A pair of former Ohio State Buckeyes turned Pittsburgh Steelers checked in at back-to-back spots as NFL Network continued its countdown of the league's top 100 players, as voted on by players from around the league, on Monday night.
Former Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier was named as the league's 47th-best player on this year's countdown, one spot ahead of former Buckeye defensive end Cameron Heyward at No. 48.
Back to back @steelers!
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 29, 2018
At #47 @RyanShazier joins the countdown!#NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/nnJULjWc6D
Shazier was one of the best linebackers in the NFL last season until he suffered a spinal injury in a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in December, an injury that leaves the rest of his NFL career in jeopardy as he continues his recovery.
Yet even though it has already been confirmed that Shazier will be unable to play in 2018, the two-time Pro Bowler's excellent play prior to his injury was recognized on Monday night.
Shazier is the seventh Buckeye to be included in this year's NFL's Top 100, following Carlos Hyde (No. 97), Malcolm Jenkins (No. 96), Marshon Lattimore (No. 82), Michael Thomas (No. 81), Ezekiel Elliott (No. 54) and Heyward. It has already been confirmed that Ohio State has eight players, the most among all schools, on this year's list, with the top Buckeye (Joey Bosa?) still to be revealed, as the top 40 players will be announced in 10-player increments over the next four Monday nights.
