The NFL's reveal of its Top 100 Players list concluded Monday night, but not before the Oakland Raiders saw four members of the team named to the esteemed group - the most in team history. The countdown originally started in 2011, but the Silver and Black had never been represented by more than three players (2011 and 2016). Being featured on the list holds a lot of significance, considering it's voted on by players from around the league, let's take a look at which Raiders ranked where.
Guard Kelechi Osemele
In his first season as a Raider, Osemele was named to his first Pro Bowl and was a First-Team All-Pro selection. He also made his first appearance on the Top 100 (No. 95). The former Iowa State Cyclone didn't allow a sack in all 15 games he started, and consistently fended off pass-rushers only allowing two quarterback hits. At 6'5", 330 pounds, the Houston-native is a difficult obstacle to push around, but Osemele uses more than just his size to dominate on the offensive line. For a big man, "KO" has exceptional footwork and strength to adjust to his opposition's oncoming onslaught. Fortunately, the team locked him up long-term signing him in free agency last year; it'll be fun to watch his physicality in the trenches for years to come.
Wide Receiver Amari Cooper
I can already hear the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum chanting, "COOOOOOOP." In his second NFL campaign, Cooper continued to drop jaws, and impress his peers, coaches, and league analysts everywhere with his athletic ability and route running. Coming in at No. 53 overall, the former University of Alabama wide receiver totaled 83 receptions, 1,153 receiving yards (both career-highs), and five touchdowns. Similar to Osemele, this was Cooper's first appointment to the list, and he has already garnered some high-praise from a multitude of players. At only 23 years old, No. 89 has made the Pro Bowl in both his NFL seasons, and as the Raiders embark on their quest for the Lombardi Trophy, Cooper should serve as an integral part of the team's development going forward.
Quarterback Derek Carr
MVP-candidate, Pro Bowler, 3,937 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 96.7 rating; this summarizes Carr's 2016 season. Prior to breaking his leg in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts, No. 4 was highly-touted as one of the front-runners to take home the MVP title due to his clutch performances. Carr led the team to seven game-winning drives and helped the team solidify its first playoff appearance in 14 years. There's no denying his impact on the relatively young squad, and it's for this reason the fourth-year signal-caller was ranked as the No. 11 player on the Top 100 list.
Defensive end Khalil Mack
Last, but certainly not least, Mack was the final Raider to be unveiled on the list, as he was voted the fifth best player, topping his ranking from last year by eight slots. After taking home the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year title, Mack received an outpouring of recognition across the board, and deservedly so. No. 52 totaled 73 tackles, forced five fumbles, recorded a pick-six, and chalked up 11 sacks, while showcasing his ability to close out games. After being ranked within the top-five, Mack joined only five other defenders to ever be ranked that high. With Carr leading on offense, and Mack anchoring the defense, the Silver and Black have a lot of talent to be proud of going forward.
