Welcome to the NFL Top 100, T.J. Watt.
Monday, NFL Network kicked off its annual countdown, and the Steelers' third-year outside linebacker landed at No. 93. The full list thus far is as follows:
100. Eric Weddle, S, Rams
99. Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
98. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks
97. Byron Jones, CB, Cowboys
96. Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles
95. Kyle Fuller, CB, Bears
94. Mitchell Schwartz, T, Chiefs
93. Watt
92. Jurrell Casey, DT, Titans
91. Andrew Whitworth, T, Rams
The remaining list will be revealed in 10-player increments over the next nine days.
After a solid rookie campaign in 2017 that saw Watt tally seven sacks, one forced fumble and one interception in 15 starts, Watt started every game in 2018 and kicked things up a notch.
He ended the season with 13 sacks, 68 tackles (50 solo), six forced fumbles and three passes defended.
So, is No. 93 a fair ranking for him?
Yes ... so long as we understand the following: The list is voted on by fellow players. It is somewhat based on overall career accolades instead of the previous season only as intended.
Watt's 13 sacks tied for second among linebackers with Dee Ford and Ryan Kerrigan, trailing only Von Miller (14.5). His six forced fumbles also tied for second, this time with Khalil Mack, trailing only Ford, who had seven.
Steelers have plenty of reasons to be excited about Watt, who still has room to grow and improve as he heads into his third season. His teammates certainly agree with that:
😤😤😤 Top 10 after this season.. Yea I said it.. Top 10 !! https://t.co/219BXdVWw0
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) July 23, 2019
Besides the NFL Top 100 ranking, Watt also received just an 82 overall in Madden NFL, which, in this writer's opinion, is just the silliest thing on earth to get worked up about. It does seem low for a player who ranked top five in two key metrics for outside linebackers, but it's also a video game. So there's that.
While Watt's No. 93 ranking in the NFL Top 100 does feel low for those who watched him play all year, the good news is this: The season is nearly upon us, and he has the chance to prove the rankers wrong.
Watch the full segment with Watt right here:
"He's just another one of those guys who you have to know where he's at."@_TJWatt comes in at No. 93 on the #NFLTop100.
📺: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/zUxYD33rUk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 23, 2019
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