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For the third straight year, NFL Network is putting together their Top 100 list of current players, as voted on by the players. They released spots 91-100 last week, and will release 81-90 this Thursday, May 2, at 5:00 p.m. PT.
I recall several players asking who was doing the voting as they had not gotten a ballot, but what are you gonna do, right? They don't actually clarify to the public what the term "Top 100 of 2013" means. I assume it means who who are your top 100 at this very moment. However, it would not surprise me if some voting players based it on 2012 performances.
Last year, the 49ers had seven players on the list. They were represented by NaVorro Bowman (85), Carlos Rogers (69), Joe Staley (67), Vernon Davis (43), Frank Gore (28), Justin Smith (17) and Patrick Willis (10). The previous year, the 49ers had three players on the list, including Frank Gore (94), Vernon Davis (88) and Patrick Willis (23). It is a rather haphazard list, but it provides some interesting discussion fodder.
NFL Network released spots 91 through 100 last week, and the 49ers sort of had a pair of representatives. Former safety Dashon Goldson is ranked No. 96, while new wide receiver Anquan Boldin is ranked No. 93. If this is based on the players at this very moment, then Anquan Boldin qualifies as the 49er.
The 49ers will have plenty of players on the upcoming rankings, but I wanted to focus in on two players: Michael Crabtree and Colin Kaepernick. I would bet good money that Michael Crabtree shows up on the Top 100. It's hard to tell where, but I would be surprised if he did not show up at some point. He put together a 2012 campaign that was the best by a 49ers wide receiver since Terrell Owens. His performances on third down alone justify inclusion.
My question then is, will Colin Kaepernick make an appearance? He started ten games, and made the most of his opportunity. Given how strongly he wrapped up the regular season and postseason, it might very well be enough to get him on the list. The question then would become how high does he go?