Two Chargers appear in NFL's Top 100 list so far

Chargers rusher Joey Bosa may have missed 12 games in 2022, but his reputation still precedes him among his NFL cohort.

Each day this past week, the NFL revealed ten players per day of its annual Top 100 players list, which is voted on by the players. As of Friday, Nos. 100 through 51 have been revealed.

Bosa, as well as newly-signed linebacker Eric Kendricks, are the two Chargers to appear on the list so far.

Bosa came in at No. 70, a 40-spot drop from his No. 30 spot on the 2022 list. 

Four pass rushers preceded Bosa on the 2023 list: Dallas' Demarcus Lawrence at No. 99, Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson at No. 88, Cleveland's Za'Darius Smith at No. 84, and Cincinnati's Trey Hendrickson at No. 75. Carolina's Brian Burns appeared at No. 54 on the list.

A healthy year and some bodily change could propel Bosa back up the list in 2024. Bosa told reporters on Thursday that he added 15-20 pounds this offense, bringing him back to his playing weight from earlier in his career. The initial change was made in lieu of occasionally being asked to drop into coverage in head coach Brandon Staley's defense.

Now, Bosa is back to his playing weight from his elite years as he looks to recapture his production not only as a rusher but also, to improve in the run game:

"I felt like my run defense has kind of gone down in the last couple years...I'm super focused in having more of an impact in the run game, I hope that trickles down to everybody else."

To some, Kendricks at No. 93 may have been a surprise inclusion on this list after not appearing on the 2022 edition. The 2019 All-Pro comes to L.A. after eight years with the Vikings.

Kendricks was Pro Football Focus' 22nd-highest graded run defender among qualifying off-ball linebackers, ranking well into the "good" category on the site. Kendricks' presence should aid in relieving the Chargers' run defense woes from last season as well as help develop fellow linebacker Kenneth Murray, who ranked dead last in run defense in 2022 out of 177 qualifying off-ball linebackers, per PFF.

Kendricks was the first true off-ball linebacker to appear on this year's list. Three more appeared in the bottom 50: San Francisco's Dre Greenlaw at No. 79, Buffalo's Matt Milano at No. 69, and Seattle's Bobby Wagner at No. 62.

The top 50 will be unveiled throughout next week. Other Chargers expected to appear are Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Corey Linsley, and Derwin James. 

Left tackle Rashawn Slater was No. 79 on last year's list, but will likely be knocked off due to missing the majority of 2022 with a torn left bicep tendon.

Cornerback J.C. Jackson was No. 20 last year, but injuries and poor play will likely keep him off this year's list altogether.