The Los Angeles Rams have become regulars on the “Top 100 Players” going into the 2018 NFL season. They managed to do so once again thanks to cornerback Aqib Talib.
The veteran has bee considered the gold standard at his position for quite some time now. It appears that has not changed after he was ranked 53rd by his fellow peers, via the Rams’ official Twitter:
Congratulations @AqibTalib21 for coming in at No. 53 on #NFLTop100!
Read 📰 » https://t.co/2R7BHvxtVp pic.twitter.com/YCO0pSXNxl
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 22, 2018
Needless to say, Talib is certainly no stranger to this list. His highest-ranking came in 2016 when he was 34th. This is not a far cry from last year when he checked in at No. 37. However, it appears the down year numbers-wise may have been the reason for this year’s drop.
The five-time Pro Bowler registered 31 tackles, one interception, and seven pass defenses during the 2017 campaign. Regardless, it is encouraging to see Talib is still considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL at 32 years old. He now joins a star-studded Rams team that has spent the offseason fortifying their defense. Los Angeles even managed to add another Pro Bowl cornerback opposite of Talib in Marcus Peters, who checked in at No. 79 in the countdown.
It goes without saying that both are some of the most disruptive players at their position. However, their numbers should pick up this season. The Rams should be able to create tremendous pressure up front with their dominant defensive tackle duo in Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. Not to mention they will be backed by a promising safety tandem in Lamarcus Joyner and John Johnson III. This will allow defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to capitalize on both Talib and Peters’ aggressive playing style.
The veteran now joins Peters, Suh, and left tackle Andrew Whitworth as the current Rams to make the list. However, it is safe to assume that there will be a few more down the road.
