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Chicago Bears shut out of NFL Network’s Top 100 players of 2017

By Dan Schmelzer

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears were completely held out of the NFL Network’s list ranking the top 100 players for the 2017 season.

I do not think anybody expects the Chicago Bears to be competitive in 2017. With a bit more luck with injuries and in close games, they could flirt with .500. However, it is far more likely that they end up in last place in the NFC North again in 2017.

As per usual, the NFL Network put together their top 100 players for the 2017 season this offseason. The list is far from perfect, but it is a fun way to pass the time in the dead part of the offseason. The listed is voted on by NFL players.

On Monday, Tom Brady was revealed as the top player on the list to a surprise to nobody. Brady was followed in the top ten by Von Miller, Julio Jones, Antonio Brown, Khalil Mack, Aaron Rodgers, Ezekiel Elliott, Odell Beckham Jr., Le’Veon Bell and Matt Ryan.

After their 3-13 2016 season and an offseason full of changes, the Chicago Bears did not have any representatives in the top 100.

Not even Howard?

I did not expect to see this list riddled with Bears, but I think them being completely shut out is pretty ridiculous. If nothing else, running back Jordan Howard should have been involved.

Howard was the second-leading rusher in the NFL last season as a rookie. He only started 13 games for the Bears, piling up 1,313 yards on 252 carries. Howard was absolutely fantastic during his rookie season, but the NFL players clearly do not believe that he will back it up in his second season.

Next: Most important Bears' players for 2017 season

Guys like linebacker Jerrell Freeman, defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and offensive lineman Kyle Long could have been considered for the back-end.

Along with Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers had five total players on the list. The Minnesota Vikings had three and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford came in at number 31. Meaning, the Chicago Bears were the only team in the NFC North, and one of only three teams (San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets) to be left out of the top 100.

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