Kam Chancellor has enjoyed plenty of success since entering the League as a fifth-round draft pick (No. 133 overall) of the Seahawks in 2010.
He earned Pro Bowl honors during his first year as a starter, taking over the strong safety spot from veteran Lawyer Milloy. He was named to the NFL's all-star game again in 2013 and 2014, was voted second-team All-Pro each of the past two seasons, and was named NFC defensive player of the week twice this past year. At 6-foot-3 and 232-pounds, he's the physical, intimidating, and soul-damaging enforcer of the Seahawks 'Legion of Boom' secondary that has helped the club rank No. 1 in scoring defense over each of the past three seasons.
On Wednesday night, Chancellor - who Seattle players positioned as defensive captain in 2014 - was unveiled at No. 41 on NFL Network's countdown of the Top 100 Players of 2015 when players ranked Nos. 50-41 were announced.
He becomes Seattle's third player to be showcased on this year's ranks determined solely by current NFL players, joining his defensive teammates in pass rusher Michael Bennett, who made the list at No. 90, and linebacker Bobby Wagner, who came in at No. 69.
According to NFL Network, Chancellor is the second-highest rated safety that will appear on this year's ranks. The highest-rated safety? We'll safely assume that honor will eventually go to Chancellor's LOB-mate Earl Thomas, who appeared at No. 17 on this list a season ago.
With his No. 41 rank, Chancellor jumps 24 spots from the No. 65 slot he held a year ago. Cornerback Richard Sherman came in at No. 7 last year - 2014's highest-rated defensive player, running back Marshawn Lynch was listed at No. 14, Thomas at No. 17, and quarterback Russell Wilson at No. 20. Tight end Jimmy Graham, acquired by the Seahawks in an offseason trade with the New Orleans Saints, came in at No. 10 on the network's 2014 list of the Top 100 players.
NFL Network's countdown continues next Wednesday at 6 p.m. PT with players ranked Nos. 40 - 31.
