Two More Saints Crack NFL Network Top-100

Two Saints all-time greats make an appearance on the NFL Network top-100.

NFL Network's top-100 player countdown of 2022 continued on Monday with numbers 50-41 announced. The network will reveal 10 new players on their countdown every week day until August 3. This is the 13th consecutive year that the NFL Network has done such a poll. It's supposedly determined by votes from active NFL players. 

The New Orleans Saints had two players that made the top-100 coming into today. Jamaal Williams, who was a running back for the Lions last season, came in at Number 95. Star CB Marshon Lattimore cracked the list at Number 89.

New Orleans LT Terron Armstead, now with the Dolphins, came in at Number 83. Former Saints DE Trey Hendrickson, now with the Bengals, was voted in at Number 75. Saints RB Alvin Kamara was ridiculously excluded, having 'just missed' the countdown at Number 103.

Twi more current New Orleans players were revealed in Monday's countdown. Saints DE Cameron Jordan came in at Number 50 after another strong campaign. Teammate Demario Davis joined him, coming in at Number 43. It wasn’t the first appearance by either star in their careers. 

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Jordan, who turned 34 on July 10, was a first-round pick by the Saints in the 2011 NFL Draft out of California. He's gone on to become one of the franchise's most legendary players.

In 2022, Jordan had a team-high 8.5 sacks. He also led the squad with 17 pressures and 13 tackles for loss. His 66 total tackles were the second highest of his decorated 12-year career. 

Now with 115.5 career sacks, Jordan surpassed Hall of Fame LB Rickey Jackson as the franchise's all-time leader in that category. He's one of just 62 players in NFL history to have over 100 unofficial sacks. Only Von Miller (123.5) has more sacks among active players. 

Only Jordan and Hall of Famers Reggie White and John Randle have had 11 consecutive seasons with at least 7.5 sacks. More than just a standout pass rusher, Jordan is also an elite run defender. It's a rare trait for today's NFL. 

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) is stuffed by New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56). Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY

Davis has been a constant for an outstanding New Orleans defense since his arrival as a free agent in 2018. Largely an unknown over his first six seasons with the Jets and Browns, Davis has been one of the NFL's best defensive players during five years with the Saints. 

In 2022, Davis led New Orleans with 109 tackles, including 10 for loss. It was his sixth straight year with at least 100 stops and 10th straight campaign with at least 90 tackles. 

Davis also added a career-high 6.5 sacks. Additionally, he nabbed one of the team’s seven interceptions and broke up four passes in coverage while recovering a fumble. 

At 34, Davis is the Saints oldest defensive player and it's second longest tenured as he enters his 12th season. However, he continues to play at a high level and is widely recognized as one of the league's top off-ball linebackers. 

Few players have the outstanding combination of run defense, pass rushing skills, and coverage ability that Davis possesses. What may be most valuable to the team is his elite instincts and play recognition. 

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) celebrate after a sack against the Tennessee Titans. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Jordan has put together a resume' that should land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the conclusion of his career. Davis may have some more work to do before he lands in Canton, but will already go down as one of the top linebackers in New Orleans history. 

Fortunately for the Saints and unfortunately for opponents, Jordan and Davis are still playing at an elite level as two of the league's best all-around defensive players.