*Another Giants player has joined NFL Network's list of the Top 100 Players of 2017: *
As a rookie, Landon Collins learned from veterans. Last year, he earned their respect.
Following one of the finest breakout seasons in Giants history, the All-Pro safety's NFL peers have ranked him No. 28 in the "The Top 100 Players of 2017." He came in one spot ahead of Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans of the Buccaneers.
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For the seventh consecutive year, current players filled out ballots to determine the best players in the league. The 2017 edition rolled out the Monday after the 2017 NFL Draft and will continue on NFL Network through June 26 as 10 players are unveiled each episode. This year's list received the most votes from current NFL players in the history of the series. This week, Nos. 21-30 were revealed.
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Collins, who has started every game since the Giants traded up to select him with the first pick in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, led the team in tackles for the second consecutive season. He also had five interceptions, four sacks and 13 passes defensed. Collins ended the season as the only player in NFL history to have 100 or more solo tackles, and at least 2.0 sacks, five interceptions and 12 passes defensed. Collins' 125 tackles were the most by a safety in Giants history. Along with defensive tackle Damon Harrison, Collins earned first-team All-Pro honors, the team's first since defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in 2011.
Harrison, the best run-stuffer in the game, also made his "Top 100" debut at No. 96, as did cornerback Janoris Jenkins at No. 54. Together, they led the No. 2 scoring defense in 2016 while allowing a league-low 25 offensive touchdowns.
Last season, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (No. 10) and quarterback Eli Manning (No. 47) represented the Giants in the "Top 100" following Pro Bowl campaigns.
Beckham placed higher than any Giant in the history of the list, beating Pierre-Paul's ranking of No. 24 in 2012 following the Giants' Super Bowl XLVI victory. It was Beckham's second appearance in the "Top 100" in as many seasons, while it was the third for Manning.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was No. 1 last year after dethroning Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, the first and only defensive player to top the list. Other No. 1's include quarterbacks Peyton Manning (2014), Aaron Rodgers (2012) and Tom Brady (2011), and running back Adrian Peterson (2013).
Here is a look at Giants players in the "Top 100" over the years:
2017: S Landon Collins (No. 28), CB Janoris Jenkins (No. 54), DT Damon Harrison (No. 96)
2016: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (No. 10), QB Eli Manning (No. 47)
2015: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (No. 32)
2014: S Antrel Rolle (No. 72)
2013: QB Eli Manning (No. 43), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (No. 55), WR Victor Cruz (No. 58)
2012: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (No. 24), QB Eli Manning (No. 31), WR Victor Cruz (No. 39), DE Justin Tuck (No. 62), WR Hakeem Nicks (No. 90)
2011: DE Justin Tuck (No. 60), S Antrel Rolle (No. 68), G Chris Snee (No. 77)
