadeveon Clowney, whom the Titans remain hopeful will decide to sign in Nashville, came in at No. 41 on the list. It’s no secret that whatever team signs Clowney, their defense will be instantly that much better.
