Nelson, Kuhn ranked by NFL Network

By foxsports
Published

Three weeks into the NFL Network's countdown of the top 100 players in the league, there have already been a couple Packers sightings, with many more to come as the ranking draws closer to No. 1.

Starting on April 28, NFL Network unveiled the first 10 players, ranked 100-91. Every Wednesday night until the finale on June 27, the next set of 10 players are announced.

In the show's debut, Packers fullback John Kuhn was ranked the 92nd-best overall player in the NFL. That was better than quarterback Tim Tebow and running backs Chris Johnson and Marshawn Lynch, as well as the hundreds of other players who didn't make the shows' cut at all.

Kuhn, a 29-year-old former undrafted player out of Shippensburg College, was named to his first Pro Bowl this past season. Though he's not relied upon offensively in Green Bay, four of Kuhn's 30 rushing attempts in 2011 led to touchdowns. Kuhn also added two receiving touchdowns in 15 total catches.

During this past Wednesday night's show, Jordy Nelson joined Kuhn on the top 100 list. Ranked at No. 80 overall, Nelson finished ahead of several notable names, including Tony Romo, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and running backs Michael Turner, Darren Sproles and Fred Jackson.

Though Nelson still has yet to make his first career Pro Bowl, he had a breakout year in 2011. Nelson finished ninth in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,263 and third in touchdown receptions with 15. Entering last season, Nelson had only six career touchdowns. Nelson, who will turn 27 at the end of May, had a huge game in the Super Bowl two seasons ago with nine receptions for 140 yards with one touchdown.

As the top 100 countdown continues, the Packers could end up leading the list as the team with the most selections. Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Clay Matthews are all sure to make the list, with Charles Woodson and B.J. Raji highly likely to be named, as well. If those five make it, Green Bay would finish with seven out of the top 100. That could be a difficult number for any other team to beat.

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