The NFL’s players have voted and the results are in on the top 100 NFL players from the 2021-22 season. A pair of former Tennessee players landed on the list with New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara coming in at No. 51 and Atlanta do it all playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson coming in at No. 73.
Kamara’s 2022 season didn’t live up to the absurdly high standards of his first four NFL seasons as he partnered with a new quarterback and battled injuries. Because of the drop in production, Kamara fell from No. 14 to No. 51 in the top NFL players rankings.
Still, the Saints’ versatile back rushed for 898 yards and totaled 439 receiving yards with a combined 13 touchdowns.
“Everything goes through him,” Dolphins’ defensive tackle Terron Armstead said. “Whether it’s run or pass, whether he’s getting the ball or not, everything goes through AK.”
Playing on a below average offense, Kamara was defense’s focus when facing New Orleans this season.
With Kamara sidelined due to injury, New Orleans went 0-4. When Kamara suited up, the Saints went 9-5.
“I still feel like he’s a top five back in this league,” Bucs linebacker Lavonte David said of Kamara.
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Season Predictions
While Kamara fell down the NFL Top 100 list in 2022, former Tennessee receiver Cordarrelle Patterson made his top 100 debut in his ninth NFL season.
Transitioning from receiver to a do it all running back, Patterson turned in a massive season. Patterson’s past as a receiver combined with his large build and ability to pick up tough yards helped him land at No. 73 on the top 100 list.
“With a player like that and a skillset that he has, it’s so crazy that he’s 6-foot-4, 240,” Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon said.
Patterson totaled 618 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in his first year in Atlanta while also being one of the Falcons’ top receiving targets. Patterson caught 52 passes for 548 yards and five touchdowns.
“That’s a very hard guy to prepare for,” Saints linebacker Demario Davis said.
Both Kamara and Patterson are back with their respective teams in the NFC South this season. The VFLs face off on Sept. 11 in Atlanta to open the season before a mid December rematch in New Orleans.
