Andrew Luck Ranked Very Low in NFL’s “Top 100”

NFL Network began ranking the “Top 100 Players of 2016”, and Andrew Luck made a very early appearance in the rankings.

The network released Nos. 91 through 100 of their rankings Wednesday evening, and Luck was listed at 92nd overall.

Again, Andrew Luck was ranked the NFL’s 92nd best player. This does not sound right.

Last year, NFL Network ranked Luck No. 7 overall in the “Top 100 Players of 2015.” This means that Luck has fallen 85 spots in one NFL season. When his ranking was announced, NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk was “baffled” by it.

"“If you’re playing defense, or if you’re a player in the league, you are more worried about Travis Kelce than you are Andrew Luck is what you’re saying to me. That baffles me.”"

NFL Network host Amber Theoharis, host Eric Davis and former Indianapolis Colts‘ wide receiver Reggie Wayne joined Faulk on this panel. Wayne did not really address the ranking, but he made a much bolder statement about his former Colts’ teammate.

"“What you have here [in Luck] is one of the focal cornerstones of the future for the NFL in quarterbacks. He going to be the face of the NFL.”"

While this ranking is controversial, it is understandable. Luck struggled and was hurt a lot last year. He missed nine starts due to a subluxed shoulder and lacerated kidney that ultimately ended his season. Meanwhile, he struggled when he was healthy.

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Luck threw for 1,881 passing yards and 15 touchdowns but had plenty of accuracy issues. He only completed 55.3% of his passes, and threw 12 interceptions. This was far below what people expected for him. At the beginning of the season, Luck was pegged as a potential MVP candidate. As the 2015 season unfolded, that prediction proved to be way off.

With these sort of numbers and injuries, some questioned why Andrew Luck was even on this list. However, Luck had been so successful prior to last season that it probably was hard for the voters to keep him off this list.

It is unclear what the “Top 100” voters based their opinions on. They could have been thinking about where Luck ranked last year or where they think he will be 2016. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt that they were focused on the last year.

It is also important to note that rankings mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. However, the fact that Luck dropped 85 spots from 7th best NFL player to 92nd overall is jaw-dropping.

Reggie Wayne said that Luck probably does care about this ranking, and that probably is true. However, it would be amazing if Luck saw this ranking and used it as motivation to prove people wrong in 2016.

Next: Colts Not Concerned About Their Cornerbacks

It will be interesting to see the full order of the “Top 100 Players of 2016.” Meanwhile, Andrew Luck is hopefully making a complete recovery from his injuries and preparing for a solid 2016 campaign with the Colts.