3 Houston Texans in Pete Prisco’s Top 100 NFL Players

Jun 17, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) goes through drills during mini camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

The annual Top 100 NFL Players list by CBS Sports NFL columnist Pete Prisco was released this week with three Houston Texans players selected.

Those selected were defensive end J.J. Watt at No. 3 overall, offensive tackle Duane Brown at No. 66 and wide receiver Andre Johnson with an 81st ranking.

Here is a link to the Top 100 article.

Last season, Watt was No. 2 on the list, but I feel he is correct that Watt is a top-three talent in all of the NFL.

The two players ranked ahead of Watt this year were quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers.

Of Watt, Prisco wrote:

"“His numbers were down some last season, but he still played at a high level. He is a one-man wrecking crew.”"

Of Brown, who I also feel is very deserving of this Top 100 list, Prisco said:

"“His play slipped last season, but he is still a top-tier tackle. He needs to rebound this season — and I think he will.”"

Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) runs a route during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Then there is the ranking of Johnson at No. 81. This is a tough one. Johnson had three different QBs under center for the Texans last season, and the offense had a beat-up rushing attack. He still caught 109 receptions for 1,407 yards and five touchdowns.

There were 13 wide receivers ranked ahead of Johnson on the list, and that, I can’t understand or agree with.

One NFL GM said of Johnson in Prisco’s rankings article:

"“His skills have started to decline, but still a good athlete with excellent body control as a route-runner.”"

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Sure, there are better wide receivers in the NFL, but not 13 wide outs who are better.

Though Johnson and the Texans are in a disagreement on what direction the team is headed right now, he’s still one of the most  dependable WRs in the NFL.

Not many QBs could have put up the number he did last season with what he had at QB which was basically a veteran QB in a rut, a career backup and a player who was just getting his first snaps in the NFL.

I enjoy reading Prisco’s articles, but on this 81st ranking, I’m going to have to disagree.

What are your thoughts on the rankings? Let us know at the Toro Times.