Telvin Smith makes the NFL Network Top 100 at #67

The second Jacksonville Jaguars defender to appear on the list, Telvin Smith is slowly climbing up the NFL Top 100, making it to 67 in 2018.

After breaking into the list in 2016 (where he ranked 83rd), Telvin Smith has made it back onto the NFL Network Top 100 following a one year hiatus.

Telvin comes in at 67 this year.

Playing on a defense loaded with stars and big names, Smith continued to improve and made big contributions on a team that was mere minutes from the Super Bowl. Persevering through years of losing and poor coaching, Telvin is finally reaping the rewards of all his hard work.

In 2018, Smith compiled 102 tackles, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble, and one touchdown in the regular season while only playing 14 games. In the postseason, Smith was a big reason the team won their first two games. His touchdown on a fumble recovery against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round put the game almost out of reach.

Smith is one of the fastest defenders in the league and an argument could be made that he’s the best 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL.

One component not discussed enough with Telvin is his leadership. He’s arguably the heartbeat of the defense, now more than ever with the departure of Paul Posluszny. The team felt his absence in 2017 when he had to sit out two games and it’s clear the Jaguars need his speed, physicality, and savviness on the field.

Smith’s placement on this list is well deserved. As he enters the prime of his career, the sky’s the limit for him on this loaded defense.