NFL Top 100: Examining Biggest Mistakes on Prestigious List

The NFL recently began revealing their "Top 100 players for 2012" list, and it's safe to say there are some big, early mistakes.

Only 20 players have been revealed so far, but the NFL.com list is already all over the place. Some players are too high and some are too low, especially if they truly are looking forward to the 2012-13 season.

You can find the complete list, as it continues to be revealed, here. 

Let's take a look at who the NFL has gotten wrong already.

Chris Johnson No. 100: Too high

If this was a list going into 2011, then Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson would certainly deserve a spot. But after last year's god-awful performance?

He shouldn't even be No. 100.

Johnson, after receiving an insanely lofty contract, continued his monumental drop-off in production after he barely surpassed 1,000 yards last season and had the lowest rushing yardage of his career even though he received 262 carries.

Overall, CJ1K ended up averaging just 4.0 yards per carry and found the end zone a pathetic four times. The man who was known for breakaway speed and long touchdowns was painfully mediocre last year.

Until he proves his entire 2011 was just some weird fluke, for now, he doesn't deserve a spot, or the respect, in the top 100.

Tim Tebow No. 95: Too high

Alright, so this is a list for 2012, right? And Tim Tebow is now the backup quarterback for the New York Jets, yes?

So, a backup quarterback is the 95th best player in the NFL. Yeah, alright, that makes sens...wait, no, it doesn't make sense.

I understand Tebow is a "winner," and he's a physical freak. And I also realize the Jets will find creative ways to get him in the game, but the fact of the matter is that he can't throw the football. Timmy Terrific completed a horrendous 46.5 percent of his passes in 2011 for the Denver Broncos.

Quarterbacks are supposed to be able to throw the ball. Until he can do that, and until he shows he can be a full time starting quarterback in the league, Tebow doesn't belong on this list. 

Darren Sproles No. 86: Too low

Sproles' versatility is unmatchable. He can run it effectively both to the outside or up the middle. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He can even line up in the slot and be just as productive as most receivers.

In 2011, Sproles racked up 611 receiving yards on 6.9 yards per carry and totaled 86 catches for 710 receiving yards.

When you have a player that has a unique skill set that no one else in the NFL can match, you have a player who at least deserves the top 50, even if he is partially a product of Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints offense.

Follow @t_keen