The Seahawks had at least two of the top 101 players in the NFL this past season, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF is releasing their annual list of the league’s best this week and two Seattle players have made the cut for the initial 100-50 rankings.
After putting together a Comeback Player of the Year campaign, quarterback Geno Smith was ranked No. 71 on their list:
“Before the season, it was almost impossible to foresee the kind of year Geno Smith would have at quarterback for the Seahawks. Only the Bills’ Josh Allen posted more big-time throws than Smith’s 34, with the veteran showing that he can do much more than act as a bridge quarterback.”
Meanwhile, Seattle’s pleasant surprise backup safety Ryan Neal came in at No. 70:
“Seattle’s defense was a surprising unit this season thanks in part to players like Ryan Neal at safety. He played almost 800 snaps for the Seahawks and posted an 84.4 PFF coverage grade thanks to six pass breakups and a very strong second half of the season.”
By rights both Seahawks star receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf should crack the top 50, but that’s far from a guarantee. Nobody else aside from underrated outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is deserving of making the cut.