Houston Texans – Blog

Johnson’s Top 100 ranking: No. 7 overall

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson finished seventh overall on NFL Network’s list of the “Top 100 Players of 2011,” as voted on by players.

Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs and Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio presented Johnson in the six-minute-long video that aired on NFL Network on Sunday night. 

“Andre Johnson’s probably the epitome of an athlete that I’ve ever been on the field with,” Crowder said. “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s a playmaker. I’ve seen him throw; I’ve seen everything… He’s a man amongst boys.”

Said Suggs: “He’s a physical mismatch to all the corners in the NFL. He’s about 6-4, 230 pounds, pure muscle. The kid’s a freak.”

Added Del Rio: “It’s that innate competitor inside him that really makes him special… You’ll have coverage, you’ll have a DB in position, and then he’ll just go up and be stronger than the guy, a little faster than a guy and make the play.”

Johnson, a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, was the highest-rated wide receiver on NFL Network’s list. The only players who finished ahead of him were Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (6th), Ravens safety Ed Reed (5th), Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (4th), Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (3rd), Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (2nd) and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (1st).

Here’s a final look at the Texans players who made the Top 100:

WR Andre Johnson (7)
RB Arian Foster (25)
FB Vonta Leach (65)
DE Mario Williams (71)