Four Vols In Pete Prisco’s Top 100 NFL Players

January 25, 2013; Ko Olina, HI, USA; AFC quarterback Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos (18) prepares for the snap as AFC running back Arian Foster of the Houston Texans (23, left) lines up during practice at AFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday CBS Sports football analyst Pete Prisco released his annual top 100 NFL players list.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers topped Prisco’s list and five quarterbacks were in the top 25.

Here’s the four Vols that were on the list, where they ranked and what Prisco had to say about each of them.

4. Peyton Manning – QB – Denver Broncos

"After missing all of 2011 because of neck surgery, he bounced back to look like the Manning of old — just in a new uniform. He got my MVP vote. All the talk of a dead arm proved to be false."

46. Jason Witten – TE – Dallas Cowboys

"He led all tight ends with 110 catches and remains Tony Romo’s favorite target."

59. Jerod Mayo – LB – New England Patriots 

"He was good in his first couple of seasons, but was really good last year. He is more an all-round linebacker now, able to blitz and cover."

88. Arian Foser – RB – Houston Texans

"He had 1,421 yards, but his per-carry average was down to 4.1, which has to be a concern."

The biggest surprise, at least as former Vols go, was seeing Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Berry being left off the list. Berry is a two-time pro-bowler (including 2012). Which is especially impressive when you consider he was returning from a torn ACL last year. Berry didn’t make the list, but his teammate in the defensive backfield, Brandon Flowers did make it.

If I disagree with Prisco anywhere, it’s leaving Eric Berry off of this list.