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Adrian Peterson lands in top 10 of NFL Network Top 100

By Dan Zinski

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) greets offensive tackle Matt Kalil (75) before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) greets offensive tackle Matt Kalil (75) before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Adrian Peterson may not be a favorite of the analytics crowd, but his peers still respect him enough to place him in the top 10 of NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2016.

Don’t listen to the experts at PFF who found Adrian Peterson no longer worthy of consideration as a top-100 player. According to Peterson’s peers, he is not only still top-100, he’s top-10.

The NFL has revealed the names of the ten players who top this year’s 100 Best Players list and despite the opinions of experts Peterson is in there.

Finishing in the top 10 of this annual list is nothing new for Peterson, as he’s made it five times. After his 2,000-yard MVP season in 2012, Peterson finished at #1.

Peterson is joined in the top 10 by the following players, listed alphabetically. The actual rankings will be unveiled by NFL Network July 6 starting at 7 PM central.

Odell Beckham Jr.

Tom Brady

Antonio Brown

Rob Gronkowski

Julio Jones

Luke Kuechly

Cam Newton

Aaron Rodgers

J.J. Watt

Peterson is the third Viking to land on this year’s top 100 after Linval Joseph and Harrison Smith who came in at nos. 76 and 73 respectively.

Peterson’s inclusion in the top 10 is sure to touch off a round of vigorous debate. For me, you can argue about whether Peterson belongs in the top 10, but there’s no doubt he’s still at least top 50.

Is Peterson the most complete back in the NFL? Of course not. But he is still a dangerous runner and it’s clear that the guys lining up on the other side still fear him.

Adrian Peterson may be over 30 but defenders still want nothing to do with him. And no former Vikings GM Jeff Diamond, Peterson doesn’t need training camp.

Next: Williamson still hates Childress

You know what Peterson needs? Rest. Lots of rest so his aging body is as ready as possible for the season. Running around with 24-year-olds in camp isn’t going to do anything for Peterson at this point, and may actually take something away.

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