In an offseason of not much, the NFL Network is running a nice feature. They are showing how the NFL players are ranked from 1-100. The difference is that this is based on player voting. At least one of the Arizona Cardinals is on that list. Adrian Wilson was, by his peers in the league, voted the 89th top player in the entire league. His video was featured Sunday evening, but will replay on NFL Network a lot (or you can just use the previous link).
Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was the guy to present Wilson and he had wonderful things to say about Wilson.
We may have a short memory considering the 2010 season and recall how bad that Wilson frequently looked in coverage, but the revelation that he played with a torn hip abductor the entire season certainly changes this.
But regardless, Whisenhunt described him as a player "who can do it all," including play in coverage.
I got a kick out of one of the quotes, when Whiz said, "obviously, when you see Adrian in person, you are impressed by his physical stature." In other words, "Damn!"
You probably have seen this video, but here it is again, when he hurdled a 66-inch high bar.
He's one of only ten players in history to have 20 sacks and 20 interceptions in a career. He holds the record for sacks in a season by a defensive back (eight in 2005).
Over the past two seasons, I have come away thinking that he has terrible hands because I seem to recall more than a couple of times when the ball hits him right in the hands and he doesn't hold on. However, over the eyars, he has made some amazing interceptions.
Say what you will about his 2010 season. His peers see him as one of the best in the league. I think we have to respect that.
Will Wilson be the only Cardinals player in the Top 100? I doubt it. I imagine that Darnell Dockett and Larry Fitzgerald will be on that list.
Oh, something a little funny and a little bitter is who is ranked just ahead of him at number 88. it is none other than 49ers tight end and Cardinals nemesis Vernon Davis.