The Cardinals have had a love-hate relationship with the NFL Network's Top 100 list.
Linebacker Chandler Jones was somehow left off the list – compiled via votes of NFL players taken near the end of the previous season – last year, although wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's annual inclusion often proves the respect he has earned throughout the league.
This year, the Cardinals figure to represented well, especially after both quarterback Kyler Murray and safety Budda Baker each made the list, part of which was unveiled Sunday night.
Murray was 90th after his rookie season, and Baker was No. 97 after a season in which he made the Pro Bowl as a safety for the first time.
At some point, Jones figures to be on the list after his All-Pro season, and new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be on the list somewhere too. Fitzgerald is always a possibility. The first 30 players – counting down from 100 to 71 – were revealed Sunday night, with 70-to-41 on Monday, 40-to-11 on Tuesday and the top 10 on Wednesday.
The telecasts begin at 5 p.m. Pacific time each evening.
It is the first time Baker has made the top 100 in his three seasons. He played all but 13 of the Cardinals' 1,132 defensive snaps last season. While he didn't notch an interception (Baker is still looking for his first in the NFL, although he did grab one on the Pro Bowl), he drew plenty of accolades. Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said last year "when you watch the film, you have to say this kid is one of the best in the league."
That Murray made the list after his rookie season underscores the respect and the name recognition he has already achieved in the NFL. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year not only impressed in his first season but has been touted as a potential MVP candidate in 2020.