Quarterback Derek Carr, Safety Reggie Nelson, and Defensive End Khalil Mack
Last week, the NFL Network officially wrapped up their unveiling of the Top 100 Players of 2016, and when all was said and done, three members of the Silver and Black made the list.
Defensive end Khalil Mack, safety Reggie Nelson and quarterback Derek Carr all found themselves on the player-produced list, and for Nelson and Carr, it was their first appearance in the Top 100.
Now that the countdown has officially ended, let's look back at the three Raiders who earned the accolade of being named to the Top 100 list.
Defensive End Khalil Mack (No. 13)
After a breakout sophomore campaign that saw him earn a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl and also become the first player in league history to be named First-Team All-Pro at two positions in the same year, Wednesday evening Mack also made an appearance on the NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2016," checking in at No.13.
"Khalil Mack is the definition of a beast," said wide receiver Michael Crabtree. "A lot of people say beast, but Khalil Mack is a beast. I haven't seen nobody that can block him one-on-one, like nobody."
Not only did Mack's ranking skyrocket 36 spots from last year, but also at No. 13 he is the highest-rated Oakland Raider to ever crack the Top 100.
Safety Reggie Nelson (No. 60)
Reggie Nelson put together a quality 2015 campaign for the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing the season tied for the league lead with eight interceptions.
Nelson signed with the Silver and Black in April – in large part to replace to safety Charles Woodson who retired at season's end – and defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. and Co. are hopeful that the veteran safety can replicate his production in 2016.
Quarterback Derek Carr (No. 100)
The Silver and Black have found their franchise quarterback in Derek Carr.
In just his second season under center, the young gunslinger showed a quantitative leap on the stat sheet, improving his completion percentage, as well as throwing more touchdowns and for more total passing yards than he did as a rookie.
The Raiders knew what they have in Carr, and now so does the rest of the NFL, and with the Fresno State-product under center, the Silver and Black should be a force to be reckoned with in 2016 and beyond.
