Raiders’ Derek Carr kicks off NFL Network’s Top 100 for 2016
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is on his way up and one point of evidence came when he made his debut on the NFL Network’s Top 100 Players list for 2016.
Carr, who will enter his third NFL season this fall for Oakland, was the first player unveiled, coming in at No. 100 as the list debuted Wednesday.
Thank you to everyone that voted 4 me! It means a lot to me coming from teammates and opp players. Now that we have made it time to climb it
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) May 5, 2016
“He’s one of my favorite quarterbacks and I like everything about him,” said Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, the reigning Super Bowl MVP. “He came in and played for the Raiders and they were super terrible. … He really carried his team and I applaud him for that.”
“I take my hat off to that young man,” said San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget. “I can’t even say he’s grown because he came into this game understanding how to play this position. I think he’s going to be an elite quarterback over the years.”
Carr played in all 16 games last season for the 7-9 Raiders. He completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 3,987 yards and 32 touchdowns. He threw 13 interceptions and finished with a 91.1 quarterback rating.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree quickly developed a bond with Carr during his first season with Oakland and that’s likely a reason he re-signed with the Raiders for four more years.
“Derek Carr is a competitor,” Crabtree said. “The ultimate competitor. That chemistry man, you can’t beat it. He’s my quarterback.”
Raiders pass rushing star Khalil Mack – who no doubt will show up later on this list as the NFL Network keeps rolling it out each Wednesday – also congratulated and further encouraged Carr.
“Derek ‘The Chosen One’ Carr,” Mack said. “Top 100, man. You gotta to get No. 1 baby. Let’s do it. This year. Let’s do it.”
A message to @derekcarrqb from @52Mack_ on making the #NFLTop100:https://t.co/ctaURRqlOp
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) May 5, 2016
Last year, the NFL Network honored two Raiders: Mack (No. 49) and now-retired safety Charles Woodson (No. 64). No San Francisco 49ers made the list. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was ranked No. 1.
The Bee Sports staff contributed to this report.
This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 8:29 PM with the headline "Raiders’ Derek Carr kicks off NFL Network’s Top 100 for 2016."